Buying a bike from family member - fair value (UK)

[HairyMclary]

Hello folks,

I scouted around for a sticky post on whether it’s OK to dive in with questions, and whether questions about value are OK - couldn’t see anything but I imagine the moderators will tell me if it’s frowned upon. Anyway, if the below works out it’s highly likely I’ll be spending some time here - I’m used to classic bikes so will have lots of questions.

My Brother-in-law has had his 2007 SV650S laid up for approx 5-6 years. It has around 7000 miles on it but we need to stick a battery on it to confirm.

He’s interested in selling it, I’m interested in buying it, but neither of us have a clue what it’s worth.

It’s standard other than some fancy suspension made by Maxton Engineering (believe front/rear). I’m told this adds significant value. The stanchions are unfortunately showing slight rust, but it should clean up ok. It has a few battle scars, nothing too serious but not immaculate.

By my reckoning it needs:

All fluids/filters
New battery
New tyres
New brake pads
MOT
Might as well throw a new chain on it
Exhaust clamp
A really good clean (unsure if oil cooler will survive)

Here are a few pics:















Would anyone in the know be kind enough to estimate the value?

Many thanks,

HM

[HairyMclary]

Should probably add, Ben - if you’re reading this, no signing up with multiple user accounts and commenting that it’s worth £10K...

[squirrel_hunter]

A quick look on eBay has them advertised at around 1800 - 2500. However assume good condition running bikes.

If you're going to do the work yourself to get the bike back on the road then go for it. If not then its not worth it as there is a lot you will need to do, full service on the engine, brake rebuild, fork rebuild, clean the throttle bodies, plus various other consumables and things that come up that you don't know until you know. Excluding any bodywork issues, you're looking at 300 - 400, add 200 into the budget for something you weren't expecting. Now work your way back and thats 1200. But you need to factor in your time and effort. Yes the suspension is a plus but only if you're parting the bike out.

So at 700 - 800 you'll stick a load of work in to get the same bike you can pay 1800 for. If I were looking at this bike (and I've done this more than once) I'd be around the 500 - 700 mark.

[Seeker]

Hello and welcome.

Originally Posted by HairyMclary

Might as well throw a new chain on it

I liked that comment since the chain appears heavily rusted.

There's an old trick of rubbing rusty chrome with aluminium foil to clean it up which you could try on the upper fork stanchions. An acidic toilet cleaner will clean up the stainless exhaust.

Having the suspension rebuilt by Maxton is great but only if you weigh the same as your brother in law.

So, did he fit the fender extender before or after the oil cooler damage?

Value? no idea, I usually end up giving stuff away because I'm so bad at selling.

I'd probably put a small amount of oil or Redex in the cylinders before cranking it if it's not been run for a few years.

[HairyMclary]

Originally Posted by squirrel_hunter

A quick look on eBay has them advertised at around 1800 - 2500. However assume good condition running bikes.

If you're going to do the work yourself to get the bike back on the road then go for it. If not then its not worth it as there is a lot you will need to do, full service on the engine, brake rebuild, fork rebuild, clean the throttle bodies, plus various other consumables and things that come up that you don't know until you know. Excluding any bodywork issues, you're looking at 300 - 400, add 200 into the budget for something you weren't expecting. Now work your way back and thats 1200. But you need to factor in your time and effort. Yes the suspension is a plus but only if you're parting the bike out.

So at 700 - 800 you'll stick a load of work in to get the same bike you can pay 1800 for. If I were looking at this bike (and I've done this more than once) I'd be around the 500 - 700 mark.

Thank you. There is a little sentimental value to the bike but neither of us wants a bad deal out of this. I would be doing the work myself.

[HairyMclary]

Originally Posted by Seeker

Hello and welcome.

I liked that comment since the chain appears heavily rusted.

There's an old trick of rubbing rusty chrome with aluminium foil to clean it up which you could try on the upper fork stanchions. An acidic toilet cleaner will clean up the stainless exhaust.

Having the suspension rebuilt by Maxton is great but only if you weigh the same as your brother in law.

So, did he fit the fender extender before or after the oil cooler damage?

Value? no idea, I usually end up giving stuff away because I'm so bad at selling.

I'd probably put a small amount of oil or Redex in the cylinders before cranking it if it's not been run for a few years.

Haha - it is just surface rust, and if it was the sort of bike I’m used to with a standard chain I’d probably cook it in grease and if it measured up OK just run it...this o-ring type is new to me, so yep: replacing is a no-brainer.

I’m all too familiar with the tinfoil trick! It works well though.

Not sure what a fender extender is... The oil cooler just looks excessively mucky - was thinking maybe a good steam clean then see what it looks like.

It looks like the rear suspension can be adjusted, but I don’t know about the front. I do remember when he had this fitted there was lots of measuring and weighing. I think he is maybe a stone heavier than me. Is it useless without specialist work?

[HairyMclary]

Ah, I see the fender extender now.

[Seeker]

Originally Posted by HairyMclary

I’m used to with a standard chain I’d probably cook it in grease

you're showing your age, but a few of us here have been there, done that too.

Originally Posted by HairyMclary

Not sure what a fender extender is...

the black plastic thing that makes your front mudguard longer to reduce the chance of stones hitting your oil cooler and reduce spray (or they would if they were bigger).

Originally Posted by HairyMclary

I think he is maybe a stone heavier than me. Is it useless without specialist work?

"useless" is too strong a word since any new motorcycle is a compromise depending on the weight of the rider. The rider's weight determines the spring strength. If there's only 14lb difference between you and your brother in law you should be ok. The standard suspension on any SV is bargain basement, aka cheap.

[Fen Tiger]

I think Squirrel H has the value right. You are facing several unknowns in the recommissioning and as long as the initial exchange is at the right level you will be able to get the bike running without any regrets. Hope it works out, the SV is a great bike which I think you will enjoy

[HairyMclary]

Thanks all for the comments.