So let me start by saying that the last time I was on a sportbike was in highschool - about ten years ago. I picked up a pristine SV1000S last week and this was the second time I had ever ridden it.
It took me about two years to finally track down the bike that I wanted. I have a cycle world where they did a comparison between about ten bikes and the SV wasnt very well loved by the testers.
But its got a strong motor (which you can tell is restricted a bit.... there's an easy 10 hp in there.... which I want) and handles pretty nicely.
My plan was to do my "Five Counties" ride which takes you through Los Angeles County, Kern, San Louis, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The best part is that you are only on the freeway for about 15 minutes the entire time! It is about five hours on the road though....
you so cal guys will know about lots of these roads
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=93103&daddr=34.438628,-119.590302+to:Foothill+Rd+to:CA-150+E%2FCasitas+Pass+Rd+to:CA-33+N%2FMaricopa+Hwy+to:CA-138+E%2FLancaster+Rd+to:Spunky+Canyon+Rd+to:Little+Tujunga+Canyon+Rd%2FSand+Canyon+Rd+to:California+90020&hl=en&geocode=%3B%3BFWIvDQIdRMrf-A%3BFYLTDAIdlGnh-A%3BFUD-DwIdjPzi-A%3BFQqWEgIdNu7s-A%3BFYIgEAId6Gnx-A%3BFXhWDAIdZpHx-A%3B&gl=us&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=10&via=1,2,3,4,5,6,7&sll=34.460145,-119.454346&sspn=0.327234,0.883026&ie=UTF8&ll=34.567645,-118.839111&spn=0.653618,1.766052&z=9Leaving LA (and if you like a shot and want to see a higher res version, click on the image then click again and go to full screen)
and why am I going for a ride again? ....oh yea, its a s&%$hole
the top of little Tijunga Cyn
Top of Spunky Cyn
So for me, getting used to this thing has been tricky. I have been riding the GS and the XR650R with lots of confidence lately and even getting ready to race the XR. but MAN - the SV is a TOTALLY different ballgame. It took me hours to finally start feeling comfortable turning the bike. I think the main problem is that the bike needs to start hitting its stride in 3rd gear or so before it starts feeling comfortable. 1st and second gear corners just make the thing feel squeamish - it feels much better at illegal speeds.
Part of the issue im sure is the leaned over stock riding position. Bar risers will naturally help - but which ones? A topic for another thread....
the riding position isnt THAT bad.... not as bad as some Ducatis I have sat on. Also, the seat isnt that bad. I always hear complaints about the seat.... cmon you guys. A little too hard is way better than too soft.
this little gem is called Pine Cyn - an unlined little road that winds behind some ranches! beautiful
all of the panoramics that I have done for this trip are pretty bad, certainly not my best work..... but you get an idea of what it looks like there
this is just down the road near the 138
This was the first time that I had tried Lockwood - I had always taken the above road to Carrizo Plain but MAN what fun Lockwood was! very dangerous though - triple digit speeds are tempting
then left at the 33 S - one of the best bike roads around
I spent the night in SB with my folks then heading back to LA
Francheski park in SB
Santa Barbara is a lovely place....
I had less time to head back - so I just hit the 101 S to Los Posas, down to Hwy 1 and then back into the canyons via Decker Cyn (hwy 23) then mullholand, up stunt to here
I ran into this really cool guy up on Stunt road - he told me his name twice and of course I forgot it.... but super cool guy.
this one is really pathetic.... ug I rushed it
so anyways - great two days of riding.... some amazing roads. I DEFINITELY need bar risers, and Im wondering in HELI bars are going to do the trick or not.... I think they will. If not Im going to have to bite the bullet and get the LSL kit.
definite mods will be: FE kit, Yosh carbon tri ovals, and risers.
hope you guys liked the pics!
