I'm new - go easy :-)

[pmapp]

Hi All,
I've been flaoting around the last couple of days doing some reading.

I've decided on an SV650 for my first bike, and am off for a look at one this weekend.

The bike in question is a 99 model, which is apparantly in decent condition with approx 39,000 miles. What I'm after is advice on what to look out for, and hints and tips etc. Should I look at a newer model?

Nice freindly forum you got going here, I will be back for more.

Thanks in advance,
Phil :o

[The Basket]

How much cash you're splashin'?

[vsumouse]

thats quite a few miles there matey,
i personally would look around for something with fewer miles and its a buyers market at the mo. so stick to your guns :smt066
good luck

[fizzwheel]

Hi All,
I've been flaoting around the last couple of days doing some reading.

I've decided on an SV650 for my first bike, and am off for a look at one this weekend.

The bike in question is a 99 model, which is apparantly in decent condition with approx 39,000 miles. What I'm after is advice on what to look out for, and hints and tips etc. Should I look at a newer model?

Nice freindly forum you got going here, I will be back for more.

Thanks in advance,
Phil :o

Things to look out for.

Make sure the engine and chassis numbers match the V5

Get a HPI check if you can.

What state are the front forks in, SV are prone to paint flaking off and chipping.

Front brakes suffer over time, check for spongy brakes / how far does the brake lever come back to the bar.

Rear brake also suffers from neglect.

Rear shock seems to go off on higher milleage bikes. What sort of state is it in.

Some people have had trouble with electrics and wiring looms rubbing on frame
and blowing fuses.

What are the chain and sprocket like.

How much life do the tyres have in them.

How much tax is left to run and when does the MOT run out.

What modifications have been done ( race can etc etc ) and does the owner have the standard bits still.

If it has an alarm does it have both keyfobs and do they both work.

Does it have any service history / receipts for work done.

What's the bodywork like. Small scrapes and chips are to be expected. However anything that looks like gravel rash means its been down the road, not necesarily a problem as long as its been repaired properly. It is a standard paint colour or has it been resprayed. If its had a respray find out why ? again could be hiding crash damage.

Milleage isnt necessarily a problem if and I mean if the bike has been looked after and serviced regularly. However you can find bikes with lower milleage for reasonable money now.

IMHO you want to find a standard or as near standard bike as you can. Dont pay extra money for after market add on parts.

If you arent sure what to look for take a mate with you who does now what to look for.

Dont buy the first bike you look at, Look at several bikes you'll get a better idea for whats out there and what makes a good bike and what makes one to stay away from.

Welcome the site hope this helps.

[philipMac]

Dont buy the first bike you look at, Look at several bikes you'll get a better idea for whats out there and wht at makes a good bike and what makes one to stay away from.


I know this sounds weird. But, he is right. Do not buy the first bike you look at.
You see the bike, your brain goes all, mmmm, I can own this puppy in 20 mins. I want it. Hmm.

Every time i go to buy my next bike, I almost fall for it. And every time I find a bike a short while later, nicer, cheaper, with less miles.

If at all possible visit the bike twice, once right in the middle of the day, once in the morning or the afternoon. See if you can bring a mate who drives/drove an SV650. Look at both sides, turn the bike so each one faces the sun, and have a good look. Even if you are not a pro, you can just stare, the more you look, the more you see.

When you start it, let it run for a while, go for a spin, let it run a bit more, drive it slowly in a line in first to see if it surges. Pull away in second as hard as you dare, make sure nothing happens. You should be able to knock along in second at about 25 mph, and take your hands off the bars, (watch the engine braking, ease the throttle in) or if you are nervous hold them really lightly. Pulling to one side is sort of something you dont want to get into. Listen to the engine idle for a while.

Have a look at the oil, see if it watery or very dirty. Make sure the level is right. Have a look at the oil filter, if its really manky on the outside and ancient looking thats another red light.

Buy a tyre gauge, check the pressure. Obviously you can top it off, but if your man has the right pressures, then he might look after the bike. Look at the brake fluid, make sure its above the min mark.

Have a look at the rad. If there are loads of stones hockeyed into it, he might have rallied it a bit.

Chat with him about the world cup, and then just ask him when he got the brakes serviced last, and then talk about Wayne Rooney or whatever you englanders like to do. Just keep lobbing questions in. Ask him again when you look at the bike again.

And then offer him something a good bit under the asking, see how he reacts. If he just turns and walks away, ok, he is not desperate to sell it. If he even starts to haggle with you, you can bargain hard from here.

I dunno what else :?

Good luck man. And welcome. This is a classy site.

[pmapp]

Thanks for the replies guys, some good info there.

Should have given you a bit more info myself, but was rushing it last night before the laptop battery died :P

It has apparantly only done "dry miles" which i know can't be 100% true for a bike of it's age, but has always ben garaged.

It's just had its MOT, brake pads have just been changed, fork oil just changed.

The bike is going for 1550, but i've made an offer of 1400 which he has accepted if I go collect Saturday.

I can spend upto 2000 ish, which I understad there are alot of machines out there for that money. Just this seems a decent bike to have for a year or two, then move on.

Cheers again,
Phil

[The Basket]

If you have 2 grand to spend then shop around...age or miles is no probs for a well maintained bike but that kinda money can get you a much younger fresher deal.

Always keep your options open too.

[fizzwheel]

It has apparantly only done "dry miles" which i know can't be 100% true for a bike of it's age, but has always ben garaged.

It's just had its MOT, brake pads have just been changed, fork oil just changed.

The bike is going for 1550, but i've made an offer of 1400 which he has accepted if I go collect Saturday.


Mwah 40K dry miles, b*ll*cks more like. To rack up that much at some time that bike will have been ridden in the rain.

Thats still to expensive IMHO. I got offered £800 for my 2000SVS, 33K, Full Main Dealer Service History, New tyres ( Metzler Z6's ) New Front brake disks and pads, Front and rear calipers rebuilts, Extra's as in my signature.

Personally If I was you I would keep looking 2K will get you something better than what you are looking at.

These 3 are in the for sale section. They are up for £2500 ish which is a bit more than your budget. Might be worth looking at

http://forums.sv650.org/viewtopic.php?t=39614

http://forums.sv650.org/viewtopic.php?t=39423

http://forums.sv650.org/viewtopic.php?t=39604

Mind you theres an argument that says a bike thats been ridden and racked up miles is a better than one thats been stood around.

[pmapp]

Thanks again,

The chap has just phoned and the bike has sold for his asking price.

So back to the papers I go :roll:


I have however deffinatly decided on an SV, so I should be sticking around. Thanks for the input.

[Biker Biggles]

Gday.I was about to say your purchase sounded OK if it was in good nick and did'nt require things doing like tyres brakes and chain.Too late though.Plenty more out there.

[Stu]

I paid £2K for 2005 on 2K miles.
Not the best condition though.
You just have to look for as long as possible to know whats out there