Question for those of you with SV650s

[natedawg120]

I am really considering moving to an SV next year and am a little worried about the routine maintainance, namely the valve adjustment.  For all those do it yourselfers out there on a scale of 1-10 how hard is maintainance on an SV.  I just would like to get something that i can tool on myself and have had a hard time finding sites with either directions or guides much like out maintainance section. 

[Jake D]

The valves on my '03 don't have to be adjusted until 17,000.

I just had the 11,000 mile service done.  It cost me like $100.

But to be honest, it really doesn't look like something I'd want to undertake.  I'm not sure I want to work on my bike.  With a bike like that, it is best to let the experts handle it.  They work on it.  I'll ride it.  Kind of like a steak and shake. 

The rear cylinder looks pretty hard to access.  But I've never thought about taking the tank off or doing anything like that. 

[vtlion]

routine maintenance is not bad.  Like Jake said, valve adjustments are infrequent.  I intend to have them done by the consensus best engine guy in the area (Chris at Centre Cycle Works for you locals).

Oil changes are stupid easy.  All you need is a strap wrench, a torque wrench and about 15 minutes.  Filter is a spin on and is easy to reach, which is nice compared to the SV..

I agree with Jake also that the rear cylinder looks like a beyotch to get to.  That may be the only annoyance (for plugs, valves, etc).

[pandy]

I've had my SVS since last November, and the service has mostly consisted so far of oil changes and chain maintenance. I had the bike shop give him the once over at about 1k miles and again at 5k miles (all the stuff in the book for services looks very easy, but I'm lazy). It's been mostly for tighening bolts and lubing what needs to be lubed.  I think each visit cost about $100. 

And the oil changes ARE very easy....well...I mean...they LOOK easy.... have I mentioned how much I love my bf recently? 

[Jake D]

Have you mentiioned how nice it is to not have to work on your bike all the fuggin' time and to get on it and ride?

[pandy]

Have you mentiioned how nice it is to not have to work on your bike all the fuggin' time and to get on it and ride?

+10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000   

[jbeaber]

While my new toy may have a few problems, i'm just enjoying the fact that professionals work on it for free!!!  I love warranties!  Now they just need to fix the oil leak and throttle cable and she should be 100%, til the next warranty issue....

[werase643]

one kewl thing i like about the SV....
remove front seat
remove two front tank bolts
tilt tank back to do service
it is on a hinge!!!!!!!!!!!!!
rear valve cover is easy to get to


the front plug is a pain in the arse
have to dang near pull the rad to get the plug out