Hey all!

Good evening everyone! I'm new to these forums, and im expecting to do my full test in the summer after my 2nd year uni exams are over, then get an SV650s (guy at uni has one, with a loud can on it - disrupts the lecture every thursday, but i dont mind!)

Can anyone tell me anything usefull about owning an SV650? Heres a few things i really need to know:

--> Usefull mods to make (loud can already down, and crash mushrooms!)

--> What to really protect during winter (i'll be using it all year round)

--> Recommended tyres (i was thinking bridgestones, my dad is a fan)

--> Reliability

Thanks for any replies. Just to defend myself: although not a biker in the true sense (i dont have anything to ride) ive been brought up on bikes. My old man has a GSX-R 600, which if i could afford i would buy off him. I havnt even considered buying a car - whats the point of spending all that money to get stuck in traffic, or boil off on a hot summers day? And the only thing i want out of life (apart from my girlfreind and a 1st class degree) is a bike. Preferably an MV augusta but right now an SV will do!

Matt

[northwind]

I'd say invest in a tin of ACF-50, it's the business for winter bikes. I'd definately recommend Metzeler Roadtecs myself, all the tyre you really need for the road and they last really well. The various Michelin Pilots all have a superior rep too.

Chewy's stainless bolt kit is a good buy for a winter bike too. And for useful mods, get some heated grips! Lovely. Also, for a winter bike, check out the "winter problems" thread that's going on just now to read about Fender Extenders and the alternatives. And if it's not already got upgraded bulbs I'd make that a priority, Silverstars or similiar.

[fizzwheel]

Hi and welcome

As well as what Northwind suggests if i was you I would think about

A hugger, it keeps the rubbish off the shock and rear off the bike

I found that a double bubble screen really improved things especially if I am doing motorway / dual carriageway work, it really does save the strain on your neck

A scotoiler IMHO is a useful addition and certainly saves on the drudge that is lubing your chain it'll also extend the life of your chain to which will save you money in the long run

If you cant get ACF-50 then Scoitler FS365 is good also a liberal coating of WD40 / grease is recommended by some peeps on here. Personally I coat mine with WD40 and FS365, the downside with the FS365 is that you have to apply it regularly especially if its been raining as its water soluable.

Front forks seem to suffer from pitting again a coat of grease or some vaseline has been recommended before, not done this myself though.

As for tyres, I've had two sets of Bridgestone 020's and also a front 010 with an 020 rear, I really liked these at the time, however since I fitted a set of Metzler Z6's I think that these are the way to go, I prefer the Metzlers over the bridgestones, they for me give better feel and grip, especially in the wet. Alot of people have had similar feedback on the Continental Road Attacks, but I havent tried these so its not fair of me to comment on them.

HTH

thanks alot you two, thats a great help. Im a while off getting the bike yet, but i want these things planned out so i can get the money together and get the really important things first.

Heated grips are a very good suggestion, perhaps that way i wouldnt have to use vey bulky winter gloves.

Has anyone taken up any advanced training in the UK? If so, who with? Im not expecting to be a valentino rossi when i pass my initial test, but i do want to attain a certain amount of skill!

Matt