Winter project: SV650 build

So I've been wanting to do some track days but the thought of possibly dropping my beloved VFR while getting aggressive on the track has prevented me from going to the track. I started looking for something that was cheap and I wouldn't mind dumping on the track. What I found is a 2002 Suzuki SV650 with 15000 miles. The guy wanted $2200 but contrary to what I was told over the phone the tires were bald, chain was done for, throttle cable was corroded, and she needed some carb work. The bike however already had clip ons, frame sliders, 180 rear wheel, two brothers exhaust, and was converted to naked. So I offered $1800 and now I'm the proud owner of a SV650.


(sorry the pics suck...it the best my 3g iphone could do) I'm a fairly handy individual but I've never really taken a bike apart on this level before so I purchased a manual got started. First upgrade was to replace the stock rear shock with one of a 2007 ZX-10R. (Sorry no pics yet of that mod) It was very straight forward...just pull off the stocker, slight cutting of the battery box, and the new shock slid right on! Next I pulled off the seat, fuel tank, and airbox so I can get at the carbs and throttle cables.


After disconnecting the throttle cables and fuel lines I removed the carburetors which was easy enough.


I decided to replace the brake pads and upgrade the fork springs to some .95 Race Tech springs with 20 wt fork oil. So obviously the front wheel has to come off.

And then the forks. This was the part where is started getting...I wouldn't call it nervous but I guess excited. I've had fuel tanks, air boxes, exhausts, ect... of my bikes before but I've never pulled the wheels, forks, or really gotten in the internals.

Finally I'm replacing the tires, chain, and sprockets. I pulled the rear tire off so I can take both the front and rear in to mount my new Michelin Pilot Road 2's mounted at the same time. So this is how she sits now except with some more support to hold her up.


As she sits in the corner of the garage I've taken the forks apart and am now waiting on a new dust seat to come in the mail.
I started to rebuild the carbs but when I opened them up they looked great. However, whomever rebuilt them before didn't seat the diaphragm properly (which would explain why the bike was running rough) so now I'm waiting on a new diaphragm also.

Once I get all the parts I can start my attempt at putting her back together! My goal is to have her on the track in Nashville by April 10th.
:cheersaf:

 

Parts come in yet? I want to take that bitch for a test spank. The sprocket swap should add to my accidental wheelie thread. SERIOUSLY.

I once heard that real men ride naked bikes...naked.:bootyshake2:

 

Well it did take me forever but I did finally get a build thread together. I ordered the diaphragm and dust seal two days ago. The brake pads are being ordered tonight and I have to send the sprocket back so that will be at least another week and a half. When I get back (I won't be home for another week) I should have all the parts to get her back together except for the rear tire and chain. Unfortunately you need those last two to actually go anywhere.

 

I will be doing this exact thing for a track bike in the next couple years. The sv is a great bike. I rode an 05 SV650 with a full fairing and a hindle full exhaust before I bought my vfr. The stock suspension wasn't as smooth and planted feeling as the vfr but that motor... my pants are getting tight thinking about it. It has a more flexible power band than anything i've ridden.

 

I'm really excited about this bike. All I've ever owned is my VFR and my belated RC51. I know the SV doesn't have the raw power but the weight difference is amazing. I can't wait to take her out on a real ride!!
:cheersaf:

 

The SV is a great machine. What tracks are you going to ride?

BZ

 

Well I'm trying to be realistic about my budget. I'm hoping on getting three or four track days at the Nashville speedway. (I live 15 minutes away). If I can afford a trip to another track it would have to be close to Nashville.

 

Well if you ever get the itch to come up to NJMP, Summit or VIR let me or betarace know as we can host people and try and do the same TD with you at those venues.

BZ