Help and advice - SV650.org

24-11-04, 09:55 PM

Just asking for a little help and advice. Looking at buying my first bike and like the look of the 650S, the good and bad bits and any pit falls would be very helpful and may save me buying a dud. Then I can start to enjoy riding and much as I did learning and scaring the life out of my self.

Thanks

24-11-04, 10:18 PM

Ok here we go... (original model)

Pitting forks, noisy cam-chain tensioners, bouncy front suspension, cheap rear shock (works though) and some bikes have water in front spark plug problem. Sub-frame rusts after time.

Nothing major and things can be fixed very cheaply. Look at getting it re-jetted, race-filter and an end-can to improve fuel consumption, power and engine braking - which is harsh on this 650.

Loads of customisation options available and the bike is incredibly reliable IMHO. Especially compared to a GS500 or CG125, my previous bikes. Lovely throw-me-about handling and predictable in ice/snow/rain making it a good winter workhorse (if you keep everything greased, especially the front forks!).

Hope helps. The SV650 isn't a decision people regret.

24-11-04, 10:59 PM

had mine for 3 months now and am on a 2 year 33bhp restriction.
fantastic bike, you will not be dissapointed.

mark

embee · 24-11-04, 11:43 PM

The most important thing if you're buying used/private is CHECK THE PAPERWORK.

Doesn't matter how good the bike is, if it's nicked or outstanding HP etc, you can lose the bike and the cash!

Only view at the registered keeper's address, no pub car-parks. Check watermarks in V5 document, MOT cert, and expect the seller to have receipts and history.
"I'm selling it for a mate" is code for "walk away now!"

Judge the overall condition of the bike, you can immediately tell whether it's been looked after, and check for tell-tales of being down the road (bar-ends, footrests, brake/gear levers etc, colour match and fit of bodywork).

Trust your judgement of the seller. If they're too slick or a cowboy, go elsewhere. Always go with a friend, 2 heads are usually better than 1, and don't make snap decisions.

Mechanically there aren't many nightmares as said earlier. It should start immediately hot and cold, shouldn't clatter unduly (they're not quite as quiet as a small 4cyl engine, but not noisy), shouldn't smoke, wheels should be in-line etc. Bear in mind chain+sprockets will be approaching £100, and 2 tyres £180 round figures. Brakes should be free and not dragging. Check all lights, horn. Check the rad for damage, can be pricey to replace. Check inside the filler neck for rust, the water drain pipe can rust through. Check oil in the sightglass, it should be there (bike upright) and clean.

24-11-04, 09:55 PM	#1
JMJ Guest Posts: n/a	Help and advice Just asking for a little help and advice. Looking at buying my first bike and like the look of the 650S, the good and bad bits and any pit falls would be very helpful and may save me buying a dud. Then I can start to enjoy riding and much as I did learning and scaring the life out of my self. Thanks

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24-11-04, 10:18 PM	#2
snoopy Guest Posts: n/a	Ok here we go... (original model) Pitting forks, noisy cam-chain tensioners, bouncy front suspension, cheap rear shock (works though) and some bikes have water in front spark plug problem. Sub-frame rusts after time. Nothing major and things can be fixed very cheaply. Look at getting it re-jetted, race-filter and an end-can to improve fuel consumption, power and engine braking - which is harsh on this 650. Loads of customisation options available and the bike is incredibly reliable IMHO. Especially compared to a GS500 or CG125, my previous bikes. Lovely throw-me-about handling and predictable in ice/snow/rain making it a good winter workhorse (if you keep everything greased, especially the front forks!). Hope helps. The SV650 isn't a decision people regret.

24-11-04, 10:59 PM	#3
H-Gerickemark Guest Posts: n/a	had mine for 3 months now and am on a 2 year 33bhp restriction. fantastic bike, you will not be dissapointed. mark

24-11-04, 11:43 PM	#4
embee Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Warwickshire Posts: 2,804	The most important thing if you're buying used/private is CHECK THE PAPERWORK. Doesn't matter how good the bike is, if it's nicked or outstanding HP etc, you can lose the bike and the cash! Only view at the registered keeper's address, no pub car-parks. Check watermarks in V5 document, MOT cert, and expect the seller to have receipts and history. "I'm selling it for a mate" is code for "walk away now!" Judge the overall condition of the bike, you can immediately tell whether it's been looked after, and check for tell-tales of being down the road (bar-ends, footrests, brake/gear levers etc, colour match and fit of bodywork). Trust your judgement of the seller. If they're too slick or a cowboy, go elsewhere. Always go with a friend, 2 heads are usually better than 1, and don't make snap decisions. Mechanically there aren't many nightmares as said earlier. It should start immediately hot and cold, shouldn't clatter unduly (they're not quite as quiet as a small 4cyl engine, but not noisy), shouldn't smoke, wheels should be in-line etc. Bear in mind chain+sprockets will be approaching £100, and 2 tyres £180 round figures. Brakes should be free and not dragging. Check all lights, horn. Check the rad for damage, can be pricey to replace. Check inside the filler neck for rust, the water drain pipe can rust through. Check oil in the sightglass, it should be there (bike upright) and clean.