A little update for everyone...

[swatter555]

In likely case most of you forgot, I recently bought an SV650S as a beginner. I guess its been close to a month since I got it, but I have been taking the learning process in slow, calculated steps. First I was around my parking lot for 30 minute sessions. Then I moved up to larger business parking lots, also for about 30 minute sessions.

Riding in parking lots was a tad tricky because you are always going slow and making slow turns. It was nonetheless an important step, though I did have a standstill drop. There were only scuffs on the end of one handlebar, thank god. Heh, I knew I would drop it before I ever got the bike, but it is still suprising when it happens. The bike weighs enough that it just threw my 230 pound butt right off as it went down. Also I was suprised at how heavy the bike was when I picked it up. The first attempt ended in shock, as I realized it wouldnt be easy. The second attempt was slow and tedious, but I got it up in a few seconds.

Anyway, I am now driving around the local rodes, which almost all of them have a speed limit of 50mph. The bad thing is that I dont like to go over the speed limit, but everyone else does. I was always a safe cager and havent gotten a ticket of any kind in 10+ years. Its just a bit different on a bike, I can actually feel people as they pass me now. Dont you love the people who will go 20 over the limit to pass you up, just to see you at the next light? People in SoCal are always in such a hurry.

Had my first cager cut me off today. I saw it coming a mile away, but it was nonetheless a little suprising that I was so invisible. I had to fumble around to find the horn, but I gave her a little beep.

One thing I didnt expect, its that speed can be intoxicating. Though I always try to keep it under the limit, the temptation is ever present just to open up the throttle and let er go. I am trying hard to keep those urges in check until my skills catch up.

Safe riding everyone!

[einjun]

nice udate.

[TheReaper]

Thanks for the update Swatter.

Glad you're enjoying it.

Maybe you should consider starting your own blog. Good way to keep track of your learning process and anything else, as long as give everyone a chance to read about your exploits.

[icariz83]

Nice choice on the bike! What year did you get?
Also if you haven't already...FRAME SLIDERS!!!

[swatter555]

Its a 2005. I do have frame sliders, I need to buy some tools to put it on. I keep saying that, I just need to do it!

Also, switching gears seems a little rough, unless you do it perfectly. Does anyone else think that switching gears on the SV is a little rough? Ive driven a manual transmission in my car for years, do cycles just not shift as smoothly?

[DustyJacket]

Sounds good. Are you going to take an MSF class?

[icariz83]

I have the exact same bike. I noticed that compared to my dirt bike/atv, you must pull the clutch lever all the way in. I know it sounds stupid but that was my problem.

What color did you go with? The faster color or blue?

[swatter555]

That could be the problem, due to the high speed limits around here I am having to shift very fast. Heh, Ill pay closer attention. I got a yellow one, and I have to say I am very impressed with its looks. Overall, I am very happy with the bike. Im sure you know all about that!


Also, yes, I am taking the MSF in August. I cant go against such universal advice!