sv650s... what to look for?

Keen · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Apr 2002 Karma :

Hi,

A mate of mine is doing his test and looking to buy his first bike, he's decided on an sv650s and he's asked me to help him out with buying it... just to check it out and take it for a test ride etc. We looked at one last week and it looked ok but a bit pricey (I had a go on it, fun little bikes, I can see the appeal but have to admit I found it a felt a bit gutless compared to my hornet) and we're going to check another couple tonight at a big dealers....

So can anyone tell me if there's anythign in particular to look out for? he's looking at the old shape 02/03 models. Any tips appreciated so I don't get blamed for him landing a dog :
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phantomtek · Lil Joe Tek Joined: 20 May 2005 Karma :

The old shape only goes upto 02.

Look for corrosion, they are prone to it. The fork legs, check the calipers general condition. Don't leave the standard rubber on them.

Apart from that just do the usual checks as you would with any other bike.

Matt06 · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Nov 2006 Karma :

Make sure the decibel killer has been removed Wink

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Wafer_Thin_Ham · Super Spammer Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Karma :

They are popular with the honeys and new riders and short arses so check for damage from low speed drops and/or use as a bargaiing point.

The rear brake caliper is really prone to seizure so have a look for scoring/warped disc.

Rear shock goes off REALLY quickly.

Sound fruity with a can/ full pipe, hugger + fenda extenda are worth their weight in gold.

The front cylinder can get crap into it and start to misfire in the rain etc without said extenda/.
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doggone · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 May 2004 Karma :

I was a bit surprised to find fork legs showing rust spots after a couple of years on my garaged SV.

Wafer_Thin_Ham · Super Spammer Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Karma :

FreshAL · Sir Crashalot Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Karma :

What big_ham said plus

If it hasn't got a fender extender have a really good look around front cylinder and oil cooler for rust

If it hasn't got a hugger, have a really good look at the rear shock

if the tank is lifted my someone who doesn't know what they are doing (guess how I found this out) the overflow/drain hose in the filler gets kinked, and you end up with water in the fuel if it's out in the rain. Rusty tank and misfires.

Try and find one with R&G's - they make the inevitable learner drops very cheap.

cos they are popular with beginners, have a look for rounded off bolt heads and other signs of cack-handed maintenance.

dew · Trackday Trickster Joined: 26 Sep 2006 Karma :

how to keep it well hidden with a proper bike cover Laughing

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doggone · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 May 2004 Karma :

Keen · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Apr 2002 Karma :

ok cheers for the advice Thumbs Up

03 was when the new shape sv came out? wow these last few years have passed way too fast....

We were supposed to go tonight but looks like it will be Saturday now.... I'm looking forward to scrounging some more test rides Smile

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"he who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man"- Dr. Johnson