My SV650T. Advice from those who have toured on an SV?

[Wayno]

Hi all, ever since I got my SV I've wanted to use it to go away on a trip to the Alps. With that in mind and the Mrs being on board with the idea I've been collecting parts to make the SV more 'touring'.

I'd like some advice if there is anything else recommended by experienced tourers.

This is her in usual commuter guise...


To do any distance in comfort I figured I'd need to add a few bits....



I know, not as cool anymore but I will spray the fairing to match at some point.

So it now has:
Full fairing
Touring screen
Bandit Mirrors
Hepco & Becker rack
H&B Junior 40 panniers
H&B Junior 55 top box
Non slip pillion seat (she is forever sliding into me)
A baffle back in the exhaust
Spare MSR bottle of fuel under the rack


I've also decided to put the tail untidy back on too after some rain today and a wet back.




So, what else can you advise? Any idea on tyre pressures?

Ta

[DJ123]

have you checked how much extra weight you are putting on the bike and that you don't exceed the MGW

[Wayno]

i dont know how much or what stuff im taking yet. Luckily im only 11st and the mrs weighs sod all so im hoping i'll be able to take what i want.

[squirrel_hunter]

Originally Posted by Wayno

I know, not as cool anymore but I will spray the fairing to match at some point.

I'm not so sure. I think it looks ok with the black fairing. Possibly change the white "Suzuki" to red and then the white stickers on the red bodywork to black and I think you might be onto something...

[Bibio]

remember to turn the preload up on the shock and forks.

[rictus01]

Couple of things that might help, first off get hold of one of those pillion pal belt things, might seem a little naff but they do make life much easier for the pillion, second; take a hundred mile ride,see what aches or is sore in the seat department, address that (a reshape/gel pad) can work wonders, lastly fit a 12v socket (with a usb adapter) for phone charging.

Then just enjoy the mile.

[shiftin_gear98]

I think she looks cool, don't spray the fairing.
If it was mine I'd spray the forks - whilst changing the springs to something firmer - yours currently look just like mine, in need of some love. Curse our wet commutes...
And either get a second hand black front mudguard or spray yours. Black to Red. Obviously just my 2 cent opinion.
Very jealous, hope you enjoy your future trip.
Would love to do the same thing, but can't fit the wife and 3 kids on mine.

[jambo]

I like it!
If you don't already have some kind of automatic chain oiler consider one. It makes life easier when you don't have a stand handy

Other than that, get out there, do some miles and see what you think.

Jambo

[Wayno]

Preload: will do!
Scottoiler: been meaning to get one anyway, good call.
Do some miles: I already commute 110 miles daily and know what hurts, I've change two saddles and three bars to get to where I am now
Paint: I'd still like to see it all red
Pillion pal: the mrs is good as gold on the back bar sliding on the seat. Now with the racks and panniers she's got too much choice of places to hold. Done an unloaded test ride with all the luggage on to see how it rides and she feels the other day.

[Wayno]

I also fitted a throttle lock. It's nice to use on the commute to give my hand a rest. Any opinions on them?