I used to think the stock suspension was the weakest link of the SV but recently I realized weak front brake is just as bad when trying to go fast. Some back to back riding between the SV and the DRZsm highlighted the stark contrast in front brake effectiveness. When I tried to slow down quickly from 30+ mph to 10-15 mph for hairpin turns, with 2 fingers braking it felt like the SV didn't even want to slow down. I had to clamp down hard with 4 fingers on the front brake to get effective braking, but using that much effort tenses up my arm to the point of making throttling and turning difficult. In contrast, on the DRZsm 1 finger braking slows down the bike quickly and effortlessly, and that allows me to be totally loose and transition into turns beautifully.
At this point I'm wondering if my SV's front brake is even "normal", or if the brake pads are glazed somehow, or if there's air in the brake line, because it feels so bad. Having never ridden another SV I just don't know what to expect from a "normal" SV. I'm thinking about SS brake line and new brake pads, and maybe going with 4-piston GSXR calipers if that's what it takes to improve front braking power.
At this point I'm wondering if my SV's front brake is even "normal", or if the brake pads are glazed somehow, or if there's air in the brake line, because it feels so bad. Having never ridden another SV I just don't know what to expect from a "normal" SV. I'm thinking about SS brake line and new brake pads, and maybe going with 4-piston GSXR calipers if that's what it takes to improve front braking power.