Advice please for one tempted by the V

Dear SV650s,

I have spent the last two years chugging around London and the Continent on a 2004 BMW Dakar (also 650cc but with staggeringly less power. However, for a year now I have found myself twisting my neck and chasing bikes, not to race (fool move on the Dakar) but just to keep listening to their engines. A lot of the chased bikes have been SVs....sorry if you thought I was policeman....and hence my writing today. I feel somewhat bitten by the bug .

I would be extremely grateful if you could take the time to answer a few of my probably very obvious questions below:
- I am 6'2", I understand this makes the S and Sport versions out of the question, but will the standard model fit (yes, I will test ride one too)?
- I want in on this for the sound and the mid-range, how does the stock pipe fair and what are the reasonable (I am a beggared academic ) aftermarket replacements? I am hoping not to damage the insurance premium though.
- Despite my grovelling academic status I am looking at a new bike (subject to sale of BMW and getting the 0% finance), could anyone recommend a dealer? I live in London but will travel for good service and/or a decent deal.

Thanks very much in advance, and I hope to join your clan some time soon.
Regards,
Oli

At 6'2" you may not be too tall for an 's', definately test ride or sit on both before you decide though. As for the exhaust, if you want noise - get rid of the standard can. Shouldn't have too much (if any) impact on your insurance.

Originally Posted by thewickedbadger

Dear SV650s,

I have spent the last two years chugging around London and the Continent on a 2004 BMW Dakar (also 650cc but with staggeringly less power. However, for a year now I have found myself twisting my neck and chasing bikes, not to race (fool move on the Dakar) but just to keep listening to their engines. A lot of the chased bikes have been SVs....sorry if you thought I was policeman....and hence my writing today. I feel somewhat bitten by the bug .

I would be extremely grateful if you could take the time to answer a few of my probably very obvious questions below:
- I am 6'2", I understand this makes the S and Sport versions out of the question, but will the standard model fit (yes, I will test ride one too)?
- I want in on this for the sound and the mid-range, how does the stock pipe fair and what are the reasonable (I am a beggared academic ) aftermarket replacements? I am hoping not to damage the insurance premium though.
- Despite my grovelling academic status I am looking at a new bike (subject to sale of BMW and getting the 0% finance), could anyone recommend a dealer? I live in London but will travel for good service and/or a decent deal.

Thanks very much in advance, and I hope to join your clan some time soon.
Regards,
Oli

Hiya Oli - and welcome...

to answer your questions, and please bear in mind Ive only has my SV for 6 weeks...:

Im about 6'1, and a few pies short of 17 stone - yes the riding position is a bit "wristy", but to be honest, after a few hundred miles it feels natural. If I were you, I wouldnt rule out the S or sport just because you think it mught not suit...

One of the first things I did was put on a fuel can - cost about 130 quid, removeable baffle - which has manages to find a new home under the seat, to let you enjoy the v twin noise. the best mod I have made to my bike, and only took an hour or so to fit...

I too was looking at a new bike, but a good look at the second hand market revealed some really good value buys. In the end I managed (with a bit of luck) to get a 1 owner bike, just 3 years old with a few extras for less than 2 grand - but either way, new or used its a cracking bike in my opinion.

I am sure someone with more experience will post on here with some more tips.

Oh - have a look in the for sale section on here too..

Good luck.

Billy

sv is a great bike you'll love it.

My my, if I'll fit on a 'S' why not fit on a Sport? I imagine it pushes the insurance up, and no taking the girlfriend for a ride....

Cheers,
Oli

Originally Posted by thewickedbadger

My my, if I'll fit on a 'S' why not fit on a Sport? I imagine it pushes the insurance up, and no taking the girlfriend for a ride....

Cheers,
Oli

S is the same as a sport apart from fairing lowers and a seat cowl I think - so in terms of riding position, its the same, yes.

Not sure about insurance tho - but I beleive its the same insurance group as the S...?

its the same bike.

Hello again all,

I went to Metropolis at Vauxhall on the way to work today. First up, rubbish service - don't these people want to sell bikes???

I sat on a new 650S and I have to say I think it will hurt. Maybe I would get used to it, but it's a BIG change in position from a BMW Dakar (haven't had anything like it since a TZR125 ten years ago!). I sat on an '04 SV650 standard they had outside and felt more encouraged by this. I guess test rides will tell but I'll do that somewhere other than Metropolis methinks.

Therefore I'll probably be in the market for a naked SV at the end of September, when all my current insurance ends and I am back from a bike/work trip to N Italy. As always, 2nd hand makes a lot of sense...

If there are any London members who have a local meet I'd like to come along if possible?

Thanks,
Oli

Bitten by yhe bug indeed dont they sound sooo nice my ive just bought an sv650s 54 plate for a mate of mine and its fitted with a renegade can and boy does that sound good, get a nice popping when your decelerating and changing down. svs are so nice and easy to throw around however they do make you feel like riding fast. Such is the nature of a fair sports bike if you dont want this go for the unfaired version and you will also get more comfory.

Another vote for not discounting the S from me. I'm a shade over 6'1" and 16 stone and I regularly ride long(ish) distance on mine without problems. You'll have a few aches for a few weeks till you get used to it (presumably back muscles get stronger?), but thereafter it's fine.

The London lot meet in Soho, Frith St. on a friday night from 7.00pm onwards on Fridays. I'm sure they would be more than happy to meet you in the flesh and natter about their bikes.