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10-03-17, 09:09 AM

So, the test ride.....

I'm actually bloody delighted with the bike! I've never ridden a V-twin before (apart from my RGV250 which doesn't really count as the same, being a small two stroke) and I can now see why people love them. So much grunt out of corners at low revs and the power progression is very linear through the rev range. My R1 hits 7000 revs and launches you like bat**** but the SV is much more user friendly and confidence inspiring. I can see it being a great track tool. The R1 is too much for me in all honesty.

The SV is faster than I thought it would be too. I "grunted" through the gears, got her into top, and was surprised to look down and see triple figures on the clocks. Because the engine doesn't scream like a flat four it gives the illusion of being much slower than it actually is.

The soft suspension was lovely on the back lanes and even though I promised myself a careful pootle just to test the gearbox etc I was soon pressing on a bit. I'll need to firm up the springs for the track in due course though. I plan to go down the K-tech route Redmist advised although may go with a heavier spring. Will see what the bod at the shop advises.

It's faster than expected too and I dare say I'll be embarrassing some people on litre bikes come my track day at Brands on Good Friday. Especially as I've booked the novice group due to new bike and new track. Previously only ridden Mallory and Cadwell on RGV and R1. I think this will be my fifth track day.

The engine braking is pretty big and when hard on the brakes the rear wheel was skipping and locking a bit as I came down through the gears (sunny day yesterday on a very sticky front tyre). On track it'll be even worse. I'm wondering about slipper clutch options as I'm pretty sure the SV doesn't have one on it. Maybe I just need to be more gentle letting out/slipping the clutch or practice the art of blipping the throttle when downchanging.

The back brake is a pile of ****. It feels wooden and barely any bite. I don't use the rear so much though so not a major issue. Nevertheless I'm going to give the rear brake a strip down and change the fluid in all brake systems. Happy with the performance of the front though.

I've got a new oil filter and some quality oil so will do an oil service and also drain and get some decent cooling fluid in the radiator system.

All in all I'm delighted and I'm looking forward to expanding my workshop knowledge (never had forks apart before) and riding this bike on the track.

10-03-17, 09:09 AM	#9
UKBob23 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Bob's Track Project So, the test ride..... I'm actually bloody delighted with the bike! I've never ridden a V-twin before (apart from my RGV250 which doesn't really count as the same, being a small two stroke) and I can now see why people love them. So much grunt out of corners at low revs and the power progression is very linear through the rev range. My R1 hits 7000 revs and launches you like bat** but the SV is much more user friendly and confidence inspiring. I can see it being a great track tool. The R1 is too much for me in all honesty. The SV is faster than I thought it would be too. I "grunted" through the gears, got her into top, and was surprised to look down and see triple figures on the clocks. Because the engine doesn't scream like a flat four it gives the illusion of being much slower than it actually is. The soft suspension was lovely on the back lanes and even though I promised myself a careful pootle just to test the gearbox etc I was soon pressing on a bit. I'll need to firm up the springs for the track in due course though. I plan to go down the K-tech route Redmist advised although may go with a heavier spring. Will see what the bod at the shop advises. It's faster than expected too and I dare say I'll be embarrassing some people on litre bikes come my track day at Brands on Good Friday. Especially as I've booked the novice group due to new bike and new track. Previously only ridden Mallory and Cadwell on RGV and R1. I think this will be my fifth track day. The engine braking is pretty big and when hard on the brakes the rear wheel was skipping and locking a bit as I came down through the gears (sunny day yesterday on a very sticky front tyre). On track it'll be even worse. I'm wondering about slipper clutch options as I'm pretty sure the SV doesn't have one on it. Maybe I just need to be more gentle letting out/slipping the clutch or practice the art of blipping the throttle when downchanging. The back brake is a pile of **. It feels wooden and barely any bite. I don't use the rear so much though so not a major issue. Nevertheless I'm going to give the rear brake a strip down and change the fluid in all brake systems. Happy with the performance of the front though. I've got a new oil filter and some quality oil so will do an oil service and also drain and get some decent cooling fluid in the radiator system. All in all I'm delighted and I'm looking forward to expanding my workshop knowledge (never had forks apart before) and riding this bike on the track.