MW bike to SV650 - Thoughts?

[keeena]

Been wrestling w/ buying an SV so figured I'd get some thoughts from folks who have experience on both. I'm a TD guy, north-east tracks only, 1:25 PB @ Loudon on a ZX6R (not fast by any stretch, but comfortable), no plans for racing but definitely want more fast.

I'm thinking about moving from the ZX6R to an SV650. I know there is tons i can learn regardless of the bike. I think the MW bike hides bad technique a bit 'cause I can compensate w/ a twist of the wrist. So to that end, I think the move would be fine. I have/had 1000cc twins on the street (incl TLR) and I like the L motor.

OTOH, i don't know how much my times will drop and how long it would take to get it back. I know its impossible to answer for sure, but I'm wondering if you experienced guys have thoughts? For instance, if I knew I could probably turn a lap w/in a few seconds right off the bat, I think i might be sold on the SV. But if the time drop is considerable due to the power differences, then I might be hesitant (as illogical as that may be).

Would it be better to learn to pickup corner speed on the SV vs. MW bike? Or am I at a point where it would be moot to switch?

I have fun on my 6, its a fantastic bike. Maybe just a grass is greener thing...and the itch of getting a new toy.

[Palm Bomb]

the SV650 is a hoot at loudon...i'd run one without a second though and you can turn some seriously fast times on them.

I think oreo's PB is a low 16....

[Chippertheripper]

If your just doing td's, what's the concern with going from 25's to, say, 28's for a bit until you figure it out?

At this point, I'd say: ride what makes ya happy.

[Mustang]

Would it be better to learn to pickup corner speed on the SV vs. MW bike? Or am I at a point where it would be moot to switch?

It's always more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. In theory, as you said, riding the SV will break you of some bad habits, as the whole-body technique will be more impt than the right wrist technique alone.

Is there a reason why you think you can't learn to pick up corner speed on your MW bike? Appropriate corner speed is impt on any bike, not just slower ones. Unless there's some mental block keeping you from progressing on your MW, I would say the desire to increase corner speed wouldn't be satiated by the SV necessarily.

That being said, you're not interested in racing...so it would not necessarily be a moot point to switch bikes. Even if it was, you're talking a different type of bike, so you have to have different expectations. Why not find somebody with an SV at your next trackday and give it a couple laps before you go selling and buying...

If your largely wanting to try something different just to try something different, and you're not gonna take a bath on your MW, then feck, go for it! I change bikes like underwear just because I get bored with them, nothing wrong with that.

[Ray-Ray]

I'd say go with the SV...But I'm sure you know my hidden agenda with this opinion....

[keeena]

Is there a reason why you think you can't learn to pick up corner speed on your MW bike?

I didn't mean to imply that I can't learn on the MW bike. Just mentioned that an SV650 may be easier to make incremental improvements. But it really doesn't matter if they were the same in that aspect.

Chip - If transplanting my bad ass skills to an SV only set me off by 3 sec, that would be nothing IMO.

And yeah, I would be taking a bath on building up the SV and it's the other reason why I'm over-analyzing this. Mustang - you got it right that some of my fun is changing up for the heck of trying something different. I've changed up lots of street bikes...maybe its just that time for my track bike.

[Mustang]

And yeah, I would be taking a bath on building up the SV and it's the other reason why I'm over-analyzing this.

Just find an already-track-prepped SV The bath I'd be worried about is on selling your current track bike.

[G21forme]

dibs on the 636

[marshdrummer]

Keeena, I can't tell you what switching from the 6 to the SV will be like, but I will tell you I LOVE tracking my SV...so much so, I retired the TL (even from Jersey!)....The SV is like a lightweight, don't worry about the throttle, TL.....so much fun!

[Ray-Ray]

dibs on the 636

Sorry Greg...I called dibs 2 months ago

[SVRACER01]

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I have a blast on my SV no matter what track I'm at.
You're right, its easy to compensate with the gas on the 6, but the SV can feel so rewarding. Especially when you catch, pass, and leave that other guy on a 6 or larger.
You're lap times will most likely suffer at first since you will have to get used to braking later, and being able to accelerate earlier and harder on the sv. But you will learn to carry more cornerspeed since you don't have 100+ HP on tap to make up for lack of it.

[KB]

Dood you know you can ride my SV anytime you want. You should have asked in jersey I would have let you rip it all afternoon.

I love my SV it has taught me to be smooth and precise. Lightweight bikes are work to go fast but very rewarding when you can make it happen. You need to put the whole lap together not just the straights where the HP will help your lap times.

Come see me at Loudon you can go rip on mine.

KB