Need advice on SV's

[Fast4fun]

I'm looking to get back into racing and I'm set on getting an SV650. Are there differences in the models that make one better than another on the track? I notice that it is harder to get bodywork for pre 03 models. Is it better to get the older, carbureted or the newer and fuel injected model? What will need to be changed immediately and what can wait for next season when I'll hopefully have more free cash flow? What other considerations am I missing? Your advice is needed to make this happen asap. Thanks

[Protein Filled]

The 03's and newer make a bit more power and handle a bit better, but from what I hear, it seems that they are a bit less reliable.

First thing you need to change regardless of the year, is the suspension. You need to upgrade the forks, by either installing Race Tech valving or a Traxxion AK20 kit, and buy a rear shock.

I highly recommend buying one that is all setup instead of going through the expense of buying all new.

[Fat_Nate]

+1 . . .

I bought a race-ready '01 last year.  Stock motor, airbox with some kind of scoop/ram-air thing, Penske rear shock and Race Tech forks.  It was competitive.  I went to GMD and got the forks redone earlier this year -- the bike is even better now.  Keeps pace with new SVs and DS1000s, leaves the Buells behind.

[gpstar1]

I would try and find a Pre 03 Sv. The motors in the newer ones are not really reliable under race conditions. I would make sure the bike is race ready, they usually are. Also find out the hisory on the bike. Make sure the thing wasn't wrecked too hard. I have a 2000 Sv superbike and I love it!

[PJ]

leaves the Buells behind.

Whatever. Who have you raced?  ::)

[Fat_Nate]

The SVs had the Buells covered at Daytona -- at least, that was the case in the races I was in.  I thought they would dominate at a horsepower track?

[PJ]

The SVs had the Buells covered at Daytona -- at least, that was the case in the races I was in.

Umm. Like in Thunderbike, where you finished 2nd to a Buell?

Seriously, congrats on what looked like an excellent Daytona race weekend for you. But a quick scan of the AM results sure looked like the SVs and Buells were similarly competitive at Daytona.

I thought they would dominate at a horsepower track?

Rider skill and set up have a lot more to do with race wins than HP. Honestly, do you think you were getting everything out of your bike doing, what, 2:05s? Next time you go to Daytona, you'll go faster, and it won't be because your bike is faster.

[Super_KC124]

Buells look funny and they shake alot. Kind of like their riders.  Pre 03 for sure. Brian M. will tell you different but he's the only one. ;D

[Fat_Nate]

Has someone made the mistake of taking me seriously?!  Ah, if you only knew.

Plenty of Buells have owned me and my SV plenty of times -- I was just telling the guy who started the thread that the SV seemed to have the edge from where I was sitting at Daytona, in the speedbump 2:05 seats.  Just another data point for the guy.

Besides, the Buells dominated the expert races, didn't they?  Can't argue with results.

For what it's worth, I remember I finished ahead of the same Buell the next day -- I made a gearing change, and that was it.  An SV won amateur LWSS and LWSB, too.

[PJ]

Buells look funny and they shake alot. Kind of like their riders.

No kidding. Some of us smell kinda funny too. Not naming names, but his initials are M-A-R-K B-...
 ;)

[benprobst]

Id suggest going with the 1st gen. sv, especially if your just getting back into racing and are not to interested in contingency. The 2nd gen motors had their thrust washers removed, making you rely on machining tolerances for thrust clearances. Some were super reliable but just as many, if not more were grenades, creating hot spots on the crank, warping, and siezing bearings and such. But no doubt you will need front end work and i suggest the penske over the ohlins on the rear.

[Super_KC124]

No kidding. Some of us smell kinda funny too. Not naming names, but his initials are M-A-R-K B-...
 ;)

I wasn't going to say anything about the smell. You and Barney smell like Geritol. :-*