sv front end feeling a bit soft - SV650.org

01-06-11, 08:21 PM

Ive had my sv for about 8 months now im getting quite used to it but im finding the front end a bit soft an unplanted.
its a 2001 svs standard asfar as im aware possibly looking for some uprated springs.
any sugestions?
cheers
Ben

andrewsmith · 01-06-11, 08:46 PM

How much history do you have on the bike?
There is a good chance it needs a refresh (new fork oil and seals)
Also how much do you weigh?

TamSV · 01-06-11, 09:02 PM

New oil makes a difference if it hasn't been changed for a while and it's a pretty good bang for your buck. If the seals aren't leaking I'd leave them be TBH.

I changed the oil on my standard SV and noticed an improvement. Then I got Hagon progressive springs and got a further improvement - again good value for money in terms of improvement vs cost/difficulty. The "clonk" is still there but the front is much better behaved and I'd say it's plenty good enough for commuting and for a bit more spirited work. Some favour linear springs over progressive but I've not tried that so can't really comment.

The cheapo Harley emulators with linear springs get a good write up on SVR.

The GSXR front end is another step up again in performance but for more cash and alot more work.

Biker Biggles · 01-06-11, 09:03 PM

How old is the tyre,and has it got the right amount of air in it?

TamSV · 01-06-11, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biker Biggles

How old is the tyre,and has it got the right amount of air in it?

Ha, good point.

The org suspension obsession strikes again.

andrewsmith · 01-06-11, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TamSV

Ha, good point.

The org suspension fetish strikes again.

Edited for you!

yorkie_chris · 02-06-11, 11:11 AM

Nothing wrong with a bit of perversion so p*ss off!

Springs and oil are a good upgrade, so are emulator or full cartridge upgrade. Leave seals alone if they don't leak.

03-06-11, 11:09 PM

well i have tried raising the tyre pressure an lowering it to see if it made much diffrence which it didn't.
as for history i dont really have much on it at all.
the seals all seem fine no weeping.
my weigh is about 10st not alot at all which i know is part of the problem.

i think a fork oil change may be my first choice then go from there

01-06-11, 08:21 PM	#1
loonytoon Guest Posts: n/a	sv front end feeling a bit soft Ive had my sv for about 8 months now im getting quite used to it but im finding the front end a bit soft an unplanted. its a 2001 svs standard asfar as im aware possibly looking for some uprated springs. any sugestions? cheers Ben

01-06-11, 08:46 PM	#2
andrewsmith Member Mega Poster Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Just south of salad dodging country Posts: 7,750	Re: sv front end feeling a bit soft How much history do you have on the bike? There is a good chance it needs a refresh (new fork oil and seals) Also how much do you weigh? __________________ RIP Reeder 20/07/1988 - 21/03/2012. Always missed squire!!! Every year we meet old friends, gain some new ones, lose old ones and you always remember them all. “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Mahatma Gandhi

01-06-11, 09:02 PM	#3
TamSV Member Mega Poster Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Troon, Ayrshire Posts: 1,812	Re: sv front end feeling a bit soft New oil makes a difference if it hasn't been changed for a while and it's a pretty good bang for your buck. If the seals aren't leaking I'd leave them be TBH. I changed the oil on my standard SV and noticed an improvement. Then I got Hagon progressive springs and got a further improvement - again good value for money in terms of improvement vs cost/difficulty. The "clonk" is still there but the front is much better behaved and I'd say it's plenty good enough for commuting and for a bit more spirited work. Some favour linear springs over progressive but I've not tried that so can't really comment. The cheapo Harley emulators with linear springs get a good write up on SVR. The GSXR front end is another step up again in performance but for more cash and alot more work.

01-06-11, 09:03 PM	#4
Biker Biggles Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Barnet Herts Posts: 5,071	Re: sv front end feeling a bit soft How old is the tyre,and has it got the right amount of air in it? __________________ On a clear day we stand there and look further than the ordinary eye can see.

02-06-11, 11:11 AM	#7
yorkie_chris Noisy Git Mega Poster Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Halifax/Leeds Posts: 26,645	Re: sv front end feeling a bit soft Nothing wrong with a bit of perversion so p*ss off! Springs and oil are a good upgrade, so are emulator or full cartridge upgrade. Leave seals alone if they don't leak. __________________ Currently Ex Biker Now rebuilding a 63' fishing trawler as a dive boat

03-06-11, 11:09 PM	#8
loonytoon Guest Posts: n/a	Re: sv front end feeling a bit soft well i have tried raising the tyre pressure an lowering it to see if it made much diffrence which it didn't. as for history i dont really have much on it at all. the seals all seem fine no weeping. my weigh is about 10st not alot at all which i know is part of the problem. i think a fork oil change may be my first choice then go from there

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