First problems?

[glang]

My 2006 SV650S is up to 35k miles now (yes I know I havent used it enough) and Im beginning to wonder where its first problems are likely to arise. Its had all routine maintenance done so have any of you high mileage guys got any suggestions on what to look out for?

[admin]

Sounds like a question for Gary.

[R1ffR4ff]

I wouldn't worry. My 99 Gen1 is coming up to 44k miles and barely uses any oil and runs sweet. One of the best things you can do is service your electrical block connectors. These often get overlooked and can cause just as many or if not more problems than normal service items.

Every couple of years I take my rear fairing off and service all the connectors under it and especially the ones to the Regulator/Rectifier and EMU.

Number 6 on here,

https://straticus.epizy.com/Motorcyc...nProblems.html

[garynortheast]

I'd say that very little has gone wrong with the SV over the 15 years of owning it. The usual stuff such as the reg/rec (replaced last year with an Electrex World one), and a few years back I had to replace the starter solenoid relay.

The rest has been consumables replacement. Original brake and clutch levers were replaced years ago for Chinese, adjustable span dog-leg levers. Servicing consists of regular oil changes every 5000 miles, occasional carb balance, and replacing tyres and brake pads as needed. I'm still running on the original rear shock, and at 112,000 miles the valve clearances have never been checked. I've always had a Scottoiler fitted so the chain and sprockets last for ages with very few chain adjustments needed. The spark plugs have been in there for god knows how long. Probably 30,000 miles.

Around 60,000 miles (I think) I had the starter motor off and apart to clean and service it, and replaced the main power strap to it which had corroded through.

I am thinking about doing a full fluids change at some stage soon. It's been years since I changed the coolant, and the fork oil could probably do with renewing.

In short, I don't think you have much to worry about at just 35,000 miles. Just keep an eye on the reg/rec and starter solenoid, let the bike warm up before you give it any beans, don't thrash the guts out of it, and keep the front wheel on the deck!

[glang]

Thanks all. It does lead a pampered life in that it hasnt seen much rain as only used in good weather. Mine too has original shock and plugs but I keep thinking the cam chain tensioners will give problems or the water pump seal will start leaking - seems like I dont have to worry just yet

[R1ffR4ff]

My Gen1 oil change is supposed to be 3,500 miles but I never let it get above 3,000 miles before I put fresh oil and filter in.

I cannot remember who put me onto Smith and Allen oils on here but thanks again. Full gallon good for two oil changes for around 25 quid delivered

https://www.smithandallan.com/produc...cycle-oil-4117

and I fitted some new HyperPro progressive fork springs last year and used Smith and Allen 15w Fork oil as well,

https://www.smithandallan.com/produc...k-oil-15w-4114

For a 25+ year old Motorcycle with this combo it's like riding on a ,"Magic Carpet" even over some of the rough back roads I like.

As for coolant I changed over to Mannol German spec OAT coolant a while ago,

https://tinyurl.com/yyzbyrzv

Way longer life and heat transfer. My SV runs 5 Deg C cooler using this stuff.

I also use Hi-Flo filters with the 17mm take off,

https://tinyurl.com/mvfxu2s9

Makes taking the filter off a doddle

My engine still sounds like this sound-bite I made @ 41,000 miles,


https://app.box.com/file/1880485487355?


Here she is with new Front and Rear discs as of a while ago and I put new front wheel bearings in even though the old ones were fine. Cheap enough to do whilst doing the Discs,

[glang]

Certainly I swear my engine is slightly smoother after an oil change...

[garynortheast]

Originally Posted by glang

Certainly I swear my engine is slightly smoother after an oil change...

Mine is always smoother and quieter after an oil change.

[glang]

Thats really surprising from a mechanical point of view and Ive got no idea how to explain it - the oil film in the bearings is better so the moving components are held more rigidly?

[R1ffR4ff]

Mine is the same after fresh oil. I know my engine so well now that between 2,500 miles to 3,000 miles I can feel a slight change in the super slick gear changes so know it's coming up to time for me to change the oil. @ around 2,500 miles I put an egg cup full of Ms02 moly in the engine. It keeps the cam chain rattle away from the auto-adjuster