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Seeker · 21-10-18, 01:56 PM

My AL7 is set to reach 20k miles in the coming week and I've been reflecting on ownership.

I bought it Summer 2016 and immediately noticed a problem with its cold running, it was resolved by the dealer taking the dramatic step of replacing the entire throttle body assembly.

The only other issue was an occasional reluctance to start after a fill up, that problem fixed itself and hasn't reared its head in over a year.

I'm on my 3rd set of tyres, the originals only lasting a paltry 5k. I replaced them with Avon Storm and then again with Avon Storm 3d X-M which do seem to be long lasting. I've done about 7k on the current set and I'm less than half way through tread depth.

It's running on the original chain and going by the "pull it off the rear sprocket" test, the wear is negligible. Brake pads are original but will need changing soon, particularly the rear. Original battery, it goes on a tender in the winter since my rides are not so regular.

No oil usage between services and brilliant mileage on fuel.

Mods: mainly for comfort; seat rebuilt (at 300 miles!), Givi screen, DL650 handguards. Handlebar risers which required a DL650 clutch cable and I have Grip Puppies fitted over original grips. I fitted a Pyramid plastics hugger which broke and was replaced (by Pyramid) and then fitted a Red Fox one anyway. Perennial battle to stop front wheel spray - 7 different front mudflap variations until I accepted defeat although I am still running a fender extender and a longish mudflap attached to that.

Corrosion: can't find much, the gear change shaft lost its coating and shows rust in the winter unless regularly ACF50'd, a few bolt heads have lost their pristine look. I've worn the paint/anodising off the left hand bar weight (I rest my hand there, apparently). I ride throughout the year but at my discretion - I can avoid the wet and I usually wash it down if the roads are salty.

I've never kept a bike for so many miles, I usually change them at about 10k miles and I'm currently unsure what do next. I am fortunate that I have funds that would cover most bikes but being a tightwad I limit my expenditure. I have considered a bigger bike, I really like the Z900RS but I also know that, although I'm a slow rider, there are occasional madness moments and honestly, I'm happiest pottering around the country lanes at 50/60 which would be a waste of a big bike. Which brings me back to would I buy another SV and I've surprised myself because I would. I've never bought the same bike back to back before but I think I may well do it this time. The AL7 fits me that well.

21-10-18, 01:56 PM	#1
Seeker Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: NE Lincs Posts: 1,069	AL7 at 20,000 miles My AL7 is set to reach 20k miles in the coming week and I've been reflecting on ownership. I bought it Summer 2016 and immediately noticed a problem with its cold running, it was resolved by the dealer taking the dramatic step of replacing the entire throttle body assembly. The only other issue was an occasional reluctance to start after a fill up, that problem fixed itself and hasn't reared its head in over a year. I'm on my 3rd set of tyres, the originals only lasting a paltry 5k. I replaced them with Avon Storm and then again with Avon Storm 3d X-M which do seem to be long lasting. I've done about 7k on the current set and I'm less than half way through tread depth. It's running on the original chain and going by the "pull it off the rear sprocket" test, the wear is negligible. Brake pads are original but will need changing soon, particularly the rear. Original battery, it goes on a tender in the winter since my rides are not so regular. No oil usage between services and brilliant mileage on fuel. Mods: mainly for comfort; seat rebuilt (at 300 miles!), Givi screen, DL650 handguards. Handlebar risers which required a DL650 clutch cable and I have Grip Puppies fitted over original grips. I fitted a Pyramid plastics hugger which broke and was replaced (by Pyramid) and then fitted a Red Fox one anyway. Perennial battle to stop front wheel spray - 7 different front mudflap variations until I accepted defeat although I am still running a fender extender and a longish mudflap attached to that. Corrosion: can't find much, the gear change shaft lost its coating and shows rust in the winter unless regularly ACF50'd, a few bolt heads have lost their pristine look. I've worn the paint/anodising off the left hand bar weight (I rest my hand there, apparently). I ride throughout the year but at my discretion - I can avoid the wet and I usually wash it down if the roads are salty. I've never kept a bike for so many miles, I usually change them at about 10k miles and I'm currently unsure what do next. I am fortunate that I have funds that would cover most bikes but being a tightwad I limit my expenditure. I have considered a bigger bike, I really like the Z900RS but I also know that, although I'm a slow rider, there are occasional madness moments and honestly, I'm happiest pottering around the country lanes at 50/60 which would be a waste of a big bike. Which brings me back to would I buy another SV and I've surprised myself because I would. I've never bought the same bike back to back before but I think I may well do it this time. The AL7 fits me that well.