Advice... Newbie with a few probs...

Hi All,

New here and just picked up a 02 SV650S, curvy as its called.
Cracking little bike around town makes a difference than riding the VTR.

Noticed that the front brakes are very spongey, all been bled and still the same. I hear that braided hoses is the cure?

Changing gears seem a little hard at times exp changing down where i have to put alot of force on the lever. Also hear that a good linkage clean is another cure?
Also i have to bring my foot up off the peg a fair way to change gear, is this normal or does the linkage need adjusting?

The suspension feels ever so springy, the previous owner said that he had the forks rebuilt. But today on my way back home i noticed that the right fork seal has just gone and fresh grade oil is leaking out so looks like a new set of seals are on the cards?

Will standard 10weight oil do the trick and can anyone tell me the air gap or amount needed in each leg?

Just hope this cures the spongeyness.

Any other advice or mods needed, please let me know.

many thanks chaps and glad to join the SV club!
Posted a pic of the bike in the photos section and its in Aqua Fresh colours.
Cheers chaps.

Originally Posted by Beast

Hi All

Welcome to the house that is mad!!

Originally Posted by Beast

Noticed that the front brakes are very spongey, all been bled and still the same. I hear that braided hoses is the cure?

Changing gears seem a little hard at times exp changing down where i have to put alot of force on the lever. Also hear that a good linkage clean is another cure?
Also i have to bring my foot up off the peg a fair way to change gear, is this normal or does the linkage need adjusting?

So far, you hear correct. Braided hoses & a good clean on the pivot point should help no end.

As for the foot thing, I had that too. Take the arm off the gearbox shaft & rotate it a little, then put it back on. This will drop the gear lever down a little whilst it's in the "normal" position, meaning you have to move your foot less. Trial and error for the amount of drop you need.

Originally Posted by Beast

The suspension feels ever so springy, the previous owner said that he had the forks rebuilt. But today on my way back home i noticed that the right fork seal has just gone and fresh grade oil is leaking out so looks like a new set of seals are on the cards?

Will standard 10weight oil do the trick and can anyone tell me the air gap or amount needed in each leg?

If the seal has gone, you'll be needing new seals (I'd replace both if one has gone) & top up with oil for any that's gone MIA.

As for which oil/amount/gap. I've no idea unfortunately.

Cheers for the reply Baph.
I will try moving the arm as mentioned to see how i get on, cheers.
Managed just now to pick up seals and 10w oil.
Found the air gap on another post which i will check, bike shop said 500ml in each leg will be fine, but i will measure this to find out against the air gap.

Cheers.