How long do the SV650 engines last? - SV650.org

Dave-the-rave · 22-05-12, 07:36 PM

Obviously this depends how the bike has been thrashed/ridden but as prices of second hand bikes are so influenced by mileage I was wondering how long a carefully ridden engine is good for. Is 30 000 a lot? Is 50 000? Would ya buy a SV with 50 000 or more on it?

I'm asking because after eight years recovering from a broken back I'm getting fit enough to ride again (hopefully), so I'm looking to buy a bike around this time next year. I like the power to weight of the SV650. I sat on one recently and it feels light enough for me and the naked has a decent riding position which is very important because of my back.

The reviews all look good but...do the engines last?

Regards...Dave.

rictus01 · 22-05-12, 08:19 PM

a well cared for engine can last 100k, would I buy a 50k bike, yes but I know what to look for and at what price, as long as you do to, then you shouldn't have a problem, safely 30k or so isn't bad, but make sure you get a test ride on it.

Cheers Mark.

Sid Squid · 22-05-12, 08:45 PM

I personally know two SV650s that have gone past 100,000.

DJ123 · 22-05-12, 08:55 PM

mines getting close to 50k now

still feels good and goes well. If an engine is looked after it will g for a very long time

22-05-12, 09:01 PM

My bikes been thrashed and is on the limiter quite alot yet its on 43000 still going strong. With regular servicing it should do the same again.

yorkie_chris · 22-05-12, 09:31 PM

Mine's seen a lot of high rpms over 100,000 miles and is getting towards the end of it's life. Smokes a little oil when cold and burns a fair bit when thrashed, rattles a bit.

22-05-12, 09:39 PM

You also have to think about things like the wheel bearings, head bearings etc - although less costly they can still mount up!

yorkie_chris · 22-05-12, 09:41 PM

I would expect about 40k for the OE swingarm bearings unless they get greased regularly (say by 15k to start with... then every 15-20k therafter).
The linkage bearings* I got to 60k with. Then they were knackered. Mine were a bit rough when I first got the bike at 13k however, bit of rust in there.

*The one on frame and shock, the double one for dogbones are still fine.)

rictus01 · 22-05-12, 09:46 PM

I went to replace all the bearings at 100k on my SV, but having greased them all from new and every 30k, they were all fine, the bike stood for 5 and a half years after that and then was revived and ridden for a further years, needing no attention to any bearings.

Cheers Mark.

Dave-the-rave · 23-05-12, 12:36 AM

Thanks for all the replies. These motors seem quite robust as I suspected.

22-05-12, 07:36 PM	#1
Dave-the-rave Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: London Posts: 167	How long do the SV650 engines last? Obviously this depends how the bike has been thrashed/ridden but as prices of second hand bikes are so influenced by mileage I was wondering how long a carefully ridden engine is good for. Is 30 000 a lot? Is 50 000? Would ya buy a SV with 50 000 or more on it? I'm asking because after eight years recovering from a broken back I'm getting fit enough to ride again (hopefully), so I'm looking to buy a bike around this time next year. I like the power to weight of the SV650. I sat on one recently and it feels light enough for me and the naked has a decent riding position which is very important because of my back. The reviews all look good but...do the engines last? Regards...Dave.

22-05-12, 08:19 PM	#2
rictus01 Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: South London Posts: 9,799	Re: How long do the SV650 engines last? a well cared for engine can last 100k, would I buy a 50k bike, yes but I know what to look for and at what price, as long as you do to, then you shouldn't have a problem, safely 30k or so isn't bad, but make sure you get a test ride on it. Cheers Mark. __________________ Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!

22-05-12, 08:45 PM	#3
Sid Squid No, I don't lend tools. Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Skunk Works, Nth London Posts: 8,680	Re: How long do the SV650 engines last? I personally know two SV650s that have gone past 100,000. __________________ If an SV650 has a flat tyre in the forest and no-one is there to blow it up, how long will it be 'til someone posts that the reg/rec is duff and the world will end unless a CBR unit is fitted? A little bit of knowledge = a dangerous thing. "a deathless anthem of nuclear-strength romantic angst"

22-05-12, 08:55 PM	#4
DJ123 Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Somewhere over there Posts: 3,245	Re: How long do the SV650 engines last? mines getting close to 50k now still feels good and goes well. If an engine is looked after it will g for a very long time __________________ BMW F800ST

22-05-12, 09:01 PM	#5
SVMAT Guest Posts: n/a	Re: How long do the SV650 engines last? My bikes been thrashed and is on the limiter quite alot yet its on 43000 still going strong. With regular servicing it should do the same again.

22-05-12, 09:31 PM	#6
yorkie_chris Noisy Git Mega Poster Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Halifax/Leeds Posts: 26,645	Re: How long do the SV650 engines last? Mine's seen a lot of high rpms over 100,000 miles and is getting towards the end of it's life. Smokes a little oil when cold and burns a fair bit when thrashed, rattles a bit. __________________ Currently Ex Biker Now rebuilding a 63' fishing trawler as a dive boat

22-05-12, 09:39 PM	#7
GavinD Guest Posts: n/a	Re: How long do the SV650 engines last? You also have to think about things like the wheel bearings, head bearings etc - although less costly they can still mount up!

22-05-12, 09:41 PM	#8
yorkie_chris Noisy Git Mega Poster Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Halifax/Leeds Posts: 26,645	Re: How long do the SV650 engines last? I would expect about 40k for the OE swingarm bearings unless they get greased regularly (say by 15k to start with... then every 15-20k therafter). The linkage bearings* I got to 60k with. Then they were knackered. Mine were a bit rough when I first got the bike at 13k however, bit of rust in there. *The one on frame and shock, the double one for dogbones are still fine.) __________________ Currently Ex Biker Now rebuilding a 63' fishing trawler as a dive boat

22-05-12, 09:46 PM	#9
rictus01 Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: South London Posts: 9,799	Re: How long do the SV650 engines last? I went to replace all the bearings at 100k on my SV, but having greased them all from new and every 30k, they were all fine, the bike stood for 5 and a half years after that and then was revived and ridden for a further years, needing no attention to any bearings. Cheers Mark. __________________ Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!

23-05-12, 12:36 AM	#10
Dave-the-rave Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: London Posts: 167	Re: How long do the SV650 engines last? Thanks for all the replies. These motors seem quite robust as I suspected.

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