Am I shortening the life of the clutch?

Everyday on my commute to work I hit a bit of morning traffic and as I approch I leave a gap between me and the car in front so I can keep moving at a steady pace.

As I've come to learn the SV won't do under 7 mph so I've got into a habit of using the clutch for a throttle up to 7 mph. If I let out the clutch half way I'm doing 4 mph but my concern is when I'm rolling at 4 mph with half clutch and no throttle am I burning it out or doing any harm to it by slipping it for a period of time? Or is the SV happy to run at idle revs with the clutch semi-engaged?

Now for a little sub question of mine. Ever since I brought the bike brand new there seems to be a banging from the front suspension whenever I hit a pot hole or road hump at ~27 mph. The sound is like 1 pole inside of another which bang together.

It only happens when the suspension has to rapidly compress. All I need to know is this just another one of the sounds from the SV's budget front suspension or is this something that should be looked at?

Thanks a lot for reading.

I've done about 20k miles of commuting which includes slow riding with no problems at all with the clutch. As for the SV clunk its a case of "they all do that sir". Not sure if its bottoming out on compression or topping out on the rebound, you could try adjusting the pre-load on the top of the forks. Being a light weight I've had to screw mine out about three notches from the standard setting.

Yes, slipping the clutch WILL be wearing it out faster/more than not slipping it!!

If your commuting is mainly town work, I'd advise changing the sprocket ratios so that it will do the 4mph with clutch fully out! I commute on mine and have 14t front (15 is stock) and 45 rear (S rear is 44 stock). The bike is still capable of ~125mph with that ratio, and zips along at 70 quite happily too, so it is hardly much sacrifice

Oh and the forks do tend to 'knock' internally a bit yes (shouldn't worry too much if that is all it is), but its worth getting your head race bearings checked as this can provide a knocking sound too (I would address a knocking head race).

[Viney]

You have a chance to look at the speedo whilst commuting in heavy traffic!! Nutter.

No idea what speed i do. If i drag the clutch then so be it

Ace aint it that it tics over at 7mph

TBH the friction at that rpm wont be anything to call anything. Worst thing you might do is stretch the cable, but thats no biggie really!

Originally Posted by Blue_SV650S

If your commuting is mainly town work, I'd advise changing the sprocket ratios so that it will do the 4mph with clutch fully out! I commute on mine and have 14t front (15 is stock) and 45 rear (S rear is 44 stock). The bike is still capable of ~125mph with that ratio, and zips along at 70 quite happily too, so it is hardly much sacrifice

My commute is mostly 60mph back roads but there's always a spot of traffic on a section of the A1 I have to use. I could filter my way through it but I've got too much to lose then I would to gain if I was to crash. It's only for 5 or so mins that I ride the clutch at idle before I'm through it.

If I was to change the sprockets then I would opt for more top end because I already have enough power to life the front as-is with the restriction in place. I prefer to keep the front wheel firmly on the black stuff.

Originally Posted by Viney

You have a chance to look at the speedo whilst commuting in heavy traffic!! Nutter.

No idea what speed i do. If i drag the clutch then so be it

The type of traffic I'm on about is simple dual carriageway stuff and not the London type traffic.

[Biker Biggles]

I wouldnt worry about it as long as you are not doing rolling burnouts or Casy Stoner GP starts.
Little point in going for taller gearing as top is already an overdrive so you wont get any more top end speed.
The fork clunk is well known SV "character"

Originally Posted by Biker Biggles

I wouldnt worry about it as long as you are not doing rolling burnouts or Casy Stoner GP starts.
Little point in going for taller gearing as top is already an overdrive so you wont get any more top end speed.
The fork clunk is well known SV "character"

Indeed mine has been doing it from new... Budget equipment for you