09 SV650S : What is limiting me - my standard tyres, the bike or my confidence?

Hi All,

Let me set the scene.

Sunny sunday afternoon in Devon and me and my good buddy decide to go for a blast. He's in a Lotus Exige and im on a 2009 SV650 Sport.

Its the first time ive really pushed the bike near to what I would consider my and/or its limits. I couldnt help notice that under heavy breaking the rear was squirming like crazy and didnt inspire much confidence through the corners. The front feels as if it's constantly 'hunting' for grip through tight/quick bends and doesnt feel stable.

I just cant seem to get the levels of grip I expected from it even when the tyres are plenty warm enough and therefore cant carry the speed through the corners that id like.

This is my first 'big' bike and im well aware of my limited experience/ability but I am a bit worried that I may have found the limits of the bike in its standard guise already.

So am I :

1 - Lacking in confidence/experience and probably the bike can be pushed even harder and cope perfectly well.

2 - Stupidly expecting to have supersport handling from a sports tourer which costs just £4.5k new.

or 3 - Suffering because of the basic 'all rounder' tyres which the SV has as standard and would benefit hugely from a decent set of rubber.

Would really appreciate any input from the forum on anything I can do or change with regards to me or the bike to help me improve, particularly with regards to changing/altering the tyres or suspension.

Many Thanks

Mike

[SoulKiss]

When Suzuki put the word "Sport" in the title, well lets just say they were lying.

I would not expect to be able to keep up with a Lotus on an SV. Also one of the reasons that cars are generally faster is due to their ability to hold speed round corners better.

You want to beat your mate in that race? Get a faster bike, or keep trying on the SV and get him to pick you out of a hedge one day...

[maviczap]

Front end isn't the best on any Sv650, cheap forks, same goes for the rear shock. OEM tyres aren't the best.

So cheapest option is Hagon or other make fork springs plus heavier oil, depending on your weight.

Change the rear shock for something better, Hagom, Ohlins etc.

Change the tyres, I'm using Metzeler Z6's which are ok, but I'm sure others will suggest other brands

Difficult to say, but probably a little of all 3... The std tyres are adequate, but nothing like a good set of Bridgestones, Pirelli etc.

Firstly, make sure your tyre pressures are correct. Then look at the preload F&R.

i don't know about the newer sv's but the stock tyre's they used to fit were about as much use as a chocolate teapot.

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by Micky26

Its the first time ive really pushed the bike near to what I would consider my and/or its limits. I couldnt help notice that under heavy breaking the rear was squirming like crazy and didnt inspire much confidence through the corners.

The way that is written makes it sound like you are braking in the corners? Are you?

Originally Posted by Micky26

The front feels as if it's constantly 'hunting' for grip through tight/quick bends and doesnt feel stable.

Related to the above? You should be on the throttle through bends. Neutral to slight power until you see the exit and then open it up. This puts the weight transfer to the back wheel and the front should feel ok.

Originally Posted by Micky26

I just cant seem to get the levels of grip I expected from it even when the tyres are plenty warm enough and therefore cant carry the speed through the corners that id like.

1 - Lacking in confidence/experience and probably the bike can be pushed even harder and cope perfectly well.

2 - Stupidly expecting to have supersport handling from a sports tourer which costs just £4.5k new.

or 3 - Suffering because of the basic 'all rounder' tyres which the SV has as standard and would benefit hugely from a decent set of rubber.

Would really appreciate any input from the forum on anything I can do or change with regards to me or the bike to help me improve.

Many Thanks

Mike

Could be all three or none of the above. Hard to say without seeing you ride.

Hey Luckypants,

Nope no 'death-wish' style breaking through the corners. The rear was squirming when braking hard in a straight line to scrub off some speed before the corners. I know thats normal if you brake excessively using the rear but I expected to be able to brake a lot harder before worrying about the rear stepping out. Thanks for the tips though, i'll make sure im not closing the throttle completely through the bends.

Soulkiss - I am under no illusion that an Exige will stink me through the twisites. But the blueflame can with no baffles wins the sound contest by quite some way!

Just looking for any tips regarding suspension/ tyres / riding which might help me eek a little more cornering performance out of me and the bike.

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by Micky26

Soulkiss - I am under no illusion that an Exige will stink me through the twisites. But the blueflame can with no baffles wins the sound contest by quite some way!

Indeed it will

So where is your mates Hairdressing Shop btw

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Micky26

This is my first 'big' bike and im well aware of my limited experience/ability but I am a bit worried that I may have found the limits of the bike in its standard guise already.

You havent, I never did in 2 years and nearly 20K worth of riding, and I'd imagine theres plenty of better riders than me that havent either.

Theres nowt wrong with the SV in standard guise. Get some more training and practise and learn to ride it better.

IMHO

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

You havent, I never did in 2 years and nearly 20K worth of riding, and I'd imagine theres plenty of better riders than me that havent either.

Theres nowt wrong with the SV in standard guise. Get some more training and practise and learn to ride it better.

IMHO

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