2nd Hand SV650

Hi All

Firstly, sorry if this has been talked about. I have scouted through the forum and found a few things, but I would be grateful for more specific answers.

I have just passed my bike test (Wednesday) and am now looking for my first bike. One of my instructors recommended I look into buying a 2nd hand one of these for a first bike. I have had a quick look round the web, and it looks like I can afford a 2000, or 2001 model.

What I really need to know, is firstly, is this a good first bike (My trainer said my riding was a good standard and smooth and I would not struggle with it) and secondly, what should I be looking for in regards to problems. Every bike comes with certain things that fail first, or could cause serious problems and expense, so does anyone have any things I should be paying attention too.

Lastly, I know next to nothing about bikes at the moment, but I will be taking a friend who has been a biker for years and knows his stuff, so he knows a few things about what to look for. He will not be reading these messages though, so I would be grateful if you could speak to me in "dumb" language when it comes to the techie stuff though!

Thanks in advance.

Korben

Hi and welcome

The SV is a brilliant bike you will not regret buying it!
When looking at a used bike check the chian and sprockets, fork seals, brakes head stock bearing, wheel bearings, swing arm bearings, engine for rattles(camchain tentioners failed) signs of crash dammage. Also check if the sump plug/caliper bolts for holes drilled in them, This is a sign of a race bike! Make sure the frame and engine no. match the log book.
Common falts reg/rectifier pitting of the forks choke plungers sticking and sticking calipers(due to poor maintainace)

[dyzio]

Hello and welcome.
I've been through this 4 months ago.
It's a great bike and I don't regret buying it. Remember to take it easy at the beginning, it will take some time to get used to the V2.
Be careful with the rear brake, you (I) can lock the wheel easily, and that's not very nice...

The first (only) thing that went wrong with mine was water in the 1st cylinder. A fender extenda did the trick.

[Biker Biggles]

As above and check for minor electrical niggles.Don't forget to rigorously check the state of the consumables(chain brakes tyres and service needs)and sort the price accordingly.Never pay the asking price.

the sv650s is a top bike for new riders and experienced riders you wont regret it oh and well done with the test korben.

Originally Posted by dyziowg

The first (only) thing that went wrong with mine was water in the 1st cylinder. A fender extenda did the trick.

Its strange this water in the spark plug thing, because ive been riding in some monsoon conditions and its never skipped ( touch wood ) is it more apparent on curvys

Seriously buy the SV i recommend a Pointy looks better but you can join that debate when you do ( which ever you get )

welcome

Thanks for all the input everyone, I am very grateful.

Also thanks for the warm welcome.

I have to admit the more I search the web about this bike, the more it seems like a good idea. Plus I have been to my local Suzuki garage for a chat today and the were by far the most helpful.

Korben

Look for signs of a drop on the SV too, not a big problem if it's been a slow one (and many an SV has been dropped by an enthusiastic inexperienced owner from 0mph upwards). Luckily the frame is pretty visible on the SV, so any scratches and scuffs sgould be visible. If the fairing has light scratches don't be put off, a useful bargaining tool, and as your first bike you may find that you add your own mark or two at some stage.

A great bike that I'm still enjoying after starting riding 2 years ago.

[dirtydog]

Originally Posted by Tim in Belgium

many an SV has been dropped by an enthusiastic inexperienced owner from 0mph upwards

and as your first bike you may find that you add your own mark or two at some stage.

And sometimes dropped by us slightly more experienced owners as well

I've always said and still maintain it's not if it's when you drop it

i think i've probably fallen off or dropped most of my bikes at some point. be it not putting the stand down properly or actually falling off

[dirtydog]

Oh and yeah it's a top bike for a noobie well actually it's just a top bike!!