You mean to say your grab-rails havn't rusted, and you've never re-painted/plastic coated them?

Yup. You mean the luggage rails, right? They're fine... And Previous Owner used to carry luggage on the rear quite often, apparently (her husband didn't like carrying luggage on the 748 in case the paintwork dissolved...). Though I don't, I prefer a tank bag, or I'll generally use the Renntec rack if I'm planning to carry luggage.

If it had hooks or grabs sticking into it constantly, I guess that might take its toll, but then, all my bungees have plastic covered hooks and rubber tips, and when I do carry luggage I usually use flat compression straps instead.

I've never used luggage on them either and mine are going at the sides and underneath. Maybes Suzuki just ran out of paint. :?

I think my bike was pretty well cared for by Previous Owner though, I've bought parts that have come off similiarly aged and miled bikes that to me seem amazingly worn or rusted, but other people haven't thought anything out of the ordinary of it. And now it gets cleaned (well, powerwashed) pretty regularily and scotoiler 365'd after each bath.

:( Mine too. I gave the bike a wash the other day and huge flakes of paint fell off. Must get it powder coated one day.

Anyway....

Back to my poorly SV.... [-o<

It appears that there is a hole near the hinge. Suzuki are not aware of this happening to SV's but it can be common with GSXR's and others.

I am still in warranty with the dealership where I bought it and the workshop guy is being good but suggests the sales team may have issues with paying for a new tank.

Will keep you posted on my bike and remember while you all chat away about your bikes I have to get the tube....! :evil: Which is hell after almost a year of 2 wheeled freedom.

Oh and if anyone has a blue 99 sv tank I may be in the market....

must check me oil... something to do for the winter layup...