2001 SV650S trackday prep; I'm loose on turns, should I go Gixxer suspension or emulators?
 

Stock 2001 SV with RaceTech springs and 160LBS rider:

I want to start riding track days with my SV. I did one track day last year and felt good except in the turns I did not feel connected to road enough. Bottom line is I feel like if I go through my turns as fast as I'm capable of, I will loose the rear or maybe the front. I feel the same way on the track as I feel dragging knees at low speeds just before I almost lose the rear.

I'm considering GSXR Suspension upgrade or putting emulators in the stock suspension. Also Penske or Ohlins rear shock. I'm also considering that this will cost almost as much as my bike did(Bike=$3000/Suspension=$2000). Does that make sense? Especially since I'm going to also need to get new chain and sprocket, Carborator Synced and Jetted and to replace 2 side plastics(body) and new tires. I feel like I'll exceed the cost of my bike easily.

My goal is to make my bike as nimble as possible and be fast in turns. Thanks in advance!

Re: 2001 SV650S trackday prep; I'm loose on turns, should I go Gixxer suspension or emulators?
 

Just in case questions about potential poor technique come into play:

I complete breaking before my entry into the turn
Release break gradually so the suspension does not bounce
Lean bike ahead of time
Hang my body of the bike
Enter the turn on the outside
Then lean the bike into the turn while trying to keep it as upright as possible
Outside arms is loose
Inside arm guides the bike
My Weight is forward and my knee helps absorb some of the shock from bumps
Throttle is at 5% at full lean...gradually increased as I come out of turn
Smoth inputs are my ultimate goals

NOTE: My rear stock shock is cranked all the way. It's as tight as it can go and again I'm 160LBS(72Kg)

Re: 2001 SV650S trackday prep; I'm loose on turns, should I go Gixxer suspension or emulators?
 

Where would you like to start......?
The SV's suspension is not the best and in stock trim will always be your limiting factor on the track, however make sure first that it is in good stock trim, ie: all the linkages are properly greased and moving, oil level and grade is right (in the forks) and nothing is bent or out of line. Putting your rear shock on maximum preload is not necessarily the best thing, look at the static sag first and then see how much further it compresses when you sit on it. Aim for about a third of available travel.
Tyres are the next cheapest thing to replace, especially if they are already worn out and you are going to have to buy some anyhow. Top of the range super sticky track tyres are great if you can ride hard enough to keep them at the right temperature, otherwise go for a slightly more road oriented set that will have a broader operating temperature range. While you are at it look at the pressures. You don't want road pressures on the track, something like 30-32 psi front and 29-31 rear would be a good place to start.
If you want to get more serious then you need to change the actual suspension, which isn't that hard. There is a huge choice of rear shocks from the GSXR range that can be bought really cheaply secondhand and most go straight in, I'm sure there is a thread on here somewhere which will help you choose, likewise the front end from a GSXR is a relatively simple mod (again, it's been done to death on here so do a search).
Bottom line is why are you keeping your SV. If you want a track bike there are Supersport 600 bikes out there which you can buy for roughly what your SV is worth that would be far better in standard trim than your SV is ever likely to be........

Re: 2001 SV650S trackday prep; I'm loose on turns, should I go Gixxer suspension or emulators?
 

I love my SV! Don't you? :)

Seriously though, I do love my SV and I would rather feel like I have completely mastered it before moving on. I know I can do more with my SV so I want to get there first. I will be getting a Daytona 675 for the street and making my SV for track and learning purposes only. Would love to ride the Daytona on the track but...I mean...It's a Daytona! I can't let her get hurt on the track...lol

Also I've had the SV for quite some time and know how to do most of the required maintenance work so it's cheap to own it for me.

With my Racetech springs and stock rear, what will help me the most? Upgraded rear shock or upgraded front suspensions(emulators/GIXXER).

Re: 2001 SV650S trackday prep; I'm loose on turns, should I go Gixxer suspension or emulators?
 

Rear shock.

Re: 2001 SV650S trackday prep; I'm loose on turns, should I go Gixxer suspension or emulators?
 

Thank you very much. I've decided to just do the rear for now. Hopefully if the racetech springs are adjusted properly for my weight, then the addition of the rear shock should connect me with the road.

You like Penske?

Re: 2001 SV650S trackday prep; I'm loose on turns, should I go Gixxer suspension or emulators?
 

I think it's very easy to over spec the rear shock on an SV. I know you can never have to good a shock but there is little point spending a fortune on one end of the bike if the other is then going to be the weak link so to speak. I'd be tempted to say source a second hand shock that's in good nick from a GSXR, it will cost you a fraction of the cost of a Penske and more than compliment the current front set up.