Heavy steering - Curvy.
 

hi all got a 2002 curvy sv650 last night the probs i got are the steering feels quite stiff i had a kawasaki er5 before the sv so feels so different i really dont feel safe on the bike it passed its mot today so hopefully not much wrong with it apparently the bike has been stuck in a garage for about 18 months tax ran out early 2010 last owner dropped it damaging the fairing and indicators bikes don 23000 miles. any ideas or am i being paranoid?
darrell

Re: sv650 steering
 

Tyre pressures?

Re: sv650 steering
 

When was it last serviced?

My last service/mot at 24k they had to adjust the steering head bearings, said they were too tight. Odd, as at the 18k service at a different garage, I was told they were too loose!

Anyway, at the moment, with part worn tyres, I actually feel after it's service that the bike almost moves around too much on the bars rather than with bodyweight/lean.

Other than headstock bearings, I would again suggest a fresh set of tyres at proper pressures. Bikes always feel really different on fresh rubber.

Re: sv650 steering
 

according to the service book it has never been serviced no stamps i will do the plugs and oil next week will check tyre pressure tomorrow been told that the back tyre is looking flat so will probs need a new tyre soon as poss but not working so moneys a bit short other things to sort out the wife tells me lol

Re: sv650 steering
 

how do you adjust the head bearings??

Re: sv650 steering
 

using a special tool.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VMAX-STEER...item46018ab7e1

although that one is for a yam he does them for suzuki's as well.

Re: Heavy steering - Curvy.
 

I'd suggest checking the tyre pressures and then borrowing another bike and trying them both back to back before you go adjusting or tampering with anything.

I can't imagine the headstock bearings are a factor if the bike's been mot'd unless they've been quite badly over tightened.

You didn't say what type of SV650, but since you mentioned fairings I'm going to assume clip on bars.

Your steering feels heavier because you have less leverage on the bars than you had on your ER6.

Check your tyre pressures, but dont go worrying about steering head bearings. Unlikely if uts just oassed an MOT without an advisory.

I feel the same thing every year when taking my Daytona out of winter storage, having been riding my XT600 for a few months. You need to use more countersteer pressure, and you'll get used to it with a biy of mileage.

Re: Heavy steering - Curvy.
 

thanks for sharing that will have to wait and see bike has mot and insurance but no tax yet as previous owner still waiting for the log book.

Re: Heavy steering - Curvy.
 

I'll have a look when I come round on Sunday mate, brew and biccies at the ready :)