Yeah, because only skilled riders have to brake hard or swerve.... :wtfru:

Just bustin' your balls - but I do disagree & think that's a common misconception. If it were a top-shelf sportbike, OK (though then it would likely be way to stiff for her) - but stock SV's and many other 'budget' bikes with (non)damping-rod forks are simply friggin' pogo-sticks. You don't have to be a high-performance rider to benefit greatly from your suspension not sucking and having better control/feel/traction - especially in an emergency maneuver. On a bike with such a poor stock setup, I consider it a mandatory safety upgrade. :yes:

yay! post # 420 for you

Since I started off on an SV and learned to ride on the dragon with same SV without suspension upgrades, I feel pretty confident that the suspension is not a necessity at this point in her learning. Heck, I am a lot heavier than her.

When I upgraded the suspension when my progress demanded a decent suspension, I liked it a lot.

It is not mandatory, but it is very nice.

I never owned the emulators for the SV, most of the people on svrider I had chats with that tried racetech springs and emus and just springs alone said it was a little better, but not significantly. If you were wanting to spend the lot, either do the gixxer swap (which has issues) or the full fork rebuild by traxxion which is the best.

I was decently quick on the SV with no emus and had no suspension worries. I had a faster time on the SV for a few months after I got the CBARRR with a fully tuned suspension. Mostly due to throttle control and learning curve.

I think you are thinking too much of the sport aspect of it instead of just every day use. A lot of bikes have much worse suspension than the SV and will never know sport suspension that a lot of beginners ride and learn on. DS bikes setup for off road/crusiers/etc...

If I were to recommend one sport upgrade for the SV I would do before suspension, it would definitely be a steering damper.

that pic is of a 1k ;)


But yeah, they make the chin fairing for the 650 as well.

I would get rid of the front and just have one or two small headlights with a Koso aftermarket gauge.


http://www.google.com/products?clien...ed=0CBYQzAMwAg


Check out this guys SV. http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=72996

I owned a severely undersprung bike (ninja 250) and a majorly over sprung bike (currently GSXr) and re-valving/rear shock made a HUGE difference on both. Bike just starts to feel like it isn't fighting you all the time. cornering is much more controlled. If you have the money I would set the suspension up. Best mods I have made (thanks Kerry)

Good find Ranger! I wanted to eventually change the front end and get rid of that awful big ass speedo. For now, I want to enjoy some windprotection.

You guys are all so resourceful and full of good ideas. :)

The nice man at Sargent Cycles have me a nice discount on my seat. I love Sargent.

Serious? I put almost 52K on my SVS, and never felt like it needed a damper. It doesn't have a really aggressive rake & trail like a 600 or something.

Compared to the useless mods most people buy, $300 for suspension is well-spent. It's better than buying an exhaust IMO.

You don't need suspension. I promise.