How much to spend on an SV650?

Just on the verge of passing my DAS (have mod 2 in 3 weeks time and very comfortable on the bike and fee confident to pass) Want to get an SV650, and would like full fairing in an ideal world as I am planning on riding to the Alps this summer and felt it would make life a bit easier...

What I am trying to work out is the optimum to spend. I dont want to buy it new, as attractive as 0 percent finance is, though thoughts on the sense of that appreciated. I see for about 3500 you can basically buy a new one, what I cannot work out is how low to go before it starts getting dodgy and you have to know what you are looking at (which I dont). Could I have your advice?


PS I wont be using it as a commuter, so I will be able to keep it in very good nick if/when I resell it.

Cheers
Paul

I also want to get it really soon before things start getting snapped up for the summer etc... and the 0 deals go away.. (which presumably they do?)

Personally I would buy secondhand, as the depreciation is less. However,the SV is very popular with new and/or young riders, so be very wary of accident damage and missed or bodged servicing.

You don't give your location, which would be helpful for suggestions as to where to buy from (if going dealer) and where to get it serviced.

Buy a pointy you can pick up an 04-05 for £2k.

[keith_d]

I paid a bit less than £2k for an 04 pointy then spent a couple of hundred sorting out the bits I didn't like (exhaust, pillion seat etc). If I was replacing it I'd budget for around £2k again.

Keith.

I have never puchased an SV second hand, because I've never had the cash.

Generally, 0% saves money if you are looking to purchase on finance (which you didn't say if you were or not I don't think.)

If you borrow 3500 and end up paying £600 in interest that is £4100. The SV I just bought was a pre-reg model (and there should be some lying around somewhere) for £4399. I did purchase quite a lot of extras, and got a discount on these.

If you're looking into buying on finance for a second hand bike, and want a hand with the figures give me a PM and I can help if you need it.

As for the price of a second hand bike, it's very difficult to say without seeing a bike on a case by case basis. Anything you buy (vehicle wise) can be a gamble. You just have to reduce the risks.

Obviously, if you buy second hand, and buy a bike for £3000 but it needs 2x new tyres, MOT, Tax, full service etc then you're actually looking closer to £3.5-4k.

Service history is (in my opinion) pretty important. Also think about the use the bike has had before. If it was purely a weekend bike, there is a good chance it was thrashed at weekends, but not used a lot so generally low mileage.

Or you can look at a commuter machine, maybe a bit dirtier and covered more mileage, but ridden more gently.

I've always bought SVs new because they are quite a cheap bike. Yes they depreciate, but at least you know what you're getting and what they've been through. No MOT for 3 years, tax included, fresh rubber etc.

[yorkie_chris]

They are pretty reliable and simple to sort. I wouldn't worry about buying an earlier one at all.

Dave I would question the charity of calling the stock tyres "fresh rubber" in a good way.

[dizzyblonde]

Whatever you spend, you've got to remember the bike doesn't stop spending money there.
People seem to think that once you've paid for it thats it.
Biking is expensive, doesn't matter if its an old SV or a brand spanking new one, they'll eat your money.
If you have it for a few years by the time you've finished, if you look after it properly and ride it regular, you'll have spent the same amount again on tyres, servicing, blingy bits, better brake lines, new pads, new panels when you fall off etc etc.

So spend what you are comfortable with, and if you haven't got proper kit, tie that into your budget too. You can have an earlier SV looking like a showroom exhibit, just as much as one thats just rolled out of the dealers....I have one, it is possible to look after them that much

[yorkie_chris]

If you spend as much as buying a new one


My 2 penneth in same position as you I'd be looking at K4 ish one, and find one that's got nearly a full test and some new-ish tyres on it. FFS don't buy the first one you see as this is where you'll drop yourself in it with regards the consumable cost... BUT even if you do completely eff up that bit it will still be cheaper than buying new

Originally Posted by dizzyblonde

Biking is expensive, doesn't matter if its an old SV or a brand spanking new one, they'll eat your money.

So spend what you are comfortable with, and if you haven't got proper kit, tie that into your budget too.

Definately +1.

Make sure you get kit. I got all my leathers + boots thrown in with the purchase of my first SV for £4399 (although prices are slightly higher now)