Hello, and questions :D

Hello all,

Usual story I am a new rider, just passed my test last Thursday and I am looking to buy my first bike.

I have looked at a few 400s and a few 500s but have settled on getting an SV650S.

I am going down to Durham to look at this bike http://www.tomconway.co.uk/showroom/...ash=3adf20271c and was wondering what I should be looking for asking about?

I am pretty mechancially minded but seeing this is my first bike I dont wanna bike anything that is gonna need loads of money thrown at it.

Anything in particular that goes wrong with SVs this old or anything I should be looking out for or is it just the usual.

Tread depth on tyres
Panels all fit properly
Chain wear
Rear cog wear
service history details
noisy cam chain tensioners

anything else?

cheers

Welcome to the site.

THe legal requirement for tyres is 1mm, although you want to start thinking about replacing them at about 2-3 mm. Also look at how the tyre is worn, commuting or motorway riding tends to "square" the tyre (i.e. wear more in the middle than around the edges) this will affect the handling of the bike.

I'm sure some of the more learned members of the forum will be along shortly to share there wisdom with you.

[TSM]

Check the lockstops, if they are indented then its prolly been down the road. If it looks too clean then start to be weary a little.

Odd color - looks like it's been resprayed - you might want to ask why
Check the finish as well

The colour is strange, thats what I thought, not seen to many Red SVs?

Are you small?

The seat isn't original, it looks lower!!

Don't know much myself but taking a brief look at the photo that's an aftermarket can on it I think.
If so ask if it comes with the original too and if not, check that the can is MOTable, eg, got baffles and not stamped 'Not For Road Use' etc.

I was always told, regardless if it's been resprayed (as that may have been because of a simply colour preference) if it has any additional stickers - check them carefully as they are often on there to hide damage of some kind.


Whatever you do, if you're looking at it in a dealers, don't be too embarassed or let yourself feel pressured - take your time and give it a really good looking over.
Don't be tempted to cut corners just because you've got a salesman looking over your shoulder.

I've got a V reg SVs and it was a very tidy well cared for bike. Minters are out there, so here's hoping you strike lucky.

Originally Posted by kciN

Are you small?

The seat isn't original, it looks lower!!

Definately - the original seat is pretty much a straight line from front to back, and the Suzuki OEM lowered seat hasn't got a profile that low either.
Chances are they've had the foam trimmed - which personally is no bad thing. You're a bit more tucked in behind the tank and I find I feel a bit more connected to the bike (rather than perched on top) which is why mine's got a similar profile to that.

Yeah, OK, so I'm only 5'4"... but that's taller than the national average for women apparently.

Why go to Durham ?
This one's much closer @ £2500.
7,500 miles only.
Sidekick can , ZX10R rear shock .
Original can and shock free!



Pm if interested.

Originally Posted by kciN

Are you small?

The seat isn't original, it looks lower!!

Yeah I am small haha (hence the name duckman my mate says i have short legs like a duck! )

I was/am looking at an SV at another dealers as well and it has a can that has a stamp saying "not for road use" I understand it wont be able to go through its MOT (its sounds sweeeeeet though) but can they sell it to me with that can on it i.e. it isnt "technically" road legal? and they shouldnt sell it like that?