New member, new biker: wanting an sv650s as first bike

[EliteAlex]

Hi all,

I'm just getting to biking and have just got all of my gear sorted. I am looking for a used pointy sv650s. I'm browsing the adverts and looking about for one but i'm unsure about the mileage of the bikes. I assume the lower the better but some of them i've seen which have between 20,000 and 24,000 but for a very good price. Is this considered too high or enough to look for a lower mileage one? The bike will be used at the weekend as a toy.

I'm on an A2 license so the bike will need to be restricted and as such i won't be able to test ride before buying, which is a bit annoying, even at a dealer! I've never ridden a 'sportsbike' position such as the SV, only a naked so i won't know if i'll like the riding position until i've bought it!

Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers

[yorkie_chris]

Welcome!
20-24k wouldn't bother me in the slightest.

Re riding position you'll be fine with either, the SVS isn't ridiculously sporty.

[EliteAlex]

Welcome!
20-24k wouldn't bother me in the slightest.

Re riding position you'll be fine with either, the SVS isn't ridiculously sporty.

Thanks for the reply mate. What sort of mileage would recommend staying under for purchasing sake? I've seen fome with like 47,000 on so the engine must be fairly bulletproof?!?!

Good, i'm sure i'd get used to it soon anyway!

[yorkie_chris]

Mine lasted to 100k no problem and was still fine, bit rattly but it did get a very hard time.

It's all maintenance and condition dependent really

[AlexAdams]

15k valve clearance service come in around £250-£350 so factor this if approaching 15k intervals.

[EliteAlex]

15k valve clearance service come in around £250-£350 so factor this if approaching 15k intervals.

Thanks for the info. I'll definitely factor this into the search criteria! I've actually messaged one bloke and he told me he hasn't had the valve clearances done and the bike is at 16,000. He said that a mechanic friend told him they are never out of clearance, even at 20,000+. I guess its a case of buyers beware!

[Heorot]

It should only cost that much if they are found to need adjusting. I had mine checked as part of a service at around 15k and wasn't charged for more than an hour because adjustment wasn't necessary. From earlier threads here,it seems that's generally the case.

[yorkie_chris]

They don't normally need adjusting, but when they need it they need it.

[EliteAlex]

Thank you all for the info. From what i've heard they're pretty bulletproof engines so as long as i find one thats been looked after well, and serviced regularly etc, i don't need to worry too much about mileage. I'll have a search of the forums to find out common faults and things to look out for when buying to save any more repeated threads!

[Balky001]

Good luck finding the right bike. As others have said, 20k on an SV isn't a worry as long as its been looked after.

Chris, are there any telltale signs the valves might need adjusting without checking. Thought it might be useful as you never know if they have really been checked even if you pay for it.

[yorkie_chris]

None whatsoever until a tight one burns an exhaust valve out.

Rare but not unheard of.

[shiftin_gear98]

Chris, To take this further, what happens if the exhaust valve burns out?
Does the engine go pop and dies?


Last time I had mine checked they said they were close, but within limit.
He said the give the bike a good thrash, unsure how this could help, but been doing it everyday since...


EliteAlex - Welcome.

[Heorot]

Eliite_Alex, look on the for sale section of this site. There are a couple up for sale by members.

[andrewsmith]

Mines for sale on here

Hello BTW

Sent from my E2303 using Tapatalk

[yorkie_chris]

Chris, To take this further, what happens if the exhaust valve burns out?
Does the engine go pop and dies?


Last time I had mine checked they said they were close, but within limit.
He said the give the bike a good thrash, unsure how this could help, but been doing it everyday since...


EliteAlex - Welcome.

Giving it a good thrash... I strongly agree. Did this to mine every day and it lasted to 100k.

If an exhaust valve goes then you'll lose compression on that cylinder and it will run like crap on that cylinder if at all.


"Within limits" is fine, don't obsess about setting them to bang in the middle of tolerance on every service. I used to check mine every 12k i.e every 4 oil changes and I could do it dead quick.... drop rad (no fan so swing it right down out of the way on the hoses) covers off... time it up.... intake; does 0.1 go yes, does 0.2 go no, move to exhaust, does 0.2 go yes, does 0.3 go no.... button it back up, repeat for rear... stick 2 new plugs in... continue hooning. Bet it didn't take me 45 minute

[EliteAlex]

Mines for sale on here

Hello BTW

Sent from my E2303 using Tapatalk

Hi! I have seen your bike listed on here and it looks perfect however it is a little bit out of my price range unfortunately! Thanks for the heads up anyway!