How long will an SV last as a motorway commuter?

[northwind]

The SV'll eat that up, no probs... But it's not the idea tool, not because it'll die but just because it'll go through a lot of fuel. And it's not all that well protected either, sooner or later you'll have a long ride in evil weather and you'll wish you had a deuville or something.

If I was doing that sort of miles, I'd use the SV but I'd be tempted to upgear it, 16T front sprocket probably, just to let it cruise a little down the revs. Not because it'll wear out, but just to take the edge of its thirst.

I get around 160miles to a tank between varying between 70 and 90.

I did 155 miles riding my bike back from Yorkshire on the motorway (basically 65 all the way with occasional 3rd gear full throttle bursts!) and only could fit 10L into my tank.

The SV will love it. But you might find it a bit uncomfy after a whle, cos your a tall bloke right?

Consider maaayyybbee looking for something a bit more upright and with a good screen, like a fazer with an aftermarket screen. Also consider some sort of luggage that you dont have to carry on your back, if you have to take stuff with you. I find backpacks are really really tiring at motorway speeds

.

[embee]

As Northy says, it's what the Deauville is built for. The SV would do it fine but with all the comments as the others say, regular maintenance, chain (Scottoiler), tyres, and yes I'd second the suggestion for upping the g/box sprocket to 16T.

.............I have an SVS with a 16T sprocket, oh and a Deauville aswell.............

[dizzyblonde]

Originally Posted by northwind

If I was doing that sort of miles, I'd use the SV but I'd be tempted to upgear it, 16T front sprocket probably, just to let it cruise a little down the revs. Not because it'll wear out, but just to take the edge of its thirst.

This is what I have on the front of my black SV. I must say that compared to the standard set up on my other one, its much much more comfortable. It cruises at 90mph at 6k, very quiet, nowhere near as much vibes carried through the pegs or bars. 300 miles on the motorway on standard gearing is much more hard work than 300 miles on 16T front

In fact I've been spoilt having it like that TBH. Down side is that round twisties you have to make it work harder for you, as your up and down the gearbox more. Oh and having it with more teeth like this means it survives on petrol fumes. The fuel consumption is slightly better.

Originally Posted by TSM

cheeper to get a IL4 for the constant distance, zx6r G/J are known to return 200miles per tank

So will my SV?

[ophic]

been doing 110 mile round trip for ages, mostly down the M62. I agree the SV could do with being slightly higher geared for this, but I find it the ideal tool. Top gear all the way - but i have changed my saddle, fitted heated grips, hand guards and a taller screen. I get 55-60mpg, I frequently stray the wrong side of 90 and I do 3 legs (165 miles) between fill ups - which average about £14. Sat at 70mph the whole way I can squeeze over 200 miles from a tank. Last rear tyre did over 10,000 miles.

I think you'd be shifting gears more on a sporty IL4. I also reckon you might go through tyres quicker.

Chain maintenance is a nuisance but just one of those things.

Somehow cant see wideboy on a dullville lol! VFR with a flip screen?

[northwind]

Blackbird? No idea how they do on fuel economy but they ought to be able to cruise at 90 at about 5000rpm