Buying an ex-race '99 sv650 for road use? - SV650.org

21-06-06, 09:12 AM

evenin'/mornin' all.

Long time lurker, first time poster.

Ex-pat pomgolian living in NZ. Got into bikes since I've been here. Finally got my full and I'm looking to switch up from a 250 v-twin to an SV650.

I love the look of the curvy SV. I want one. I'm going to have one, sooner or later.

Now. A bit of background. Sorry for all the money talk that isn't in sterling. The exchange rate is about 3:1.

Bikes over here are reasonably priced, but do not depreciate in value very quickly at all. As an example, a 2006 CBR600 that a friend was looking at costs new around $16,000. A 2004 version sold here a day or two ago for $12,000.

The cheapest I've seen a road-ready 1999 SV650 is $7,000. Money is an issue and I can't afford that (yet).

However, an ex-race 1999 SV650 has just come up for sale for $6500. It comes with a whole bunch of crap I'm not really interested in - race farings, paddock stands etc etc. The owner also has all the original road bits that he removed to prep the bike for racing.

I am wondering......

If I brought the bike and other gear, I could probably sell off most of the race-specific stuff don't want for around $1000-$1500.

That brings the bike down to a more affordable $5000. The bike has also had a couple of bits of work done that will save me doing them. The ignition has already been retarded, the back shock has been upgraded, and the front shocks have been stiffened.

Sooo.... It's an ex-race bike. Yes, it's been ridden hard (but apparently well-maintained. Regular oil changes, etc).

It would certainly take a bit of work to get it back to a roadworthy condition, but would doing so be more hassle than its worth?

What sort of questions should I be asking myself and the seller? Is this a really bad idea? How much work would be required to get this bike roadworthy?

Opinions please.

21-06-06, 11:12 AM

yes it is worth!! and youre not intrested in paddaocks ect... but those things will be damn handy when you will work an your bike you ll see !!

yes i should do it, over here BE they also sell sec hand sv650 for an 3000euro (good condition, 2years old -+ 30 000Km's ect...)

buy it!! you wont regret it

northwind · 21-06-06, 11:22 AM

I'd do it... You should probably expect some drawbacks, but if the engine's still strong and starts well then I'd be fairly confident. Obviously treat it with total paranoia when inspecting it though.

21-06-06, 11:39 AM

It's worth considering at the very least.

My mate also got an ex-minitwins (UK race series) curvy SV, paid a little over the odds compared to a standard bike but the suspension upgrades, full fairing, crash bungs, better discs and full Akra system was worth the risk. And the kudos of having a pukka race bike on the road at age 18.

Remember that unless the other rider was similar weight to you, you might need to swap out springs again, or do suspension tweeks to suit you.

21-06-06, 09:12 AM	#1
El Dopa Guest Posts: n/a	Buying an ex-race '99 sv650 for road use? evenin'/mornin' all. Long time lurker, first time poster. Ex-pat pomgolian living in NZ. Got into bikes since I've been here. Finally got my full and I'm looking to switch up from a 250 v-twin to an SV650. I love the look of the curvy SV. I want one. I'm going to have one, sooner or later. Now. A bit of background. Sorry for all the money talk that isn't in sterling. The exchange rate is about 3:1. Bikes over here are reasonably priced, but do not depreciate in value very quickly at all. As an example, a 2006 CBR600 that a friend was looking at costs new around $16,000. A 2004 version sold here a day or two ago for $12,000. The cheapest I've seen a road-ready 1999 SV650 is $7,000. Money is an issue and I can't afford that (yet). However, an ex-race 1999 SV650 has just come up for sale for $6500. It comes with a whole bunch of crap I'm not really interested in - race farings, paddock stands etc etc. The owner also has all the original road bits that he removed to prep the bike for racing. I am wondering...... If I brought the bike and other gear, I could probably sell off most of the race-specific stuff don't want for around $1000-$1500. That brings the bike down to a more affordable $5000. The bike has also had a couple of bits of work done that will save me doing them. The ignition has already been retarded, the back shock has been upgraded, and the front shocks have been stiffened. Sooo.... It's an ex-race bike. Yes, it's been ridden hard (but apparently well-maintained. Regular oil changes, etc). It would certainly take a bit of work to get it back to a roadworthy condition, but would doing so be more hassle than its worth? What sort of questions should I be asking myself and the seller? Is this a really bad idea? How much work would be required to get this bike roadworthy? Opinions please.

21-06-06, 11:22 AM	#3
northwind Moderator Mega Poster Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: In the garage where I belong Posts: 17,083	I'd do it... You should probably expect some drawbacks, but if the engine's still strong and starts well then I'd be fairly confident. Obviously treat it with total paranoia when inspecting it though. __________________ "We are the angry mob, we read the papers every day We like what we like, we hate what we hate But we're oh so easily swayed"

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21-06-06, 11:12 AM	#2
Blazingsvbiker Guest Posts: n/a	yes it is worth!! and youre not intrested in paddaocks ect... but those things will be damn handy when you will work an your bike you ll see !! yes i should do it, over here BE they also sell sec hand sv650 for an 3000euro (good condition, 2years old -+ 30 000Km's ect...) buy it!! you wont regret it

21-06-06, 11:39 AM	#4
haggis Guest Posts: n/a	It's worth considering at the very least. My mate also got an ex-minitwins (UK race series) curvy SV, paid a little over the odds compared to a standard bike but the suspension upgrades, full fairing, crash bungs, better discs and full Akra system was worth the risk. And the kudos of having a pukka race bike on the road at age 18. Remember that unless the other rider was similar weight to you, you might need to swap out springs again, or do suspension tweeks to suit you.