Curvy - binding brakes?

Hi everyone.

Just bought a very nice example of a SV curvy last night on a Y plate.

As im not qualified yet and still doing training i got my brother to ride it back. After getting it back we realised that it was very stiff to move it backwards and forwards in neutral (with or without engine running).

Im assuming the brakes are binding as i believe he didnt run it too often and it was also rode back in very bad rain.

Any ideas on why its happening and how to sort it? and if its likely to be anything else? As its the brakes id idealy want someone who knows their stuff to fix it, like a garage, any ideas on the price of finding and sorting the fix? If it was say the brakes.

2 other small things i noticed that was at fault was the registration light not working (hoping only a bulb) and the instrument panel light also not working (again, hoping just the bulb)

Pictures to follow when get good weather!

Just need a license now! lol

[flymo]

Have somebody lean the bike over on its sidestand and check for ease of wheel rotation. Most likely binding brake pads.

Has it been stood unused for a while?

The guy bought the bike a few month before he actually passed, therefore yes it was stood for quite a long time. Since then, hes been passed about 4month but he only ever took it out in the very good weather (so obviously not much this year with all the crap weather we've had!).

I'll try the side stand trick later! cheers

[Biker Biggles]

Post your location up and someone will be able to suggest a local place to get the brakes serviced.Probably a good idea to get the whole bike serviced anyway unless you have a good history on it.

Well as its going to be another 6 week or so till im passed im going to get it serviced and brakes sorted just prior to getting on it! So it doesnt have the chance of going again from being stood.

I live in Chesterfield, Derbyshire

ooh hi chuddy, another sv in chesterfield is good news . i'm sure cx5 will be able to sort it out if its just binding brakes (trying to keep ya busy mart)

Ah good to know there are other local owners!

Well ive narrowed it down to the front wheel. Had it on its side stand and the rear wheel is free but the front is sticking, so deffinately brakes.

Guessing its a case of stripping the front calipers down? Gonna have a word with who im training with tomorrow to see if its something he can tackle as im not willing to touch something i know nothing about!

Hi, you're welcome to an egg cups worth of 'red rubber grease', i can't be the only one who has enough to last a lifetime.

Cheers guys. Well as i wont be going for my test for prob another 6 week and im in the process of moving house, i will probably try sort it out next month with a little help, or get the local garage to sort it me.

One good thing is it starts first time everytime so no immediate worrys there.

Just need to pass my test now

[Biker Biggles]

Buy a trickle charger for the battery andensure it stays charged up to avoid problems there