SV650/S Weak Areas?

After several weeks of SV650S (full fairing, 2010) ownership, I can say that it's an absolutely awesome bike. Quick on the straights and the twisties (deceptively so, considering mine's restricted). It's got such a well developed engine (backed up by the fact that the EFI model is more or less unchanged since 2003), and that usable v-twin is what makes this bike so iconic. However, we all know that it is not a perfect bike. For starters, due to the low RRP (4,995 GBP), and with such a great engine, a significant downfall is the stock suspension on the bike.
With the SV not being the perfect bike, this has prompted a massive modification culture around the bike, improving its weak areas, even going as far as a complete suspension change.
What I want to compile is a list of weak areas of the SV, and accompany this list with modification suggestions for readers to look at to better give them an idea of edging the SV650 that we all know and love towards that status of a 'perfect bike'.
Unfortunately, due to my lack of road experience (18 years old and only ridden 4 bikes, one of which is a 50cc moped for delivery and the other is my current SV), coupled with the fact that I haven't been on my SV for a great deal of time, I find it difficult to comment on where the SV should be upgraded (in my eyes, the suspension is race grade over a Ninja 250R).
Any suggestions of weak areas, modification ideas and a general idea of price would be greatly appreciated.

List of downfalls:
- headlight (damn, it's f***ing terrible)
- suspension (courtesy of LiquidFlux)
- front end: guide to front end conversions or complete swaps - http://www.svrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27942
- rear shock: compatibility chart - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...COvG24gH#gid=1 (aftermarket shocks can also be found with a quick google search, however any such shock may be more expensive buying from new, and not necessarily any better quality, than from a pre existing bike)
- exhaust (courtesy of LiquidFlux) Fuel exhaust (NOTE: there is a deal on Fuel exhausts for members of SV650.org, details here: http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=164700)
- stock tyres (will change when I run the D220s into the ground)
- weight (this isn't a real problem, as such, but as I'm so light at 58kg and 5'7", the lighter the better)

[aesmith]

What do you think is wrong with the exhaust?

Nothing's wrong with the exhaust, it does its job more than adequately.
It just makes a very tame and arguably boring sound.
That's more down to personal preference than an actual downfall of the bike, but many people consider the sound of the SV with the stock exhaust not to their liking. I felt for this reason that the inclusion of an exhaust upgrade to be justified.
It's also not just about how the bike rides, but how you feel on the bike, of which the exhaust can (pending the personal preference of each rider) be a contributing factor to maximum positive experience on the bike.

Suspension and brakes seem to be the two common ones I hear of.

Fortunately both suspensions are relatively easy replacements that aren't costly either, and I'm sure the brakes are adequate for street use whilst you've the opportunity to utilize the brakes of the Gixxer front end if you do the swap if you race.

Could someone suggest an exhaust upgrade and an indication of a price? (End can and full system suggestions for people who want either)
Also, any ideas of modding the headlight to give a brighter and better coverage of the road? (this will be my first upgrade as, with the current headlight, night riding can be a bit of a nightmare)
If anyone also believes there are other weak areas which have not already been mentioned, then a suggestion would be greatly appreciated.
Also an elaboration on aforementioned points would be helpful.

Rear suspension can be replaced with that from a 06-07 ZX10R without having to modify anything other than removing the heatshield plastic for the battery box.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...COvG24gH#gid=1

This table was a lifesaver for determining exactly which suspension to use, as you can use various swaps but most that fit require modifications.

The front forks, the most common modification seems to be cartridge emulators. Seems to be a lot more common over in the US than the UK though, I blame that on having to import them. The beneath link has heaps of information on improving your front forks.

http://www.svrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27942

Regarding my reference to the brakes and swapping the front end, it's a commonly referred to mod for racebikes and enthusiasts to effectively replace the front end of the SV with one from a donor Gixxer. It's a costly venture, finding a donor Gixxer with a still functioning front end can be a challenge on its own. It's apparently worthwhile for racing, and I believe the Gixxer frontend swap is another common race mod for the GS500 too if it adds to its credibility.

This is the exhaust that came with my SV from the p.o ( http://www.fuelexhausts.com/subcat.cfm?category_ID=6 ), it sounds absolutely mental compared to the other SVs I've encountered. You can hear it with the baffle out at 1:10, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4XCxxlQwE4

I've not ever found the SV's headlights to be lacking, they were especially bright compared to a friends older VFR. A quick search should reward you info on bulb replacements though, that shouldn't be too much hassle.

In terms of headlights, I didn't find they were that bad but I have replaced the bulbs with Osram Nightbreakers, they perform very well, nice white crisp light.

I also agree the exhaust is lacking, when I bought mine I immediately searched for a slip on, I got a beowulf 380mm for £130 second hand and fitted it myself. The sound is massively improved even with the baffle in.

Another popular mod is a tail tidy as the stock one is quite large, some prefer stock though.

Do the replacement bulbs have a high/dipped beam duality?

Yes they do, only paid £12 off amazon

[PyroUK]

Bulbs: nightbreakers as suggested, good and not too expensive.

Brakes: to be honest, they are fine. Just did my first track day and they were more than adequate for me. Only suggestion for stock brakes would be a full strip and service and HH pads. Strip and service, if unable to do yourself would depend in labour costs. Pads aren't much more than standard GG.

Suspension: again found the stock ok on track but could prob do with some attention for road riding. Maybe changing the oil or the cartridges. I'm thinking of just having my forks serviced and maybe having a bit thicker oil in. Again if unable to do yourself depends on labour costs, prob a couple of hours work.

Exhaust: totally get what you mean but there are a lot of options to suit budget and style. I did have a fuel micro mini in brushed stainless, looks and sounds good. Think that was about £140. Although personally I like the sv a bit louder and managed to score a dan moto go style zorst off a guy from here which is much louder and more to my liking. Sadly it won't pass an mot or a trackday.


Other than that, aestetics wise:

Tail tidy: I find the whale tail/ snow plough way too big and will be getting rid when funds allow. Also worth getting a rear huggerto tidy it up and reduce road splatter on the rear suspension.

Front hugger as well: useful especially if you ride in the wet a lot. Some sv's have had issues with water in the front cylinder.

For laziness:

Scottoiler. Enough said. Think they retail at about £100ish.