New to SVs and new to bikes full stop! What to look out for?

Hi guys,

I’m SERIOUSLY considering a SV650s (Around 1999 – 2001, budget around £1200) for my first bike as I have read so many good things about them. I’ll be honest I dont have a clue what to look for when viewing bikes so I was hoping you guys the experts could give me a few pointers on what to look out for, whether it be an SV or any bike for that matter!

Also, as far as the SVs are concerned, how important is a full service history?

Hope you guys can help 

Thanks in advance.

[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. So ask about that 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.

have a look at my bike if you're anywhere near the North West

http://forums.sv650.org/viewtopic.php?t=50064

Well you should get somehing for that sorta money, but maybe you should find another 300 to get a tidy model? I spent 1450 on my 99 sv, and even that needed a little work

Fizzwheel seemed to have everything covered there; do inspect closley for signs of damage (i.e. scratches, bent bits, parts that look new when the rest of the bike dosnt look new) as SV's are popular first bikes.

And make sure it starts

Matt

Fizz covered it all really, you won't go far wrong following his advice if you buy one.

As for whether it is the bike for you I guess we've all probably asked the same question at some point and are now biased because we have them. In my opinion you won't be disappointed if you get one.

Hi and congrats on passing your test

I rode a Honda CB500 for two years and it was an excellent bike. I bought a brand new SV 650S 4 years ago in the main because of the fairing. It means that motorway miles are alot easier.
Think about what you are going to use the bike for - the CB was great for commuting but the SV will do everything. I've done long trips in Europe on it, commuted and always enjoy country road blasts.
The bars can be a little low but you do get used to them. I'd recommend it massively and mine has been ultra reliable - now done over 10k. I haven't ridden another bike yet that does all the things an SV does for the money.
Take your time. follow the advice given already. Try to take someone who knows what they are looking for. There are loads out there. PS the insurance is cheap.

Good luck!

And remember the fairing!

Herdie,

Where abouts are you

If you are near someone on the site, if you don't have a scooby what to look for then they will come with you... We are nice like that...

UBG (Used Bike Guide) had a cracking article a few years back that i expect they may have repeated for novices looking to purchase a bike in private sale.

Alot of the advice has already been covered, but it is a pretty decent start. Unfortunately the issue number is eluding me at present, but it may well be on their site.

*Edited to Add*

I am 99.9% sure it is the January 2005 issue(i remember the v-stroms article)

http://www.classicissues.com/bidetail.asp?AutoNo=1194

@ £4.50 inc P&P it could serve you well