GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

...ok so I found a used 2001 engine to replace the 2000 on my bike (SV650). My question is, should I attempt to install this myself or have a pro do it for me. I'm pretty mechanically inclined but I have not done this before. Do I need special tools? How long will it take me approximately? Any recommendations? My mechanic said labor would be about $200. Since it's not too outrageous I don't mind paying to have it done if this is something you think a noob should NOT attempt. Thanks, for the feedback! :)

Its always nice to have someone else to blaim if it doesnt work right the first time  :mrgreen:  $200. sounds cheap. I would go w/ the pro  :thumb:

I have been thinking of removing my engine so I can paint the frame this winter. A friend of mine says that its sooo easy. Still I would rather pay someone for that kind of service. I am into changing the oil and cleaning the carbs but I would leave the engine to the pro's  :thumb:

Just my opinion. I have never swaped an engine before... It may be easy

drag the pile to my house and we can do it....in about 2 hrs

i'm 2.5 hrs away
and i have a hydraulic bike lift....no bending over!!!!!!!!

ken in W-S

its simple enough to do even for laymen mechanic, just lable the wires and hoses that you disconnect.  poloroid instant pix help alot too.


this is the time to start your maintence jurnal on the new engine and the rest of the bikes live with you.

Quote from: werase643drag the pile to my house and we can do it....in about 2 hrs

i'm 2.5 hrs away
and i have a hydraulic bike lift....no bending over!!!!!!!!

ken in W-S

Thanks for the offer! I would, but I don't really have any way to get it there. It would be worth it for the experience alone. Damn I wish I had a trailer. :)

Can't strap it down in a truck? I'm sure you could get someone to lend you theirs.

If you do want to do your own engine swap, be sure you've got a REALLY good set of STRONG wrenches and sockets, and be sure to loosen the nut, not the bolt. I sheared a socket in half on accident doing that. To do the engine swap, you'd probably have to unbolt the subframe, MAYBE remove the rear swingarm/shock (it's different on each bike), as well as deal with the carbs and all the cables and tubes going to them and the engine. When I took the engine out of my old GS, I had it sitting in the frame, and that's it. Engine and frame. Nothing else. It was STILL a pain to get out. The torque numbers on it are insane.

Nope.

SVs are fairly easy to drop and replace an engine, easier than a GS because you don't have to manuver it thru the frame. But it does require a specal tool for the slotted engine bolt torque nuts ($45~60). And you REALLY ought to have the service manual for it ($30).

For $200 even I would be tempted to just let a shop do it...

Quote from: pslamp32

Quote from: werase643drag the pile to my house and we can do it....in about 2 hrs

i'm 2.5 hrs away
and i have a hydraulic bike lift....no bending over!!!!!!!!

ken in W-S

Thanks for the offer! I would, but I don't really have any way to get it there. It would be worth it for the experience alone. Damn I wish I had a trailer. :)

is it not cheaper to hire a van for the day, and have the experience

rent a U haul trailer put bike in it, and put the motor in the seat of the car and pull it.
Cool.
Srinath.

offer Srinath good food and gas $$... :mrgreen:

Quote from: knowlsey

Quote from: pslamp32

Quote from: werase643drag the pile to my house and we can do it....in about 2 hrs

i'm 2.5 hrs away
and i have a hydraulic bike lift....no bending over!!!!!!!!

ken in W-S

Thanks for the offer! I would, but I don't really have any way to get it there. It would be worth it for the experience alone. Damn I wish I had a trailer. :)

is it not cheaper to hire a van for the day, and have the experience

I agree that the experience would be well worth the effort and expense; you could greatly improve your knowledge and skills, and you'd know the work was done correctly...