'Dramatic' resistance when off throttle

Hi Guys
I recently bought an SV650 (K3) and i'm not sure if its an issue with the bike or how bikes of this size behave. I am coming from a 125cc so its a pretty big jump in power, so, im pretty inexperienced.

The issue is when I let off the throttle (its more of a kick in lower gears but thats expected to some degree) the wheels seem to have a large amount of resistance when free wheeling. For example, in second gear, letting the throttle off the force of the kick forward is enough to move me on my seat (most will know which bits are getting squashed!)

My question is this, should this be happening? Granted my 125 is alot smaller and while there is an effect when letting off the throttle is is nothing like what I have to deal with now.

Am I being daft (due to my inexperience) or should I get the bike checked?

Thanks

Robert

[Paul the 6th]

Sounds like the engine braking which comes with v-twins to be honest buddy - if the bike has been geared down then I'd imagine it'd be even stronger.. Imagine the amount of torque you get when accelerating hard, pretty strong, but then when slowing down its a similar kind of torque but in the form of engine braking. Not very mechanically literate but that's the sort of idea

Edit: if you ride in a group you'll notice how guys on inline fours brake lights come on a lot more often where v-twins (and to a lesser extent, triples) just roll on & off the throttle with the engine braking doing a lot of the work..

[andrewsmith]

Originally Posted by Paul the 6th

Sounds like the engine braking which comes with v-twins to be honest buddy - if the bike has been geared down then I'd imagine it'd be even stronger.. Imagine the amount of torque you get when accelerating hard, pretty strong, but then when slowing down its a similar kind of torque but in the form of engine braking. Not very mechanically literate but that's the sort of idea

This

[Speedy]

^^
As above, try to let the throttle of progressively and see if its not so fierce on you!?

[Geodude]

Took me a bit to get used to engine braking if thats what your problem is.

[Geodude]

Oh and before i forget if you use engine braking to slow your bike etc dont forget to touch your back brake just enough to pop the rear brake light on so the guys following know you're slowing down.

Wow, lots of replies so fast. Guess its not just me being kept in by the weather!

Thanks for the feedback, ill put the motion down to inexperience. I just need to grip the bike a bit better with my legs to reduce the movement.

[Paul the 6th]

You can get stomp grips - sticky rubber pads which stick to your tank to help you grip better. I also found that riding in jeans or textiles = ass sliding all over the seat, but riding in leathers = stuck firm because of the friction/coefficient between the leather & PVC/whatever material the seat is covered with..

Also sounds like if you've come from a relatively 'sedate' 125 then an sv will feel like a missile while you're acclimatising to the power. Your riding style will adapt to the power & gearing over time

[Kenzie]

Don't know about you guys, but I find blipping the throttle on the downshift helps. I guess it's something you get used to, but then again I've only ever really riden singles and twins on the road. Never owened an inline four and doubt I ever will.

[Geodude]

Yep knee griping is good if you value your jewels Smooth throttle helps too. Quick hour this morning very cold.