Specific spanner for SV spark plugs?

[BigV]

Sooo...I started doing my 24 000km service (what I can do myself). Started with the air filter. It filthy...wondering when last the previous owner changed it. So I need a new one, and thats fine.

Then went to work on the spark plug behind the radiator, following the manual. Sheesh...and I was told the one under the petrol tank cover would be difficult! I cant get my socket wrench down there as its too long. The radiator, even when moved forward allows little room to work with. So the tools I use to service my car...well, not working with my bike.

So it appears I need to get a proper spark plug removal tool. Is there a specific one for the SV650, or one for bikes at least? :smt102

Cheers
BV

[TamSV]

The plug spanner provided in the bikes own tool kit is the best thing I've found for that job.

However if this is the first service you've done, and you're not sure how it's been looked after before, then I'd want to change the coolant too.

Once you've drained the old coolant it's easy to just remove the radiator altogether. With the rad out of the way it's a very simple plug change.

[BigV]

She didn't come with the toolkit unfort when I bought her (not that I can see, unless it's hidden under the seat somewhere in some secret compartment?). Think I need to get hold of Suzuki agents for one, need to swing by for a new air filter anyways :(

Thanks for the tip about changing the coolant. Yeah...doing major service stuff, and since all I know about her history is she was serviced when due...Im taking the more cautious approach and checking everything, and changing the important bits like brake fluid etc

EDIT: Found this thread...toolkit is hidden!! Grrr....I will check this out tonight!! http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=136664

[BigV]

Oh...anyone have the location for the tank prop rod?

[chris c]

Oh...anyone have the location for the tank prop rod?

Should just be under your rear seat clipped to the right handside and going down the the rider seat area

[BigV]

Thanks, think I know where it is. All these things hidden away on the bike...it's like a lucky packet :D

[Hysteria_UK]

The toolkit is quite hidden, do a search on here and find the link with the photo. I would imagine yours is there, you just haven't seen it

[Bibio]

don't mess about swinging the rad up. instead put a towel over your mudguard and drop the rad out the way as its only 1 more bolt. you then have full access to the plug and can use a proper plug socket and small extension bar.

when i do the plugs on mine i also take the tank off. i find the extra work actually less effort then trying to mess about and getting skint knuckles

[BigV]

Thanks Hysteria_UK

Good points there! If I take the other bolt off the radiator and it hangs down, just checking I don't have to undo pipes etc too, it should just rest on the mud guard then?

[Bibio]

yup just rest on mudguard (remember the towel) no need to undoo hoses.

[BigV]

Thanks, recon round 2 will go muuuuuch better with the spark plugs :D

[yorkie_chris]

Might as well check clearances while you've got rad out of way

[Biker Biggles]

Have you got an owners handbook?All the stuff about where the toolkit is and tank prop is in there.If not Id get one,and a manual as well.

[BigV]

Got the Suzuki manual, not the Haynes one...to be honest I never looked in there...just skipped straight to the service section. Think its high time I take a proper read through it ](*,)