General maintainence question on a new SV..

Hey guys, was hoping to pick your brains if I could..

Been researching for some information about general maintenance guidelines for pre/post rides on a new SV650s - have found some stuff but didn't know whether it was specific for their bike (it wasnt a Suzuki)..

Could any of you run through your normal checklist pre and post ride??

I am a novice at this right now as this is my first bike so treat me as a thickko please

cheers

Wiz

just the normal stuff, you learned on your test

tyre pres.
oil
lights
brakes
etc

Depends if you're gonna ride the bike daily.

My checklist for my weekend rides. Don't use it to commute.

Check oil, bike upright. Very important on an Sv.
Tyre pressures.
Coolant level
Chain tension.

End of ride. Lube chain.

Cheers Hovis, Pete..

Have looked around at the area's you've mentioned due to only doing my test about 2 weeks ago - just wondered really whether there was any specific for the SV that you had to look out for. Have read on here a couple of times that the suspension isn't all that? Is that a usual gripe or is it someone just having a sound-off. Anything to look out for specifically on that ??

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Welsh_Wizard

Have read on here a couple of times that the suspension isn't all that? Is that a usual gripe or is it someone just having a sound-off. Anything to look out for specifically on that ??

Front suspension is under damped, but if you're a new rider I personally wouldnt worry about it and just get on a ride the bike, rack up some miles and experience and then worry about upgrading the front if you find its a problem. I never really noticed it, until I started pushing the bike really hard, I notice it a lot more when I go back to my SV from my GSXR, But its not that bad that the bikes unrideable IMHO.

Theres nothing really SV specific, apart from chain tension makes a difference to how the gearbox feels, and also if you over fill the oil it can make it difficult to find neutral.

get a haynes manual, as all the checks are in there, plus hell of a lot more

how to service bike, and every thing you will ever need to know

[Viney]

Pre-ride check list...erm, remove cobwebs after Dave the fairing spiders evening efforts, put key in, start bike. Wipe dew/rain from seat, tank and grips, get on and ride.

Weekly checks, oil and tyre pressures. Monthly check, chain (Scottoiler you see). When ever i get round to it...everything else.

Im lazy me.

[Viney]

Originally Posted by hovis

just the normal stuff, you learned on your test

tyre pres.
oil
lights
brakes
etc

You learn that on your test??? Crikey.

Originally Posted by Viney

You learn that on your test??? Crikey.

yup, & you get tested on it, the examener asks you basic Q's like

how do you tighten chain

tyre pres. & tread

yes, very true.. there is a question on the effects of a pillion on the bike too. Nothing too challenging and you can't actually fail for getting them wrong although I think you can get a minor fault if you completely stuff them up.

Hovis - will definately invest in a Haynes manual at some point, quality book.