Signed up for Beginners Motorcycle Safety Course

[olds]

Well I took a look at the green/yellow sv. The guy had it hooked up to the jumper cables of his car because the battery does not hold charge. No damage to plastics, has frame sliders. The right signal is loose though.

I tried to test ride it but I put it in first and tried to go and the bike turned off. Not sure if it's the battery or the stand switch is faulty. He had it hooked to the jumper cables for quite some time before I got there.

I got him down to 3k because of some minor things and he needs to sell it. It has 3400 miles and it's a 2005 but I'm not sure what else could be wrong with it. I could ask him to get a battery or I can get a battery but I'm not sure. The last time it was registered was 2011 and I'm pretty sure it hasn't been running for a while maybe the battery or something else.

I'd walk at that price if it's not operable

 

[sze5003]

I'd walk at that price if it's not operable

True and he had the car running for the bike to start which can't be good for the stator or regulator system of the bike. I'll ask if he can get a battery and put it in see if it works. I just don't want any other problems.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Well I took a look at the green/yellow sv. The guy had it hooked up to the jumper cables of his car because the battery does not hold charge. No damage to plastics, has frame sliders. The right signal is loose though.

I tried to test ride it but I put it in first and tried to go and the bike turned off. Not sure if it's the battery or the stand switch is faulty. He had it hooked to the jumper cables for quite some time before I got there.

I got him down to 3k because of some minor things and he needs to sell it. It has 3400 miles and it's a 2005 but I'm not sure what else could be wrong with it. I could ask him to get a battery or I can get a battery but I'm not sure. The last time it was registered was 2011 and I'm pretty sure it hasn't been running for a while maybe the battery or something else.

It just needs a battery. Change the fluids and put new tires on it, that bike is barely broken in.

It looks pretty clean in the photos. I think it just hasn't been ridden. As long as it hasn't been sitting outside, which it doesn't appear to have, it should be fine. Change the fluids, new battery, new tires and just ride it.

 

[sze5003]

Tires have good thread on them. I'll see if he can get a battery for it and I'll include that in my offer of 3k. Hoping it's only the battery though.

 

[olds]

It just needs a battery. Change the fluids and put new tires on it, that bike is barely broken in.

It looks pretty clean in the photos. I think it just hasn't been ridden. As long as it hasn't been sitting outside, which it doesn't appear to have, it should be fine. Change the fluids, new battery, new tires and just ride it.

I'd be worried he is using the battery excuse to hide something else. But that's me.

 

[sze5003]

I'd be worried he is using the battery excuse to hide something else. But that's me.

That's what I think too you never know. He could have fried the charge system having his car engine on while the jumper cables were connected to the bike battery.

Edit: Are walmart batteries returnable ? The guy couldnt pick up a battery today and asked if I'm free tomorrow. I guess I have to install it too. If I'm left paying for it and that's not the issue I'll be pissed.

I would not even think of listing my bike for sale if it hasn't been running in a long time. That's the thing about the area here, plenty of people have bikes but have no idea how to check certain issues or care to take care of their stuff.

 

[OVerLoRDI]

11/8/14 Update:
-20k miles later.

I've done quite a few 1000 mile weekends all over northern California, commute on the bike daily and have modded it pretty thoroughly. Live in SF if has become the family vehicle. Figured I'd share some pictures.

Running errands for the wife. Both dozens arrived home intact

Making a run to Drake's Bay Oyster Co, before they closed down

Got a top case added to the bike, at that point the wife started liking the bike a lot more. I guess the ability to carry more stuff with us was appreciated. Looks stupid on the bike IMO, but makes life so much easier.

Been to this spot 4 times this year

The wife has adjusted well.

Got rid of the crappy stock SV suspension, completely changed the bike.

Also added SS brake lines as well as Pazzo levers and some SV racing rear sets.

Life is good

 

[drnickriviera]

I think you'll like the look and utility more if you get some side cases. I just wish more companies would make cases that open from the top, not the side.

Please tell me the wifey has riding gear. I like the helmet, which model is it?

 

[WackyDan]

I think you'll like the look and utility more if you get some side cases. I just wish more companies would make cases that open from the top, not the side.

Please tell me the wifey has riding gear. I like the helmet, which model is it?

Givi makes some side cases that open from the top and side... Pretty large too.

 

[WackyDan]

Great update!

I also have that Givi V46... Nice case. As someone mentioned, adding side cases can help balance the look of have that top case up there looking like some sort of UFO. I have the Givi V35 side cases to go with the V46 and they look perfect together and like the v46 the side pop off when I'm not using them.

 

[OVerLoRDI]

Please tell me the wifey has riding gear. I like the helmet, which model is it?

She has helmet, gloves, and jacket. The helmet is a shoei qwest. Out biggest challenge is that she is very tiny (5') and a girl. Finding stuff that fits is very hard. Isnt a great excuse, but we are trying to get our hands on the full set.

Great update!

I also have that Givi V46... Nice case. As someone mentioned, adding side cases can help balance the look of have that top case up there looking like some sort of UFO.

There are 2 issues with adding Givi hard cases.

1. The 2003 sv650s has a unique rear sub frame. So finding the mounts that will work my existing top case mount is difficult...

2. Living in SF, having the bike be as skinny as possible really helps.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Those Shoei spectra shields are great aren't they? I have nothing but Shoei helmets and have spectra shields for all of them.

 

[Greenman]

It's nice when your wife decides she likes to ride with you, but it's also a bummer because it completely changes the bike requirements.
My wife didn't ride with me at all for four years, then one day decided she liked it and now goes everywhere with me. While I like having her along, it required a lot of changes to my bike. I'm at the point where I really should trade it in on a touring bike, or convert it into a full fledged Road Rod (that's a V-Rod converted into a touring bike). I'm going to spend a big pile of money no matter what I do.

 

[OVerLoRDI]

It's nice when your wife decides she likes to ride with you, but it's also a bummer because it completely changes the bike requirements.
My wife didn't ride with me at all for four years, then one day decided she liked it and now goes everywhere with me. While I like having her along, it required a lot of changes to my bike. I'm at the point where I really should trade it in on a touring bike, or convert it into a full fledged Road Rod (that's a V-Rod converted into a touring bike). I'm going to spend a big pile of money no matter what I do.

It definitely changes the dynamics while she is on with the egg full of groceries. But I haven't found a huge need to change bikes, especially after I got beefier suspension. Granted 99% of our riding is around town, if we were to do some touring, we'd definitely need something more up right with more luggage.

 

[ringtail]

Congrats, i'm in the same boat. Signed up for the course yesterday! So damn excited. Wanted a bike for a long time! I'm pretty set on the Suzuki SV650, love the way it looks and everything I've read about new and experienced riders that have it. I could totally change my mind after I finish my course, maybe I'll decide to get something smaller and easier, but who knows.

I'm in same boat, signed up for course in Dec.

Tentatively thinking I'll get a used 650 to learn on for 1 year, then the BMW 1200R.

 

[thejohnfist]

That's a great looking bike for it's age. I'm looking into getting my first bike as well, primarily for fuel savings in work commutes. Probably going to pick up a Honda CB300F. I like it's look, it's not overpowered for my needs, ins should be cheap, fuel eco will be high. Of course before that happens I need to MSF, and before any of it happens I need the cash haha.

 

[saratoga172]

That's a great looking bike for it's age. I'm looking into getting my first bike as well, primarily for fuel savings in work commutes. Probably going to pick up a Honda CB300F. I like it's look, it's not overpowered for my needs, ins should be cheap, fuel eco will be high. Of course before that happens I need to MSF, and before any of it happens I need the cash haha.

Not sure what your fuel costs are or what you drive, but I think you'll quickly find that getting into and maintaining a motorcycle is more expensive than potential fuel savings. This is on average and you may be outside of that, but something to keep in mind.

Having said that motorcycles are a helluva lot of fun. I don't want to discourage but too often I see people get into it wanting to save money on gas and quickly realize they've spent a bunch upfront or the maintenance and gear outweighs those potential savings. If it's your excuse to get a bike, by all means do it!

Sign up for MSF in advance since it fills fast. Best thing I ever did for learning about bikes.

 

[OVerLoRDI]

Not sure what your fuel costs are or what you drive, but I think you'll quickly find that getting into and maintaining a motorcycle is more expensive than potential fuel savings. This is on average and you may be outside of that, but something to keep in mind.

Sign up for MSF in advance since it fills fast. Best thing I ever did for learning about bikes.

The other thing to consider is that a lot of bikes don't get significantly better mileage than modern fuel efficient cars these days.

My SV, at highway speeds (70-75+) just barely hits 50mpg. Which isn't a number to turn your nose up at by any means, but it isn't hugely better than a lot of modern eco cars.

Like saratoga172 said, maintenance on bikes adds up really fast. Depending on your tires and riding style, you usually change tires every 7-8k miles (especially the rear, the front can go longer). Chains are good for 15k, sometimes less depending. Oil is every 2.5k or so (cars nowadays can go what seems like forever between oil changes). Then tack on any noob mistakes that you will make, that will damage your bike? Way beyond car maintenance now.

Additionally gear costs is $$$. You can skimp on this, but a lot of people I think rightly choose not to. An entry full set of quality riding gear is 1k+. A lot of people might jump in and say you can do it for cheaper and they are right, you definitely can by buying used or shopping for good sales, but without pulling a full squid and just buying the helmet, you will get close to a grand in gear.

Oh and something about motorcycles is so much more appealing to modify than cars. Suspension, exhaust, levers, rear sets, seats, luggage, gadgets.... $$$$$

You will not save money on 2 wheeled transportation, unless you buy a scooter and buy just a helmet.