What to look for when buying?
 

Hi guys, looking to buy my first bike, bought many cars over the years and know what to look for on them before buying but wondered if there's anything specific to be aware of when viewing a bike or anything specific to the SV to check for.

Re: what to look for when buying
 

which sv the far better looking curvy or the badly built pointy?
check the for sale section theres a couple for sale on there i think and you can trust some of the sellers on here.

Re: what to look for when buying
 

pretty much the same as cars
tax mot ,if crashed, service history, last service, older bike very clean plastics ask why, consumables eg how many miles on current tyres and chain/sprocket, dont pay for someone elses upgrades eg zuast etc still pay going rate, 25000 miles is what i class as a higher mileage bike, if they or previous owners have done trackdays on it/has it been ragged,
like sunshine says any on this site multiple people can confirm history of bike and they wont/shouldnt mind you asking about it on here

Re: what to look for when buying
 

Don't buy the first bike you go and look at. Go to a few dealers and have a look at, and sit on, a few different models to get a good idea of what you fancy/suits you, and whilst there check out the condition/mileage/price of what's on offer. Hopefully there shouldn't be to many nightmares provided you don't go to any really backstreet dealer, and that will then give you a bit of an idea as to what to expect when looking at the small adds.
Above all else try and buy with your head, not your heart....there are plenty of SV's about if that's what you decide to get so hold out for a good one.

Re: what to look for when buying
 

you don't give your location, but if possible get to a meet and look at a few example and talk to the owners, it's fairly easy to suss out who knows what they are talking about, also have a look at some of the "off's" and see what damage can be caused, it's a good place to start when looking at bikes, Oh and of course take someone else with you when you go to view.

Cheers Mark.

Re: what to look for when buying
 

By far the most important thing to consider is that it's my wonderful example you're looking at! ;)

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1407848.htm

Price is ONO, but bear in mind it's just had £300 of bits on it!

Re: what to look for when buying
 

If you dont want to buy a disguised race bike look for: -

Drilled sump plug.
Drilled water cap
Immaculate fairing but heavily marked forks and radiator

Re: What to look for when buying?
 

Also check around rims, lots of hurried tyre changes will show in missing paint.

Re: what to look for when buying
 

Not relating it to this bike ... but ...

Be careful of bikes that have had too much money spent recently too though ... polishing up a carp bike, or been in a crash ?? ;)

Re: What to look for when buying?
 

have a look at the lockstops, if they look a bit too worn it has probably been down the road.