SV650S Crash protection adivce

[Guest]

Hi everybody, its my first post on here and so I hope I am posting in the correct section! If not, please can a moderator move this to the relevant place,thanks.

I am about to take my module one test on monday and am lucky enough to have bought a lovely Suzuki SV650S 2003 model for when I hopefully pass. Its has been restricted as I am only 18 and doing my A2 restricted license. I was wondering as this is my first bike if it would be a good idea to get crash protectors or some form of crash protection fitted?

I have no experience whatsoever when it comes to the subject, im new to the whole biking thing in general. I have come across things called engine bars and also crash bungs but dont really know the significance of either. I hear lots of people drop their first bikes but I really dont want too and am hoping to keep this bike for a long time. I live and will be doing most of my riding in London if this is in anyways significant to my chances of dropping the bike.

So would crash protection be economical or advised in this situation? All your help is greatley appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Richard

[TC]

Hi Rich Drop into Newbies and say Hello

As for crash bungs etc all ok for slow speed drops which is the norm, if your budget allows for them get them mate

[Guest]

i have engine bars, but bungs would suit an sv better.. good for slow slides or the time you forget the stand, anything more, well just say they wont help, but nothing would.. also a drop near a kerb wouldn't be good either, SOD law means the bung would be in the void..

i would rather have them than not..

[Guest]

Yep, what Frankie said .....

[Pete]

Crash bungs are cheap and usually very effective. However I have heard of cases where people have had them on their bike as it's slid down the road, the bungs have caught on something and ended up bending the frame...big problem/lots of time to fix! The ones I read about were R&G ones, they're usually a good make and to be fair they stayed attached to the bike and were very strong! I've never fitted any crash bungs to my bike for this reason.

Engine bars are great! Here're some photos:

http://shop.wemoto.com/pictures/full/CRASH_ENGINEBAR/10008966.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/f4lgzq.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h4/ManxKat/enginebarsleft.jpg

They don't look too bad on semi-naked/naked bikes (less fairing).

[Guest]

they dont do bars for the SV as the engine is "underslung" rather than inside a frame, therefore the only thing they can bolt to is the frame..

asthetics comes into crash design, as thats how we buy stuff..

the idea is that in the event of a spill the bike is propped up and away from the engine casings, if the casing become damaged then all manner of contaminents enter the engine, and its a big game over.. wheres as the bung/bars transfer the impact to the frame which can take some knocks, but some will cause deformation (Deformed) however thses knocks would cause problems with and without protection..

Yes they can dig in whilst the bike is travelling on its side down the road, but so can the handlebars, and foot pegs

another thing to consider as well is the nylon bobbin hooks. thses will give you somewhere for your paddock stand and the nylon will graze instead of the swingarm.. normal bobbins being metal are more likely to dig in than slide..

[mojobanana]

My SV had bungs on when I got it, they seem huge, but I'm so glad they're there because I know I will drop it at some stage! Pics here for your perusal. It's a part-faired, K5. They're R&G bungs, but I have no experience of any other type.

http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq247/mojo_banana/Bike/CrashBung3.jpg

http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq247/mojo_banana/Bike/CrashBung2.jpg

http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq247/mojo_banana/Bike/CrashBung1.jpg

(And my bike's a bit dirty..!)

[Guest]

another thing, if your bike goes down with you on it.. you can get your foot out and dont become lodged/trapped..

[Colin the Bear]

The best crash protector is your head. Use it. Have it filled with information. Make sure it's awake, turned up to full and not contaminated with toxins. Give it time to adjust to the new enviroment. Listen to it's fears and warnings and stay in the comfort zone.

Maintain the bike well and plan ahead.

Don't rush ,let it come to you and don't chase it.

And stop worrying about falling off or you will

[Guest]

Thanks so much for all your replies guys, I think I will definatley look into using some form of crash bungs. As Colin the bear said, I will try my best to make sure no mishaps happen in the first place. However from what I have heard it is common for a newbies bike to end up on its side at some point, moving or not! I would hate to have my lovely SV written off or badly damaged and so I think crash protection sounds like a good investment. Once again thanks for all the replies, you have helped to put my mind at rest regarding the subject!

Cheers,

Richard