Total suspension Change

[northwind]

Oh aye, mine's a mare to insure but you don't have to go mad like I did, forks and shock doesn't weight premiums much.

Originally Posted by Blue_SV650S

but at the end of the day the headstock is set at a certain angle ... the swingarm is positioned/bolted to the frame where it is ... the swingarm is a certain length ... the engine is where it is etc etc ... there is only so much you can do without cutting it up

Don't go giving Northwind any more ideas, Blue!

Originally Posted by northwind

Oh aye, mine's a mare to insure but you don't have to go mad like I did, forks and shock doesn't weight premiums much.

Yep. My insurers were okay with it, so long as I didn't put a GSX-R front end on it. No increase in premium for me for declaring a nitron shock and new fork internals. Admittedly, this was at renewal, so they might have just been trying to retain my custom- I'm sure if I rang up half way through the year they'd try to sting me for a £20 "admin fee", if not another £50 or so for the modification. Even so, this was the main reason for me ruling out a GSX-R front end. I also strongly suspect (although time will tell), that when it comes to sell the £300 fork internals in a couple of years time, I'll get about £200 of that back, much like the rear shock.

This makes me giggle a tad.

So just because the SV650 costs £4k new..why shouldnt it have quality suspension such as an Ohlins fitted?. People spend out on exhausts, front ends, fairing lowers @ £400, screens, rearsets etc etc..so why not a shock?. The SV's chassis is one of the best around. Having had a champion from the big class ride my bike at Snett Friday he declared it was perfection..and also declared as a road bike it would be awesome!. Ok so forgiving the £ i have spent on it..if you can get close..why bloody not!

Your seriously kidding yourself if you think that just because its a £4k road bike it isnt worth it.

IMHO having ridden many makes of bike in varying guises good top quality suspension for the road is just as important as the track. Why spend £4k on a bike, then say £300 on an exhaust...£400 on lowers..some sticky tyres and then scrimp on the most important part of the riding experience.

Maybe i have been spoilt having ridden very well setup bikes over the years. Or maybe its given me the experience i require to say, yes it is worth it.

Ok i have the money to spend on it. TBH i reckon thats far better grin factor too having something like a new SV on the road with top notch suspenders..than wacking out equivilant £ for a 6 year old in line four 600.

Originally Posted by SV650Racer

This makes me giggle a tad.

So just because the SV650 costs £4k new..why shouldnt it have quality suspension such as an Ohlins fitted?. People spend out on exhausts, front ends, fairing lowers @ £400, screens, rearsets etc etc..so why not a shock?. The SV's chassis is one of the best around. Having had a champion from the big class ride my bike at Snett Friday he declared it was perfection..and also declared as a road bike it would be awesome!. Ok so forgiving the £ i have spent on it..if you can get close..why bloody not!

Your seriously kidding yourself if you think that just because its a £4k road bike it isnt worth it.

IMHO having ridden many makes of bike in varying guises good top quality suspension for the road is just as important as the track. Why spend £4k on a bike, then say £300 on an exhaust...£400 on lowers..some sticky tyres and then scrimp on the most important part of the riding experience.

Maybe i have been spoilt having ridden very well setup bikes over the years. Or maybe its given me the experience i require to say, yes it is worth it.

Ok i have the money to spend on it. TBH i reckon thats far better grin factor too having something like a new SV on the road with top notch suspenders..than wacking out equivilant £ for a 6 year old in line four 600.

I agree - the bike has plenty of power, and the chassis is brilliant. The fact novices and experianced riders can have fun on it shows this. Hoever, the suspension is basic, and upgrading it is an excellent idea. Next year, when I get the restrictors out, I'll upgrade my suspension. The rear shock is probably very tired now, and the front is just way too soft!

Matt