Crikey, I got another bike (hello)

Hi, my name's Paul and I'm a bikeaholic.

I passed my test in 1997, bought an ancient GS450, then an equally old XJ6, upgraded to a new 2000CBR6 (the sporty one) and finally, in 2004, The mighty SP-1.

Sold the SP-1 in 2007 due to financial difficulties and the fact that my mountainbiking obsession was taking over my life.

Now, months later, I can go no further. I wasn't cut out to be a pedestrian. Or worse, a car driver. Now, I find myself exitedly awaiting the arrival of a 2002 SV650 SK2. On friday, to be exact. I bought it on Sunday past at Two Wheels in Edinburgh. Christ, I'm like a kid at xmas again in the middle of this anxious wait that seems to be taking forever. I got an even better surprise tonight, because, after recently hitting the ripe old age of 40, I found that fully comp insurance for the SV is only £119! Bonus.

The SP-1 insurance was £600.

How will the twin powerhouse of the SV feel after the, frankly disturbingly scary SP-1 twin? That was the last bike I rode and that was last year..

Sorry for the life story, btw

cheers

Paul

PS, the SV is coming supplied with a brand new condition rear Givi top box and rack if anyone wants to swap it for some goodies like a screen or hugger (or a can?)

Howdy, welcome etc Good choice

There has to be some benefit to getting old eh? Admittedly, cheap insurance is the only one I've found so far as well

I've found that every bike I've owned, I've always wished it had just a teensy bit more power. Now admittedly I've not owned anything with more than 100 horsies but I've owned fruitier bikes than the SV and to be honest, the SV is pretty much exactly as good a bike as I am a rider - the bike runs out of talent just about the same time as I do. Now, sure I could go faster on a better bike but I'm always left with the feeling that a bike designed for the likes of Rossi is secretly tutting at the indignity of having to put up with the likes of me

As for the difference between the SP1 and the SV - well I've only ever sat on a stationary SP1 but I can tell that the SV is a damn sight more comfy. The engine is definitely the SV's strong point, obviously nothing like the SP1 but in the real world the only time I miss extra horses is when I'm in lazy commuting mode in 5th or 6th gear and open the throttle for an overtake without dropping down a cog - in every other situation in the real world I think you'll find the SV is more than fine and is content to put a grin on your face rather than a brief grin followed by a slightly scared grimmace.

What you will miss from the CBR & the SP1 will be the suspension. The SV bouncy bits aren't bad as such but are definitely where the money was saved. Dependent upon your pie intake you'll likely find the front very soft and regardless of pies it's pretty poorly damped. By no means dangerous but it starts showing it's limits, wheras I suspect the CBR and SP1 will never really show their suspension limits to mere mortals. All that's on a brand new fresh out of the crate SV, so given yours has had 6 years you might find it'd appreciate some fresh fork oil.

Oh, and it took me a while to get used to the brakes too. Again they're not at all weak, they're just slightly different. I was used to a one or two finger brush on the lever instantly planting my face in the clocks, with the SV it's more like a good two fingered squeeze will do the same - braking force is still very good, it's just achieved in a little less vicious way, and if you're used to the vicious way they'll feel weak for a little while.

Hi there and thanks for the comprehensive reply. I'm really looking forward to Friday, now
. Just getting out again will be good enough for me, no matter what kind of bike it's on. I'm particularly looking forward to the grunty poke that make for quick corner exit speeds.

cheers

Pauly

Originally Posted by dirtsk8

I got an even better surprise tonight, because, after recently hitting the ripe old age of 40, I found that fully comp insurance for the SV is only £119! Bonus.

I'm only 25, and insurance isn't that much more for where you are. It's down to where you live.

Welcome to the mad-house! Word of warning: Bear.

[anna]

welcome to the .org mmmmmmmmm i'm certainly jealous of that insurance premium!!

Hi mate, welcome aboard, nice choice of bike, you,ll love it

[Jayneflakes]

Welcome to the Org,

Nice bike you got there, but what MTB do you have too?

My SV is sat in my Garage, because I can only ride on private ground at the mo, but when I ride it, she is gorgeous. Comfy for the first 120 miles, then she gets a bit buzzy through the pegs.

The Pillion seat is great for the lucky girl/guy who gets the back seat (on mine, usually me!) and there is even room for a set of soft panniers.

By the way, it is not just Bear you need to worry about... There are others too...












I am locked in the basement with the Gimp again!

Hiya and welcome

Hi ya and welcome.

That's odd, I'm considering buying an SP-2 for a sunny sunday toy!

I'd love to swap your givi and rack (as long as it's the one that replaces the pillion seat)

What sort of things will you bee needing and I'll see what I cn source!

Oh, and insurance for a 29 year old with 1 years nc and only had license for 1 year, who lives in Plymouth is only................£108!