Taking the test flight to see if I wanna buy the venerable SV650.

Another angle, the same corner, the same bike

The superhero shot - instructer vest looks kinda like a cape

Riding another SV (the ugliest SV the world has ever known), just to be sure *

Here it now sits in the garage

Atop the table, this is how the bike has spent most of its time since I took ownership

The stunning, adjustable rearsets, and billet woodcraft case cover. Mmmmmm.

Frame sliders and Dzus quick fasteners on the race bodywork for ease of access

Sedately waiting for warmer weather, some race paint and possibly an alternative front end! Hmmmm.... ;)

Getting the SV ready to swap the front-end with a 636 donor.

The old top, triple clamp is removed and set aside for the machinist

The crowned, top nut should be loose enough to remove with your hand.

The stack of parts to go to the machinist for him to do his magic.

The top bearing race, inside the frame, appears to be in prefect condition!

As does the more critical lower, bearing race.

Here's how the SV faired during its first Dyno Run. Running rich, right into the basement.

First thing to do is to remove the tank.

The clamps holding on the air box were missing or extremely loose. The airbox was barely sitting there.

Carbs removed. Be very careful of the choke cables, and remember to unhook the idle screw before separating from the bike.

Main jets were 137.5 in the front and rear.

Is this the BMC to have? Or not?

After going to 132 front and 130 rear main jet and installing a dynojet needle, on the setting one lower from middle, this is how things came out! I'm thrilled!!

New radial calipers and master cylinder!

And most importantly, the new front forks. They are going to be sooooo nice!

A new front wheel with rotors! (probably could use some paint).

An experiment. I sprayed the front wheel with brake caliper paint (with ceramic). We'll see how it holds up.