Rear subframe modding

Am I right in thinking that chopping and changing the rear subframe wont affect the ridgidity/handling of the bike? Its only 'point' is to suport the rider and what ever faring etc is on the subframe?



Cheers!

(this is a generic question, not SV specific)

Pretty much, unless you start adding or taking away lots of weight or altering the positioning of the rider.

Cheers Dave, I assume that moving the rider backwards (not alot) and lightening it would need the suspension adjusted?

[northwind]

Lightening it shouldn't, the weight loss won't be massive compared to the total mass. Moving the rider might, depends on the bike that and the leverage effect it'll have.

I took something ridiculous like half a kilo out of the SV rear frame without affecting its function in the slightest, just removing excess tabs, simplifying brackets etc. But that's one heavy subframe, not all bikes will be so simple to get a good cut from.

Funny you should bring this up but im just in the process of modding mine. Just so I can fit a GSXR 600 K4 racing tail unit. I have taken a fair bit off so far and still feels perfectly rigid.