Cpt_Tact

+1 for Renthals, just slotted some on my SV650 on Friday and it took me about an hour in total to get everything right as when you set the angle on the levers it takes a few quick rides to get them perfect. The only thing to be aware of is most of the Renthal bars are slightly wider than stock bike bars (about and inch either side), for me this wasn't a problem as I like the flickableness this gives and also it means less reach so on long rides my lower back and core isn't quite as sore.

I'm sorry but I read that as "sh*tty Scottish summers", then realised it said winters

All fixed now, lovely black Renthals installed with the bash guards so the SV650 now feels like my old KXF250 Hooligan time

Black is sensible and goes with everything, camo goes with Call of Duty and weekend warriors

Unfortunately not as the naked SV650 has bars like a push bike rather than clip on's like a sports bike I ordered a rental bar and new grips so just moved than project forward a month or so

Yep checked all clearances and nothing is touching and by bash guards (bark busters) I mean to protect your levers/ hands I have removed the attachments completely as well but it looks like what I thought was a a loose bolt was actually me forcing the plunger to expand the handlebar tubing and thus pressing on the throttle! I have even tried removing the throttle housing to see if I could tap in the expansion just to get me by but that's not coming off either so this is a right balls up

I have only ever seen the top end rattle and go pop once on a Honda CBR600RR and it only had 8k on the clock, 3 garages were all certain it was the cam chain/ tensioner and eventually one of them decided to strip the engine to work it out once and for all and low and behold the damage was pretty bad to the point they just bought a replacement to drop in. Your video just doesn't sound at all right, I'd play them the sound and take one out on the back and then when it starts you can shout at him and you can point out exactly the sound rather than some guy trying to guess what sounds right and what doesn't.

Well I was installing some new bash guards on my SV650n and went a little to far tightening up the bolt so basically I now have cruise control! I have ordered a set of replacement bars as I can't find anyone in South Wales who has some or even some Renthals but my question is is there anything I can do temporarily to remove the stickiness or should I just put up with it for the next few days as I only do 5 miles to work and back. I considered taking the bars apart and tapping in the offending bulge but thought it might weaken the all ready soft metal! Any ideas greatly received!

I would say look at the Hood jeans as I use these all the time (I know I'm a guy) I find them the best and also best value. The coverage is a lot more than most Kevlar jeans and the optional D30 protection is a god send as I wear them to work and no one knows they are armoured jeans. A few lady friends also swear by them after trying RST etc but make sure you go a size up to accommodate the hip armour otherwise it will pinch slightly. I did a wash in the Nikwax technical stuff to give it a bit of waterproofing and it works a charm as I have been caught out a few times in thunderstorms and still have dry legs and crotch Not the cheapest but definitely up there as the one of the best. http://www.hoodjeans.co.uk/acatalog/nd4 ... omens.html

Well this is mine from last night, someone left the gate open to a place called the Kymin so managed to sneak the bike all the way to the very very top. Well worth it as the views are amazing over looking Monmouth and all the way to Abergavenny

Thought I'd pop a little review of these urban style boots on here as it took me a while to find a decent set for commuting to work and back (20 mile round trip). I purchased these after literally spending hours browsing the internet for independent reviews on the more casual riding boots. My request was simple, I needed a boot that I could spend all day in which involved a moderate amount of walking but above all wasn't to obvious that it was a bike boot and that it went with jeans and a shirt (usual work wear). In a nutshell these are fantastic: They look very discreet Fit like a glove from the moment you put them on Very comfortable sat at a PC or walking around the office Not to sweaty even though they are water proof (I have very sweaty feet) Waterproof as tested these last few days As good as protection you can get in a "soft" above ankle boot Gives confidence that you feet and ankle are much better protected then trainers or work boots Downsides: If you have wide feet you will need to order a size above normal as the fit is very Sidi Laces are way to long and need cutting and resealing unless you want to wrap them around the boot Soles are a little slick on mossy surfaces These aren't the cheapest at £103 incl VAT but as always you get what you pay for and I feel that in the event of a spill these should hold up pretty well and if its a nasty crash, well I hope I'm around to see how they did

I have a motox lid (Oneal) that I wear a lot on the road, it was about £70 few years back and is Gold approved. I will happily ride up to the 100mph mark and sit there (closed circuit of course) on my naked SV and my neck doesn't get snapped back or my head ripped off when I turn for life savers or just looking around. As long as you face the peak downwards and not like a chavs baseball hat then you will have no problems. I prefer my motox lid as its lighter and I find more comfortable, wearing goggles as well just feels more natural to me and the best bit is the funny looks you get of power rangers as you nod past them