Buying sv with out seeing

[DomP]

Please be gentle. I've seen a bike I want but cant get to view it, looks very tidy k6 fully faired on 22k with service history up to 13k. Up at £2200 but will take offers. Would I be taking a massive risk getting it delivered without viewing first.

[shiftin_gear98]

Private sale or Trade?


Private sale - I wouldn't.
Trade sale - I probably still wouldn't.

[DomP]

Private, I can't afford trade. I know I really need to go view it but it's not like I can ride it as I haven't done my das yet

[shiftin_gear98]

Bear in mind, your description sounds very like my bikes current situation same model, same mileage.
And for my sins same service record. Mine is due to go and get the big 16,000 service later this month.
£400.00 or so.


I would guess you would be looking at doing this to this one some time soon too.
Without seeing it or hearing it you have no idea how the engine is or runs.


Could be a peach, or could be a melon.

[DomP]

True, what is involved with that service? Not one for an enthusiastic diyer?

[DomP]

I'm just a little concerned that come summer when hopefully I will have passed my budget of 1700 /2000 will get me a lot less than it will now.

I've asked these questions on here before but I figure the more questions I ask the better informed I will be.

[shiftin_gear98]

Throttle bodies balanced, cam alignment checked etc.
Too many specialist tools needed for me.
I can do the basics and do, but this is beyond me.


I'm sure someone with more experience will chip in soon.

[carelesschucca]

I'd say bide your time and wait. There will be other bikes and with your budget you will be able to get a nice little SV. The other thing to is try and get someone with a bit of knowledge to go with you when your buying the bike. I was lucky when I bought second hand because if I'm honest I didn't check the bike properly I just got excited sense went out the window and I bought it.

There's plenty of time

[Foot]

Definitely agree with carelesschucca. A budget of £1700-£2000 is spot on, should get something tidy any time of the year. Wait it out, you'll find something which you can view and maybe more in your price range. When are you doing you DAS?

[timwilky]

I have been to see a few bikes and walked away as no where near as described. In one case the bike was on the drive when I turned up. didnt even bother knocking on the door.

Buying a bike without viewing and a test ride is simply asking for trouble. I note you don't have a licence yet. So therefore in your position, I would have asked for the help of a trusted friend.

[embee]

Agree, wait it out. Buying unseen is a recipe for big bills. Even if it's all genuine, tyres/battery/chain&sprockets/brake pads or discs/steering head bearings etc etc will add up to several hundred squids which will far outweigh any savings you might make by buying off-season.


There are thousands of SVs out there, no shortage of good ones at sensible prices.

[johnnyrod]

Never buy a bike without a test ride, ever. All good advice above, if you really must buy a bike now (and it is a good time to do so, you're right) then get someone who knows their stuff to look at it and ride it. As chucca says on page 1, there's no rush, and there is no such thing as an unmissable bargain.

Where are you located? You could do you DAS now, it's cold but as long as it doesn't snow, it's riding weather!

[DomP]

Thank you folks for talking sense into me! That's what I should do johnnyrod, I'm being an impatient fool. I've pondered this before on here and had the same response last time.

Ideally I'd love to buy from someone on here, in the mean time I think I'm going to book my lessons. Still however if anyone is looking to sell let me know, (fully faired pointy) I look on here about 5 to 10 times a day!

[AlexRider]

I've recently bought myself an SV650 through a private trade off a member of the org - I have to say, although I'm new to this whole buying vehicles experience; there are a few things I would suggest you do:


If you do end up having a delivery before seeing it, don't skip out on any checks; and by that I also mean HPI checks, online mileage checks, vin number check etc. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions, such as condition of tyres, what paperwork is included, the history and request pictures (A must if you aren't seeing it in person beforehand)


I highly recommend you go and view the bike and buy it from there - that's the only way you'll be able to get a good inspection of it's condition. I was unable to test ride my bike when I bought it, but I had a friend ride it back for me as I didn't have my license at the time.


Make sure it comes with an MOT, and a recent one at that - I would never buy a bike without an MOT, especially if you can't see it in person beforehand.


If anything seems dodgy or they are reluctant to answer certain questions - don't do it. Not worth the risk.


I used this website (https://www.mycarcheck.com) to carry out all of my HPI checks on bikes that I was considering to buy.


I used the GOV MOT History website (http://motinfo.direct.gov.uk/internet/jsp/ECHID-Internet-History-Request.jsp) to check the previous mileage history of any bike I was considering to buy. It also displays failed MOT's, and advisory notices. (Request the V5 Document Reference Number from the owner of the bike and Number Plate Reg, as you will need both to do this)



Lastly, in my personal opinion - I would agree with majority of other users. I wouldn't buy a bike if I couldn't see it in person beforehand and if it didn't comply with anything I've stated above.

Good luck with any of your purchases :)




Just to note: Hidden Costs

When I bought my bike from the previous owner; despite the fact that he told the truth about everything; there were a few things that I had to purchase for the bike by the time it was rode back to my home. Including:

Battery (Yep, totally died): £45
New tyres (rear was shot down the middle due to motorway miles, felt unstable) - changed front too for piece of mind: £200
Service was due - cost £140

So that's nearly an extra £400 already. Also don't forget, not to put your confidence down or anything; but consider the cost of failing one, or even both of your tests a possibility. I failed my mod 1 once and that set me back another £100.

[Littlepeahead]

+1 on doing your DAS now. I did mine this week in 2008. Yes it was cold, it was also cheap as I rang them and haggled on the price to get a discount. CBT to full licence in 3 and a half days. This time of year there are deals to be had on training.

[DomP]

A bit of Herefordshire haggling! Im a bit stuck on that one there is only one place within 50 odd miles of me but I've only heard very good things from them. Worth a try at haggling I suppose though

[Littlepeahead]

It is. I used up some carried over holiday so went on weekdays. Find out their normal price, then call or pop in, tell them you're on a limited budget and ask if they would consider offering a discount as it's mid winter, and you'll be paying cash. The worst they can do is say no!