Front end feels heavy & unstable

[AllanB]

Low for the front - factory will be 36 probably. Check under the seat or on the swingarm there will probably be a sticker with factory psi

[Murray]

The bike is all stock as far as I can tell. Definitely stock handlebars, and I'm pretty sure it hasn't been lowered.
I'll try to take it for another ride with properly inflated tyres. I didn't think 29 would be all that low, but maybe...
I think the condition of the tyres is ok, but I'll check again (also it has just been through WOF).
As for the steering bearings - seems like a feasible cause, so I'll check these again as well.
Thanks for all the input!

So any update??

[Shaun Harris]

Low for the front - factory will be 36 probably. Check under the seat or on the swingarm there will probably be a sticker with factory psi

Factory tyre pressure sticker, is only relivant if bike is still running tyres as per new relaese! Do not be fooled by it, all tyres are pretty much designed to run at different pressures by there scientist that brewed them up

[Shaun Harris]

Hi guys. I test rode an SV650 the other day and its front end felt a bit heavy when turning - and maybe even slightly unstable. When accelerating out of corners, I had a feeling that the bike wanted to move off the path it was on. It was not as horrible as it sounds, but I thought it felt worse than another SV I had been on.

Checked the tyre pressure and it was only slightly lower than recommended (29). The tyres also seemed ok (not too worn). What else might cause the bike to feel like this? Maybe the front suspension needs servicing? It did seem a bit soft, but I'm no mechanic. I don't think it's anything structural, the bike was in mint condition - except for this one issue.

Any thoughts?
Cheers.

Seriously give the stearing head bearings a good feel with the front wheel off the ground

[FJRider]

Maybe the front suspension needs servicing? It did seem a bit soft, but I'm no mechanic. I don't think it's anything structural, the bike was in mint condition - except for this one issue.

Any thoughts?
Cheers.

Check the fork seals ... anything leaking from either of them .. ???

[F5 Dave]

Or just don't buy it

[ivelramit]

Or just don't buy it

I didn't. Went back for another ride and had the same feeling on the bike (despite proper tyre pressure this time). The steering head bearings felt nice and smooth, tyre surface was good, and I didn't see any signs of leaking from the fork seals. I think we checked all the obvious suspects by now and didn't find anything. Obviously I won't buy it until I know what's wrong, and as far as I'm concerned it's now up to the owner to investigate.

On a different note, I also test rode a Street Triple and fell in love. What a bike! Wish they didn't cost twice as much as the SV...

[F5 Dave]

So buy a bucket. Slicks and you'll struggle to find a better handling experience. Then a dirt bike. Most fun with your clothes on.

Forgo the nightclubs, overseas holidays and endless drivel and tat you can spend your money on.


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