Hello, I come here with the full intention of participating in some track days ASAP! I recently moved from Denver CO to Grand Rapids MI and quickly learned that the riding opportunities took a very very serious hit in the process. Typical rides: I have only been riding for 4 years and just hit 30 years of age and I have owned two bikes, a Triumph Tiger and BMW GS adventure. I recently sold the GS because its bloody expensive and there is really nowhere around here to explore. I seek to take a hit of the track day crack pipe and have some fun and learn how to ride in another venue. Which brings me to the bike. This is where I need some advice / help. As of right now I am very interested in an SV650. New or used is a question. A new one can be had for $5300 OTD and I have found a couple nice 1st gens 17k miles for $3K+\-. Nice but to far away. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177272 A little closer to home and quite clean : http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/760076/Main/760076/ I like the SV because I think it can serve other duties than just track days. Day to day commuting or just to get out on a 300 mile ride to nowhere on a Saturday. Any thoughts on the two used above? Is an SV a good place to not only start but to stay with for a good period of time? $$$ is limited so I can?t just buy another bike in 6 months after getting an SV Any other thoughts in general? Thank you! Great site! Looks like a great organization and I can?t wait to get involved!
If I lived in Grand Rapids I would deffinately find a track only bike . That close to Gratten you might as well . Have fun .
The sun will rise, winter will eventually become spring, and you will crash at the racetrack. Three undeniable truths. Truth #4? Street bikes are really expensive to make pretty again after a crash. It would be a great idea to have a track-only bike. An SV would be a great choice. Getting one that was race-prepped with a shock, fork work, ect. would be ideal, and you're buget thinking is right in the ballpark of what an average used SV racebike would cost. Try the classifieds on the CCS and WERA boards. Stick with a first-gen. The injected ones have fragile crankshafts.
I'm with K3 get a track prepped first gen. Stay away from bling and look for suspention upgrades. Check out svrider.com
hey, i'm in grand rapids. with grattan and gingerman so close and with so many stt dates...get a track bike. like they said, get one that's already track prepped. if you need some help, pm me for my cell and i'll help you. i have lots of contacts with wera racers and the locals.
Jig, If Pawk doesn't contact you, it's prolly because of that avatar. Still cracks me up every time. :lol:
Thanks for all the replies. I can understand the logic for a track only bike. However, at this point I cannot see living without a streetbike. I love the wandering in the country all day rides too much. And at this point I cannot afford two bikes. Not to mention, I can only afford 4 or 5 events this coming season... I ended up with a absolutely spotless 1st gen SV650 naked w/ the front suspension already seen too. Many other goodies with some being helpful for the track and many not. I'm happy and looking forward to some track time. Which would be better for the first time? Grattan, or Gingerman? I rode by Grattan and it looks really fun. Thanks again.
GingerMan is pretty straightforward. Grattan is just Sick! Intimidating & Challenging, but Satisfying. These might help you decide: http://media.putfile.com/GingerMan-136sec-lap http://media.putfile.com/Grattan-Raceway-Clockwise-132sec-lap This is the normal direction. http://media.putfile.com/Grattan-Raceway-Counterclockwise-137sec-lap We only go this way a couple times a year, unfortunately.
Congratulations. We'll be looking for you at the Michigan tracks. Check into a racing shock. It will be well worth the money. Suzuki was trying to keep the SV's price low, but it's become painfully obvious that the SV's stock shock is probably the least appropriate piece (of shit) on the entire bike. In fact, it may be the worst stock shock supplied on any seriously sporting motorcycle currently being sold. Additionally, the engineers at Suzuki designed a magnificent chassis and suspension for the SV, then some idiot from marketing decided that the bike needed a lower seat height to appeal to smaller guys and women. So to accomplish this, they shortened up the shock and thoroughly pooched the handling. With an aftermarket race shock that has adjustable shock length, you can jack the rear ride height back into the sweet zone as its designers intended. What? You thought you weren't going to be spending money faster than you earn it? It was your decision to "Take a hit off the crackday pipe." Welcome to the club, and pass that thing over here, ya freekin' Bogart!
:twisted: LOL Atleast let a brother make believe until I actually take a hit... RE: shock. I have been researching the 636 shock, apparently it fits well on the SV.
Wow, thanks for the vids. That really helps. Grattan CW - Since the camera is mounted so low on the bike it makes it seem like many of the corners are blind... Turns 2-5 look fun. up - down - left - right.... :shock:
Check out www.chrisonwiler.com. I wrote that book. It will entertain the hell out of you, and a good portion is set at Grattan.