MOT test and service

hi guys. i've owned a 04 sv650 k3(love it) for about six months now and it's time to get her out the garage for the summer. i need to get the MOT done and a service but have afew questions.

i have noticed the exhaust is blowing from the joint between the end can and end section of the pipe running from the headers. there is a stainless steel sleeve that joins these 2 sections(don't have to tell u guys that i suppose lol) and that is where the leak is coming from. is there some kind of gasket that fits under the sleeve to stop the leak? any idea where i can get them from that won't cost the earth?

i have also done an oil and filter change myself but am now wondering if i have put the right oil in!!!!! basically the manual says to use oil rated API SE or SG(i thnk) but i bought oil from halfords thinking it was the right stuff but then relised i actually put API SJ (fully synthetic) stuff in from the link below. question is will this be ok or do i definetley need to change it? could i even ride for afew weeks like this or should it be changed ASAP? after checking back at halfords they don't even sell oil rated below SJ(even own brand stuff is SJ). and from research the differences are that SJ has different addative packages in it.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_165507

next thing is i need tyres(don't really want to start off another tyre/oil thread, that question has been asked thousands of times i bet lol) but don't want them to cost the earth. i have found michelin pilot road 1's for £180 fitted from wheelhousetyres.com which seem like a good tyre as i'm probably using my bike for half comute, half fun road/twisties riding (as long as it's in the speed limit ). i live in coventry so if anyone could let me know where i can get good tyre deals/suggest an equivalent tyre cheaper that would be great. cheers in advance for any advice.

[yorkie_chris]

That oil should be fine. Appears to have given a significant weight saving too.

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/arc.../t-149704.html

an extract from the above site says:

"New quality ratings are assigned as better classes of oils are developed and tested. Generally, the new higher quality oils can be used where lower ratings were specified for older engines."

so hopefully the SJ oil i've put in the SV should hopefully work fine???

[embee]

The oil is fine. Basically as oil is developed the authorities allocate consecutive letter designations, and for all practical purposes the later one will supercede and replace the earlier one, so no need to go hunting for SG or anything.

Also broadly speaking the SV won't really exploit the capabilities and properties of fully synthetic oils unless you want to extend the oil change interval significantly, for example despatch riding or long touring holidays. It won't do any harm, but a good semi-synthetic will give it all the protection it needs, it's your choice.

The stock exhaust doesn't have a joint, it's all one piece. Aftermarket cans require the exhaust to be cut and a slip-fit sleeve used. These often will seal fine without anything applied, but if yours is leaking then some silicone sealant (yes, the bathroom type stuff will do) usually is sufficient. It will cope with the temperature.

I use a chap in Harbury for tyres, Steve Munson at the Bull Ring Garage, 01926 612275. He's not the cheapest but is exceptionally good and careful (he rides his own GSXR at the Nurburgring regularly and races an FJ1200).
You could do a lot worse than a pair of Avon Storms, probably the best value tyres at the moment.

That oil's the same stuff my mate puts (or put, before it leaked all over the road) in his Gixer and he swears by it.

thank %*&$. would of been a pain having to get new oil and filter.

Originally Posted by embee

The stock exhaust doesn't have a joint, it's all one piece. Aftermarket cans require the exhaust to be cut and a slip-fit sleeve used. These often will seal fine without anything applied, but if yours is leaking then some silicone sealant (yes, the bathroom type stuff will do) usually is sufficient. It will cope with the temperature.

i rang my local bike shop telling them it was a standard exhaust and they said they has a gasket for 12 quid. but from what you said i definately have an aftermarket? so to seal it all i need is some silicon type sealer wouldn't of thought that would of taken the temperature but worth a try. is there anything i need to do apart from smear a load of it under the sleeve with a cold exhuast? also is there any way i can get rid of the discolouration(and abit of rust) on the exhaust from the heat/moisture etc...

thanks alot for the advice.

[yorkie_chris]

Put a pic up and we'll tell you

sound. the bikes in a state at the minute so was going to go and get some bike cleaning stuff today from halfords. it needs a proper degrease around the engine, swing arm etc.. what stuff would i need to get for the exhaust? as i'm goin a car place may as well get some proper exhaust sealer of some kind? anything what else would i need? i'll put some pics up tomorrow morning.

[yorkie_chris]

holts gun gum works OK on exhausts but it does dry hard, which is why silicon can sometimes work better.

Don't bother degreasing it, the layer of crap is good protection.

For the downpipe, the local polishing fanatic round here (dizzyblonde) seems to like barkeepers friend scrubbing powder stuff.

you can pick pilot road 2s up for 160 plus fitting i think. fitting about £20 per wheel but might be worth it for the newer tyres. I've got PR2s and the difference from my old tyres is great. i do the same as you. commute, plus long motorway journeys.