As recommended by various users on SVrider forum, I purchased motoSlider's Frame Sliders for Suzuki SV650 motorcycles. The installation was straight forward and very easy once the tools are acquired -- the deep socket 19mm which is not common in my tool box. My initial concern was holding up the engine when removing the stock bolt -- which was not a concern.
We simply unbolted the stock engine mount bolt on the right side of the motorcycle and concurrently removed the stock engine mount bolt while installing the frame sliders. Less than 20 minutes of work; albiet, more pre-planning to stage the tools.
Since I ride practically everyday, which is easy thanks to Hawaii's year round riding weather, safety is my main concern. I'm more of a function over form guy--see my Virago. One of the safety equipment suggested were a headlight modulator (legal by federal law) and a brakelight modulator. I purchased both modulators from Kisan Technologies immediately based on my positive usage of their products (pathBlazer and vectraLight on the Virago). The pathBlazer, aka headlight modulator, was very easy to install and took no more than 15 minutes. The tailBlazer, aka brakelight modulator, took some effort to splice into the brake wire, extending the wire and routing to an optimal location of the tailBlazer underneath the passenger seat.
I dropped the front 12/32" by raising the forks via triples. Very easy modification to perform and I felt I earned better handling--or what seems to be a similar response to my Virago. I needed help from my brother to ensure the motorcycle did not tip over.
Using the side stand and bricks between the rear tire, we jacked the front end via a floor jack underneath the engine (?) to provide a support structure prior to loosening the front fork upper and lower clamps (12mm?). We loosen the upper clamp bolts (2 bolts), followed by the lower clamp bolts (4 bolts). Then, we slowly lowered the floor jack to raise the fork ~ 12/32". After verifying both left and right side tubes were even, the upper and lower clamp bolts were re-tightened and torqued to 16.5 lb-ft or 198 lb-in.
I dropped my motorcycle infront of my friends and cousins after a horrible lost during the University of Hawaii Warriors versus Fresno State University Bulldogs football game at Aloha Stadium; albiet, the tailgating was hella fun! The problem was my low speed skills on a much taller bike combined with a small grade and my inexperience with the location of the pegs on a standard motorcycle (directly below, hence, It got in the way). Due to this embarrasing situation (no major damage), I decided I need to lower the motorcycle alittle due to me searching for a proper footing with my lack of skills of manuevering a much taller and heavier motorcycle than my very forgiving 2003 Yamaha Virago.
I shaved the seats by removing the foam from the base vice from the top portion of the foam. This allowed me to retain the relatively smooth shape of the seat. I simply followed various instructions from various websites. Overall, I felt I'm 1.5" closer to the ground. Tools required was the 12mm(?) and 10mm(?) allen wrench to remove the seat and covers, respectively, a power staple gun with T50 1/4" staples and adhesive (3M general adhesive).
Very easy modification and quite forgiving. By the way, I'm a vertically challenged individual and I wanted more confident, eventhough I been riding almost daily for 3 years with very small beginner's cruiser.
I was surprised to find the front turn signal lamps are not daytime running lamps (DRL) (ie, only one filment element in the light bulb). Hence, I purchased a tail light converter from Checkers in Waipahu and went through the trials and tribulations of installing a feature that should have been designed and incorporated from the factory.
Anyway, the tail light converter I purchased is normally used for trailers; note using a relay could have easily achieved the conversion of the front turn signal lamps to DRL. Input is left, right, ground, brake and tail light. The output is left, right, ground and tail light. The output tail light confused the hell of me and the packaging did not include the electrical schematics.
Otherwise, after a few trial and errors, including replacing the 30A fuse due to a short circuit during meter checks and running wires to locate the tail light converter unit underneat the driver's seat, conversion for DRL was executed fabulous and my brother tells me the lights are really noticable.
The final installation schematic
For the input:
Left input signal spliced in series to the left signal at the headlight housing
Right input signal spliced in series to the left signal at the headlight housing
Ground is spliced to rear tail light ground
Tail light and brake is spliced to rear running lamp signal
For the output:
Left output signal spliced in series to the left signal at the headlight housing
Right output signal spliced in series to the left signal at the headlight housing
Ground is connected directly to the battery negative terminal
Tail light output signal is not connected
The key was connecting the tail light converter input brake and tail light signal. However, the turn signals now flash faster than stock.
My second motorcycle, a 2003 Suzuki SV650 (Naked) motorcycle purchased 05 October 2009. Quite a contrast from my first motorcycle, a 2003 Yamaha Virago. Otherwise, the motorcycle is in great condition with only 4300 miles and ridden by an older military guy from Mililani Mauka who's main ride is a cruiser--hence, the lack of miles.
Modifications included with the bike were a OEM Suzuki Gel-seat, and a color-matched Givi fairing/windscreen. Services by Pflueger Honda / Yamaha Motorcycles
in Waipahu, where I regularily took my Virago for tire replacements and safety check.
I had to pay the late fee registration fee, but the safety check is up to date and due in March 2010. I easily transfered my base decal from the cruiser to the standard thanks to me being a civilian and the motorcycle not being a sports bike.
Otherwise, I'm glad I waited to find and purchase this bike since SV650's are rare on the island and when they are available at or near blue book on Craigslist, they are sold within 24 hours.
Purpose of this blog is simply to document modifications performed, opinions of motorcycling and anything regarding my love of 2-wheels.
This is my second motorcycle, a 2003 Suzuki SV650 (naked), which is an upgrade from my previous and ridden everywhere motorcycle, a 2003 Yamaha Virago. As with my first ride, this SV650 will be ridden everywhere thanks to the all season weather for riding on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.
