Help with new bike please

[crazy_lady]

Just need some help from anyone who has been in a similar situation to me... I have been riding for about 17years now and seem to like the naked looking bikes, now I am getting a little older it is really taking a toll on my neck muscles when I am going over a certain speed, the wind tends to knock me around a bit. At the moment I ride a SV650 and quite like that riding style but would really like something, which would help with the windblast and not to mention better at cornering, as I tend to knock my boots off the foot pegs every now and again. I ride with my sweetheart and he has a TL1000 he has no wind issues but always lets me ride in front to set the pace. I would like to let him lead the ride without having to worry about me for once. We will be heading down to the South Island this year for a ride around and those long straights wont be to much fun with wind factor. Has anyone out there made the transition to a sports bike and how did you find the change. Maybe you know of someone who has made the change and could give me help on what bike to look at? I'm quite nervous but really want to make the leap. Cheers!!

[cowpoos]

you can get a SV650 that's got a fairing....maybe worth investigating weather you could retro fit it to your...I'm assuming here...naked one...

[Keystone19]

Well, I certainly don't have the experience that you do but have fairly recently made the transition from a naked bike to a sportsbike. One of the reasons I chose to go with the faired SV - i.e. the SV650S - was the discomfort I had with wind on the naked VTR250 that I had. Now the speeds are a little different but even so, over 120 on the naked was definitely uncomfortable.

I find the sports position and half fairing on the SV650S reduces the wind issue to virtually negligible. The body position did take a week or so to get used to because you are leaning forward more. Once the body got used to the new position it has not been a problem.

I would certainly recommend moving to a faired and screened bike to address the issues you have.

[Colapop]

That was my thought K19! The half fairing sounds like the go. I certainly noticed the difference in test riding both the TL and SV (both half fairing) aompared to a naked SV and VTR. I must be getting old too coz I used to prefer naked bikes and now half fairing seems better to me.... (wheres the zimmer frame simlie?)

[WRT]

That was my thought K19!

The Widowmaker! She's slim, but I wouldn't call her long, she's friendly so wouldn't call her hard, and as for being full of Seamen, well, probably best to ask her that?

[Colapop]

Bet she goes fast though! I know she's quick with a quip.





Contribute to the thread - no hijacking here.

[Keystone19]

The Widowmaker! She's slim, but I wouldn't call her long, she's friendly so wouldn't call her hard, and as for being full of Seamen, well, probably best to ask her that?

And you lot were all wondering where my username came from weren't you...

[pritch]

Before you change the bike check out the Givi screens. They have a range several of which might suit your purpose. Just be aware that handlebar screens can effect steering in adverse conditions.

Of course if you just want an excuse to buy a GSXR 600 or whatever, go for it.

[Sniper]

The others have said it, go for a SV650S or get adventurous and have a look at a VTR?

[CPB]

The others have said it, go for a SV650S or get adventurous and have a look at a VTR?

I believe a GSXR600 was the order of the day...Nice one!!!

[APPLE]

The others have said it, go for a SV650S or get adventurous and have a look at a VTR?

yeh mate,hav a look at the Firestorm?

[Lou Girardin]

The cheapest solution would be a screen and susp upgrade for the SV.
And keeping the balls of your feet on the pegs when cornering.

[Motig]

Yep,I'd go with Lou. Course, this could be an excuse for a new bike

[Ogri]

I also have the naked SV650 and had the same problem. I purchased a small colour matched (blue) Givi screen and man what a diffference. Looks quite cool too - I was a bit sceptical at first but it looks cool. I think it cost me about $250 but that was with a staff discount. Not sure what the "real" price would be but well worth the investment. Easy to fit too - just don't drop the headlight! I have also just put on a pair of bar risers and this has made a huge difference.

[buellbabe]

Hmmm just a thought, yrs ago I was experiencing the same kinda shoulder/neck strain. Changing the bike wasn't an option so I changed Helmet brands, problem immediately solved. I like to feel the wind around me but even on the roughest day I never get neck strain due to a bloody good helmet.