Newbie SV Advice

Hi all new to the forum, loving the SV and you all seem like a helpful bunch!

I've recently bought an SV650, and she's a lovely machine. 2002, blue, fully faired, and a nice ride.

Need to do a few things to her, and wanted some advice. I don't have the manual (have ordered it) and I actually wanted your advice on it.

Regular checks - what are the things I should be checking out on the bike every Sunday? What are the common faults and stuff? (I'm not a mechanic, but I'm getting the Haynes manual, and I figure it can't be that hard!)

Oil change - what oil would you reccomend I should be purchasing for the bike? The oil light flickers when the bike starts up, but when the engine is ticking over it goes off. I assume this is just before it begins pulling oil through the engine.

Petrol tank change - the original had a bug dent in it, so through a friend I've found a matching one. Is this a big job or not? What should I look out for/do before I attempt this...?

Any advice gratefully appreciated!

Also, are there any members here from Bristol? Don't want to be cheeky but would be great to get a hand from someone as I'm used to Vespa's and the *ahem* smaller machines.

Cheers, L

Sorry, I did want to say that I've read through some of the other posts and things and have got some great advice here already. Cheers, L

[yorkie_chris]

Yuck! A scutter lover....


Tee hee.

I use motuls synthetic 10w40 ... but pick a 10w40 bike oil and it'll do the job just fine.

Changing petrol tank isn't bad just check your replacement has the fuel level sensor in it already as removing them is risky, sometimes they leak when replaced.

Check THE OIL! There's been a fair few blown up motors around here as of late... and lube the chain. Other than that just keep it serviced every couple of thousand miles and it will need very little attention.

Yeah, saw that, not good at all. Will check it Friday before I get on it again. Hampered somewhat by the lack of a centrestand, but will be ok.

I take it the oil light being on before the engine starts is normal. I had the bike serviced 2 weeks ago, so will check back with the guys there. I assume that this was the first check they would have done... Garages hey.

[yorkie_chris]

No the oil pressure light is expected to be on when the engine isnt running. On account of there being no oil pressure when the engine is stationary...

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

No the oil pressure light is expected to be on when the engine isnt running. On account of there being no oil pressure when the engine is stationary...

Directly to the point, technically accurate and unerringly patronising LOL
Made me laugh anyway but I am having a boring day.

Incidentally:

Petrol tank change - the original had a bug dent in it,

That must have been SOME bug!

OK, on topic:
Firstly welcome to the forum
Just done an oil change myself, on the subject of motorcycle oils, I picked up halfords motorcycle 10w40 and I needed something quick and had low funds but noticed afterwards it doesn't carry the jaso certification, not a huge deal I understand but something to look out for.

The advice from the forum is top notch, I have been doing my first few bits to my bike recently and without the help from here I'd have been stuck.

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

No the oil pressure light is expected to be on when the engine isnt running. On account of there being no oil pressure when the engine is stationary...

No, of course not.

I'd just read the other posts about issues with oil pressure and oil level indicators etc. and thought I'd check that there were no issues that I'd missed. With blown up engines etc your mind rund wild!

I realise no won reflection how stupid a question it seems...

where in brizzle u from me babber?

*ahem* I actually come from Gloucester, but live in Hotwells now chief.

Gert lush it is too. And very close to the City ground (got to hedge my bets here) haha.

Just had some old woman tell me I can't be a football fan as I support City...

[yorkie_chris]

Glad to see I'm not losing my touch