Spring is coming so advice needed on getting SV ready.

Hi all,

Spring is on its way and I am in the process of getting my SV in shape for 2012. Bought the bike in 2010 (its a K3) and it had done 40,000 miles and so was/is a bit rough round the edges. I have added about 1,000 miles in the time I have owned it and so it is not used a great deal by me.

I have an Ohlins shock from a minitwin i used to have that has just been serviced and needs fitting as well as some plastics coming that I need to fit on the rear end so i intend to remove the swingarm to give the whole back end a thorough clean and check the bearings etc.

Last year I overhauled the calipers, replaced the forks (inc springs and oil) and yokes, replaced the head race bearings with tapered jobbies and gave it a proper look over. I will be replacing the discs, pads, hoses, chain, sprockets, rearsets and maybe some other bits this summer as well.

So have and will be replacing a lot of things on the outside of the bike but the advice I want is to know whether there is much I should be doing engine wise to keep it fresh. I intend to change the oil, filter, plugs and air filter as well as check the valve clearances (which i have never done and will no doubt be coming on here for advice). Does the SV need much else in the way of engine refreshing? I know they are pretty good engines from my Minitwin days but the bike I had then had only done about 15k miles whereas this one has been worked as a commuter bike.

[Paul the 6th]

sounds like your bike is going to be completely overhauled! Save up for a paint job and it'll be brand new buddy

[MJC-DEV]

About the only left is to change the coolant so you know its history. Its relatively quick and painless to do.

Originally Posted by Paul the 6th

sounds like your bike is going to be completely overhauled! Save up for a paint job and it'll be brand new buddy

yeah its getting that way. I have been sitting at work today thinking about having some of the more corroded/shabby metal bits powdercoated as well, given that i am going to be adding all the other nice shiny bits it seems a shame to have it let down by the corroded areas. Don't know if I am going too far with it though. Just have to up my limit on the old credit card!

Originally Posted by MJC-DEV

About the only left is to change the coolant so you know its history. Its relatively quick and painless to do.

Had forgot this and is definately going on the list of to dos! Cheers

[yorkie_chris]

Doing the coolant is good, means there is no pain in dropping the radiator out which makes doing valves a lot easier.