Restriction and test questions.

Hey, I'm just about to do my Module 2 bike test this month, and so I'm bike shopping. I've also developed a penchant for the SV! It looks like a beast, and goes like one too. But now I have lots of questions, and I'm struggling for answers.

Firstly, I'm going to need a bike that's restricted. How's best to do this, carb/airbox plates, or ECU swap?

Secondly, how does that work legally? Do I HAVE to have a certificate, or do I just ask my insurer what they're happy with?

Thirdly - Faired/Unfaired. I like the look of both, but perhaps I should go naked, to limit my top end, and hopefully be discouraged from playing too much! My bike is going to be mainly used for long distances and a little local driving.

Fourthly - Is there anyone who's got a restricted sv650 who can tell me what kind of fuel economy I can expect?


Thank you - from what I've read all over the forum you're quite a nice bunch, please help!

1: restriction method I thought this depended on the version of the bike, for pointy you do ECU and curvy its washers but I might be wrong.

2: grey area from what I've read so far so wouldn't like to comment

3: Faired I'd have said would be best for any kind of long distance, it does make a marked difference. and get a double bubble screen

4: can't help you I'm afraid.

Oh and welcome BTW!

Just bought one for my son a few weeks ago. Bought a 2002 model, 99-02 are called curvy due to shape of frame/fairing, later models are called curvy and have fuel injection rather than carbs.

To restrict the carb model you can use the Suzuki carb slides or "washers" in the intake pipe under the carb Easy to do and pick up second hand for £10-£40. You cannot use a ECU retriction on this type of bike.

Later, on fuel injected bikes it is best to use a restricted ECU. there seems to be two differing types according to the age of the bike you buy. Simple to do just unplug original and replace.
Certificate is not required. It is your responsibility to make sure your vehicle complies with your licence so if you ride without fitting a restrictor then you are asking to be done by the police and remember that means you will also be done for no insurance. Many police in Essex now have mobile dynos to check vehicles by the roadside as this is a growing problem.
If you wish you could take the resticted bike to a rolling road and get a readout but that only shows what it was at that time of the test so proves nothing, having said that some insurances, so I am told, ask for proof, ours did not. I would not ask them just insure your bike and respond if they ask, they probably wont. If you have an accident then expect them or the Police to check you bike IS/WAS restricted.



What one you buy depends on what you like and money available. I bought the fully faired curvy one because it looks so good to me. If you are doing long rides a fairing, half or full would be best. Top speed will be around 100mph once restricted but though it will get to 70-80mph quite quick it then takes time to build up further speed. Fairing does not make too much difference. Condition and mileage are obvious factors to consider.
My son loves the bike and I hope you also find and enjoy one.

Welcome to the org.

As said by Brettus, restriction methods depend on which model bike you have, curvy or pointy.
AFAIK there is no need for a certificate for restriction, just simply tell your insurers.
Again +1 to what Brettus said about the fairings, would have thought they would make a worthwhile difference for long trips.
As for restricted eco figures. When mine was restricted i was ranging from 45-70mpg depending on what kind of riding was doing. On Mways, providing you dont get bored, you could probably better that 70mpg figure

[keith_d]

The pointy has fuel injection so it's just a matter of changing over the ECU. The curvy has carbs so that usually means washers to restrict airflow (and a standard can). I've never had a restricted bike, so I don't know if there's any paperwork associated with it.

For a first bike, cheap and reliable are more important than faired or naked. You'll probably drop it at least once in the first 12 months so if you get the fully faired option I'd suggest taking the lowers off at first because they're expensive to repair/replace.

Jesus christ that was fast!

Ok, so it sounds like I want a faired bike then. What difference does full/half fairing make, is either acceptable, or is one better?

About the restriction types - does the injected model have a significant power advantage over carbs? I appreciate the restriction will level the two, but as and when I remove the limiter, after my two years, is it worthwhile going for the newer, injected model?


Thanks so far people, I'm stupendously impressed already!

"What difference does full/half fairing make, is either acceptable, or is one better?"

They are the same just have after sale lowers bolted on.

Carb and injection are very similar power. Get the bike that you like best and suits your budget.

Get 60-70mpg from the restricted curvy.

Thanks warmshed

I was wondering about the lower fairings, do they make any difference other than aesthetics? If they're going to keep my legs warmer, and let me wear bike jeans, instead of leathers then they sound pretty important for long trips. What do you think?

Originally Posted by Tomm

Thanks warmshed

I was wondering about the lower fairings, do they make any difference other than aesthetics? If they're going to keep my legs warmer, and let me wear bike jeans, instead of leathers then they sound pretty important for long trips. What do you think?

I think that wearing jeans for a long trip sounds a silly idea. Get as much protection as you can.

Originally Posted by Reeder

I think that wearing jeans for a long trip sounds a silly idea. Get as much protection as you can.

Full agreement except you should wear them for all trips not just long trips., if you want to wear jeans, as you say you need bike jeans, kevlar/reinforced ones like Draggin or Hood. I like leather ones best though, get ones with elasticated panels.


You don't get much aerodynamic benefit from full fairing but I think they look good.