1st Post, building an SV from the frame up?

[andy.jeffries]

I'm an experienced rider that had a nasty off last year - I have just been given the all clear but my wrist still needs a bit more time to be fully ok, neways, back to my question...

I have had an sv before, and rather liked it so thought about going back to it but want to actually learn about the mechanics of bikes etc too....

So - how easy/hard is it to build an sv from the frame up?

Cheers
Andy

[Bibio]

if you have the tools, time and suitable workshop/garage. its easy.

the good thing about doing it, you will be able to do things right like greasing everything properly. if you get stuck then you have found the right place for the answers... the sv650.org... dont be shy asking silly questions and if you can give clear photos. its also a good idea to keep photos/videos as a log.

[Andy Jeffries]

just found my "old" profile :)

I dont have a proper workshop, just a shed with double doors, and very limited mechanical skills.

[thefallenangel]

just found my "old" profile :)

I dont have a proper workshop, just a shed with double doors, and very limited mechanical skills.

If your building from the frame up, it's up to you how deep you go because you could just bolt everything back together and regrease and it'll be going in a couple of days or you can powercoat everything, replace bearings and stainless all the bolts etc . . . .

My advice is look at whats around and think what you like or would like to try.

[Bibio]

well they will soon get better rebuilding a bike... its not that hard...

[the_runt69]

PM rictus im sure he can give you some handy advice

[dizzyblonde]

I got YC to strip down one of my SVs and completely rebuild it. It was a very interesting project indeed. I learnt a great deal from it. I wouldn't be able to do it myself, but I gained a lot of knowledge from it. I didn't know how to take fairings off before, but I now know what cush drive jobbies are and do(amongst many occasions of 'whats this doo?' ), and even helped in a front cylinder swap. Theres so much more than just riding a bike, as I have learnt.(and polishing it too)
I recommend an abba stand, some big hammers, a lot of patience, and plenty of plasters :-)

[Demonz]

It's easier to build taking the full bike down - and then back up again. Helps to have some idea where things go again... where bolts go, what they look like, cables and electrics etc...

[dizzyblonde]

yeah but the electrics never go back the bleddy same. I once spent an entire afternoon with two SVs in my back yard with the front plastics off, re routing all the ones off my yellow one to match the one on my black one. Then found that the brake cables weren't quite right, and that other cables were not quite right either. I don't have a garage or the tools to perform miracles, but I had a good go!

[Andy Jeffries]

The plan was to buy the bits as I go - Just won a frame and subframe etc on ebay for £20 - it is a cat c that needs the logbook applying for.

[flymo]

You might find its cheaper to buy an entire bike to use bits from than to buy the bits individually.

[Andy Jeffries]

Im starting to think finding a whole bike would be easier but they do seem to go for quite alot even when they are cat c/d's.

[AZ Pete]

get the Haynes Service and Repair Manual, download the Suzuki Service Manual, get a digital camera for documentation of the build, and to photograph other SV's (when you have doubts about how things should look when assembled) and you are off to the races.

Just go methodically and remember, it it is taking a lot of force to make something fit, you probably have a problem, and should rethink what is going on, before you break a good part.

Best of luck

[Bibio]

and you will also have the satisfaction of saying 'i built that'