Newbie - likely sv rider

Hi guys!

I'm currently on a GS500E having passed my test back at the end of '05. I'm looking to get an SV, in particular one they have down at the local garage where I got my GS (which has been excellent - well as excellent as a '94 gs can be!). It's a 2000 SV650S on a W reg. Its done 19K miles, is in good condish and has a scott oiler, scorpion can, new rearsets, crash bungs, bellypan and yoke cover. They want 2250 for it. anything in particular I should look out for? Had a good look over and cant see any nasties - taking her for a test ride on Sat hopefully.

Cheers and hopefully be on here more often very soon!

Dave

[fizzwheel]

Hi and welcome

1. Look at the front forks are they corroded and chipped, This is pretty common on a high milleage SV thats been used in all weathers. Its a good indication of what the bikes been used for and also if the milleage is correct. i.e if the forks are chipped and manky but the milleage on the bike is low then start asking questions. Same goes for the handlebars and footpegs.

2. Have a look at the disks and pads. What condition are they in. SV's are known for the brakes sticking on if its not been looked after. Again this is especially relevant if its been used through winter and neglected.

3. Look at the chain and sprocket and the tyres. how much life do they have left in them, and slack worn chain with hooked teeth on the sprocket mean that its going to want changing soon.

3. Electrics, some people including me have had trouble with blown fuses caused by the wiring loom rubbing on the tank. So ask about that to.

4. If its a private sale, if you can get a sneaky peak in the owners garage, have a look for stuff like, paddock stands, a good set of tools, cleaning products, chain lube etc on the shelf, It'll give you an idea of how the current owner looks after the bike.

5. Sometimes if the bikes ridden in heavy rain water gets into the front spark plug hole and then it'll drop down onto one cylinder and run intermitantly between one two cylinders which isnt fun. A fenda extenda will sort this or some silicone grease on the front HT lead will also do the trick, have a search for the subject its been covered loads of times and its fairly common. Ask the owner if they have had trouble with the bike in the wet, its not a huge problem and its easy to sort.

Dont be put off by high milleage as long as you can see that the servicing has been done, either by stamps in the service manual or receipts for parts used. A high milleage bike thats been ridden is better than a low milleage bike thats been stood for ages and has got all seized up.

Use things like worn tyres, chain and sprocket as bargaining tools to get the price down. Make sure you do a HPI check to make sure that theres no outstanding finance or the bike hasnt been involved in a accident at some point in its life.

Remember that non standard parts dont increase the value of the bike. So dont let the bling bits distract you from the of the bike, better IMHO to buy a mint standard bike than sh*tter with loads of aftermarket parts bolted onto it. Things like a hugger, a scotoiler are sensible modifications though as is a race can but only if you like the sound / look of it.

If you're not sure, Walk away from the bike, or take somebody with you who does know what they are looking at. Make sure you look at plenty of bikes and never buy the first one you look at.

HTH

[mattSV]

£2250 for a W with 19k miles is not particularly cheap - try and get them down to less than £2k at the most.

tbh, its seems quite a high price to me. I paid £2k for my 2002 bike, with lowers, with only 9k on the clock, although it was private.

Thanks for the advice folks, all very helpfull!

The forks looked good - only very slight 'scuffing' on the rear of the lower legs. It's also got a brand new sprocket, chain and battery, and the tyres have plenty of life. Hopefully any potential electrical/engine problems will show up on sat - as I haven't heard it running yet.

This is a local garage sale, so hence a higher price - but I do get a 3 month warrantee with them, and having bought my last bike from them I know they're good. I'll definitely try and haggle them down a bit after the ride on Sat though!

Thanks again!

Dave

Welcome to the site mate & good luck with the test ride on Sat

check out the for sale section on here as there is a few bikes for sale

some bargins IMO

personaly i think the bike you are looking at is a bit pricey.

good luck

Originally Posted by hovi5

check out the for sale section on here as there is a few bikes for sale

some bargins IMO

personaly i think the bike you are looking at is a bit pricey.

good luck

I have to agree with hovi5 on the price mate, I would try and resist and have a shop around, some great buys on the forum if you hang on, plenty come up. I went from an old GS500e to my SV and it was the perfect move for me. Kept the GS cos it is sound as a pound, cheap in every way, and now my 'spare' bike for work runs!

Hope you get sorted, and even if you don't buy from your local garage they will still be glad of your maintenance custom, so don't feel loyalty to buy off them, they will get your cash one way or another!


Hope to see pics of whatever you buy!

deffo too high a price imo, i paid £900 for my w reg curvy, had 27k on the clock, needed a lil bit of tlc but not alot.

most if not all peeps selling bikes on here will be honest about what they are selling & you will pay a lot less & there is over 10 bikes for sale but you may have to travel