Buying an SV - what to look for?
 

You've all probably seen this post a million times..
But I may be swapping my bandit 600 for a SV650 year 2000 as I've wanted one for a while now.

What do I have to look for?

I know all about rust, brakes, condition ect just the main things with these bikes as I've only ever had inline 4's


Thanks in advance :)

Re: buying an sv - what to look for
 

Headrace bearings can go, so check the bars move smoothly from side to side

Camchain tensioners are also prone, so check for any rattles at idle. Try blippin the throttle too, see if it rattles when the revs drop.

How much are you looking to spend? See if we can give you any idea of what condition n mileage you should be getting for the money?

Re: buying an sv - what to look for
 

I wouldn't be spending any money cept fuel of course..

I'm swapping a 2001 Suzuki GSF600 Y for a 2000 Suzuki SV650

Re: buying an sv - what to look for
 

I dont know how much your gsf600 2001 is worth though.

I guess its hard to say without seeing the sv. But there are some really good ones out there still! :)

Re: Buying an SV - what to look for?
 

A bike of that age is bound to be used, but instead look for positives, does it appear to have been well maintained. Can the owner provide a service history, does it look to have come out of a garage with evidence of a careful owner.

Beyond that, the wiring loom frays on the seat bolts, normal and most owners will have addressed it. Cam chains do rattle, normal unless excessive. thereafter look at what is going to cost. Corrosion to forks. You will probably want to change the oil and possible springs anyway. condition of chains, sprockets.

But the biggest pain in the backside is the rear brake caliper. The pad retaining pins sit in a blind hole and corrode in place resulting in much swearing if lucky, drilling if not. So check if they have been serviced recently. Evidence of copper slip on the pins is a quick visual indicator.

Re: Buying an SV - what to look for?
 

Depends what your looking for in a bike. Immaculate condition or if your happy with one that has been used to whatever extent.

There are some decent low mileage ones out there. I bought mine last year with just 4500 miles on the clock and near mint condition.

All im saying is, even if your really particular, theres a bike out there to suit if you hang on n keep your eyes out

Re: Buying an SV - what to look for?
 

I've been told it's worth around £1350, the only reason i want to swap is i've wanted a sports bike for a while, the SV is cheap and cheerful after a few test rides. Smaller for my 5'10 build and lighter, less bulky like the GSF engine that sticks out the sides.


Just looking for a half decent SV that's going to last on my 185 mile journeys down to dover in the warmer months and a general ride around bike, I'm not fussed about having some fancy bike anymore as all the worry of dropping it just puts me off.

It's got 25k miles, 12 months mot, 2 brand new tyres (50 miles)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...4a5a4085a556bd

Re: Buying an SV - what to look for?
 

Aftermarket discs, its had an aftermarket exhaust on at some stage (makes it easier for you to put one on if you so wish), none standard mirrors? (Possibly better because they have a longer arm). Fenda extender to try and aid the front cylinder cutting out on you. Tail tidy n led indicators.

Thats just what i can see thats been upgraded :).

As long as its been properly serviced, i dont see why it shouldnt give you many more happy miles :).

Re: Buying an SV - what to look for?
 

You could probably find something with the same miles for less money, looks to be in average condition for its age, not super but not bad

I sold one which had 32,000 miles on it for £750, although I wanted rid of it quick.

SV's a great bike, I've still got one. For motorway crusing, I put a front sprocket with one extra tooth

Re: Buying an SV - what to look for?
 

I will be getting £150 ontop aswell.

Otaylor38 - thanks for your replies :) I would be putting better indicators (he says they aren't LED) and changing the colour anyway, but yeah I agree the engine is main concern