advise for a new guy?

If you can get a pointy then do - much easier to restrict.

But! I own a curvy, and they are great. Mine's restricted, and its still a top laugh. The bike will see you well for...well, ever. You should find a good, clean, tidy example for around £1500. Just be carefull of downpipes, suspension (mine had a blown fork seal, but easily replaced), chain and sprockets, all that sort of thing. It can give a hint of how well the bike has (or hasnt) been looked after.

Good luck with the test, too!

Matt

[Viney]

Dont wwaste your money on making the bike go fast. At 17 its going to feel fast enough!! If you must sped money, make it handle and stop. So, Braided lines, caliper overhaul, dencet pads. Then a set of front springs and fork oil change. Then a rear shock replacement. If you have money, which you dont, then a ZX6/10 or Gixxer shock replacement. Then get yourself on a Bikesafe course, then maybe some advanced lessons. Too much money is thrown at an SV to make it go faster, yet its really good after bad. Yes there are things you can do, like cam swaps, big bore engines, modified carbs, race cans etc, but a curvey will only reach the dizzy heights of around 80hp (That i believe is what Northwinds got!

Learn how to ride it safely, and quiclky, make it stop and handle and it will reward you as a rider.

Failing all the sensible stuff, then a 800cc conversion

well im gettin mine retrsicted 2 *cough*
cheers for the advise buddy. im on a tight budget so ill b on the curvy prob.

Whatever you get, don't forget what you've been taught and ride like a c**t ...... like I did.