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Advice please for one tempted by the V
Dear SV650s,
I have spent the last two years chugging around London and the Continent on a 2004 BMW Dakar (also 650cc but with staggeringly less power. However, for a year now I have found myself twisting my neck and chasing bikes, not to race (fool move on the Dakar) but just to keep listening to their engines. A lot of the chased bikes have been SVs....sorry if you thought I was policeman....and hence my writing today. I feel somewhat bitten by the bug:smt119 . I would be extremely grateful if you could take the time to answer a few of my probably very obvious questions below: - I am 6'2", I understand this makes the S and Sport versions out of the question, but will the standard model fit (yes, I will test ride one too)? - I want in on this for the sound and the mid-range, how does the stock pipe fair and what are the reasonable (I am a beggared academic:D ) aftermarket replacements? I am hoping not to damage the insurance premium though. - Despite my grovelling academic status I am looking at a new bike (subject to sale of BMW and getting the 0% finance), could anyone recommend a dealer? I live in London but will travel for good service and/or a decent deal. Thanks very much in advance, and I hope to join your clan some time soon. Regards, Oli |
Re: Advice please for one tempted by the V
At 6'2" you may not be too tall for an 's', definately test ride or sit on both before you decide though. As for the exhaust, if you want noise - get rid of the standard can. Shouldn't have too much (if any) impact on your insurance.
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Re: Advice please for one tempted by the V
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to answer your questions, and please bear in mind Ive only has my SV for 6 weeks...: Im about 6'1, and a few pies short of 17 stone - yes the riding position is a bit "wristy", but to be honest, after a few hundred miles it feels natural. If I were you, I wouldnt rule out the S or sport just because you think it mught not suit... One of the first things I did was put on a fuel can - cost about 130 quid, removeable baffle - which has manages to find a new home under the seat, to let you enjoy the v twin noise. the best mod I have made to my bike, and only took an hour or so to fit... I too was looking at a new bike, but a good look at the second hand market revealed some really good value buys. In the end I managed (with a bit of luck) to get a 1 owner bike, just 3 years old with a few extras for less than 2 grand - but either way, new or used its a cracking bike in my opinion. I am sure someone with more experience will post on here with some more tips. Oh - have a look in the for sale section on here too.. Good luck. Billy |
Re: Advice please for one tempted by the V
sv is a great bike you'll love it.
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Re: Advice please for one tempted by the V
My my, if I'll fit on a 'S' why not fit on a Sport? I imagine it pushes the insurance up, and no taking the girlfriend for a ride....
Cheers, Oli |
Re: Advice please for one tempted by the V
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Not sure about insurance tho - but I beleive its the same insurance group as the S...? |
Re: Advice please for one tempted by the V
its the same bike.
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Re: Advice please for one tempted by the V
Hello again all,
I went to Metropolis at Vauxhall on the way to work today. First up, rubbish service - don't these people want to sell bikes??? I sat on a new 650S and I have to say I think it will hurt. Maybe I would get used to it, but it's a BIG change in position from a BMW Dakar (haven't had anything like it since a TZR125 ten years ago!). I sat on an '04 SV650 standard they had outside and felt more encouraged by this. I guess test rides will tell but I'll do that somewhere other than Metropolis methinks. Therefore I'll probably be in the market for a naked SV at the end of September, when all my current insurance ends and I am back from a bike/work trip to N Italy. As always, 2nd hand makes a lot of sense... If there are any London members who have a local meet I'd like to come along if possible? Thanks, Oli |
Re: Advice please for one tempted by the V
Bitten by yhe bug indeed dont they sound sooo nice my ive just bought an sv650s 54 plate for a mate of mine and its fitted with a renegade can and boy does that sound good, get a nice popping when your decelerating and changing down. :-) svs are so nice and easy to throw around however they do make you feel like riding fast. Such is the nature of a fair sports bike if you dont want this go for the unfaired version and you will also get more comfory.
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Re: Advice please for one tempted by the V
Another vote for not discounting the S from me. I'm a shade over 6'1" and 16 stone and I regularly ride long(ish) distance on mine without problems. You'll have a few aches for a few weeks till you get used to it (presumably back muscles get stronger?), but thereafter it's fine.
The London lot meet in Soho, Frith St. on a friday night from 7.00pm onwards on Fridays. I'm sure they would be more than happy to meet you in the flesh and natter about their bikes. :) |
Re: Advice please for one tempted by the V
Tonight then! I'll work late and pop by on the way back from Bloomsbury. No laughing at the Dakar please chaps and chapesses...
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Re: Advice please for one tempted by the V
i'm 6'3 and has both the naked and the S!
both are good |
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Frith St is closed for water works stuff so we'll probably be in Soho Square at the top of Frith. :smt023 |
Re: Advice please for one tempted by the V
Hello oli, welcome to the asylum :D
As far as sports bikes go, the SV-S (and sport, which is the same) isnt toooo bad for taller riders - its certainly more relaxed than my dads GSXR! Have a sit on one, take it for a test ride. The addition of the bikini fairing is really helpfull on higher speed roads (i.e. motorways) but many people find that fitting a taller screen is a good idea, particularly on the curvy 1999-2002 models. The S has taller gearing too (one tooth less than the naked on the rear sprocket i think?). The naked might be easier for town riding though You could try steve jordan motorcycles for SV's? I've been there a couple of times and found them quite helpfull. That place at vauxhall is crap, I've been a couple of times but felt invisible! Matt |
Re: Advice please for one tempted by the V
the naked has a more upright bars position but the differance in the footrests is very minimal i got my sv after riding for 3 years on an enduro bike my sv seemed very cramped on the legs at first, im 6.1 but i soon got used to it the naked is easy on the wrists too, but its up to what style you prefer, the naked looks more chunky and retro but the faired looks odd without lowers IMO
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Re: Advice please for one tempted by the V
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restricted, of course Matt |
Re: Advice please for one tempted by the V
I am 6"1 and have no problems at all on my naked. I do feel like a bit of a sail on motorways and with I could hunker down more and lean forward under a fairing. The grass is always greener hey!
First mod I did was a CCC exhaust, I would highly recommend it! Gives the SV an awesome throaty growly booming sound. |
Re: Advice please for one tempted by the V
Just booked a test ride tomorrow on a SV650 Sport (their only demo) with Steve Jordan Bikes after lunch tomorrow. Must behave, must behave, MUST BEHAVE....
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