Viewing a bike.

Originally Posted by Professor

Look for scratches on the outer sides of the mirrors (the black
casing). This should tell you whether the bike has been dropped.

On the stand side, they are always scratched from parking it close to the garage wall.

You know, looking at mirrors, foot pegs, and bar ends is OK to see if it's been dropped, but just because you look and find no damage, this does not mean that it has not been dropped. These are easy things to replace.

Check the lock stops for the steering, if it's had any significant crash damage, this is one area that would more than likely show up and not one of the places that tend to be seen to. Check the frame where the body work sits close too. Again fairings can be changed or repaired easily. Frame damage is not so easy and is often not sorted.

Tip the bike on its side stand so that the front wheel is off the ground and spin the wheel. You can check for warped discs or bent wheels without even taking it out for a test ride.

Always go with someone else. They just may spot something that you forgot to check.

** Update **

The guy I may be buying the bike off txt'd me this morn and gave me the proper V5 number, I did a full HPI check on it and everything is fine n' dandy.
Cost me £40 like, but it's peace of mind innit.

Was very suspicious at first (which is not a bad thing I guess).
But what with the all clear from HPI everything he told me about the MOT slotted into place.
The bike was registered in July 2003, so it isn't due for it's first MOT next month anyway and he's kindly offered to get it MOT'd for me (as advertised) so i'm happy with that.

Going round to his house @ 8:00pm tonight to have a gander and put a small deposit down (if I buy it) and I'll pick it up next Wed/Thur, which is good for me
as I've gotta make a bigger back gate to fit it into the back yard, and that gives him time to get the MOT done.

Going down with me mate whos had bikes for centons (a long time) ex dispatch courier etc etc so it's in good hands and he knows his stuff.

If I buy it I'll post some piccies when I get it, though everyone knows what a 2003 silver SV with a high level Carbon Can Co exhaust looks like, but i'll post some anyway

Originally Posted by Xerbraski

If I buy it I'll post some piccies when I get it, though everyone knows what a 2003 silver SV.......

The best looking SV ever.

Originally Posted by lukemillar

The best looking SV ever.

Now there's a man who know's what he's talking about!!!