Buying an SV650 (S)

Hi all,

I am 19 and have passed my test and am looking for an SV650 as my first proper bike. It's been 6 months since I've riden and I can't stand it any longer. I fancy getting a bike this year so I'm thinking of getting a loan or getting finance as I don't think I can wait to raise the cash - any opinions on this welcome as I would like to know what i'm letting myself in for!

Has anyone got any tips of what to look out for when buying a second hand bike? - and specific SV tips too?

I want an SV 650 from K3 onwards but I am debating whether to get the S or not. My dad and cousin are both into naked bikes - Yam 1300 SP and Suki Bandit 1200. Are there any decent clock conversion kits to enhance the looks of the unfaired SV? Otherwise i'm leaning in the direction of the S.

Finally, does anyone know the colour schemes available in the K6 SV650 and S?

Personally i'd go for the curvy sv650s since it's way better looking than the new one, of course i'm biased. Seriously though in your position there will be massive financial advantages to getting a slightly older sv and there are plenty of 2000 - 2002 sv's with low miles in good nick out there. If money is no object then go for your k3 sv but as the proud owner of a curvy yellow sv650s i'd say you can't go wrong with the old school. Anyways it's up to you any if you've your heart set on the new model then you prob wont be swayed but bear in mind you'll prob be able to pick up a just run in 200 sv like I did and save up to £2000 including insurance costs...you can get a Haynes manual and take your bike apart too if u get the old style!!!

Good luck

Originally Posted by vincerhodes

Personally i'd go for the curvy sv650s since it's way better looking than the new one, of course i'm biased. Seriously though in your position there will be massive financial advantages to getting a slightly older sv and there are plenty of 2000 - 2002 sv's with low miles in good nick out there. If money is no object then go for your k3 sv but as the proud owner of a curvy yellow sv650s i'd say you can't go wrong with the old school. Anyways it's up to you any if you've your heart set on the new model then you prob wont be swayed but bear in mind you'll prob be able to pick up a just run in 200 sv like I did and save up to £2000 including insurance costs...you can get a Haynes manual and take your bike apart too if u get the old style!!!

Good luck

you know it makes sense

Curvy is so yesterday. I think the curvy looks naff. Again, maybe I'm ever so slightly biased. Also with the curvy you get a huge gap between the tank and the frame for no apparent reason. Gah! Anyway there will be many more lower mileage pointy's about as they are a lot newer. Plus everyone knows Suzi's deteriate quicker than you can say acf-50!

Pointy is the way forward!

You need to get a curvy not only do they look better they are now proven to last longer, go faster and hold their value longer.

Curvy= antiques roadshow

what do i have? K4 pointy 650S. .

in blue "The fastest colour"

Originally Posted by Captain Nemo

Curvy= antiques roadshow

what do i have? K4 pointy 650S. .

in blue "The fastest colour"

Amen to that!

I second that!

[fizzwheel]

If it was me I woudl check

Service History and Receipts for work done

I'd look at the condition of the chain, sprocket and tyres

Check the end of the brake levers, footpegs, gear and rear brake lever, are they scuffed or bent, if so be wary it might have been dropped or been thrown down the road. Have a look at the heelplates are they scuffed or worn. If theres alot of wear on the heel plates and footpegs but the bike has low milleage dig a little deeper as the milleage on the speedo might not be correct.

Does it need an MOT, how much tax does it have.

Get the registration and do a HPI check to make sure theres no outstanding debts on it.

Does it come with extra's such as a can, if so do the original bits come with the bike.

Have a look at the front forks, are they pitted / chipped, SV's are known for this on higher milleage examples. Also the front disks rust if its been riden through the winter, have a look at the rear shock is it dirty or is it shiny clean it'll give you an idea for what the bikes been used for.

If you can have a peek in the owners garage, have a look at that to. If its full of cleaning products etc etc then its a good sign that its been looked after.

You should set yourself a budget and buy yourself the best bike you can afford, look at 2 or 3 and dont buy the first bike you look at.

I've seen curveys going for ridiculous prices in dealers, so you might find you get a better deal on a pointy. Also have a look round and see if you can get a good deal on last years model K5 SVS you might be able to get a brand new bike for a stonking good price.

HTH good luck

Go for the SV650 you want, curvy or pointy, naked or S, otherwise if you get the one that you want less there will always be that longing feeling in the bottom of your stomach...

On the other hand if you've only got a couple of grand you aint got much choice! A balance of instant gratification (cheaper older model now) vs ultimate satisfaction (saving more for a newer one) is the name of the game.

The choice is yours.