First service for an old bike - Curvy.

[liammatador]

Hi all,

Just wanted to ask for a bit of advice. I mentioned previously that I've acquired my dad's long garaged SV650s curvy 2002 model. I want to take it for it's 'first' service in a couple hundred miles as I've been running the engine in believe it or not. I'd like to know what to look out for. I'm not a huge fan of getting stung with loads of money for stuff I don't need and also would like any advice on what I should be asking for.

Anyone got any opinions on service centres around Oxford?

I'm pretty happy with everything about the bike so far apart from I think the carbs will need cleaning once more as there's still a kind of flat spot when accelerating from standing and you have to give it some. It was sitting for 10 years so understandable. Also the forks are super spongy which is getting on my nerves a little. What's the easiest fix here? In the short term I don't want to replace anything expensive before I know how regularly I'll be using the beast.

Many thanks for any advice

Liam

[Viney]

A first service on any bike is Oil and Filter change and a check over of the whole bike for anything loose. If its been standing a long time, and looking at your flat spot, then i would change the fuel. Run it as empty as you can and chuck some Premium through it and this may solve the issue. As for the rest of the bike, lube the chain, check for tight spots etc as its been standing. But like most things, it will sort itself out the more its used. Oh, and id give the brakes a once over (Clean and lubricate(Red rubber grease on the pistons etc))

As for the forks. Pleanty of options. 1st off, get the fork oil changed and maybe up the wieght on the oil. I think the normal is 7.5wt and most go for 10 if not 15wt are a moxture of both. Other options, are emulators, and fork swaps. But oil is a good start. The SV forks are quite soft as standard anyway. Dont compare them to other bikes.

[liammatador]

Cool thanks, I'll chat to a few garages

As for the fuel advice. I've been through about 3 or 4 tanks worth so far and it isn't much different but then I've been using standard 95. Do you think premium would make a difference?

Thanks again

Liam