General maintainence question on a new SV..

[Welsh_Wizard]

Hey guys, was hoping to pick your brains if I could..

Been researching for some information about general maintenance guidelines for pre/post rides on a new SV650s - have found some stuff but didn't know whether it was specific for their bike (it wasnt a Suzuki)..

Could any of you run through your normal checklist pre and post ride??

I am a novice at this right now as this is my first bike so treat me as a thickko please :p

cheers

Wiz

[hovis]

just the normal stuff, you learned on your test

tyre pres.
oil
lights
brakes
etc

[petevtwin650]

Depends if you're gonna ride the bike daily.

My checklist for my weekend rides. Don't use it to commute.

Check oil, bike upright. Very important on an Sv.
Tyre pressures.
Coolant level
Chain tension.

End of ride. Lube chain.

[Welsh_Wizard]

Cheers Hovis, Pete..

Have looked around at the area's you've mentioned due to only doing my test about 2 weeks ago - just wondered really whether there was any specific for the SV that you had to look out for. Have read on here a couple of times that the suspension isn't all that? Is that a usual gripe or is it someone just having a sound-off. Anything to look out for specifically on that ??

[fizzwheel]

Have read on here a couple of times that the suspension isn't all that? Is that a usual gripe or is it someone just having a sound-off. Anything to look out for specifically on that ??

Front suspension is under damped, but if you're a new rider I personally wouldnt worry about it and just get on a ride the bike, rack up some miles and experience and then worry about upgrading the front if you find its a problem. I never really noticed it, until I started pushing the bike really hard, I notice it a lot more when I go back to my SV from my GSXR, But its not that bad that the bikes unrideable IMHO.

Theres nothing really SV specific, apart from chain tension makes a difference to how the gearbox feels, and also if you over fill the oil it can make it difficult to find neutral.

[hovis]

get a haynes manual, as all the checks are in there, plus hell of a lot more

how to service bike, and every thing you will ever need to know

[Viney]

Pre-ride check list...erm, remove cobwebs after Dave the fairing spiders evening efforts, put key in, start bike. Wipe dew/rain from seat, tank and grips, get on and ride.

Weekly checks, oil and tyre pressures. Monthly check, chain (Scottoiler you see). When ever i get round to it...everything else.

Im lazy me.

[Viney]

just the normal stuff, you learned on your test

tyre pres.
oil
lights
brakes
etc
You learn that on your test??? Crikey.

[hovis]

You learn that on your test??? Crikey.

yup, & you get tested on it, the examener asks you basic Q's like

how do you tighten chain

tyre pres. & tread

[Welsh_Wizard]

yes, very true.. there is a question on the effects of a pillion on the bike too. Nothing too challenging and you can't actually fail for getting them wrong although I think you can get a minor fault if you completely stuff them up.

Hovis - will definately invest in a Haynes manual at some point, quality book.

[haggis]

You learn that on your test??? Crikey.

Yep mate. Things have changed since we sat the test/CBT.

Basic bike maintainence is part of the CBT now. It's getting to the stage where it should be a two-day course. A friend had to do that last week. Started at 10.30am, still going at 7.30pm and only just onto the road test stage so did that part a couple of days later, due to failing daylight and feeling too knackered to carry on. :-(

[Biker_Billy]

Yep mate. Things have changed since we sat the test/CBT.

Basic bike maintainence is part of the CBT now. It's getting to the stage where it should be a two-day course. A friend had to do that last week. Started at 10.30am, still going at 7.30pm and only just onto the road test stage so did that part a couple of days later, due to failing daylight and feeling too knackered to carry on. :-(


Yep, did my CBT in June....instructor told me to remember:

B O L T S

Brakes
Oil
Lights
Tyres
Suspension

Check before every ride....

[thebluelion]

My daily checks are, Tires are inflated, key,Choke,ignition, start and go.But once a month i check oil,tyre pressure,lights. I know i,m a lazy bstrd

[ejohnh]

Front suspension is under damped, but if you're a new rider I personally wouldnt worry about it and just get on a ride the bike, rack up some miles and experience and then worry about upgrading the front if you find its a problem. I never really noticed it, until I started pushing the bike really hard, I notice it a lot more when I go back to my SV from my GSXR, But its not that bad that the bikes unrideable IMHO.

Theres nothing really SV specific, apart from chain tension makes a difference to how the gearbox feels, and also if you over fill the oil it can make it difficult to find neutral.

Too all intents and purposes I was a new rider and the front end ducking and diving going thru corners put the sh1ts up me.. Fitted Hagon progressives and difference is like chalk and cheese. (Or Honda v Suzuki bolts). :o)