New SV-650s Curvy owner (yellow) :D - advice?

Yeah, I bought the yellow Curvy from Tinmans missus

Beautiful bike, its such a different animal from my old CB-500, crazy that it's only 2 years newer!

So I need some general advice now, things to look out for etc.
It has some fairing damage around right front indy, but I've bought some fairing repair glue off eBay on recommendation from a mechanically minded person off BCF, should be able to tidy it up a little.

Currently the bike is pretty much stock, stock exhaust, stock indies, everything. It has R&G bungs and a fenda extenda.

So this thread is two tailed, the first, and more boring, is maintenance. What do I need to do to keep it looking fresh? I will be riding it all the time, keeping it outside but sheltered. I whacked a load of ACF-50 on the bottom of the engine/exhaust/swingarm/hangers, having given it a clean. Is this the right way to go about it? We looking at weekly or fortnightly cleans/reapplications? I really dont want the engine etc. to get eaten away by corrosion!
Other things, with it not having a centre stand is there any sensible thing to do other than get a paddock stand? I'm thinking chain adjustment, etc.?

That's the first bit, secondly is some nice and subtle modifications.
I really want to fit an alarm/immobiliser, I've seen a Cat1 Thatcham approved Laser(?) alarm, sold for ~£70 with immobiliser too...worth looking into?

Exhausts...I don't wanna spend loads on a new end-can, can I get anything half decent/better sounding than stock for ~£100?

other little mods, performance or aesthetic, any thoughts/musings (I'm sure there are plenty!!) I'd be happy to hear.

Originally Posted by qpop

Yeah, I bought the yellow Curvy

Good choice, it is also the fastest SV colour....

Originally Posted by qpop

I will be riding it all the time, keeping it outside but sheltered. I whacked a load of ACF-50 on the bottom of the engine/exhaust/swingarm/hangers, having given it a clean. Is this the right way to go about it? We looking at weekly or fortnightly cleans/reapplications? I really dont want the engine etc. to get eaten away by corrosion!.

Once a year is enough, ACF-50 fights the signs of corrosion too. As it is not water soluable, unlike FS365, it will not need recoating after every damp or wet ride.

Originally Posted by qpop

Other things, with it not having a centre stand is there any sensible thing to do other than get a paddock stand? I'm thinking chain adjustment, etc.?.

A paddock stand is the best way, it will also come in handy for future maintenance.

Originally Posted by qpop

That's the first bit, secondly is some nice and subtle modifications.
I really want to fit an alarm/immobiliser, I've seen a Cat1 Thatcham approved Laser(?) alarm, sold for ~£70 with immobiliser too...worth looking into?.

Not really worth getting one, they only reduce you insurance by a little and nobody pays attention to alarms anymore. Your best bet is to get a good chain and lock it to something solid. Alarms and Immobilsres spend most of the year either failing or flattening your battery.

Originally Posted by qpop

Exhausts...I don't wanna spend loads on a new end-can, can I get anything half decent/better sounding than stock for ~£100?.

Any of the budget UK exhausts will suit your needs, CCC, Fuel, Beowulf, etc...

2nd hand can (IMO)

Woooooooooooooo yellow curvey!!

Erm probably pay to get a rear hugger if you dont have one, keeps the rear shock from getting all dirty.

Exhaust cans can easily be gotten for sub £100, obviously it depends on what style you want, keep an eye on the for sale section on here and scour the ebay, plenty of bargains can be gotten. Some end cans will require minor modifications to the exhaust system and there are plenty of people on here who can help.

In terms of aesthetics, its up to you, anything you want to do can be done, just depends on the amount of work you want to put it. I replaced the indicators on mine for mini ones as i wasnt a fan of the huge OEM ones.

Immobilisers are a good thing to have in my opinion, i've got a datatool duo but mine got fitted by a "qualified" fitter with one of the previous owners, but again if you know your way around the electronics then it cant be that hard.....

Performance mod wise, it depends what you're after, a simple better air filter will help, then a full exhaust system, then sorting out the carbs to match, then a new rear shock, then a new front end.......as you can see the list goes on. Wander about the forum, you never know what you might find......