Re: Problem with handling of SV
 

I honestly dont think theres that much in it handling wise, My brother had an RVF that he'd lowered the front on to make it turn better. We had a play on a set of twisties we both knew, I couldnt leave him behind and neither could he leave me behind.

The SV seemed a bit quicker on intial launch, but the RVF gained a little as it picked up its revs, but not enough to get by me.

22K and no fork oil change, thats where I'd start, refresh the oil and it'll feel a whole lot better. Also at 22k your rear shock will be starting to go off if it hasnt already so you might want to have that looked at / replaced to.

I refreshed the fork oil on my SV and fitted a new rear shock at 33K and it felt hell of a lot better to ride.

Re: Problem with handling of SV
 

A good RVF is a fair bit better than an SV IMO, but then it should be. But there's very few good ones left, most still have the original fork oil in. I've ridden 3 (I wanted to buy one), one was lovely, with gold valves in and a recent service, very nice. The other 2 handled worse than a stock SV.

If you're finding you have slow turn-in, lowering the front end or raising the rear will help that and it's cheap and fairly easy. The SV's not really that great in corners but it shouldn't feel heavy to turn, it should just be a bit iffy midturn. (and not like you describe either). I wonder... How much weight do you have on the bars?

Re: Problem with handling of SV
 

+1 Dropping your forks 1/2" makes a big diff to turn-in. And worn front tyres are diabolical to handling.

Re: Problem with handling of SV
 

I am 6'1" and weigh 70kg. I find that the bike handles slightly better if I am leaning over and compressing the forks so maybe that is an indication of something.

I was looking at other posts and deciding to get the forks serviced and change the springs as well. I will give a few garages a call. I have given my local garage a call, and they said it sounds like the rear tyre and I mentioned what you guys said.

He has quoted £130 for fork oil (higher weight), metzeler z6 front tyre, and labour, disposal etc. Does that sound reasonable?

Re: Problem with handling of SV
 

It's not bad I'd say. Depends how much he's charging for the tyre of course! Servicing the front forks on an SV is very, very easy mind- take them out, turn them upside down ;)

There's not a lot that a front fork can do to slow turn-in, mind, other than be bent or be riding too high (ie too stiff, or too much preload) But the SV comes with very light oil anyway and now it's old, so it's still probably worth doing.

Re: Problem with handling of SV
 

I went down to my local dealer. The mechanic says it is definitely your front tyre that is causing the bad handling. Even though I have not reached the legal limit yet, the shape is pretty bad.

He has ordered a Met Z6 roadtec for tomorrow. I have been told it will be £78 inc fitting, disposal and balancing. Does that sound reasonable?

Thanks

Amrik

Here are some pics I had taken earlier.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g2...s/IMG_0248.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g2...s/IMG_0249.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g2...s/IMG_0250.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g2...s/IMG_0247.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g2...s/IMG_0252.jpg

Re: Problem with handling of SV
 

Maybe you should opt for different tyres than you have fitted, it can make a lot of difference. I found that when I changed the tyres to Dunlop 207's I got an enormous amount of confidence for cornering etc. (bear in mind I have 2001 version of the sv..it could be a different tyre choice for a newer bike).

Re: Problem with handling of SV
 

That front tyre's goosed that is :-D, check out the rear as well, if they're both shot you may want to put on a new pair, and even try another tyre type / brand to see if it suits you better. I got on very well with the diablo strada which is the same tyre as the Roadtec Z6 with a different tread pattern, they're good tyres.

Jambo

Re: Problem with handling of SV
 

Exactly! They are two different types of bike, its like comparing a Bandit 1200 to a Ducati 1098R.

10mm maximum on the roads, and that is with springs and oil in the front to match your weight.

That tyre sure ain't gonna help!

Re: Problem with handling of SV
 

Thanks for the replies. The front is pretty bad!

the rear was changed at MOT time in April but the front has been on since 2004/2005. There must be nearly 10,000 miles on that front tyre.

I have a Met Z6 on the rear so I believe that the front should be the same. The front tyre is triangular shaped! Anyways, if this does not make it handle well, I will get some hagon springs.