Suspension Specialist..

MPG Stewart is back, however he is working for Scott Redding on the Mark VDS Moto 2 GP team so is away for every meeting. Still taking bookings for when he is home. 0141 333 0916.

Does anyone have any current recommendations for a Suspension Specialist in or near Glasgow. Got a K6 SV650N with standard parts and looking to possibly swap rear spring for ZX10R and overhaul the front forks but would feel happier with the assistance and advice to set-up from a pro.

It seems Stewart Miller is no longer doing public work (moto 2 I think now).

Kenny

[Bibio]

dont bother swapping spring out just replace the shocky. front forks on SV are basic and easy peasy to service (with the right tools)

Originally Posted by Bibio

front forks on SV are basic and easy peasy to service (with the right tools)

Bibio of course has the right tools and will do the job for biscuits. Whereabouts in Surrey are you?

Hi Bibio,any thanks for your suggestion however I realised I haven't updated my user details on this forum and I no longer live in Surrey. Just so I'm clear, are you suggesting that I don't bother changing the stock rear suspension for an alternative (such as a 2007 zx10r or nitron sport) as many people on this and other forums have praised? And with the front forks, just keep stock, perhaps just oil change? I'm happy to take real world advice but given what I've read the front end is a popular choice of upgrade and I have experienced bottoming out on my bike occasionally and better feedback on other bikes in comparison. I'll still most likely be removing the forks this winter anyhow to repair some corrosion (mainly on the bottom yoke). I don't have any specialist tools but keep basic maintainance like oil, spark plugs, airbox, chain and tyres etc. I've got a Haynes manual so happy to 'give it a go' but no suspension experience to speak of....

[Tomor]

Bibs was saying don't bother getting a new spring on the original shock, DO get a replacement. Well , that's how I read it anyway.

Thanks tomor, that's how I read it and yeah going by others experiences I'd be looking at either a zx10r (2007) swap or a new nitron sport suspension unit, not just the spring. Probably the latter if j can afford as at least I'll its miles done. It's more the front end I'm unsure about (I think) as gsxr swap isn't as simple as its said and could be costly. I'm no track going rider but looking to improve my bike...

[Bibio]

depends on how long you plan on keeping the bike. how you ride and if you do track days. what weight you are.

there is no point doing one end and not the other.

GSXR front ends are getting rather expensive so if you want bling bling radial then you will be spending a fair few pennies £500+, if on the other hand you just want better handling then the GSXR 600 K1-3 RWU £350+ would be a looot cheaper to do. depending on your weight your still looking a possibly upgrading the front springs no matter what route you take. if you go the GSXR 600 K1-3 RWU you will more than likely break even once you sell your SV front end.

emulator and springs are the cheapest option £160+ but not the best, yes its fairly good but not as good as full cartridge.

the ZX10r 06/07 shock is a good shock and fits straight in once you remove the front shield on the battery tray to fit any other you are looking at hacking the battery tray. second hand shocks are just that and they don't come with mileage record so it's hit or miss or a service. Nitron Sport are fantastic but expensive. they are pretty spot on out the box for set up, sprung to your weight, fit straight in and hold their value very well.

one other thing to consider is your insurance as it will rise putting a GSXR front end on.

depending on where you stay (Argyll is a big area) and if your serious about doing the works then drop me a PM.

Hi Bibio, many thanks for your swift and complete response!


QUOTE=Bibio;2912156]depends on how long you plan on keeping the bike. how you ride and if you do track days. what weight you are.

Agreed, I plan on keeping the bike for long long time (can't really part with her now). There have been others since I bought the sv (she was my first bike) incl KTM 950 SM, Harley sportster and next I'd like to try a rocket roadster, but the sv has (and hopefully) will always remain. Hence why I keep her in tip top.

I've never track day'd and if I did it prolly wouldn't be on the sv.
I'm not te most aggressive rider (I don't think) but I like the bang of a v-twin and like leaning lots. My weight is Linda normal (12st + leathers) but the load can vary a lot with luggage (soft and givi). So the rear adjustment would be helpful for adjusting to my load for any given day.


there is no point doing one end and not the other.

Agreed and this is my approach. Initially spurred on by cosmetic work on the front forks.

GSXR front ends are getting rather expensive so if you want bling bling radial then you will be spending a fair few pennies £500+, if on the other hand you just want better handling then the GSXR 600 K1-3 RWU £350+ would be a looot cheaper to do. depending on your weight your still looking a possibly upgrading the front springs no matter what route you take. if you go the GSXR 600 K1-3 RWU you will more than likely break even once you sell your SV front end.

I've kinda seen this and really I don't think I'm looking for the bling of a Gixer front end. Not been too keen but didn't want to rule out of the equation without consideration as I can see that many others have gone down this route and rate it.


emulator and springs are the cheapest option £160+ but not the best, yes its fairly good but not as good as full cartridge.

This is an option I need more info on. I'm not sure exactly what is all involved in an emulator and spring upgrade but I assume you mean upgrade springs but tailored to my weight albeit still not much adjustment (as my own forks don't have that?) erm what's the emulators for?

the ZX10r 06/07 shock is a good shock and fits straight in once you remove the front shield on the battery tray to fit any other you are looking at hacking the battery tray. second hand shocks are just that and they don't come with mileage record so it's hit or miss or a service. Nitron Sport are fantastic but expensive. they are pretty spot on out the box for set up, sprung to your weight, fit straight in and hold their value very well.

Rather save £ by not going so far from sv heritage on the front and trust a nitron more than 2nd hand rear shock (afterall it keeps the rear attached to te road!) also given my variable loads I'd utilise the adjustment (never been keen on the stock shock as I've skinned knuckles on that too many times already!) either way, looking for a direct swap out of the box. Probably made up my mind here on the nitron sport I think.


one other thing to consider is your insurance as it will rise putting a GSXR front end on. Another reason to avoid Gixer mod.

depending on where you stay (Argyll is a big area) and if your serious about doing the works then drop me a PM.[/QUOTE]

That's very kind if you to offer, I'm in Campbeltown, however I sorned the bike till march and plan on doing the rear myself, taking front forks off myself to rub down and powder coat (or maybe just re-paint) but as they're off and I was doing the rear I wanted to improve the front. Interested in spring/ emulator but what about just keeping stock springs and add new oil to my weight specs? I'm really none to wise on this? Keen to try fit myself although maybe best to get a pro to check set-up in the spring?

As always, I value other people's opinion on this forum!

K

[Bibio]

at 12st the ZX10 shock is waaaayyyyy oversprung for you.

the front needs .85 springs. you could get away without emulators but i would strongly suggest that you get them. 10wt oil and i would recommend Silkolene Pro RSF or the maintain 10wt

at 400miles round trip i'm afraid that i cant come and give you a hand.

do you ride 2up a lot?