Crikey, I got another bike (hello)

Well, the Big Day (TM) is here. And it's peeeeeing down.

As you do, I've been up for an hour already (and it's only 7.45am ) and the rain hasnt stopped. I stick on Sky Weather and the very attractive presenter only has unnatractive words for my ears. It should clear up by the start of next week. No promises, mind. That's no good to me - I need it to be dry and warm right now so I can bring my new baby home from the bike shop..

Oh well, a ride in winter jacket and waterproofs is still a ride. Especially when I would normally be working.

40 miles home in the rain. On an unfamiliar bike. Trying to remember how to look for deisel spills.

**Deep breath** Let's do it!!

Good luck

Originally Posted by phil24_7

Hi ya and welcome.

That's odd, I'm considering buying an SP-2 for a sunny sunday toy!

Oh golly, me too!!!!

Hello newbie, welcome to the forum. Why get rid of the topbox rack? I find mine very usefull...for carrying my topbox

Just don't put a top box on it!

Hello and welcome, hope you've got back with the bike ok.

When I picked up my SV it was the first time I had ridden at night, it's all an adventure. So what do you think of the little SV then?

Well, here goes. I know my opinion is of no consequence, but it'll be good for me at least to record my thoughts here and look back on them in the future to see how, if at all, they've changed.

First, when we arrived at the bike shop today, the bike was in the bike park next to the rest of the customer machines and bikes going out. The immediate thing I noticed was how much smaller, physically, it was parked next to the Blackbird and ZX-10 in the yard. Then, because it was the first time I'd seen it outside in natural daylight, the tail, tank and fairing all appear to be ever so slightly different shades of blue. Hackles suitably raised, we sought the advice of the sales guy who was dealing with other customers and he said it was a trick of the light. I'm not so sure.

ANYway - we did the deal and I got to fire her up. Sweet sounding, crisp, clean and tight. Responsive throttle and that unmistakable agricultural rattle that only twins seem to throw out. I sat at the carpark junction blipping the throttle, feeling kind of glad that there was tons of passing traffic blocking my exit. It meant that the sales guy would have gone back inside out of the rain and was not watching me to see if I could still ride a bike after months of inactivity (hey! - I'm not paranoid, everyone else just thinks I am....)

When I sat on the bike at first it was like an old sofa that you sink into, rather than sit ontop of. Instead of marking that up as another negative, I found that strangely appealing. Comforting, even. Finally, we were off and any worries I may have had evaporated within seconds as it all came flooding back. I think, because of my inactivity in the last few months, this made the SV seem pretty nippy and quick off the mark. The joys of filtering are a joy exclusive to bikers. How I've missed it! Approaching my first proper junction, I put one finger on the brake lever, pulled a tad, put two fingers on the lever and pulled some more, then three, then all four, Jeez this thing has no brakes! Then we came to a grudging halt at the line. I made a mental note to adjust my reaction time acordingly.

We decided to take the extra long way home, because the torrential rain in Edinburgh and black skies seemed to be getting left behind the further SouthEast we rode. So, the A1 South it is, me and my new pal decided in unison. I realised about 20 minutes into the journey that I was changing gear like I was driving a car, that is, by sound and/or roughly 5k revs Once I corrected that (with some embarrasment) the whole day suddenly became far more interesting. Coincidently, the sun appeared at exactly the same time as my slightly embarrassed grin and we hit 3 figures for the first time.

I got home after a 100 mile round trip, totally exhausted and with tired wrists, but feeling pretty pleased with myself. And, for me at least, that's the whole point. My first impressions of the SV are this: It's soft and soggy, has brakes that wouldn't pull a squaddie off a prosser and flat out couldn't match my SP-1 in third, BUT, for the life of me, I already love it like it's one of my offspring. I sure as heck didn't bond with any of my previous bikes so soon and so intensely. Am I weird for saying that? We went out again tonight for a little blast to sort out the in-laws' IT problem and what sould have been a 10 mile round trip turned into 40. Well, I had to check the lights out. My final thought as I put her away tonight was that I'm so glad I didn't buy the '99 Fazer I so very nearly did that was next to the SV in the showroom.



**edit** I just read that back - sorry for the rambling and well done if you got to the end

Paul

Hi welcome, love the SV, i am over 40, i pay by DD so have to pay a bit on top, last year i paid 14 a month, they have sent me a new premium (i aint claimed) and its now 22 per month... cant understand that, i am over 40, garage crime free (ish) area.... dont understand myself... spose i will have to ring them, i hate talking to them though...

Just hoping it's second hand otherwise your running in procedure leaves a little to be desired

I'll have to stop by your way for a blast next time I'm up north, my mum lives just outside of Hawick.

Originally Posted by Tim in Belgium

I'll have to stop by your way for a blast next time I'm up north, my mum lives just outside of Hawick.

Yeah, T - that would be awesome. Hawicks only 18 miles from here.

Glad you liked it