buying a 2003 SV650 - what to look out for?

[mealies]

Having just sold my trusty ybr125, I am hopefully buying a 2003 SV650 this weekend. Not knowing too much about these bikes I need some advice on what to look out for.

The price is ~£1500. it's done 31,000 miles. 2 previous owners. Its been used all year round. Looks in very good condition apart from the engine cover which has some paint flaking off. The tyres are bridgestone bt-021 and look fairly new.

What else should i check/look out for?

Andrew

[P.addy]

Google a review of the tyres...

Thats more mileage than my GSXR750...and thats high mileage to me

Good little bikes, personally I would have gone wth something different, I found it boring.

Check the rear suspension for excessive corrosion and wear.

[truslack]

Head bearings, wheel bearings, swingarm bearings, check for smoke from exhaust, fork seals, sprocket condition (especially front sprocket, you may need a torch and it can be awkward to see). If it has service history then check when the valve clearances were last inspected/changed.

All the usual things to look for when buying any new bike really.
____________________
Current: Suzuki RG 125 Gamma, Honda H100, Triumph Tiger 800XC, Suzuki SV650 (minitwin)

[mealies]

not sure what you mean about the tyres as i know nothing about them but reviews seem to be ok.

cool as long as the usual checks will suffice i should be fine then. Already checked the bike out once and am pretty happy with it - but will check again when i buy it

[huskie69]

My '53 plate was bought at 34k miles (notched up another 5k in the last 3 months on it!).

I had to have the cam chains and tensioners replaced in the first month so listen out for a rattle when its fired up (will probably sound like it's coming from underneath the petrol tank). If there is one, stay away unless you don't mind spending another 600 squids on it!

Also got a very sticky lock barrel. Not sure if it's just mine or whther it's a common problem.

I think if you head over to sv650.org, there's a pages listing all known common problems.
____________________
'10 Skyjet SJ125-23 - Crashed > '09 YBR 125 > '53 Suzuki SV650 - Died > 2010 Suzuki VanVan 125 > '87 Yamaha FZ750 Sold > VTR 1000 FireStorm - Sold > Honda CB1000R

[P.addy]

[ThoughtContro...]

Did the tensioners really need replacing, did they just need freeing up, or did you hear the tic tic and let some garage talk you into the work.

K3's had an improved cct, compared to the old mk1s, which are poo. In fact they're the recommended replacement for em.

Don't believe me? Search "cam chain noise" over at forums.sv650.org, and you can do a fair bit of thread reading
____________________
Prize cunt
--
"In a world of universal deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act" - George Orwell

[huskie69]

I got the chains and CCTs back from the mechanic after the job and the chains did appear worn. I would have replaced the ccts myself but I couldn't get at them Even a bikey mate of mine couldn't get to them so I had to get the garage to replace them. The chains only cost £80 - it was the labour that cost a fortune - almost £400.
____________________
'10 Skyjet SJ125-23 - Crashed > '09 YBR 125 > '53 Suzuki SV650 - Died > 2010 Suzuki VanVan 125 > '87 Yamaha FZ750 Sold > VTR 1000 FireStorm - Sold > Honda CB1000R

[P.addy]

[herulach]

I'd second the fact that BT021s are a bit wank, the fazer had a new pair on at 23k when I brought it, rear needed changing (square as a square thing) at about 27.5k and front is getting that way now (just over 30k) can't see it lasting much more than another 500 or so miles before it starts pissing me off enough to change it. (Riding is c. 70% motorway commuting) Certainly wouldn't get another pair.
____________________
YBR 125>FZS600

[Souleh]

Think the SV's are usually a reliable wee bike so just usual new bike checks;

Bearings
Brakes seized / Pad life / Fluid colour
Chain sprocket life
Fork seals
throttle and clutch cables are smooth etc
Tyre life

[Clanger]

They are notorious for rust on both front yokes, rear torque arm, exhaust downpipes, all engine bolts, and the front forks. I would hope that the forks have already been upgraded (oil and progressive springs because they were notoriously springy).

Hopefully the previous owner would have replaced most of the dodgy items, I think the curvey naked was the best one going. But then I am biased.
____________________
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[Flip]

[hornetmike]

[...]

[mealies]

After a manic weekend just thought i would post an update on this.

Got the bike Sunday as i was happy with it's condition. The ride back was a lot of fun, apart from the last 5 miles. i had managed to sprain my wrist and fracture my thumb way back on the day of my mod1. Whilst it has healed it's the first time i have got on a bike after the splint was off so it was ruddy painful towards the end. So until its strong enough no commuting in on the bike

To end on a positive note rang the insurer to amend my existing policy from the 125 and no change in premium. Result!

[ThoughtContro...]

Cool as. Your post is missing some pics tho
____________________
Prize cunt
--
"In a world of universal deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act" - George Orwell