Info wanted on buying a 2nd hand SV650S

Go and have a look at a few in the flesh at dealers and private sales over a weekend, it should soon become apparent what looks tired and what looks fresh, then concentrate on the fresh ones, if you devote a weekend to it you can go back to the good ones. I looked at 4-5 curvies when I was buying and went for my bike, it has been great apart from one loose coil connection (easily fixed), and damp front cylinder syndrome (a common trait fixed with a twenty pound part or silicone grease).

Good luck on finding a good one and welcome.

Originally Posted by BigBaddad

Get a feel for the owner is he a boy racer type.

Bah.....i consider myself somewhat of a boy racer in that i'm young and like to pop the odd wheelie and hoon around at speed. I always keep on top of maintenance and buy the best parts. IMO thats a good indication of how most people my age treat their bikes. Therefore i wouldn't rule out a bike on the grounds of the owners age/riding style!

Some of the worst maintained bikes i have seen are owned by born again bikers and particularly those that buy them as a tool to commute on. Due to its market position the SV slots into this group nicely.

I am just playing devils advocate here...but i think i make a valid point.

All the advice you have given seems pretty good, but i would far rather buy a bike from someone who checks on the chain regularly, knows their tyre pressures etc regardless of age.

Obviously never buy bike from a woman

I know what you mean. You don't want to buy some old commuter hack, but in the same breath you don't want to buy something that's been thrashed about.

A rider the uses their bikes potential is no bad thing, that's why most of us buy bikes, to have fun on them. As long as they are the type of person that knows the importance of keeping their bike in top condition .

I commute on my bike, which is 60 miles a day along some really good biking roads across Norfolk...Ooo Arghhh!, and I certainly like to "enjoy" the ride. I also go out to play at the weekends.

Tim

Thanks for the good info. Unfortunately, as I live in the north of Scotland it may take me a bit more than a weekend to get around, but I do have a couple of bikes that I have my eye on, and it'll be fun travelling.

ASM and BBD.

Good comments guys, thanks. In my comment about Boy Racers I was pointing it more at the kind of guy who revs the T**s of a bike and runs it into the ground rather than someone who actually knows what they are doing on a bike and who can look after it. There are obviously a lot of good incentives for making sure that the bike is in good condition when you get it and then keeping it that way. Cheaper insurance for a start.

When I do get my bike I am planning to use it for the occasional commute (about 40 mile round trip) when the weather is good but more as a 'get out and see the country' machine. We have some STUNNING scenery and some great roads up here and I cannot wait to get out for a weekend and see some of it. I also plan to use it as a way of calming down when I get home after a long day at work. If you have never been to Scotland you must give it a go. The roads are great in a car. They must be fantastic on a bike.

Thanks for the advice guys, and it is a pleasure to be part of the forum.

Safe Riding.

Stradders

[embee]

Have a look on the "For Sale" board. Occasionally a real gem turns up, like this http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=93385