Going to look at an SV...

[Wellbe]

... tonight

2001 650S - less than 1500 miles

Just wondering, any major things I should pay attention to on a bike that has obviously been sitting for long stretches of time. Covered, not garaged. MOT'd recently. I know the seller and the mileage is genuine.

Any pointers would be appreciated.

[Peter Henry]

Hello mate.Well let's face it there cannot be a lot wrong with it can there? I would simply budget in to take it along for a quick service once over. A small outlay for the peace of mind you will receive. Certainly oil and filter change,check of battery condition.To change brake fluid would in my opinion not be a bad idea also.I would have a close look at the tyres if it has been stood for so long also.Maybe try to confirm that brakes do not bind due to lack of use of the caliper pistons.Check for obvious signs of rust etc.Like the exhaust system as rotting from the inside out needs to be watched out for on a bike that has a few years under it's belt but not many miles.
Good luck and hope it turns out to be a trouble free bike for you. 8)

[Toypop]

I assume it still runs because otherwise it could be expensive/time consuming if the fuel has gone off and left that nasty coating in the carbs where it evaporates?

Thats my main concern with a bike that has been left standing assuming the tyres are ok.

Bit worried about this winter when I might not use mine for a month when the salt is out. How long before my fuel goes off and what sort of damage would that nasty coating do to the injection system? I have heard about fuel preservatives you get for lawn mowers but is that ok in a bike?!?!?

[Wellbe]

Well, saw it, bought it, just paid for it...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2001-SUZUKI-SV-650-SK1-YELLOW_W0QQitemZ4568927911QQcategoryZ9808QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem

Currently in between phases of euporia, and dismay at seeing my bank balance... cognitive dissonance ring any bells with anyone.

2 weeks to wash and polish it till I can ride it. *hopefully*

BTW - thanks for the posts above, helped knowing what to look for.

[Akula]

"cognitive dissonance" it would ring a bell if i knew what it meant :oops:

[Wellbe]

Akula: Google it...

Sorry, had lecturers trying to hammer that in for years. Only just got it.

[embee]

Good choice! (see avatar left :lol: )

You'll want to get rid of those original Mez4 tyres asap, trust me, they are not nice things to have on a bike!

I know it seems crazy to junk 1500ml old tyres, but the difference some decent rubber makes is really astounding. Check out the "Tyre" forum in Reviews section.

Oh, and do the fork oil at the very least , probably the best value for money mod you can do! Less than £10 for some oil makes the bike "£500 better". :wink:

[Diveboy]

You have loads of fun on that and I agree some new rubber will make all the difference.

Looking at the ebay listing this made me laugh "Recently passed MOT with flying colours" I've never had the MOT bloke come out and say my car/bike has passed with flying colours :roll: