First Impressions (and questions)
 

Just got an SV1000 after years of in-line fours. The last one (CBR600F Sport) was the best bike I've had, but nowhere near as much fun as the previous Hornet. Decided to go down the big V route, and I'm glad I did ....

The engine is ace and it's just so easy to ride (usually without realising how fast you're going !!!). I don't like the tyres (Pilot Roads) and reckon that Metzeler Sportecs will go on when (if !!!) these ever wear out. Perhaps the nail I got through the front tyre today was a blessing in disguise !!!!

Also, the stock rear mudguard thing is huuuugggge and incredibly ugly. Has anyone fitted the Hamicad number plate hanger ? Is it well made, easy to fit, look good when on, etc ?

I got a Suzuki screen put on it too - don't know what it's like without one, but no wind-blast problems so far (even during m-way cruising at 90/100mph).

If anyone has any good ideas about the bouncy suspension, etc, then I'd be grateful for any help.

I live and work between the Isle of Skye, Glasgow and Leeds so hopefully will bump into some ofyou at ride-outs and so on ........

Re: First Impressions (and questions)
 

Yay... We'll look forward to it :wink: There's loads of advice on here regarding EVERYTHING you could [i]ever]/i] need to know...

The Hamicad conversion (Mk 2) is superb - well worth the money to improve the looks :wink:

Anthing else, send a PM to 'Thumper' - He's a 1000 rider (like yourself :wink: ) He knows his stuff...

Good luck with it :wink:

Re: First Impressions (and questions)
 

Welcome :thumbsup:

I'm not going to comment :lol:

Hi

the Hamicad is great, lots of people have got them. I got mine a few weeks back, but have to admit I haven't put it on yet as am waiting for a smaller number plate to go with it - the standard 9 by 7 looks huge when you get the Hamicad tail on, so you'll need a new plate as well.
Ordered a 7" by 4.5" from www.malplates.co.uk, and when it arrived it was the size of a postage stamp :cry: whoops, so I've had to order one slightly bigger

For suspension setup, try Sid Squid, as he has a 1000, and is quite knowledgable about all things mechanical.

I did my postgrad at Glasgow Uni (many years ago) - you've got some good roads up there :D

Suspension-wise, the biggest problem on SV's tends to be the forks. You can do three things:

1. Change springs/oils. Try visiting www.hyperpro.com and see what is available for your SV.

2. If the above isn't enough (for my 2000 650 it certainly isn't) try fitting some gold valve emulators. These increase damping without making suspension harsh over square bumps. Visit www.racetech.com or www.traxxion.com

3. The ultimate solution: Get an entirely new front fork, you're gonna have to look a bit about which ones fit and what problems need solving for the modification.

I am certainly going to fit the racetech emulators, as the bike wallows badly on fast and slightly bumpy bends. After I put an alarm that is... Saving pace is so low.... :(

Welcome along mate. Don't worry too much about the 650 suspension info, very different beast to the thou'. Have a mate with a Hamicad rear - superb! Suspension wise, they have a tendancy to run wide so raising the forks by 5mm is handy. Not knowing your size makes things a bit hard but if you get your static sag sorted out (25mm front and rear) that should help out. :)

Re: First Impressions (and questions)
 

Well done, I take it that's an unfaired, (particularly as you say Pilot Roads). I've got one of those too, this is how it's changed from the way Suzuki made it

Yes, got the Hamicad MK2, (although I didn't have any probs with the MK1), looks good, fitting is fiddly, (but that's 'cos of the construction of the rear of the bike), rather than difficult.

Check this site, lots of SV1000 stuff, and plenty of suspension confusion too.

Cheers for the advice - I'll definitely pick up on it. Need a hugger too, and the matt finish on the standard cans is not attractive.

Think I'll be hiding the bank statements from the wife for the next couple of months - "Food ? We don't need food. Now come and look at my shiny new end-cans !!!!"

Another SV1000 rider welcome.