Hi all, Just bought an SV... what should i do next?

Hi there,

I've just bought a curvy SV, (2000) its my first bike and has 20,000 miles. I considered a newer SV but tbh im worried i'll drop it so didn't want anything too nice!

I've just bought an oil/air filter, plugs and oil for its first service, but is there anything else i should be thinking about doing? I pick it up on Sat so i don't know what the chain etc is like.

Im also thinking about doing the D'Ecosse regulator/rectifier mod as my brother had an sv years ago that always suffered.

Could some one advise me on what anti-freeze to use? Should i find a suzuki dealership and get the genuine stuff?

Thanks very much

Rob,

Ride it

Originally Posted by BoostFairy

...Im also thinking about doing the D'Ecosse regulator/rectifier mod...

don't need to get any special anti freeze. Make sure you use distilled water when mixing though.

[Paul the 6th]

Has it got braided brake lines? If so, flush the system through with fresh fluid to be on the safe side.. Pop the tank up and have a look to see if anyone has ever fitted a k&n air filter, give it a wash and re-oil if so, if not inspect and see if it could do with replacing or if it's fine, leave it.

If it doesn't have an end can, get one asap also check the tyres to see if they're squared off and if they're any good; if they turn out to be cheap crappy all rounder tyres you know not to go chucking it round too hard. Oh and check the throttle/clutch cables to make sure they're nice & lubed; owenski has had the throttle stick on 2 different suzuki's (SV and a DRZ)..

[Paul the 6th]

Coolant: I bought mine from York Suzuki. Can't remember how much it was (not enough for me to remember that it was outrageously expensive) but atleast if you use the right stuff you can sleep easy..

Originally Posted by Paul the 6th

owenski has had the throttle stick on 2 different suzuki's (SV and a DRZ)..

YUP and one of the experiances ended painfully.

I dont disagree with what the others have said but I'd also add in a carb balance and valve clearence check. You'll be amazed at the difference once those things are tip-top.

[timwilky]

I would remove the seats and plastic seat cowl and check the loom for abrasion. Especially where it passes the seat screws.

Next give the brakes a check out. Try removing the rear caliper pad pins. That should indicate just how well maintained it is.

Hi guys,

Thanks for the friendly (and very quick!) replys. I will give the brakes a good looking at, i have heard that replacing the pins with stainless items is a good move to?

I spoke to the dealer and although the bike was described as 'needing tyres soon' he told me they were pretty bald So they are fitting a new set of battlax 023's, they price matched my local tyre place at £230 and knocked £30 off the bike (it now costs £900 lol), not the best tyre price probably but i don't want to get a pull riding the bike home on illegal tyres!

I'll also give the clutch and throttle a good lubing when it gets serviced

I've read a few guides about balancing carbs and checking valve clearances, but if the engine runs okay i'll leave this until the summer, although i've just ordered a set of carb gauges so might check them sooner rather than later.

Thanks again

Rob,

Originally Posted by The Guru

Ride it

I read this thread http://www.svrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106041 and figured i would give it a go, my brothers always had regulator problems, even after a new one from suzuki was fitted, when he sold the bike to a friend of mine the regulator went again and because he was a lazy feck (the buyer) he left it like it.... after a few weeks the battery went dry and the full 70v output from the unregulated stator destroyed everything electrical on the bike

So i figured i would ride on the safe side and upgrade before something similar happened.

Rob,

Originally Posted by Owenski

YUP and one of the experiances ended painfully.

Should I be worried?!