My new SV
 

Hi All

Passed my test last October and just bought a lovely 1999 SV650S from a colleague.

Lovely bike and looking forward to getting used to it.

Re: My new SV
 

Welcome aboard. I too have 99 650S, but it has had a naked mild streetfighter conversion. Have fun, I know you will. Get some pictures uploaded if you can.

Re: My new SV
 

I think I would have liked the naked version but...I'm an old fart and dont need the buffeting nowadays....lol

Will get piccies up asap...

Re: My new SV
 

Well done passing the test. I've only had my SV a couple of weeks and barely gone 'round the block on it so far, but first impressions lead me to believe you won't go far wrong with one as a 1st bike.

I passed my bike test back in the days when balloonists still wore red tights, by the way. And I've had all sorts of bikes, from small and insignificant Nifty50's and Banty's to large and significant full-dress 'Glides and GS12's. Riding a motorcycle still puts a great big grin on my face. :D

Have fun.

Re: My new SV
 

It's odd really but I never really bothered about my test back then, 250cc was enough.

Like you I rode just about anything and everything...then the girls came along and that stopped it...my last bike was a Royal Enfield Meteor Minor with Sidecar...

Now my girls have grown up and I wanted to feel the freedom again and even SWMBO is wanting her own small bike again...

Re: My new SV
 

Well done on passing the test OP, and welcome to the '99 Curvy' section of the club !! You'll love it :)
Ride safe

Chris

Re: My new SV
 

Oh boy are you in for a very pleasant surprise. Enjoy but watch out for the engine braking.
Let us all know where you'r from by updating you'r profile, some active local groups on here.

Re: My new SV
 

hello and enjoy
ps. 99' sv650 here as well :)

Re: My new SV
 

+1 99'er here too :D Have fun ride safe.

Re: My new SV
 

Welcome & enjoy the bike :-)

Re: My new SV
 

I have never found the engine braking a problem, although I rely on that more than the brakes. Is iot because I had a Honda VT250 FD back in the day? Those were the days.

Any way best of luck OP, Sv's are great bikes and smooth.

AmigaNut

Re: My new SV
 

Engine braking was a huge surprise for me, I thought there must be something wrong with my bike but everyone who I have spoken to says the same. Although you cant beat that should of stepping down the gears coming to a stop!

Re: My new SV
 

I found the braking a big surprise when I first felt it, so much so I thought I had an issue with a stuck brake orbad chain but everyone who I have spoken to says the same. Cant beat the sound of stepping down the gears coming and hearing those revs coming to a junction!

Re: My new SV
 

Yep the engine braking is taking a little getting used to but 3hrs rideout today has helped that.
What a lovely bike...:D

Re: My new SV
 

Hi mate, pretty new myself on here and passing my test. I now know it isn't just me with the engine braking, defo something to get used to. Same as you though, had a good 2-3 ride today and got used to it an hour in. Love the bike!!! Enjoy

Re: My new SV
 

Revel in the engine braking (specially the noise down through the gears) and use it to your advantage. We had a couple of long hills on Sunday and I sat at the back in 3rd gear, listening to the overrun and watching the other two with their brake lights flashing on and off all the way down. Big grin!

Just remember though, if you're slowing down only on the engine, give the rear brake a gentle nudge just to let the vehicle behind know what you're doing.

Re: My new SV
 

I have to admit thats a problem for me...even when driving the car I just allow the throttle to roll off and engine brake to juctions etc...it was the way I was taught to drive....but I nearly always forget to show my brake lights....getting better though...

Re: My new SV
 

Engine braking isn't at its best until you get a nice loud can on it - then you get the full orchestra of pops and bangs :-). Also alerts following traffic that something changed.

I use the front brake, you can apply a tiny amount of pressure and know the brake lights on if you have anyone behind you.