First impressions

Ok, in January I turned 50, the big 5-0. I've wanted a bike again for many years, but never got round to buying one. I haven't ridden one for maybe twenty years. Our car was on its last legs and we'd agreed to take out a loan and buy something decent (we're picking up a Subaru Outback this weekend.) My absolute darling wife said I should get a bike for commuting to work and back, as she knew I had been wanting one, so I started looking about for something suitable. We'd agreed how much I could spend, and she told me I should get a learner capacity bike, even though I have my full ticket.

Nothing much was coming up in the free ads, and so we decided to spend the day looking about the bike shops, see what trade-in's they had on offer. What a dismal day, the only things on offer, in our price range, and of a learner size, were fake repro bikes, and thrashed 250's.

Disheartened I was going to give up. Then I browsed the ads online again. In the next suburb a bike was for sale, the image leaped off the page at me. I rang the guy up, "Yes, still available.".

I drove around. I sold myself the bike within 2 seconds of setting eyes on it.

My wife, bless her, wasn't surprised when I turned up on the doorstep, minus car, plus bike. "It's your money too darling, you have to have a say in it". She contemplated for a minute; "You were going to get a learner spec 250, and you've come home with a full spec 650 sports?" "Errrrmmm Yup! It's within the price range, if that helps?"

She allowed me to buy it, on the condition I got full leathers, I rode it like the old man I am, slowly, and I took the "cornering and braking" course on offer at the local motorcycles school.

Sorted. I named her “Cochyn” as she is bright red.

So then, after 20 + years off the bikes, what are my first impressions of the SV650?

First impression was; "Christ it's big!"

The sitting up position felt very strange, especially on my wrists, (could this damage my sex life?) Very upright, I found myself ducking as we went into corners. The second opinion was how strange it felt in tight corners, going around roundabouts I seemed to be over too far, then not far enough, decidedly wobbly on them. (Advice?)

I found the front bakes very grabby, although it’s probably more true to say that the front brakes found me too grabby.

The best thing I've found so far is how forgiving the engine is, it seems to pull strongly at all speeds in all gears, something very handy for someone who is always in 5th when he should be in 2nd.

On the open road the power is impressive, hardly requiring a dropped cog (do people still say that?) when overtaking, and surging when you do need the power.

Getting low on the tank isn't much fun, and I can imaging that on long trips I'm going to feel every year of my age.

I do a fair bit of riding on unlit roads, so the massive amount of light on main beam is great for spotting Skippy before he decides to cross the road.

The bike itself is well laid out, with BIG easy to find switches, and the equipment is first rate. I've got her booked in for a service next week, and am hoping to do a long trip within the month.

The best thing I've noticed is that here in Aus, unlike South Wales, Devon and Cornwall, where I previously lived, the weather out here is inspiring to ride, I've commuted to and from work on her all week, and it's been a dream.

Originally Posted by stroppygob

First impression was; "Christ it's big!"

The sitting up position felt very strange, especially on my wrists, (could this damage my sex life?) Very upright, I found myself ducking as we went into corners. The second opinion was how strange it felt in tight corners, going around roundabouts I seemed to be over too far, then not far enough, decidedly wobbly on them. (Advice?)

You sir, have a very understanding wife!!

I've seen you ride a curvy, but they can't be that much different to a pointy. So long as you're going through corners on neutral throttle (neither accelerating or deccelerating), then the bike should be fairly planted. If it's not, when they're servicing the bike, ask them to setup the suspension for you (static sag mainly).

Also, you live in Aus. I've just decided I don't like you!

Glad you're enjoying being a biker again. I recently passed my test after not riding for twenty plus years and I'm loving it. Take it steady for a while, the old skills will return.

[Mr Speirs]

The second opinion was how strange it felt in tight corners, going around roundabouts I seemed to be over too far, then not far enough, decidedly wobbly on them. (Advice?)

I said the same issues when I got mine. Turned out to be the tyres that were squared off, the fella that had the bike before me never rode it except in straight lines. Trying to turn the bike was a nightmare, was hard to get it to tip over then when it went over the ridge would suddenly drop. New tyres and the bike will be sorted I reckon.

Unless I am wrong and the tyres are fine but you are describing the same feeling I had.

Thanks guys, I like this place!

stroppygob, your wife sounds quality, you should marry her....oh wait......duh!

anyways as Mr Speirs says it does sound like the tyres are squared off, had that feeling on mine, felt like it was "dropping in" on say a round about...or not dropping in enough....put new tyres on and the result was so much better so when it gets serviced see what the garage guy thinks....

im sure you will get used to the brakes as with anything it just takes a little time (although mine are very spongy )

as for your wrists, cuz we all know how important the sex life is!, maybe try gripping more with your knees on the tank and releasing any pressure thats on your wrists? thats how I tend to ride anywhoo....

liked the write up very good, and im not jealous at all of you having australian weather and roads to play on...nope...not one little bit!

Plus one on Square tyres - but worth checking the pressures if you haven't already....

Enjoy.