The Current State of My Bike

As of the start of Spring Break 2010.

Completed: Lowered Rear 1.25" via Dogbones

I completed the lowering of the rear with longer "dogbones". I now flat foot with my thicker sole shoes and I feel more comfortable backing up while I straddle the bike. Handling wise, more leaning required but I don't drive aggressive anyways.

Regarding the installation, not to difficult. The only problem is I had to enlarge the lowering link holes due to the coating. Otherwise, I placed the bike on the rear stands and installed layers of blanket to prevent the bike from dropping to the fenders. Unbolt the bolt & lock nut with 14 & 17 mm wrenches. You may need a small diameter extension and hammer to persuade the bolt from the shock mount. Torque is 56 ft-lb. My brother assisted me to relieve and align the new dogbones. Source: Distribution Jester

I also lowered the side stand. Note I had to bevel the tubing. In hindsight, I wish I did not "splice" the tube but cut the base of the side stand & redo the stand foundation. You will need a 3/8" hex to unbolt the side stand.

2003 Suzuki SV650 Rear Lowering Link Photo Set

In Progress: Shorten Sidestand for Lowering

I purchased a used SV650 sidestand from eBay so I can have my brother weld my shorten sidestand. I cut approximately 1" for my upcoming 1.25" dogbones and 0.75" raised triples modification to easy backing up the SV650.

Smart TRE from Adaptive Performance (pics)

I installed the simple Adaptive Performance's Smart TRE module, which "will increase horsepower, torque and throttle response in the lower gears and will eliminate the hesitation and stumble when you get off then back on the throttle it also will eliminates the top speed limiter where applicable."

My 2003 Suzuki SV650 Progress as of 25 October 2009

Modifications

• SW-MOTECH Lockable Quick Disconnect Side Carrier with GIVI Monolock adapter
• GIVI E21 Side Luggage with Gloss Silver lid
• GIVI Windscreen Universal A770 (previous owner)
• Shaved Suzuki Gel Seat (previous owner except for the shaving)
• MotoSliders Frame Sliders
• Kisan Technologies PathBlazer Headlight Modulator
• Kisan Technologies TailBlazer Brake Modulator
• Convert front stock turn signals to daytime running lamps
• SW-MOTECH handlebar barback and riser
• SW-MOTECH mirror extenders
• Suzuki Tank Bra (previous owner)
• Safety Check plate
• Vortex Swingarm Spools
• Lowered front via fork triple clamps

Immediate Plans

• Install the 1.25" rear lowering links (dogbones)
• Rise the fork risers 1/2"
• Shorten side stand (~1")
• Transfer the Kisan Technologies VectraLight from the Virago to the Suzuki

Possible future plans

• More rear running lights
• Replace stock exhaust
• SW-MOTECH Alu-rear Top Rack [to transfer my JC Whitney large trunk when I need to do some grocery shopping]

flickr Photo Set of current mods on my 2003 Suzuki SV650

SW-MOTECH Handlebar Pullback and Riser

I installed the SW-MOTECH pullback and riser on a Sunday morning. I performed little modifications to ensure enough slack for the electrical & mechanical cables and brake lines. See pictures for self-explanation of the little things I did:






I haven't ridden the bike yet, but I'll update of the feel. I definitely am seating more upright, which should relieve some pressure on my wrist.

flickr Photo Set on the SW-MOTECH Handlebar Barback and Riser

Starting Problem Troubleshooting

I been having problems starting my motorcycle. I purchased a battery tender and that helped a bit. Afterward, I started to commute everyday for approximately 12 miles roundtrip and on my fourth day, the bike could not start. The afternoon of that day, I tried charging the battery, and testing and disassembling the starter motor and relay to no avail. Since I purchased a "just in case" replacement battery from WalMart, I charged it and replaced the existing battery, and baamm! starts with no effort. Apparently, due to my short commute, the charging system does not have enough time to charge the battery. Hence, the battery tender is now installed nightly.

Workaround for Helmet Lock with Saddle Luggage

Due to the location of the Givi E21 Side Saddle bags, I could not efficiently lock my helmet to the hooks underneath the passenger seat. A workaround was to use a helmet lock extension and a clip-on keychain to allow me to lock my helmet without much effort.

NOTE: I have considered relocating the helmet lock but I did not want to hold another key (3 total for motorcycle, U-lock and SW-MOTECH quick disconnect lock).

flickr Photo Set of Helmet Lock with SW-MOTECH Side Carrier and Givi E21 Hard Luggage

SW-MOTECH Quick Disconnect Side Carrier and Givi E21 Saddle Luggages

Initially, I was planning to purchase hard luggage next year after my Europe trip and using a PacSafe LidSafe to store my gear as a stop gap. However, it took awhile to remove and store my gear in the LidSafe and I wanted to re-start hitting the gym prior to or after work. Hence, the luggage was purchased less than a week of owning this motorcycle.

One of my criteria for upgrading from the 250 Virago to a 500CC+ Standard motorcycle was side saddle and/or trunk luggage availability without much customizing. The FZ6 and SV650 was my top choices. And thanks to the great resources of Twisted Throttle, whom provides great service via their internet website and quick shipping, I installed the SW-MOTECH quick disconnect side carrier bracket and Givi E21 luggage during a work night.

Not much to say regarding the relatively straight forward installation other than:

1. I used heat shrink (material not provided) for splicing and lengthening the cable for the turn signal.
2. The license plate bracket was flipped upside down.

flickr Photo Set of SW-MOTECH Side Carrier and Givi E21 Installation

SW-MOTECH Mirror Extenders

Me coming from a cruiser, I'm used to seeing my rear without much head movement. However, since upgrading to a standard, I would need to look over my shoulder to see the rear. Thanks to the various products by SW-MOTECH, I installed their mirror extenders and now, I'm back to my old habits with the cruiser, no more looking over my shoulder. This motorcycle is turning into a touring machine, eventhough I have no intention of riding this motorcycle in another state -- loving it.

flickr SW-MOTECH mirror extenders photo set