Hi all, Just bought an SV... what should i do next?

[BoostFairy]

Hi there,

I've just bought a curvy SV, (2000) its my first bike and has 20,000 miles. I considered a newer SV but tbh im worried i'll drop it so didn't want anything too nice!

I've just bought an oil/air filter, plugs and oil for its first service, but is there anything else i should be thinking about doing? I pick it up on Sat so i don't know what the chain etc is like.

Im also thinking about doing the D'Ecosse regulator/rectifier mod as my brother had an sv years ago that always suffered.

Could some one advise me on what anti-freeze to use? Should i find a suzuki dealership and get the genuine stuff?

Thanks very much

Rob,

[The Guru]

Ride it ;)

...Im also thinking about doing the D'Ecosse regulator/rectifier mod...
:confused:

[enzoalex]

don't need to get any special anti freeze. Make sure you use distilled water when mixing though.

[Paul the 6th]

Has it got braided brake lines? If so, flush the system through with fresh fluid to be on the safe side.. Pop the tank up and have a look to see if anyone has ever fitted a k&n air filter, give it a wash and re-oil if so, if not inspect and see if it could do with replacing or if it's fine, leave it.

If it doesn't have an end can, get one asap :D also check the tyres to see if they're squared off and if they're any good; if they turn out to be cheap crappy all rounder tyres you know not to go chucking it round too hard. Oh and check the throttle/clutch cables to make sure they're nice & lubed; owenski has had the throttle stick on 2 different suzuki's (SV and a DRZ)..

[Paul the 6th]

Coolant: I bought mine from York Suzuki. Can't remember how much it was (not enough for me to remember that it was outrageously expensive) but atleast if you use the right stuff you can sleep easy..

[Owenski]

owenski has had the throttle stick on 2 different suzuki's (SV and a DRZ)..

YUP and one of the experiances ended painfully.

I dont disagree with what the others have said but I'd also add in a carb balance and valve clearence check. You'll be amazed at the difference once those things are tip-top.

[timwilky]

I would remove the seats and plastic seat cowl and check the loom for abrasion. Especially where it passes the seat screws.

Next give the brakes a check out. Try removing the rear caliper pad pins. That should indicate just how well maintained it is.

[BoostFairy]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the friendly (and very quick!) replys. I will give the brakes a good looking at, i have heard that replacing the pins with stainless items is a good move to?

I spoke to the dealer and although the bike was described as 'needing tyres soon' he told me they were pretty bald :( So they are fitting a new set of battlax 023's, they price matched my local tyre place at £230 and knocked £30 off the bike (it now costs £900 lol), not the best tyre price probably but i don't want to get a pull riding the bike home on illegal tyres!

I'll also give the clutch and throttle a good lubing when it gets serviced :)

I've read a few guides about balancing carbs and checking valve clearances, but if the engine runs okay i'll leave this until the summer, although i've just ordered a set of carb gauges so might check them sooner rather than later.

Thanks again :D

Rob,

[BoostFairy]

Ride it ;)


:confused:

I read this thread http://www.svrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106041 and figured i would give it a go, my brothers always had regulator problems, even after a new one from suzuki was fitted, when he sold the bike to a friend of mine the regulator went again and because he was a lazy feck (the buyer) he left it like it.... after a few weeks the battery went dry and the full 70v output from the unregulated stator destroyed everything electrical on the bike :(

So i figured i would ride on the safe side and upgrade before something similar happened.

Rob,

[Roberrrrt]

YUP and one of the experiances ended painfully.

Should I be worried?!

[Heefy]

Consider crash bungs, if not fitted, and the purchase of a paddock stand. It can be a real pain to have just a side stand, when you want to clean and re-tension the chain on a regular basis. If you intend to do any maintenance, this is a must.

Optimate or similar charger/conditioner for the battery, especially during the cold weather. Consider heated grips if you do long journeys at this time of year.

If you have a fully faired version, consider a fender extender to reduce damage to the leading, lower edge of the lower fairing paint, from front wheel throw up.

Enough about the bike. Get some good, quality clothing and kit, if you haven't already, so you can be comfortable for longer journeys. Good jacket, and trousers and at the moment a decent pair of winter gloves to keep you warm on higher speed roads.

Good luck.

[BoostFairy]

Thanks very much for the sound advice, can you recommend a good brand of crash bung?

Rob,

[Heefy]

Thanks very much for the sound advice, can you recommend a good brand of crash bung?

Rob,

Erm. May I suggest R&G crash bungs or similar. Check the web and eBay. Pay the extra for a reasonable pair.

Cheers.
H

[tom-k6]

also, dont just get the ones that are just bolted to the side, there are some cheaper ones that are rubbish. you get what you pay for with these really and R&G are pretty much topnotch.

[Heefy]

You can get a pair of R&G for £55 ish and that may well protect the best part of £600-£1000 of replacement plastic parts alone. A reasonable investment, in anyone's books.

H

[SoulKiss]

Hi there,

I've just bought a curvy SV, (2000) its my first bike and has 20,000 miles. I considered a newer SV but tbh im worried i'll drop it so didn't want anything too nice!


Ahh that explains the curvy rather than a pointy choice :)

Welcome and have fun :)

[Jayneflakes]

Ahh that explains the curvy rather than a pointy choice :)

Welcome and have fun :)

I must admit to a chuckle there too!


As for advice, paddock stands are really useful, I don't know why I did not get one for so long, I would be lost with out it now.

Go and ride the thing too and find out why we love the SV so darn much. :salut:

[TheRamJam]

If you drop a curvy it enough it might turn out like a Pointy which is nicier :-0

Enjoy the bike and safe :riding: