Forks or shock?

[Spyked]

I'm planning to start upgrading the suspension on my SV early next year and while it would be nice to do both ends at the same time, in reality I will have to split the expense.
So, what should be done first?

[cs363]

From what I've heard about the SV's the shock is the weakest link, so I'd start there. Depending on what direction you are thinking of going with it. it's also likely to be the most expensive part too, so always good to get that out of the way! :)

Probably worth PM'ing Robert Taylor for some prices/info - remember he doesn't just sell Ohlins, he can rebuild revalve OEM shocks too depending on your budget. he's generally acknowledged as the best in the suspenders business too, so start at the top and work back ;)

[FROSTY]

Apsolutely no question. Do the front end first.
The difference is phenominal.

[cs363]

ha ha....two posts and already it's a 50/50 split! :rofl:

Maybe we should ask which end you have been experiencing problems with?

[ManDownUnder]

Front. Steering, braking and 1/2 the load if you are one up will all benefit.

If you do a lot of two up - still the front, but the load (except under brakes) will be biased toward the rear.

Rear helps keep the power down but under load the wieght will bias to the back of the bike (putting more weight on the rear thereby partially addressng the problem anyway).

That's not to say the rear shock should be ignored, but I understand you will get a lot more Handling for your dollar by starting at the front.

[Pussy]

Unfortunately the cartridges in the SV1000 forks are sealed units, so can't be revalved, although I think the 03 model can be.
You can buy complete cartridge replacements for them... failing that it's just a re-spring and re-oil that can be done

[Robert Taylor]

I'm planning to start upgrading the suspension on my SV early next year and while it would be nice to do both ends at the same time, in reality I will have to split the expense.
So, what should be done first?

Actually Pussy is closest to providing the correct answer. The bump compliance in the rear is nothing stunning and the front is worse. There is a disturbing trend now happening where the cartridge construction is being made cheaper and short of lots of time consuming and therefore costly re-engineering those stock cartridges cannopt be reworked short of replacing them, but that is over 2k to do so.
However ditching the horrible stock progressively wound springs and fitting linear wind springs in a rate appropriate to you gives a decent bang for buck improvement. We also drain out / flush out the first fill oil and fit a much higher spec'd and wider temp range oil.

[CookMySock]

There is a disturbing trend now happening where the cartridge construction is being made cheaper and short of lots of time consuming and therefore costly re-engineering those stock cartridges cannopt be reworked short of replacing them, but that is over 2k to do so.Why are these motorcycle companies so fixated on buttering your bread Robert? It would seem on the face of it, that a couple little pistons and shims to start with would halve the problem.. maybe it would make their bikes go too fast or something?

It would be interesting to see inside the Triumph 675 suspension - I bet you haven't upgraded one of those yet. ;)


Steve

[cs363]

Actually Pussy is closest to providing the correct answer.

That can't be right!? :laugh:

[Kickaha]

It would be interesting to see inside the Triumph 675 suspension - I bet you haven't upgraded one of those yet. ;)

You'd be wrong he did the first ones racing in the country which were down in Christchurch when they first came out 2-3 years ago

[Robert Taylor]

Why are these motorcycle companies so fixated on buttering your bread Robert? It would seem on the face of it, that a couple little pistons and shims to start with would halve the problem.. maybe it would make their bikes go too fast or something?

It would be interesting to see inside the Triumph 675 suspension - I bet you haven't upgraded one of those yet. ;)


Steve

No it butters their bread because its called cost cutting. Have done plenty of 675s..........

[Robert Taylor]

You'd be wrong he did the first ones racing in the country which were down in Christchurch when they first came out 2-3 years ago

We used Traxxion stuff at that time but Id love to graft in an Ohlins 25mm cartridge kit with the shim stack midvalve, it works so much better, especially under brakes and for sidegrip.