I've got my SV!!!My thoughts

[embee]

Oooooo, handbags!

yes the brakes definitely need bedding in.

Try a tin of aerosol brake cleaner, get the discs really clean, then do some specific bedding-in stops.
This guy knows his brakes, read and digest

http://www.ceramicbrakes.com/whitepa...otors_myth.htm

I'll second the tip about re-aligning the brake/clutch levers, makes a huge difference. A good guide is to have them more or less in line with your forearms as you sit naturally on the bike so you don't flex your wrists backwards to get your finges on the levers.

Mine's a K1 SVS so the seat is different, but I re-shaped the foam which again made a huge difference not only to the comfort but the sense of being "in" the bike rather than "on" it. Only need to scoop out about 1" max in a curve to get it. Less is more.

My night time trip turned jet ski when it poured down with rain and thundered and lighteneded...since I was already drenched...I decided to see if the SV does that magic one cylinder trick...after much wetness...hanging behind trucks on the M56...driving through puddles and thouroughly enjoying myself...laughing like a drain...if it ain't raining, it ain't training...the bike performed perfectly and I have total confidence in it's wet weather ability...kept it at 5000rpm too...unfortunatly...it's lost it's 'never seen rain tag' beloved of the 'real riders'after 200 miles!!!Good headlight and the eerie orange glow of the clocks is nice...Maybe i'll like the SV after all...the problem with heavy rain is you need engine braking rather than actual braking...the roads become greasy, see. Mr Dunlop is having a hard time already without asking more. It isn't a case of style or rider choice...I ride in all weathers and even Mr Rossi keeps it smooth in the wet. Not that I would compare...

Well I've had my 650K5 for 2 weeks but haven't had too much time to ride it still I've put 320 miles on it. My first impressions were that for my riding style the brakes work fine for me.
I must have a lower pain threshold as it only takes 40 miles for my bum to become numb and another 10 for pain to set in! what the best seat solution?
Keeping it to 5000rpm is difficult as i find that its just starting to make steam at this point and reallywants to fly. Today I experimentented with using the engine breaking instead of the brakes and it seemed to make me much smoother something to learn here I think.

Originally Posted by Vfr400

Well I've had my 650K5 for 2 weeks but haven't had too much time to ride it still I've put 320 miles on it. My first impressions were that for my riding style the brakes work fine for me.
I must have a lower pain threshold as it only takes 40 miles for my bum to become numb and another 10 for pain to set in! what the best seat solution?
Keeping it to 5000rpm is difficult as i find that its just starting to make steam at this point and reallywants to fly. Today I experimentented with using the engine breaking instead of the brakes and it seemed to make me much smoother something to learn here I think.

In my humble opinion - anything you do that is different to the norm will have an adverse effect on your body - I cycle from time to time and if it's been a while the seat rubs me raw (enjoy the image lol) but after a month I don't even notice 'cos my body adapts -
It's the same with the SV in another 2 weeks your a%$e will adapt and you won't notice - help this out by pulling in tight to your tank round town but slide back a bit when out on the open road/motorway, I've found that when I get it right I can feel the wind supporting my body but not slowing me down, also by lowering your body you lower the center of gravity which helps high speed manouvers.

This is only a personal preference but I tend to divide my rides into smallish chunks - home to ponderosa 50mins, ponderosa to Bala 30mins, Bala to Ffestiniog power station 45mins - ect. all the way back to home, every 20min break lets parts of my body recover and I can tackle the next section with renewed enthusiasm, microsoft autoroute helps set this type of ride up. believe me the first time I did the run (even with breaks) I was crippled - after 3 months of this type of ride out I'm fresh when I get home and sad that I didn't plan in a bit more, ready for another level maybe.

The basket - M56? you're not far from me - maybe a meet up at ponderosa for a spin round north wales sometime?

Oh DeaR...I seem to be causing arguements...although some brave souls agree with me. Permit me to throw more expensive overpriced petrol on the flames...I will take each point.
Brakes---the SV front brake does work but in a novice friendly way. I'm not comparing a SV with a GSX-R but with other £4000-£5000 bikes. Like Fazers...It could be better is all...

IAM and engine braking---Using the front brake upsets the balance of the motorcycle and can cause loss of control. Engine braking causes deacceleration in a controlled smooth manner without changing gear, clutching braking etc...If you get it right, the front brake will only be used for dead stop or that Volvo moment. Not for scrubbing off speed. It works...trust me...It also buys you time...think about the problem...In a corner too fast...ease off the throttle...too high a gear, no engine braking, tap down a gear, plenty of front brake, not good. Also IAM road positioning is spot on and at least saved me once...middle of road...red vauxhall suzuki postman pat thingy pulled out...if I was stuck in the gutter I would be wearing it's back window...swerved around it nicely...of course right gear accelerated out of danger without tap dancing...could think of problem and find solution.
I'm a motorcyclist...enthusiast, The thrill is in the skill rather than the speed thang. The SV is plenty fast...when it's run in of course...the angry chainsaw/bear with a sore head sound...