Future problems

Hello, im jsut about to sell my honda dominator (which is an incredible bike even though may not believe me), and looking to buy a 2001 sv650 with 30000 miles.
I was just wondering if theres anything i may need to think about mechanically that may cause problems considering the mileage in the not too far future....apart from anything else its ammunition for knocking the price down a bit hehe
Also is there anything i should be aware of when i go and have a look at an sv.
Cheers
Loomesy

[Biker Biggles]

Welcome to the madhouse
Apart from the usual,it is due a valve shim check every 15000 miles so ask when it was last done.SVs are not known to need adjustment that often,but if they do need shimming its a cams out job.

[fizzwheel]

I found that after 30K my rear shock was absoloutly knackered, I expect the one on that bike will be the same. Also the fork oil was really thin and watery so that's probably going to want a change as well.

I'd ask about electrical problems to as the wiring rub's on the rear sub frame and around the headstock by the fuel tank to, mine blew its main fuse and I it was down to this, so have a good poke around the electrics if you can.

Apart from that as long as its been well looked after and regularly serviced I expect it'll be fine.

depends on condition & price, i would want to pay no more than £1200 for it,

shop around, theres bargins to be had, check out the for sale section on here

edit. i think this covers most things

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Hi and welcome
1. Look at the front forks are they corroded and chipped, This is pretty common on a high milleage SV thats been used in all weathers. Its a good indication of what the bikes been used for and also if the milleage is correct. i.e if the forks are chipped and manky but the milleage on the bike is low then start asking questions. Same goes for the handlebars and footpegs.
2. Have a look at the disks and pads. What condition are they in. SV's are known for the brakes sticking on if its not been looked after. Again this is especially relevant if its been used through winter and neglected.
3. Look at the chain and sprocket and the tyres. how much life do they have left in them, and slack worn chain with hooked teeth on the sprocket mean that its going to want changing soon.
3. Electrics, some people including me have had trouble with blown fuses caused by the wiring loom rubbing on the tank. So ask about that to.
4. If its a private sale, if you can get a sneaky peak in the owners garage, have a look for stuff like, paddock stands, a good set of tools, cleaning products, chain lube etc on the shelf, It'll give you an idea of how the current owner looks after the bike.
5. Sometimes if the bikes ridden in heavy rain water gets into the front spark plug hole and then it'll drop down onto one cylinder and run intermitantly between one two cylinders which isnt fun. A fenda extenda will sort this or some silicone grease on the front HT lead will also do the trick, have a search for the subject its been covered loads of times and its fairly common. Ask the owner if they have had trouble with the bike in the wet, its not a huge problem and its easy to sort.
Dont be put off by high milleage as long as you can see that the servicing has been done, either by stamps in the service manual or receipts for parts used. A high milleage bike thats been ridden is better than a low milleage bike thats been stood for ages and has got all seized up.
Use things like worn tyres, chain and sprocket as bargaining tools to get the price down. Make sure you do a HPI check to make sure that theres no outstanding finance or the bike hasnt been involved in a accident at some point in its life.
Remember that non standard parts dont increase the value of the bike. So dont let the bling bits distract you from the of the bike, better IMHO to buy a mint standard bike than sh*tter with loads of aftermarket parts bolted onto it. Things like a hugger, a scotoiler are sensible modifications though as is a race can but only if you like the sound / look of it.
If you're not sure, Walk away from the bike, or take somebody with you who does know what they are looking at. Make sure you look at plenty of bikes and never buy the first one you look at.



Depends what you want and how much you want to spend.

HTH

Originally Posted by Loomesy

Hello, im jsut about to sell my honda dominator (which is an incredible bike even though may not believe me)

I've had one of those and I thought it was an incredible bike too. Massive amounts of fun and would wheelie oh so easy.

Lovely bikes, post a pic? Robchester is thinking of a traillie, might he be interested in the Dommie?

ASk if the regulator/rectifer has been changed; I'm not sure how good they are on the 2001 models, but on my '99 model I've had to replace it. I know for alot of poeple on here, there have been problems with the voltage reg/rec. Its an easy fix though

Matt

Loomesy, I appreciate you are in a house but where in the UK are you? As Rich says, Im in the market for a bike which is trail orientated and it may fit my bill.

Oh and thanks for the heads up Rich.

As others have said, check the valve clearence has been checked (and if necessary, rectified). How big is the chap/chapess selling it? Unless they're a whippet, the rear shock will almost certainly be finished (if it's still in the bike).

Hey thanks for the advice, its all gonna come in handy.
Sorry about late reply, ive not been ignoring you all....well actually i have maybe a little.
Um with regards to the dommie, ive sold it to my housemate, he sort of called shotgun on it. he also has a k1 gsxr600 shock which he says bolts straight in and is a better shock and has more adjustment, so shock wise shouldnt be a problem, but was thinkin about sticking thicker grade oil in the forks as and when.
Thanks again