[DougM38]

1st post here. Short background, I have been riding 30 years (am 46), mostly sportbikes until the last 6 years on BMW "sport touring" models (R1100RS and currently an R1150RS). 70% of my riding is of the local/back road/"sporting" type (around NorCal), 30% is longer solo trips--1 to 3 week "sport-tours" around western US, Mexico, Canada, etc.

The R1150RS has been great for the longer sport-touring trips, less so for back road sport rides as it's a little heavy and down on power for me, and the handling isn't outstanding. I've made a lot of modifications, and it's ok, just not stellar. I'm searching for the elusive sport-tourer that is light and with enough power and handling to be great on backroad day-rides, and comfortable and with enough range and luggage capacity for week long or longer trips. A twin is a must for me, don't want an FJR or similar in-line engine. The Duc ST3/ST4s and Triumph ST are contenders, but each have their compromises as well. The new BMW R1200ST is also nice, but still not "ideal" for me.

I've always liked the SV1000/S, and am wondering what it would take to make it a great sport tourer? I searched this forum, didn't find anything obvious, but I'm sure someone has done this. What I'm thinking in terms of modifications to get there--assuming a new/'05 SV1000S--are along the lines of:

- higher bars (Helibars, risers, SV1000 tubular bars...?)
- lower pegs (off of SV1000?)--I'm 6'1", want to be fairly comfortable on 500 mile days
- reworked seat (I have a Sargent on my R1150RS, so something similar)
- taller windshield
- lower fairing maybe? Does it help with wind/weather protection?
- upgraded suspension--what's the ticket? I have Ohlins on my RS, made a great difference.
- soft bags, but are there hard sidebag options for the SV1000S? The BMW side cases are great, would be interesting if their mounting system could be retrofitted. Are there any hard side cases available?
- larger or enlarged tank--anyone done this? 200-230 miles/tank is nice for longer trips, less than 150 might be a pain, any ideas?
- additional driving lights (I have 2 sets of PIAA's on my RS), Escort mount, etc, should be pretty easy to add if the charging system allows.

Any ideas on this? My ideal would be a light, powerful, nice handling back road "sport" twin that could have bags thrown on and a few accessories attached for a 5000 mile solo trip. And under $11k total cost. Thoughts?

 

[tonyjuliano]

By the time purchased a SV1000S and modified it for suitable sport-touring use, you will have exceeded the price of a Triumph Sprint or Honda VFR. Both of these bikes would be much better for what you have described.

 

[bedlamite]

bars- Convertibars, Helibars, clip-on risers, or SVN bars will work, if you want to raise it more than 2 inches you need the SV1000N wiring harness too.
pegs- The 03 SV1000S is the only one with different pegs, the SV1000N is the same as the 04/05 SVS. You can fit pegs from a Buell XB series for another inch or so.
seat- Sargent makes one, supposed to be better than the Suzuki gel seat
windshield- several compamnies make them, take your pick.
lower fairing- Helps with protection some, but I can think of better ways to spend $400
suspension- The 1000 is fully adjustable, change the springs and fork oil to match your weight and you might be suprised. If you still want a Penske shock and Ohlins fork, feel free to spend the money.
hard bags- there are racks to fit the SVS for both Givi and Krauser bags.
fuel range- I made it to 170 miles w/o running out once, but I wouldn't want to try that regularly. Like you said, each has it's compromises. Just ride with someone on a superhawk, so you can gripe about their lack of range
lights- I put Sylvania Silverstar H4 bulbs in mine and I really don't see a need for more light. You could probably put one set of driving lights on, but I don't think it could handle much more.

the SV1000 portal has more specific info if you need it.
http://www.sv1000.zyns.com/

Pick up a leftover 04 for $6500, $2k-3k for everything above except the Penske/Ohlins option, and you're in business.

 

[Nick]

Why not just keep the beemer for the longer rides and buy a cheaper, used SV650 or 600cc sport bike. For all the money you'd spend on mods, seems like you might as well just have a bike better suited to each type of riding.

 

[DougM38]

Thanks for the input. Unfortunately I have a 1-bike limitation (family, garage space, etc.), down from 3 bikes several years ago before I got married... 'nuff said. Sounds like this might work. I've been waiting for someone to build a multi-purpose liquid-cooled v-twin 1000cc+ sport/sport-tourer that weighs less than 500lbs wet for some time. Not too interested in an adventure tourer. No one has stepped up to the plate, and the SV1000S, especially at the cost, seems a good platform to build one on. One last question, are the engine/performance improvements with the '05 substantial--I haven't read any test/magazine report that notes the HP differences or other differences from the '04. Thx.

 

[Walker]

Hmmm, I would think a 1000 Vstrom rather than SV, would be a better platform for you to start with.

Walker

 

[Nick]

Keep us posted on how this turns out. I'd like to find something similar. Although my budget is probably smaller.

 

[theomen]

I can tell you first hand that the Sprint ST is one heck of a machine. The only minor complaints I have is the Triumph bags are junk and your right legs gets mighty warm.
Fixes
1) Givi is said to have bags on the way. 2) You learn to extend your right knee know and again to bring some air in there and cool the boys.

to

 

[Mr. Black]

Hayabusa. Best sport touring bike out there. :shock:

If you are serious about making a sport touring bike out of an SV1000 then the plans you have laid out would work perfectly.

That being said though as mentioned I think there are better bikes to start with out of the box.

 

[Turtle SVS]

I seem to recall Cycle World doing this to an Aprilia Falco a year or two ago in their long term rides section. I always thought it was a good looking bike and if I recall right they said with a few mods it turned out to be just about what your describing. Looking at their website I don't think they make the Falco anymore and I remember that they came from the factory neutered in the engine performance but there was a real simple fix to get Mille type horsepower out of it. Might want to check around for a left over/ used one.

Keep us posted I'm curious about how this would turn out with the SV1000s.

 

[A1A]

Hmmm, I would think a 1000 Vstrom rather than SV, would be a better platform for you to start with.

Walker

Ditto, on what Walker just said. :wink:

 

[DougM38]

Well, I bit the bullet so to speak, and picked up a new/leftover blue '04 SV1000S over the weekend (got it for a great price). Yay! Really like it, excellent bike. Now I can get started on my "sport-touring" modifications... Convertibars are being ordered, Buell pegs next, we'll see about the seat after that. Taller windscreen to be selected. Then soft or hard bags should complete the package, I've got some research to do, leaning toward the Givi hard side bags/mount, so I'll be searching for posts on that. Total expenditure when all is said and done should be around US$ 10k, which is about $2k less than the Sprint ST, which was my other contender. I really wanted a twin though, and love the SV so far. With a better ergo setup for me and some removable luggage capacity, I fully expect this will be a great single bike for solo backroad day rides and weekend to week-long sport-touring trips. Only drawback is that I'll be stopping a bit more often to re-fuel, but that's not so bad. Now the fun starts!

Thanks for everyone's input and help.

 

[theomen]

Congratulations in your 1K and good luck with the conversion.
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[Guest]

PLease up up to date with pics of the hard luggage you choose, I am in the same boat as you, and a friend is doing the same to a strom. We are looking at Givi right now....