Back on two wheels and loving it!

[avimistry]

Hi guys,

I finally got my bike, a beautiful Suzuki SV400S (some pics below). Wanted a punchy, good handling, full framed learner bike and she's living up to her reputation (well for the most part). It's the punchy part that's a little lacking, but just down low. Once up in the rev range she pulls nice and hard. Will look into doing a sprocket upgrade to gain some acceleration. And as far as the handling goes, she is light years better than the GN i did my BHS on LOL (for those of you who read my post 'Not soo experienced after all') . Let's just say, it's all come back to me like I had never put my helmet down . But on a serious note, SVs are well known for their great handling and this baby SV is no exception.

So today was my second outing on her (yesterday my first), just the two of us, and I took a little trip down to Beachlands and Maraeti Beach. Weather was good for riding, with a little cloud cover so not to cook under all the gear. There were times it seemed like I'd get some wet practice, but not just as yet. As for the ride.. well lets just say the twisties can get a little interesting . Sometimes I'd nail it, my behind on the edge of or off the seat, body out just enough to direct the bike into the turn while keeping her as upright as possible. Then other times I'd get scared, stay planted in my seat, hands stiff, and tried to lean the bike into the corner (which just didn't feel comfortable or safe). I know, I'm a noob and the last thing on my mind should be carving out the twisties, and trust me it is. I'm just talking about cornering efficiently and safely. And for the record, I took those bends below the recommended speed and within my comfort zone. But yeah, once I've built some skill and confidence I'll definitely be attending some track days to master those apexes cause nailing a corner is just soo damn addictive!

The one thing I must mention is I don't remember riding being soo tiring . I mean it is physically taxing on the body, and the Auckland cross winds don't help much. Maybe I'm just weak but from yesterday to today I am definitely getting better at it. Also, saw a lot of fellow riders, some weekend warriors and some just enjoying their alone time. And the thing that surprised me the most in these first two days is the friendliness of other riders. I'd say 90% gave a passing nod, which was really nice. From the other 10%, 5 were probably concentrating on what they were doing as it was on a curve or in traffic, and the other 5 just mind their own business. But I'd rather share the road with riders minding their own business than attention seeking squids (which I came across while driving yesterday). No gear and no concern for other road users. But that's a topic for another day.

So yeah, that was my first weekend. Thought I'd share. Keen to hear from other newbies, and perhaps meetup for a ride out sometime. Veterans as well, to show us the way of course.

Anyway, be safe out there guys.

Cheers.

Avi

[Stylo]

Glad you've had a good day on the bike Avi !

And may many more follow ...

Been pretty windy in Cant'y too, took a squirt through to Akaroa at 6.30 this morning before it started picking up

[nzspokes]

Nice bike. Pop along to Sass sometime on a Tuesday night, we have a few returning and new riders.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...highlight=sass

[avimistry]

Glad you've had a good day on the bike Avi !

And may many more follow ...

Been pretty windy in Cant'y too, took a squirt through to Akaroa at 6.30 this morning before it started picking up

Thanks. I use the Rev'it water/wind-proof over jacket and it's literally as it says, I can't feel a think. Will definitely need some sealed gloves for the winter.

[avimistry]

Nice bike. Pop along to Sass sometime on a Tuesday night, we have a few returning and new riders.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...highlight=sass

Thanks man. Had a look at the link and I'll definitely be joining you guys in the near future.

[amberzfire]

Nice bike!

[ruaphu]

On ya Avi, nice lookin bike too. Have fun, take care eh


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[mossy1200]

Nice. I didn't even know there was a SV400 model.
Did they sell it new here?

[EJK]

Nice. I didn't even know there was a SV400 model.
Did they sell it new here?

I've seen Colmans Suzuki importing those 400s frequently these days esp after LAMS law passed.

[avimistry]

Nice. I didn't even know there was a SV400 model.
Did they sell it new here?

Thanks. Purchased used from Red Baron. Jap import so full powered 400. They've got another one on the floor.

She handles damn well. Goes right where u point her. And the power, just had to learn the powerband. Accelerates hard from 8k. You'd better hang on!

[avimistry]

On ya Avi, nice lookin bike too. Have fun, take care eh

Thanks. Can't wait to get started on some aftermarket goodies. Exhaust first, maybe larger rear sprocket to fix the low down laziness, then cosmetics

[BuzzardNZ]

Thanks. Purchased used from Red Baron. Jap import so full powered 400. They've got another one on the floor.

She handles damn well. Goes right where u point her. And the power, just had to learn the powerband. Accelerates hard from 8k. You'd better hang on!

I didn't know they did a 400 either. What year is it? as it has the styling of the 1st gen SV650.

[unstuck]

What year is it? .

Im picking 1998.

[Banditbandit]

Go here ...

http://www.suzukicycles.org/SV-serie...0-SV400S.shtml

[avimistry]

Yip, 1998. All models and specs on the link above. Later models got twin front disks and sweet paint work.

The SV650 is a bored out SV400. Everythingelse is exactly the same(frame, wheels, suspension, fairings, lights, etc). The only other differences would probably be the stopping power, ECU, carb setup, and gearbox ratios.