Newbie with a few quick questions!

hi to all

I have a test ride booked on an SV560S next week; fancy a change from the F650 Dakar I currently ride. I already want one, so I'm expecting the test ride to confirm how good everyone says it is!

I do have a couple of quick questions - they may seem a bit daft but I'll ask them anyway!

1. What is a realistic tank range to the fuel light? I'm 13 stone, and aim to ride "progessively" without thrashing it to death (if I can resist it)

2. Do the seat cowls cover the pillion seat or replace it? I'll be looking at lots of trips with throwover panniers, I assume you cant use these with a seat cowl fitted?

3. What are the service intervals/average service costs at a dealership?

4. Is the tank metal or plastic? (thinking tank bags here)

I know its a bit of a barrage but I'm relying on the collective wisdom of the forum to give me the truth and not salesman-speak!

many thanks

Jim

Firstly, welcome to the mad-house!

There's no such thing as a daft question, just daft answers.

Originally Posted by theSubmariner

1. What is a realistic tank range to the fuel light? I'm 13 stone, and aim to ride "progessively" without thrashing it to death (if I can resist it)

On my K6, from a full tank of fuel I get anywhere from 90 miles through to 140miles until the light comes on. I've tested before, and managed to get 20miles out of it whilst the light was flashing (solid means fuel NOW!).

Originally Posted by theSubmariner

2. Do the seat cowls cover the pillion seat or replace it? I'll be looking at lots of trips with throwover panniers, I assume you cant use these with a seat cowl fitted?

They replace the seat. I really wouldn't advise using soft panniers with a cowl, as it'll probably get scratched/rubbed to death. It's bad enough with the rear fairing. use something (gaffa tape etc) to cover the plastic bits to avoid rubbing at all costs.

Originally Posted by theSubmariner

3. What are the service intervals/average service costs at a dealership?

A new bike has it's first service at 600 miles. From there on in, you're looking at every 3500 miles, with the major service being 15000 (this includes valve checks etc).

As a rough rule of thumb, the first service should always be "parts only" and cost me about £40. The 15k service will set you back somewhere in the region of £300 (I've been quoted between £120 and £200 just to look at the valves).

I think the average service I was paying around the £200 mark. But I'm a relatively high miler, and servicing comes around all too quick, so I do it myself now - it's not like it's difficult & I have no warranty to worry about.

Originally Posted by theSubmariner

4. Is the tank metal or plastic? (thinking tank bags here)

Metal - tank bag ahoy!

You don't know Stingo by any chance do you?

[yorkie_chris]

It's a metal tank.

The seat cowls replace the pillion seat, but if you buy a sport then you get both. Just unlock it, remove and replace, it is about 10 seconds to swap over.

[appollo1]

Welcome to the site

here is the link to the Ecosse section
http://forums.sv650.org/forumdisplay.php?f=127


what year bike are you getting?

I have a curvy and i get about 150 miles before the fuel light starts flashing.

[dizzyblonde]

you can use a set of panniers with a seat cowl, or indeed a tailpack like I do. The secret for not scratching it, is to get some rubber matt thrown over it, under your luggage. As Baph suggests, some tape over the rear seat palstics to stop any bungees or straps rubbing it, I wouldn't use gaffer though, its a bit strong and leaves a mess, I use black electric tape on my black bike, and yellow on my yellow bike( I like things to look tidy )

[Bibio]

if you are buying a new one.. try and haggle a free Scottoiler out of them..

tank range out of a K8 is average 170miles mixed riding, but peterco regularly gets 200miles normal riding...

servicing is 3500-4000 mile intervals.. £125ish interim to £250-300ish major..

they are a cheep bike so dont expect a great finish..

i take it you are planning on going to Cupar MC's?

Originally Posted by Tiger 55

Metal - tank bag ahoy!

You don't know Stingo by any chance do you?

sorry, dont recognize the name - might well know them if its work related but by a different name?

Originally Posted by Bibio

i take it you are planning on going to Cupar MC's?

might do!

I work in Cumbria during the week, test ride is booked at Crooks Suzuki in Barrow-In-Furness for wednesday afternoon

May well have to wait until the Dakar sells to free up the funds to buy one. Going for a look at one in Scott Murrays in dunfermline today, looking at K6/K7 depending on money!

Originally Posted by theSubmariner

sorry, dont recognize the name - might well know them if its work related but by a different name?

I only ask because you seem to be twins, either that or the submarine service all watch the same movies

Stingo