My first ride...my thoughts.

So I had my first ride on my K5 SV650S last night and I have to say I was more than impressed, so I just thought I would post some of my thoughts.

I've read a few reviews/first time ride stories so I thought I had a good idea of what to expect, now I know everybody seems to mention it but the first thing to notice really is the amount of engine braking on these things, this can be quite a surprise if you're not expecting it when you close the throttle, it's certainly something us beginners should take some time to get used to.

Over all I think the bike is great, I found the ride quite comfortable, the brakes are sharp and it's most definitely got that bit of ''oomph'' when you want to open it up. There's just one concern / issue I noticed which some of you guys may be able to help me with.

I've read about the front suspension not being the greatest, too soft etc, but I noticed a slightly different feel to mine.

When braking quite hard then accelerating again, the front forks seem to ''top out'' and kinda jerk and knock on acceleration. The SV is pretty much the only bike I have ridden so I don't have much to compare it with, so I was just wondering if this is normal on these bikes, or any other bike for that matter.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Front fork oil is thin as stock (and gets worse with time + use) and mine does suffer from a lack of damping and the top out you describe.

Threads about suspension upgrades are common round here - springs correct fro your weight and fresh for oil as per spring manufacturers recommendation seem to be a good start - that's what I'm doing as soon as I have a chance....

[Nick_69]

I just upgraded my springs and oil makes a real difference

[TheRamJam]

Congrats on the new bike.

As for the forks its a 5 year old bike so am guessing the fork oil has had it. Try replacing the oil and setting up the front and rear sag to accommodate your weight with full gear on.

If you want better suspension/handling then a few folk have fitted GSXR suspension which is fully adjustable and is a good upgrade for the SV or you could do what I did and buy a GSXR instead

Anway Welcome to the forum and enjoy the new bike!

Thanks,

I've just been reading about changing the fork oil, it seems fairly straight forward so i think i'll give it a go when i've got the time.

[TheRamJam]

I have a service manual for the SV in PDF format. I can email to you if you like. Will come in handy for doing anything on your bike or if problems arise! PM and i can email you it!

Cheers mate, PM'd you my e-mail

I should really get round to changing my fork oil, the bike is 7 and I don't know if it has ever been done lol

[Bibio]

yes the suspension/brakes are the only parts that let the sv down. once sorted they transform a good bike into a great bike. if i were you i would also consider changing the rear shokky at some point to. the right springs, oil and a decent back shokky and you will fall in love.

Well done and welcome to the party (& what a party). The SV650 is the best allround bike for the money I have ever riden and I love mine. The engine braking does take some getting used to, its easy to change down at the wrong time and have the rear step out, till you get it all together. I must confess that like TheRamJam I bought a GSXR (mines a 1000K1). I still ride and love the SV