Cruiser rider buys a sport bike?

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CowboyTK

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ok guys...heres the story..i have been riding cruisers for 9 years now ranging from a yamaha 650 vstar to a 1450 heritage softail harley..so now i am trying to buy a 2002 suzuki sv650s with tasteful mods such as brakes,suspension etc. and im trying to get a plan ahead and get used to the difference in sport riding..any tips to aid this transition?
 
You will find you have to get of your a$$ and really ride. You will probably be a lot more comfortable with your feet underneath you so you can get up on the pegs, and with your spine in extension rather than compression.

Grip the tank with your knees and let your legs share the work of supporting your upper body. Be prepared for a feeling of much greater control over the bike.
 
The SV is not really a sport bike, it's a standard, but a lot sportier than a cruiser. I would say if you can ride a Harley you can ride a SV650. You will enjoy the handling and maybe the acceleration, but there will be things you miss from the cruisers--the stability and low center of gravity.

I'd say your biggest hazard might be getting 'carried away' with the handling and getting yourself into trouble. So just ride like a grown-up and you'll probably be okay. Cruisers are made for a relaxed, laid-back style of riding. The SV will encourage you to ride a little more aggressively, so you'll have to exercise a little judgement.

I started out on a scooter, a Lambretta. When I moved to a real motorcycle, I was just amazed at how low I could lean over in corners. I really loved dipping it really deep in the corners, until the road was rushing by seemingly just inches from my shoulder. Then one time I hit some gravel or something and the bike just slid right out from under me. I was only going about 15 mph, I wasn't hurt, just some scratches. But it showed me that cornering really low is not safe, and it taught me to scan surfaces ahead of me.

You will be amazed at how much better the SV handles, and you'll be tempted to do some hot-dogging. As they say, judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from poor judgement. 8^)
 
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