An Ebay dilemma

[northwind]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=35595

I vaguely bid on this item, not expecting to win, but the higher bidders have all finked out, so I have an opportunity to get the item at $250us, if I want. But I'm not sure...

The £/$ rate is pretty good, so even taking into account customs and postage, the need to buy the gaskets from JHS, and getting the pistons bored, I'm thinking this could be done at around £250. £300 at the outside. This for a job where usually the piston kit alone is £325 from JHS. So it's a good buy, from that point of view.

But I'm not totally sure this is the right part for me. I could be more sure if I already had the cams in and the rejet done, but right now I can't say for sure. Also, these pistons boost both ccs (to 677cc, a bit less than the old Wiseco set, but with better quality pistons) and also send compression up to 13:1 static, which is as much as you can do with an SV and an ignition advancer. Might be taking the engine up to the point that the rods and crank are unhappy, and might risk detonation problems. (though it should be OK with super unleaded).

The Wiseco kit is a less extreme option, and as we know can be had very cheaply indeed, £170 all in + bore costs, so it might make more sense. (if either makes sense, which may be debatable!) There's not much to call on price, but it might be a better part for me. And of course, it's not time constrained.

On the other hand, I can use the extra power- don't scoff! I do make fair use of WOT in day to day use, and I'm hoping to do a lot more track days next year. The SV's going to be with me for at least another year or two so it's worth investing in, I think. I do love to meddle with the bike, so whether or not I need it, I'd like to do it. And I'd quite like that SV700S sticker on the front panels, tart that I am.

This is probably one of those things where hearing other opinions lets you reaslise what you really want

Also, if anyone else wants it, and i decide I don't, LMK and you're welcome to take it at my cost...

[21QUEST]

Can't really tell you if it's the right part for you but anyhow how much BHP do you expect to get once all the work is done. I only ask because if go an 650 engine which might be up for sale making 80

Cheers
Ben.

Looking at the costs and BHP increase you've really got to look at how much of an increase you get for your money. I reckon if you're going big bore why stop at 700cc? Would a 750 kit cost all that much more?

Personally. I'll be doing cams and cans early next year. If I need more power than that I'll be shopping for a naked thou.

I know im playing devils advocate,
a piston is a piston, high quality or not....... errr wtf, surly they should all be high quality,
The wesico one i looked ay earlier this yr upon a thread u had lots of inpu into, we all decided it would only be worth doing the re bore if you did cams, filter exhaust with it, no knowing the existing spec of your bike but i believe you alrady have a race exhaust! so thats one thing off the list,

Im a tart too, and love to medal with the bike too, the wesic big bore to 694cc i think is 125£, so even if they do go pop there still fairly cheap to replace, or you could get a standard sv engine for £300!!

My opinion would be buy the cheaper wesico pistons form a gb supplier,
bore it, do the k3 cam mod, possibly ignition advancer and if it blows up,
then you can then kick ur self for saving money, and if you dont, ur quids in.

Although.... the exchange rate is very good at the mo, so proably makes them the same price as wesico, so go for it! if you believe there is a difference in pistons!

Alex

I know NOTHING about this particular topic!! (helpful, no?) But don't forget the extra cost it will put on your insurance. Have you asked your insurer yet? Some wont even touch you if you're modded. It would be interesting to know what they say.

Originally Posted by Nekkid

I know NOTHING about this particular topic!! (helpful, no?) But don't forget the extra cost it will put on your insurance. Have you asked your insurer yet? Some wont even touch you if you're modded. It would be interesting to know what they say.

I know it's naughty (and illegal) to bore your engine out and not declare it to your insurer, but really, how will they ever find out? It's not like having a can that's visibly different/custom spray job. That said, a SV700 sticker on the front might give the game away

I'd be interested to find out if you need to get an otherwise "new" (under 3 years) bike MOT'd if you bore it out? Seems like you should (checking it's road-worthy, etc.) after such a big job, but I wonder if you're legally obliged to?

I was toying with the idea of getting (I'd not do it myself!) mine bored out to 700/750, but decided against it. Once you factor in insurance cost increases, cost of work etc. it's not much more to privately sell your bike, then buy a second hand SV1000.

If the vehicle is impounded (after an accident/write off) they inspect the bike... If it isn't as you stated in the insurance then your insurance is void & you're without a bike...

I wouldn't do it. Chance of selling after is destroyed. People don't like heavily modded engine bikes (or cars). Much better idea to get some nice upside-down forks IMHO.

[timwilky]

Originally Posted by Cloggsy

If the vehicle is impounded (after an accident/write off) they inspect the bike... If it isn't as you stated in the insurance then your insurance is void & you're without a bike...

Many moons ago I did a spell as an engineer for a firm of consulting automotive engineers and claims assessors. some of the best claims I ever threw out were for idiots that had spent a fortune moding their vehicles and not declaring the mod.

Like Moggie Minors ("They are collectors item worth at least £3000", no its a pile of rust worth £150 assumming its got a valid MOT) that V6 under the bonnet with standard torsion bar suspension and crap brakes don't belong and has a material infuluence upon your failure to stop. Tuff.

However my best one was a runaway. On examination it was established that the handbrake was defective so claim thrown out. next thing I know (2 years later) was a requirement to attend court. turns out this car had hit 4 cars on its way down a hill and crashed through a house wall redering it structurally unsafe and requiring demolition.

However, the car & house holder sued the car owner and all won. he then had to sue his insurance company so our brief, his brief and 5 others with an interest in the court. Boy are costs going to be expensive. turns out that after the claim was thrown out. He had an independant inspection of his brakes that confirmed they were in tip top condition. But denied having had any work done. and that was why he was sueing to recover the damages awarded against him.

Stupid argument really as if his brakes were functioning and correctly applied the vehicle would not have rolled away. Thrown out. Total value of costs/damages this guy had was in excess of £200,000 .

Lessons:
1) if you mod it declare it
2) Maintain your bike/car etc. If defective vehicle is cause of accident etc. You aint covered

Here's my tuppence worth

If it was me I wouldn't do it. modding the engine may well increase your enjoyment of the bike but in terms of its re-sale value it will make it worth less (unless you can find someone who wants the exact spec of bike that you have). Otherwise by spending the money and time modifying your bike you will actually make it worth less in financial terms.

there's also the reliability factor, insurance, hassle etc. For me, I'd sell the bike privately and buy an SV1000 if you're looking for more power.

Just my opinion you understand.

All the best.

Martin.