What to look for in buying a curvy?

Help me!

I'm buying a curvy, as they look like fun!

I am no mechanic, but would like to know the main things to look out for (i.e what goes, what shows poor servicing, or if it's on it's last legs etc..!)

What mileage/life can I expect from a decently cared for example?

Are conti Road Attck tyres good on this bike? Do they last and do they stick!

What's the deal with the bike diving at the front? Will Hagon progressive springs help this out?

How long should an O-Ring Chain last if scottoiled/Loobmanned?

I'm upgrading from an early 90's GS500, how much difference will I notice in 'flickability'?



Ta

Fenris (Complete and Utter....Newbie!)

Have a look at this first - NEW BUYERS GUIDE

Then have a look at this section on the main site.

Check the front forks for excessive "pitting" i.e. the laquer coming all off. Its only superficial, but you might want to get it repainted. Check fork seals (mine came with a blown one, easily fixed). Check downpipes - they rust up quite bad. Some rust / corrosion is to be expected, but be wary of bikes with loads. It'd be good if the curvy you buy has a front mudgaurd extenstion to prevent water from being thrown up to the front cylinder in the rain, but again, this is a simple modification and theres a few solutions.

Ask about the battery and the voltage regulator, if they have been replaced or not. Voltage regulators are something of a weakness on the curvy's it seems, but again, its an easy fix.

Not sure about conti road attacks, i hear they are good. I have Metzeler MEZ6's fitted to my SV, which are very good and last well (according to folk on here!)

Matt

look out for the fact you have bad taste as the pointys are soooooo much better looking!! LOL

[embee]

Originally Posted by Grinch

Have a look at this first - NEW BUYERS GUIDE

Then have a look at this section on the main site.

......then buy this one! http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=93385

(pics no longer showing, pm me and I'll e-mail pics)

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by neio79

look out for the fact you have bad taste as the pointys are soooooo much better looking!! LOL

You poor deluded soul.

The only thing to really watch out for is posts like the above!

Originally Posted by neio79

look out for the fact you have bad taste as the pointys are soooooo much better looking!! LOL

it'd be nice I'm sure, but budget = curvy, and they're a damn good upgrade for a newbie!

Of course, if you wanted to sell me your pointy for the same price I'm getting my curvy, then we could talk!

Originally Posted by fenris

it'd be nice I'm sure, but budget = curvy, and they're a damn good upgrade for a newbie!

Of course, if you wanted to sell me your pointy for the same price I'm getting my curvy, then we could talk!

its a good bike regardless of the shape really.

I have never had problems with mine (touch wood) but apparantly the front cylinder goes in the wet, again something i have not noticed mtself.

Sorry i will be keeping mine for a while and intend to do some serious upgrading to suspension and brakes this winter

[fizzwheel]

Just a thought, if you're not mechanically minded have you got a mate who is that you can take with you. Sometimes its just worth taking somebody else anyway just to give you a 2nd opinion.

i have a yellow one for sale

see sig