Curvy advice

Mornin all
Lost my K3 to thieves in July and have now finally been paid out.
There's a really nice K1 on a 02 plate at my local dealer with low miles and looks to be perfect.
Paperwork, condition etc seems spot on.
Could I ask existing curvy owners about what to look for before buying this model and if going from a K3 fuel injected bike to a carb one will be a big difference.

Due to a recent death on a test ride, the dealer has a restriction on test rides from thier insurers but they are willing to let me have the bike on a half day approval.

Many thanks
Mike

[Viney]

Its a case of checking the condition 100%. Look for rust on the subframe, corrosionon the forks, and general signs that its been down the road. Bar ends, and things like that. Then on the test ride just the susual stuff. There isnt much that cant be fixed easily on a curvey SV.

Death on a test ride...holy cow!!!

If the downpipes are shot, dont bother, its a sign it hasnt been greatly looked after and / or its been left out in the rain and cold. Make sure it starts from cold with no or very little choke (it should start with no choke unless its a cold day). Check the fork legs, make sure they are in reasonable condition (you cant really help a little bit of untidiness, but it shouldnt be horrendous).

Dunno what else really. Just ride it, and if it goes into all the gears and dosnt make funny noises, have it.

Oh,

Yellow ones are the best ones. Fact.

Matt

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by alpinestarhero

If the downpipes are shot, dont bother, its a sign it hasnt been greatly looked after and / or its been left out in the rain and cold.

I dont agree, it just means its been ridden, dirty down pipe doesnt mean the bikes a total lemon.

IMHO.

I'd rather have a dirty bike thats mechnically sound, than a mint clean one that hasnt been looked after properly. Theres more to looking after a bike than just cleaning it. Better checks would be look at the condition of the chain and sprocket, what are the tyres like, how clean are the front and rear brake calipers that kind of thing.

Personally, I dont like to look at anything "too clean" when Im planning on buying. It makes me feel as though theres something to hide. Sort of like "oh look at how shiny the paint is, dont pay attention to the missing front wheel" you know. It know it will sound silly but please, from personal experience, make sure the bike has brakes before you ride it! Try to show up earlier- much earlier than youre supposed to so you can see it start up cold and check for oil stains on the ground. Otherwise good luck!

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

I dont agree, it just means its been ridden, dirty down pipe doesnt mean the bikes a total lemon.

I was going to say the same thing, I think that's a little harsh! If you judged mine by the downpipes, it would be in a scrapyard!
Also, there's really nothing wrong with a bike being left out in the rain and cold - The only long term problem it causes is corrosion, and that's easy to spot.

Originally Posted by jimmybluedevil

Try to show up earlier- much earlier than youre supposed to so you can see it start up cold and check for oil stains on the ground. Otherwise good luck!

Good point, but don't leave it to chance, tell the dealer you want the bike totally cold when you arrive, if he refuses, he's hiding something.

Just remember a bike that hasn't been riden is just as much a lemon as I ragged bike, as the engine just hasn't been stress enough to wear in properly.

Thanks everyone
The tyres look new, clock says just under 2800mls, chain and sprocket as new, no corrosion scratches or touch-ups, downpipe clean, fork legs clean.
Mez 4 tyres, original fitment on this ?
What should I expect on a test ride, same as K3 ?

Dealer started bike up in showroom with choke so will have to see if she'll start without it.

Parkers say just under £2400 for mint machine, this one is £2699, fair mark up for mileage or not ?

Mike

Originally Posted by Foamer

Thanks everyone
The tyres look new, clock says just under 2800mls, chain and sprocket as new, no corrosion scratches or touch-ups, downpipe clean, fork legs clean.
Mez 4 tyres, original fitment on this ?
What should I expect on a test ride, same as K3 ?

Dealer started bike up in showroom with choke so will have to see if she'll start without it.

Parkers say just under £2400 for mint machine, this one is £2699, fair mark up for mileage or not ?

Mike

Not sure about the tyres, bu the price sounds right.
Don't obsess about the choke business - mine always needs a little unless it's a very hot day, the thing to look for is nice smooth running, and it shouldn't need the choke for very long.