AL7 Build Quality

[StredonSB]

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[SV650rules]

Had an AL7 since May 2016 and find it a great bike, one of the reasons I bought it is it is still made in Japan. Don't voluntarily ride in the rain so can't comment on rust etc but have had no other problems, there was an ECU recall fix but only to make sure that any problems with mass airflow sensor problems (if any) are outputted by OBD port as a fault code. Love the dashboard with gear indicator, fuel gauge, mpg readout etc. The switch on the clutch lever that increases revs to prevent stalling is pretty neat even for experienced riders (you don't really notice it, but it is there). Handling is pretty damned good straight out of the box.

I am pretty sure all UK bikes have ABS, it is not intrusive, I have done some pretty quick stops without waking it up, but it has cut in a couple of times on wet roads (tar banding) where it did a great job.

[Talking Heads]

I keep my AL7 scrupulously clean with waterless wash and wax.
Its been out in the rain a few times and has got pretty clarty, but it always gets a clean soon after.
It lives outside under a JDC cover about 200 yards from the north sea.
Have had it since March this year.
There isn't a spot of corrosion on it.
Put the effort in and an AL7 can stay like new.

[Bibio]

any bike is only as good as the owner keeps it. if its to be used as a hack/commute then treat it as so and cover it (excluding the brakes, tyres, seat, grips etc.etc) with ACF-50 paying attention to the fasteners/bolts and dont wash it till the summer then give it a good wash, let it dry then apply the ACF-50 again, if its a sunday toy then dont go so mad with the ACF-50.

invest in a scottoiler, it will pay for itself in the long run.