Buying SV, what to check? - SV650.org

26-05-05, 04:44 PM

Afternoon all,

Haven't been on this forum in a while.....since i was meant to get a sv about 6 months ago! Anyway, that has all changed, ive the money and im checking a sv650s tomorrow.

I was just wondering if there is anything in particular i should check for? Its a 99 bike with 20,500kms on the clock. The shop im buying it off bought it in england and brought it back over here and from a quick look at it, it seems very clean. I was just looking for some tips on the problem areas or stuff that should be checked?

Cheers all,
Bryn

26-05-05, 05:13 PM

If they got it from the Uk, why the KM clocks?

Ask for service history valve clearances should have been checked, if they haven't you'll have a major service to pay for.

embee · 26-05-05, 08:53 PM

99 "import" bike, hmm. I'd say it'd need to be very cheap bearing in mind brand spankers are £4k!

There was a sump baffle issue around then (someone here will confirm the dates), and a recall.

Camchain tensioners tend to stick causing rattly chains. Not a big issue, they can either be freed and reset or replaced pretty easily, but you'd want them to do it if necessary.

Various bits suffer corrosion if not cared for. Front forks, rear brake torque arm, and maybe most significant the brake pad retaining pins can seize in the calipers, which can cause you real grief.

The drain pipe from the tank filler recess has been known to rust through, which dumps rain into your fuel and cannot be repaired, needs new tank!

Carbs need careful balancing for them to run sweetly, not difficult but should be done.

Check other usual things, brake discs & pads, chain & sprockets, tyres. Not big issues but all extra expense.

Choke cables tend to corrode causing them to stop closing properly which makes the bike a bit of a dog to ride. Again no big deal but another potential problem.

Steering head bearings can be a bit loose, which potentially can mean new bearings if they've become notchy.

Fork knock over bumps seems pretty common, and there is no single reason nor reliable cure.

If you are happy doing work yourself you can sort out most of these minor issues, but factor it all into the price.

26-05-05, 11:08 PM

Thanks for the advise lads. I had a quick look at it myself today and thought it was very clean. Couldnt find signs of rust/scrathces anywhere. Brake discs seemed grand. Small bit of corrison on the forks but nothing major.

I have a mate having a look at it tomorrow, he is also part of this forum.

Price wise.....it is very cheap compared to prices of the sv's over here. He also had another sv in stock which was in a fairly bad state. If it is mechanically sound i will be very happy to take it off his hands.

26-05-05, 04:44 PM	#1
Bryn Guest Posts: n/a	Buying SV, what to check? Afternoon all, Haven't been on this forum in a while.....since i was meant to get a sv about 6 months ago! Anyway, that has all changed, ive the money and im checking a sv650s tomorrow. I was just wondering if there is anything in particular i should check for? Its a 99 bike with 20,500kms on the clock. The shop im buying it off bought it in england and brought it back over here and from a quick look at it, it seems very clean. I was just looking for some tips on the problem areas or stuff that should be checked? Cheers all, Bryn

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26-05-05, 05:13 PM	#2
BURNER Guest Posts: n/a	If they got it from the Uk, why the KM clocks? Ask for service history valve clearances should have been checked, if they haven't you'll have a major service to pay for.

26-05-05, 08:53 PM	#3
embee Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Warwickshire Posts: 2,804	99 "import" bike, hmm. I'd say it'd need to be very cheap bearing in mind brand spankers are £4k! There was a sump baffle issue around then (someone here will confirm the dates), and a recall. Camchain tensioners tend to stick causing rattly chains. Not a big issue, they can either be freed and reset or replaced pretty easily, but you'd want them to do it if necessary. Various bits suffer corrosion if not cared for. Front forks, rear brake torque arm, and maybe most significant the brake pad retaining pins can seize in the calipers, which can cause you real grief. The drain pipe from the tank filler recess has been known to rust through, which dumps rain into your fuel and cannot be repaired, needs new tank! Carbs need careful balancing for them to run sweetly, not difficult but should be done. Check other usual things, brake discs & pads, chain & sprockets, tyres. Not big issues but all extra expense. Choke cables tend to corrode causing them to stop closing properly which makes the bike a bit of a dog to ride. Again no big deal but another potential problem. Steering head bearings can be a bit loose, which potentially can mean new bearings if they've become notchy. Fork knock over bumps seems pretty common, and there is no single reason nor reliable cure. If you are happy doing work yourself you can sort out most of these minor issues, but factor it all into the price.

26-05-05, 11:08 PM	#4
Bryn Guest Posts: n/a	Thanks for the advise lads. I had a quick look at it myself today and thought it was very clean. Couldnt find signs of rust/scrathces anywhere. Brake discs seemed grand. Small bit of corrison on the forks but nothing major. I have a mate having a look at it tomorrow, he is also part of this forum. Price wise.....it is very cheap compared to prices of the sv's over here. He also had another sv in stock which was in a fairly bad state. If it is mechanically sound i will be very happy to take it off his hands.