Buying an SV what to look for

Probably been asked a million times..........

So, what should one look for when buying a curvey SV Any major issues? What should have been done, what normally goes wrong.... any pointers would help.

[fizzwheel]

Hi and welcome

1. Look at the front forks are they corroded and chipped, This is pretty common on a high milleage SV thats been used in all weathers. Its a good indication of what the bikes been used for and also if the milleage is correct. i.e if the forks are chipped and manky but the milleage on the bike is low then start asking questions. Same goes for the handlebars and footpegs.

2. Have a look at the disks and pads. What condition are they in. SV's are known for the brakes sticking on if its not been looked after. Again this is especially relevant if its been used through winter and neglected.

3. Look at the chain and sprocket and the tyres. how much life do they have left in them, and slack worn chain with hooked teeth on the sprocket mean that its going to want changing soon.

3. Electrics, some people including me have had trouble with blown fuses caused by the wiring loom rubbing on the tank. Also sometimes the loom will rub on the rear sub frame to.

4. If its a private sale, if you can get a sneaky peak in the owners garage, have a look for stuff like, paddock stands, a good set of tools, cleaning products, chain lube etc on the shelf, It'll give you an idea of how the current owner looks after the bike.

5. Sometimes if the bikes ridden in heavy rain water gets into the front spark plug hole and then it'll drop down onto one cylinder and run intermitantly between one two cylinders which isnt fun. A fenda extenda will sort this or some silicone grease on the front HT lead will also do the trick, have a search for the subject its been covered loads of times and its fairly common. Ask the owner if they have had trouble with the bike in the wet, its not a huge problem and its easy to sort.

Dont be put off by high milleage as long as you can see that the servicing has been done, either by stamps in the service manual or receipts for parts used. A high milleage bike thats been ridden is better than a low milleage bike thats been stood for ages and has got all seized up.

Use things like worn tyres, chain and sprocket as bargaining tools to get the price down. Make sure you do a HPI check to make sure that theres no outstanding finance or the bike hasnt been involved in a accident at some point in its life.

Remember that non standard parts dont increase the value of the bike. So dont let the bling bits distract you from the of the bike, better IMHO to buy a mint standard bike than sh*tter with loads of aftermarket parts bolted onto it. Things like a hugger, a scotoiler are sensible modifications though as is a race can but only if you like the sound / look of it.

If you're not sure, Walk away from the bike, or take somebody with you who does know what they are looking at. Make sure you look at plenty of bikes and never buy the first one you look at.

HTH

thats great thanks. Ive bought 3 or 4 bikes myself, in the past, touch wood not had a baden' yet. Im looking for my GF who wants one, she is doing her DAS soon. I know the forks corrode quite badly (as do most "budget" bikes I guess - my old fazer s forks looked crap!) and Ive seen an SV with polished forks - is this just cosmetic ?

[Richie]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

If you're not sure, Walk away from the bike, or take somebody with you who does know what they are looking at. Make sure you look at plenty of bikes and never buy the first one you look at.

HTH

Fizz, you have hit the nail on the head, very good info there.

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Richie

Fizz, you have hit the nail on the head, very good info there.

I chalked the one up to experience, if I knew what I know now, I wouldnt have bought my SV and would have kept looking...

[jambo]

Originally Posted by darrens_here

Ive seen an SV with polished forks - is this just cosmetic ?

Yep, To get rid of the pitted finish you can strip the lacquer off the fork lowers and rub them down with wet & dry. it's then personal preference as to whether you polish the metal or re-lacquer it.