Doing a home service - parts needed?

[BigV]

Hi all,

My K7 650S is due for a major service (24 000km). I will be doing the oil change, oil filter, air filter and spark plugs myself as that's a no brainer. The other things that come with the major like clearance check etc, I will take her to the shop as that's beyond me.

What I wanted to check is what spark plugs you recommend? Is it worth spending a little more on plats for example, is the extra you spend really worth any benefits?

Cheers
BV ;)

[Nobbylad]

The valve clearance check is easy and takes around 30 mins. Get yourself a Haynes/workshop manual and a set of feeler gauges.

For the front, you take the bottom radiator bolt out and drop the rad, then it's 3 x hex bolts to remove the rocker cover. The rear is easier as you just need to lift the seat.

I use NGK iridium plugs which is just personal preference as I do a lot of mileage (10k a year).

[BigV]

Thanks the details and tips! I have a electronic copy of the manual...but I really prefer a hardcover book. Time I get one I think. ;)

[aesmith]

It's worth doing the TPS adjustment yourself, as the setting procedure detailed on here is more accurate than the rough check in the official manual. The only special tool you need is a T25 security bit (mine cost £1.89).

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=55459

[BigV]

Thanks again. I'm really keen on learning and working on engines, so if its not too technical for me then I would rather get the tools and do it myself. Being burned by mechanics far too many times, so the less times it has to go to the shops...the better. I still consider myself an amateur, but have changed service parts myself a few times...so not a complete amateur. I think I will be able to manage it.

I will read up on this, thanks for the help guys!!

[Bibio]

there is more to doing a service than people think.

http://forums.sv650.org/[IMG]http://i41.tinypic.com/264i8fr.jpghttp://i41.tinypic.com/264i8fr.jpg

i also change the oil filter with every oil change.

at 6 years old some things might be needing doing that have possibly not been done.

brake fluid change front and rear.
callipers stripped, cleaned and assembled with RRG.
coolant change.
rubber parts for perishing.
chassis bolts for torque.
greasing of linkage parts such as foot rests, levers and rear suspension.
front fork oil.

[nikon70]

there is more to doing a service than people think.

i also change the oil filter with every oil change.

at 6 years old some things might be needing doing that have possibly not been done.

brake fluid change front and rear.
callipers stripped, cleaned and assembled with RRG.
coolant change.
rubber parts for perishing.
chassis bolts for torque.
greasing of linkage parts such as foot rests, levers and rear suspension.
front fork oil.

+1

[BigV]

Thanks for this, have that list too and will be going through as much as possible myself. :)

[Kenzie]

If changing the brake lines is needed after four years, is it worth upgrading to braided such as Goodrich?

[BigV]

Prob yeah. Wont replace those myself though, will take her in for that rather

[Nobbylad]

If you're stripping the calipers etc then the brakes lines are less of a challenge and you might as well do the lot at the same time.

[BigV]

Ok, reviewing the list...I will do the below myself as I have done some items (on cars) and feel somewhat comfortable in my ability (was told no different really from a car, just smaller space to work with).

Haven't done the engine idle speed adjustment before though, but after reading that link supplied about how to do it..I feel I can handle it. Some items I wont touch, like the fuel lines and brake hoses etc, even if I could attempt it I would feel much better knowing it was done by a mechanic so I have peace of mind.

Items I will do myself:

Air cleaner replacement
Spark plugs replacement
Engine oil replacement
Engine oil filter replacement
Engine idle speed adjustment
Throttle cable play adjustment
Clutch cable play adjustment
Radiator hoses inspection
Drive chain clean
Brakes inspection & replacement if needed
Tires inspection
Rear suspension inspection
Exhaust pipe bolt & nut inspection
Chassis bolt & nuts inspection


Items I will leave for the workshop

Tappet clearance inspection and adjustment
Fuel hoses replacement
Engine coolant replacement
Brake hoses replacement (to be replaced with braided hoses)
Brake fluid replacement
Steering inspection and adjustment
Front forks inspection and adjustment


Does the above look right for what I can do and what I leave for the workshop? The only thing on the workshop list I miiiiiight take on myself is the engine coolant replacement, but hated doing this on the car as I always stressed about air pockets in the system. So would rather just leave that with the mechanic.

Thanks for all the help guys
BV ;)

[Bibio]

if your bike is a K7 twin spark then no need for idle adjustment.

don't bother replacing the fuel hoses.

strip and grease the rear linkages.

coolant is easy to do yourself.

learn to do your own brakes.


i don't trust garages one little bit (well that's a lie as i trust Cupar MC's) so do all the stuff myself. if you can use spanners then there is nothing hard, time and patience is all you need.

[BigV]

Thanks Bibio. How do I found out if its twin spark, all I know is its a K7 model?

[Bibio]

if you look at the right hand side (sitting on bike) of the front cylinder you will see a spark plug cap. might be obscured by the rad hose.

[Kenzie]

if your bike is a K7 twin spark then no need for idle adjustment.

Don't want to hijack, but how come?

[Bibio]

as its auto and no way of adjusting as the bike does the jiggery pokkery for you :-)

[Kenzie]

Ahh, witchcraft then!

[Nobbylad]

Seriously, the valve clearance check is very, very simple. Take your time with it and it'll still take you less than 45 mins.

[BigV]

Cool, thanks for the input guys, this has been great! :D

[madcockney]

Thanks the details and tips! I have a electronic copy of the manual...but I really prefer a hardcover book. Time I get one I think. ;)

The Haynes SV650 Service Manual is available on-line from the "Book Depository" at £16.49 including p&p. Assuming in stock then you normally receive within 3 days from order. The manual covers years 99-2008.

[BigV]

Thanks for the tip. I'm from South Africa, so I think it might take a bit longer. Searching a bit on Google to find a local copy ;)

[madcockney]

Thanks for the tip. I'm from South Africa, so I think it might take a bit longer. Searching a bit on Google to find a local copy ;)
They ship around the world and from their website at the same cost. Send them an e-mail and ask them including how long it takes.

[BigV]

Will do, local copies here are at least twice the price. Looks like the local option wont work, will send them a mail ;)

EDIT: Its going for about $32, so close to the local price here...but the local one is for 99-05, so that doesn't help. So yeah...will be quicker to order online than get it ordered locally I sure!

[Phil 1]

Seriously, the valve clearance check is very, very simple. Take your time with it and it'll still take you less than 45 mins.

Checks might be simple, adjustment might be a little more difficult though?

[Nobbylad]

Checks might be simple, adjustment might be a little more difficult though?

But that's the whole point right? Do the checks yourself and save being charged an hours labour. IF the clearances are out, the money saved can go towards the work, plus you gain valuable experience working on your bike which not only helps save you money, but increases your confidence for future work and helps you spot other potential issues whilst you're up close and personal with it.

[aesmith]

clutch cable play adjustment


Remember to check the adjustment at the mechanism as well to do it properly. Slack the cable right off, then set the clearance on the mechanism (just in front of the front sprocket), then adjust cable to get the lever travel right. There's a thread about it here somewhere.

Also the TPS adjustment is easy for you to do, and you'll do it more accurately than a garage if you follow the process here.

I can't see balancing throttle bodies on your list. Or does the K7 not need this? (I have a K6)

[Bibio]

again if its a twin spark you cant adjust the TB's unless you have an OBD

twin spark SV's need the auto idle shut off to adjust the TB's.