Hi all just want to ask 630 riders if they think a SM 630 would be a good daily commuter and ok for the occasional longer trip. I currently ride a SV650 most days (TE310 on weekends) but am finding the riding position a bit cramped plus it has 160000km on the clock and it getting a bit tired. I,m not after a full on motard experience just want a everyday bike that will be reliable and last a good few years without too much maintenance. Any thoughts or useful advice??
I love mine for a daily commuter in and around Chicago. Only question is how long is your commute and how long would your occasional longer trips be? I love the fact that I sit up high and it is extremely maneuverable in traffic and streets (I have been known to ride on the sidewalk slowly to avoid temporary congestion). I haven't done many longer trips but I would have no problem riding for the day with some of my Ducati friends on their rides in the country.
I think the 630 is perfect for what your looking for with one exception. I too would like to occasionally take a longer ride than normal and what I've found on my bike is that the seat is the only thing standing in my way. I love my 630 and want to go farther but after about an hour on that 2x4 I need a break. I have been reading about Seatconcepts and am probably going that route. Hope that helps out my situation. So I would recommend the 630 just think the seat is the major issue.
I think it would be a great change-up for you from the SV650 that you have had. The 630 engines are supposedly very reliable. Oil changes are similar to the TE310. I plan on going to to Spectro semi-synth 20/50w after dino break-in, which is similar to the Spectro semi I used in a few SV650's, and not as expensive as the Motorex racing 20/60w synth for the TE310. The 630 has a nice wide ratio 6th gear for any highway jaunts (unlike the tightly spaced TE310). The rider position on the SM/TE bikes allows you to ride the twisties aggressively SM/dirt-bike style with plenty of ground clearance, and then relax and wind down in an upright position going through town or getting up on the pegs for any rough dirt or broken up roads. Sometimes, the SV650 can promote the go, go, go style of riding, and ensuing violations. The thumper will deliver more vibes than the SV twin, but you know that already from the 310. The 6-inch wide seat on the 630 will need redoing. SeatConcepts has a great solution that won't break the bank. Plenty of set-ups for long-distance travel, too; and either the Safari tank or running with some extra fuel stowed in your panniers/rack, etc. for some distance between stations. Only downside I can think of straight-off would be no plug-and-play for punctures. Your kit will be a bit more extensive. Life is too short, and there are too many bikes to ride. -Janet
I commute on my 630 (15 mile one way) and think it's just about perfect. I did make a few mods to make it a bit more comfortable/practical for commuting: 1.) Lynx fairing by Britannia Composites 2.) Seat Concepts Seat 3.) Husky rear rack Here's a picture: Next will be a Givi monolock box to put all my stuff in. Not sure if the 630 motor is designed to go 160000km's though
Wow the Lynx fairing matches up to the 630 front fender lines perfectly. I thought the Lynx was a generic fairing but looks like it is custom made for the 630. Very nice. Why do all the good things have to cost so much though? _
Yeah, it's a custom fit, all the mounting holes line up perfectly, there's a cut out in the dash for the ignition, the mounting location for the speedo is pre-drilled, and there's a custom wiring harness adapter that is a direct plug and play. There's a custom version for a lot of different bikes, and a generic version if yours is not on the list. It helps that the original Lynx was designed for the TE610 (or so the website says ) P.S. You get what you paid for
For commuting, I'm considering wiring up a Contour camera into the Lynx dash. There's enough room behind that little lynx decal for the camera. I just need to figure out if I can get the camera configured to record with the ignition (or some sort of external switch), and also record on a "rolling" basis, where new data replaces the oldest as the card fills up.
I sold my VFR and bought a SM630 for the commute. I put a Seat Concepts seat (custom cover) on it and it is great. The only problem I have is keeping my throttle hand in control and the front tire on the ground!
Ok I'm convinced, sure I do not expect it to last as long as the SV but I just really want one. Just got to convince the minister of finance!!
I got this bike as a replacement for my Ducati 848. Commuting through the city on the Husky is uber-fun. Most things on this bike are fun. But the only way you will like this bike for long distance trips is if you have literal buns of steel or you were once gang raped in prison and have no feeling in you butt. This is the only bike I've had that makes my testicles go to numb after 45min of riding on the interstate. Granted this is only for interstate use... 45min of canyon twisties and you can't wipe the smile off my face. Guys, does the seat concepts make that big of a difference for long hauls on the 630?
yes.. you won't have to go to prison for pain free riding.. best modification after the power up kit.
+1 on the seat concepts seat. Very good product, easy to install and fit! They have different density foam, but the wide area at the back of the seat spreads your weight and makes the most differance. You still have a nice narrow area in the front for a comfortable aggressive position. You'll love it! I think it might lower the bike a hair too, but hard fir me to tell due to a new mt16 ( very tall noob ) going on at the same time.
Another +1 on seat concepts. Before I got the front fairing, the windsail effect was pushing me down into the stock seat, doubling the torture. I sometimes slab 1 hour each way to join some rides, 0 complaints about the seat concepts seat. I got them to install for me by shipping by seat pan, just FYI in case you are the type that might accidentally staple your own finger (like me).
Seat Concepts only charges $20 to install their covers but then you'll have downtime on the bike for the shipping time back and forth. _
It takes 20 min to DIY. A regular staple gun isn't the best for install. I used a trim gun w/ 1/4" brass staples. Some hot glue helps too, but not really needed. It will make the under side look cleaner. Good luck and you will love it!
