buying a 53 plate bike
 

I am buying a 53 plate sv650s on monday, is there anything i should be looking for in particular? the bike has only covered 3k miles

Given that the bike is pretty much new, then there's not much to look for other than making sure that it is neat and tidy.

However, it is 2 years old, and 3000 miles, so perhaps you should insist on the following:

4000 mile service and oil change being done in advance, or at least included in the price for 1000 miles time. At least factor it into the price if it's a private sale, it'll be about £120 from a dealer.

Brake fluid and engine coolant changed as per the 2 year service schedule (regardless of miles). Again, if a private sale - this'll cost money from a dealer, and will need to be done soon out of caution.

Also, look out for:
Crash damage - scraped exhaust, scuffs of bar-ends, panels, footpegs, bent brake/gear/clutch levers.

Corrosion on the front forks, and brake calipers - seized calipers can cause all sorts of hassle!

The grab rail on these is alluminium, unfortunately they forgot to prime them when they painted them, and the paint peeling off, is very common. They're also easily chipped and scuffed.


Above all, remember that the bike is probably at least 2 years old, which means no more manufacturer's warranty (for what that was worth!). You can pick up a NEW one of the 650's for about £4000 at the moment, so a mint K3 shouldn't really be more than £3000 (yes I'm sorry).

So true Billy, but have you ever tried explaining that to a dealer ? The reason I went for a new bike was because the used ones in VGC were just too much money.

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thanks
 

thanks for the replies, paid £2750 so not a bad price considering your comments.

looking forward to joining the 'club'.

Steven