Rust.

Originally Posted by Durbs

Dude, dont buy it, if you've flagged up those issues after the first look then you are either going to have to spend a load of time/cash putting them all right or they are going to haunt you every time you open the garage.

As people have said there are absolutely tons about. I'm after a bike and may (or may not) be after an SV so have looked at a fair few. They dont tend to weather well if not looked after and that missed service would ring alarm bells with me. Someone who has let it get 2K miles past its date obviously will not have bothered with other areas of maintenance either.

Walk away if not 100% sure you are happy with it.

Thanks everyone so far. Rational thinking wins again. Another decision made easier.

Theres just too many negatives about this so far I think.

Its the first bike I've ever bought, and the only mate I had - not literally, of course - who rode moved away a few months ago, so unfortunately (apart from you (very helpful) lot on here) I'm on my own, unless anyone's offering? .

In terms of shop vs private, its all down to how much confidence you have in your judgement, and at the moment I just can't take that risk. Doesn't mean to say I wont in the future though, just for a first bike I'd rather have some "easy" legal comeback if I needed to

Heh, I';ve just re-read that and I sound really suspicious of everyone don't I?

I'm not, not everyone

I don't even OWN an SV yet, but I know from reading this site to look for pitting on the forks, bottoming out on breaking hard, popping out of second when revving hard, and a knocking sound in 3rd gear (something to do with a cam tensioner, I believe).

Read the site, arm yourself with the knowledge, and do all the tests you can get away with. Another one i'm fond of is getting it to start from cold; when I come to sell my 125, i'll make a video of myself touching the engine casing to show it's not hot, then starting first time (which it's never failed to do ).

Keep looking, and best of luck.

OK - this ISNT the bike but what does it mean if the exhaust is joined further forward - like directly under the crash bungs in this case? This is where the rusty clip was.....is that the standard location on a K4?

Originally Posted by ooger

OK - this ISNT the bike but what does it mean if the exhaust is joined further forward - like directly under the crash bungs in this case? This is where the rusty clip was.....is that the standard location on a K4?

Yes, mine is a K4 and has a jubilee clip a little bit further forward of the crash bungs, a short way in from the bottom of the 45 degree section of the header pipe.

Originally Posted by Ceri JC

Yes, mine is a K4 and has a jubilee clip a little bit further forward of the crash bungs, a short way in from the bottom of the 45 degree section of the header pipe.

Thanks - probably not a replacement can then in that case, but the original one.

That pipe needs a clean IMO mate, get someone to go along with you from here or a mate who knows a bit about bikes and will look over a bit with you. Sounds expensive though like others have said, and if it is a not so neatly kept as others on here that are going for cheaper, then hack them down if you still want it. Personally get a 2nd SV eye, i would.

As has been said and being a dealer myself I know there are plenty of good ones out there at the moment.

The 0% deal on the new bikes has knocked secondhand prices too so £2750 for a K4 is alot of money. You should get a decent K5 in top nick for not much more than that.

If you want peace of mind have you considered a new one on 0%?. Ok finance isnt perfect for everyone.

Take your time looking at bikes..dont go for the first you see unless you dont get any of the niggles your getting now about this one.

Originally Posted by hovis

then walk away, there is loads of bikes for sale this time of year


how much is it?

More spectacular advice from hovis. Just walk away, you'll know when to buy a bike because you'll feel it in your heart.

I felt it when I saw my bike for the first time. Yellow, Curvy. Fell in love.

Matt

[Biker Biggles]

Buying private is OK if you are selective.Look for one owner bikes with no damage and either a service history or good evidence that the owner has done it themselves.Private sellers cannot shift bikes at this time of year so price accordingly.You will be surprised what you can get for that sort of money,and it wont be three years old with scratches.