Servicing- Standard or Performance parts?

Just in the throws of getting a few bits together to do a minorish service on the SV. I was planning on using a K & N air and oil filter and Iridium spark plugs as they supposedly offer slightly better performance over standard parts that comes at a premium.

But after reading other threads with problems like the K & N air filter causing the bike to run lean and the need for dyno jetting or the spark plugs not really offering any benefits I was wondering whether it was worth the extra expense and hassle and just go for the cheaper standard parts, so what's you guys thoughts on this?

Also if I did go for the performance parts, specifically the air filter, and the bike then ran lean, how easy is it to rectify that?

AFIAK the main advantage of a k&n air filter is that it's washable so can be cleaned and retained at service time as opposed to replacing.
If you do enough miles to justify the cost of a k&n then it could be worth it. If not I'd just get OEM.
As for other parts it's your choice but if there was a significant difference in price I wouldn't spend the extra on 'performance' parts.

Don't know about k&n filter causing running problems...

Reference iridium plugs

Originally Posted by Sid Squid

Stick with the standard grade whatever type you use.
The SV does not require the theoretical advantage that iridium plugs might give. Their advantage is in not fouling so readily and theoretically staying gapped correctly for longer.
Except for the possibility that they might allow slightly easier starting in marginal conditions, i.e. cold, wet, low battery etc etc, there's no benefit in them in an SV, and if your bike is maintained correctly then they won't make any difference then anyway.

Yeah that's one of the posts I'd seen that made me think if it was worth the extra money, the performance filters, plugs and oil are working out about £80 and the standard ones about £55 so £25 saving there if the performance parts make no difference.

[MJC-DEV]

Generally there's no such thing as bolt on 'performance' parts. Non-OEM parts such as Hi-FLO oil filters, chains, sprockets fair enough, but I would always use the OEM air filter for best filtration and as has been mentioned on here lots of times, some OEM parts can't be bettered or only with lots of money (brake discs, spark plug type, chain etc).

Standard parts for a standard bike and performance parts for a performance bike,so unless you have all the modifications possible on your SV just fit standard parts and save your money.

Originally Posted by MJC-DEV

Generally there's no such thing as bolt on 'performance' parts. Non-OEM parts such as Hi-FLO oil filters, chains, sprockets fair enough, but I would always use the OEM air filter for best filtration and as has been mentioned on here lots of times, some OEM parts can't be bettered or only with lots of money (brake discs, spark plug type, chain etc).

You think oem has better flitration over a aftermarket one? Why would k&n, Hi-flo, BMC filters have poorer filtration? I would like to see that test sheet.

Most oem stuff can be bettered if not all, but yes, some parts are costly, but there is loads of parts that's cheaper in the long run.

Oh and generally there is loads of bolt on performance parts out there, mountain's of the stuff, all parts that weigh lower than oem parts is a performance upgrade, like sub-frames, bolts, nuts, tyres, wheels, springs, indicators, lighter pegs, lighter handles, chain and sprockets, battery, the list could just go on and on, some are cheap and some are not. Making the bike lighter is a performance upgrade, one that is generally better then taking out more HP from the engine, mix them both together with chassis and suspension upgrades and you are getting really serious about tuning.

If you haven't done the upgrades it is a waste of money be it bolt on or mechanical.
Most of what is done to your bike is cosmetic enhancement

Originally Posted by Dicky Ticker

If you haven't done the upgrades it is a waste of money be it bolt on or mechanical.
Most of what is done to your bike is cosmetic enhancement

That kind of depends on your riding and skill level.....

[Bibio]

K&N air filter if you plan on keeping the bike for a looooong time otherwise OEM

OEM oil filter every time. cheep oil filters skimp on filter medium.