Anyone ever gone back to an sv?

Originally Posted by benji106

How many teeth you added on the rear sprocket then? I am considering it when I do the chain and sprockets soon, what sort of impact does it have on top speed?

Most people go one or two up on the back. It has no impact on top speed because the SV can't rev to the limiter in 6th anyway. The only 'negative' difference it makes is higher revs at motorway cruising speed, and so perhaps a slight drop in MPG on long journeys.

I wish I could have had both, but as I can't have two bikes I firmly know that I won't be going back to an SV. The SV was a great first bike, but other bikes just do things better without needing modification.

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

+1 What bike has the torquey power delivery of the SV, the lightweight flickable dynamics of the chassis, but makes a similar amount of power, meaning that you can use full throttle on the road?

Not meaning to selectively quote, but the torque of a modern 750 IL4 feels better/stronger to me than my SV ever did - the SV is a revvy twin. I don't know the numbers, just from what I can feel through my bum. The 750 is easily as flickable - makes more power and if you want, you can use full throttle in places - although I don't see why that's a factor? Surely it's better to not need to use full throttle all the time?!?

[yorkie_chris]

It's rewarding to rag a bike and feel you're getting the most out of it. I'm bored sh*tless riding a 750 on most of my local roads because you're easily plodding about as fast as you can see never using more than 1/4 throttle.

Plus cost, 180 rubber which doesn't last long, expensive to buy unless you buy an old one which still needs loads of money on the suspension. Plus comfort, you can't see over stuff with clipon bars half as well as with an upright position.


I may sound like a fanboy but hell it's an SV forum after all

Originally Posted by TazDaz

Not meaning to selectively quote, but the torque of a modern 750 IL4 feels better/stronger to me than my SV ever did

although I don't see why that's a factor? Surely it's better to not need to use full throttle all the time?!?

Think you need to read the bit you quoted again.

+1 What bike has the torquey power delivery of the SV, the lightweight flickable dynamics of the chassis, but makes a similar amount of power, meaning that you can use full throttle on the road?

Your average IL4 750 sportsbike makes about 120bhp. What other 70 BHP bike has the torquey power delivery of the SV?

Yes, being able to use the bikes performance is definitely a fun factor for me. An SV at 11000 revs is more fun than my Daytona at 6000.

Whether I did the wrong thing by buying such a capable bike has crossed my mind, but even only using 10% of it's performance, I get back home loving the bike, so I'm very happy with it. Like I said above though, at some point I may buy something smaller to screw the nuts off when the finances allow. Perhaps an SV, perhaps a Shiver, perhaps a supermoto.

I've already reached a point in life where I think three figure speeds are a bad idea, when I get to the point where I have no interest in using full throttle anymore, I'll buy a Pan European, a pipe and some paisley patterned slippers.

The OP's question was, "would you go back to an SV?". The answer is it depends what you want out of your riding, and if what you want the SV delivered, then go out and get one!

My 675 Street Triple lifts its front wheel easily on the throttle you got to remember is much lighter and shorter than the 955i. I also wouldn't say its expensive to upgrade the SV just be astute in the spares market and keep watching out for bargain bits and learn how to fettle it.

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

Think you need to read the bit you quoted again.


Your average IL4 750 sportsbike makes about 120bhp. What other 70 BHP bike has the torquey power delivery of the SV?

Don't think I do. You said "but makes a similar amount of power, meaning that you can use full throttle on the road?"...I said the 750 makes more power but you can use full throttle if you want in places.

Full throttle on an SV will still get you into three figure territory anyways...

I see what you're getting at, as in not exactly loads of other bikes with same torque for similar power figures, but I don't see why power needs to be the limiting factor....

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

I get back home loving the bike, so I'm very happy with it.

And that is the most important thing. I'm the same with mine. I dont care whether I only use 10% of the performance, I love riding it, and I like the way it feels to ride it.

I'll never get 100% out of it even if i took it on track. If I wanted a bike that I could exploit 100% of its ability I would never have bought an SV, I'd have stayed on my 125 and eventually crashed it as I pushed its performance limit past what the chassis would deliver.

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by TazDaz

but you can use full throttle if you want in places.

For about 3 seconds on a long straight

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

and eventually crashed it as I pushed its performance limit past what the chassis would deliver.

So you'll get that with 120bhp or 12, but falling off 30bhp 125s isn't half as painful as big stuff.

Taking most of what has been said into consideration I just find a more powerful bike easier to ride as you don't have to wring every ounce of power out of it to enjoy it.
40mph above the SV top speed is quite a bit extra along with the additional acceleration and torque so when you add this to improved suspension it makes a lot of difference and it feels ballistic when you use it. Circumstance I would only be comfortable with on a track as I tend to be much more sombre while road riding.
Lets be honest most modern bikes have upper limits that are stupid to use on road riding
Once I had got used to the SV I found myself riding it on the limit nearly all the time where as I can honestly say I have never had my current bike flat out or felt that I am pushing it to its limits which for me means I have a buffer for errors. You do get the same adrenaline rush as it is your limits you are testing not the bikes which I find more reassuring knowing that I still have something in reserve if need be.