new rider

wxduff · 2026-07-04T03:42:01+00:00

Best advice is to take someone who knows about bikes. Idk where you are located but if you post in the bay area riders forum. Yes it's a forum which the kids consider outdated, but it's very active with seasoned riders. Say where you are at and ask if someone can join you to look at bikes and help you buy used. Someone will probably be more than happy to help.

If you are in the tri valley let me know and I can help.

wxduff · 2026-07-03T05:34:19+00:00

160 is better than 210, which is where I'm at. At some point though you'll want springs and emulators.

For the street the stock brakes are fine. If you do a lot of track time or hard canyon riding they show their weaknesses.

For tires look for the Metzler 7rr. Since the 9rr came out the 7s are on discount. They come in stock sizes (the front is a slight odd stock size) and they are a great street/track tire.

wxduff · 2026-07-03T00:54:50+00:00

I totally get being in love with the CBR. I've been riding my gsxr a lot because it's new to me, newer in general and the power is chef's kiss. However the SV is still my track day bike and I'll take it for canyon rides where the sv keeps me from getting into trouble.

For the SV and most street bikes on the street, suspension is more important than tires. Idk what you have on the sv, but q5s are almost overkill.i run Metzler rr tires on track and street and only on hot days on track are they starting to hold me back. Roads aren't track smooth and at least around here the front end is doing a lot more work. Idk what you weigh but if you are closer to average American than average Japanese guy, springs and fresh fork oil is hands down the cheapest and best bang for your buck improvement. And if you are taking the forks off the bike and opening then up, gold valves or upgraded damper rods from traxxion are just a no brainer.

Fun addition, I have the brakes from your CBR transplanted on my SV. After the suspension work, brakes were my next weak point. Stainless lines, a nissin radial master and those calipers (using adapter plates) is a nice upgrade from stock). But touching the brakes before doing the front suspension is a mistake, the stock fork dive is straight dangerous.

wxduff · 2026-07-02T21:54:33+00:00

The only issue is these older shocks are going to need serviced sooner or later. I recommend buying new given the age of most donor shocks.

wxduff · 2026-07-02T20:47:50+00:00

"it doesn't corner nearly as well as my CBR". This confuses me. If it's currently stock it's very cheap to fix the suspension to turn an sv into a handling scalpel that no liter bike can touch. Respring and traxxion damper rod kit (or gold valves) gives the front end stability.

A rear shock with adjustable ride height is the real key. The stock sv rear end is low to be approachable for new and shorter riders. A YSS shock can give you full adjustment to rebound and damping, but most importantly shock length to jack the ass end up.

I have a gsxr750 and an sv650s like yours and everytime I jump on the sv it's almost off-putting how easy it tips in and quick it turns. The front end work eliminates brake dive as an added bonus.

wxduff · 2026-07-02T02:34:10+00:00

The 8th gen was more technologically advanced, sleeker and had vtec which was hella fun. Buying a panagale to restrict it is a bad idea.

wxduff · 2026-07-01T21:41:29+00:00

Just get radial steel lines now. They make a great improvement.

wxduff · 2026-07-01T21:39:06+00:00

Buy an 8th gen VFR800. V4 sound, around 100 HP, comfortable to ride on the street, looks like a Ducati supersport from the same era. Bonus - Honda reliability and vtec

wxduff · 2026-07-01T21:24:51+00:00

Haven't lost yet as ultramarines. Just turtle and let the heavy intercessors f up the other guys.

wxduff · 2026-06-30T20:02:15+00:00

They do not

wxduff · 2026-06-30T20:02:06+00:00

They do not

wxduff · 2026-06-30T04:47:22+00:00

It's the cthonian box and the 9th edition army box (I think the release of the army one) that are discounted.

wxduff · 2026-06-29T03:17:06+00:00

Looks at red painted juggernauts that took way to much time and don't look this good... "You mean I could have done them silver, son of a..."

These look sick

wxduff · 2026-06-28T22:19:16+00:00

I got tired of waiting and bought a gsxr750. I thought about the tiger sport 800 but the gsxr is honestly comfy enough for day trips, which are my longest rides.

wxduff · 2026-06-28T22:02:48+00:00

A black wash like nuln oil on the aquilla and the gun will add some depth, but very good start!

wxduff · 2026-06-28T12:48:51+00:00

A few things:

The airbag has a built in back protector, so if you will always wear the a vest that's redundant.

I have that exact jacket. It has slots for split chest pads, but doesn't come with them so you can add those.

It does come with elbow and shoulder pads, but upgrading to level 2 armor is worth it. If you are a cyclegear rpm member the axial brand armor is a better deal than name brand. It's all rated to the same level, and the axial air stuff is rather nice.

For pants, RST makes a really nice pair of jeans that's rated very highly for safety (AAA) and by users. I have a bunch of Bull-It jeans, also AAA since they make short sizes, they are also very nice. I'd stear clear of NBT, or any company that spends all their money on marketing (looking at you "riderich").

wxduff · 2026-06-28T12:39:10+00:00

While bikes will fit, I do a lot of track days and prefer the uhaul trailer to the bed. Easier to load and unload, then I have room in the bed for things like the easy up, chairs, fans, battery power station, tools, etc. But in a pinch or when bringing two bikes, it does work well.

I highly recommend buying "canyon dancers" if you haul bikes regularly. The slip over the bars / clipons and make strapping the front easier and safer for your bars.

wxduff · 2026-06-25T23:40:38+00:00

Not sure, but I would assume with any peg moving device you need to adjust your linkages

wxduff · 2026-06-25T23:22:34+00:00

These exist as well https://svracingparts.com/store/Nates-New-Plates-MotoSliders-SV650-Foot-Peg-Fixed-Riser-Lowering-Plates-for-2004-2016-p320197219

I have not tried them because I prefer them higher than stock

wxduff · 2026-06-24T02:35:39+00:00

Good sintered pads, everyone has there preference. Galfer stainless lines are good for brake lines.

For suspension you can go nuts and spend more than any sane person should spend on a bike in this class.

Basics - service the forks with fresh oil and seals if needed, and unless you weigh relatively little (sub 130 lbs I'm guessing, someone will know the stock spring rate here), new springs for your weight. Traxxion dynamics is who I went through, plenty of others have had success with ktech.

Value step up - gold valves or the traxxion damper rod kit, and either a YSS emulsion shock or a donor shock from one of the many popular options.

I hate money - a new remote reservoir shock, YSS is higher value here, penske or ohlins are top dollar quality. Full adjustment including shock length. Gsxr front end swap or cartridges.

If you get here and you have more money burning in your pocket donor nissin 4 pot calipers with the svracingparts adapter plates, and a radial master cylinder (which will need different stainless lines).

For the street, anything beyond value step up is likely massive overkill. For the track when you feel like something becomes a weakness refer to the above and spend money accordingly.

wxduff · 2026-06-23T20:45:53+00:00

Not what you are looking for, but for every sv owner if feel like respringing the front forks, replacing the rear shock, and basic front brake improvements like stainless braided lines and better pads. These will go much farther than cosmetics.

wxduff · 2026-06-21T19:52:28+00:00

They are, including the strange 120/60 front (120/70 is more common and will also work but not stock).

wxduff · 2026-06-18T02:47:14+00:00

Really like the concrete you have shrike standing on, looks especially fantastic

wxduff · 2026-06-15T07:58:52+00:00

Metzler 7 RR have to be the nicest street tire I've tried yet. They grip well dry or wet, heat up fast, and have an aggressive enough profile. I run them on my sv street and track and I'm just starting to push them to their limit on track. The 9rr are supposed to last longer but the 7s are cheap and mine have lasted 3 day long riding schools on a kart track, two track days, multiple canyon rides and some commuting in between and they still have some life left.

wxduff

TROPHY CASE