So its almost start of the riding season :woohoo:
I found a SV650N 2004 so its Fuel injected on craigslist locally for $2800.
Ive been thinking of selling my 04 GSF, bought it for $2000, put new avon roadrider tires, i think i should be able to get $1800-2000 for it. It has 10-11k on it.
I bought the GS just to get used to riding and see if i would like it and also i couldn't find a SV at the time. Now after 1 year under my belt, i have more confidence in riding. The whole carb thing was a big dislike for me, plus the power. I was riding with a bunch of 600 guys. The power, well i know i cant keep up in the straights on the highway. A little sad but its 50hp VS 100+. But their bikes all started up nicely and warmed up a LOT faster then mines during the cold weather around 50-60 degrees. It might need cleaning or jetting but just think thats how carbs work.
I thought about jetting and smaller front sproket but i think in the end i would much rather be happy with a SV.
Just wanted to hear what people thought.
its kinda like women, if you can't truely love her. Let her know, and get rid of her so you can find someone you love, if you lived life with everything you hate, you'd hate life. simple as that. Sell it get an SV650. Simple as that!
could people told me i should keep her for one more season, i didn't have much experience yet. Plus i dont know how much i can sell it for. I really dont want to let it go for much lower then $1500.
Using your women idea, you dont try to find another one after getting it in a few times. It might not make you happy but you can perfect technique and style for the new one.
Quote from: LEMON8 on January 29, 2012, 07:01:16 PM
could people told me i should keep her for one more season, i didn't have much experience yet. Plus i dont know how much i can sell it for. I really dont want to let it go for much lower then $1500.
Using your women idea, you dont try to find another one after getting it in a few times. It might not make you happy but you can perfect technique and style for the new one.
LOL I like that. but sell it for 2,000 in spring, I got ripped off and mine was a POC, just remember if there is something wrong, yes you'd like to get your money's worth. but let the NEXT owner know before selling it to them.. Other wise their stuck 15 miles from home with a busted engine. at 3:30 in the morning.. :/ Also don't forget to let the next owner know about GSTwins website.
I really have no clue if something is wrong. I'm comparing F/I bikes to my carbed bike. Everyone says these are cold blood bikes. Come spring time i'll see if it fires right up. I dont think anything is wrong with the engine, maybe a cleaning. I think there was a DIY methods here to fix carb issues without taking things apart, like Seafoam and etc.
I've been watching CL a guy had his up on CL all over the winter and listed it at $2200 and marked it finally as sold after 2 months. No clue if it got full asking price.
I sold my 91 GS with about 15k miles for $1500 last spring, you shouldn't have any problem selling your 04 for $2000 if it's clean. Give the carbs a good cleaning and set it free! You'll love the sv650.
Quote from: LEMON8 link=topic=58942.msg671290#msg671290
The whole carb thing was a big dislike for me, plus the power. I was riding with a bunch of 600 guys. The power, well i know i cant keep up in the straights on the highway. A little sad but its 50hp VS 100+. But their bikes all started up nicely and warmed up a LOT faster then mines during the cold weather around 50-60 degrees. It might need cleaning or jetting but just think thats how carbs work.
The SV is a good bike but don't expect to keep up with the 600 I4s with it. Heck, buy an I4 600 and don't expect to keep up with them. Some guys just ride fast. Let them go and enjoy your
own ride. As for the FI vs carbs - my GS starts better in the cold than my FI bike, go figure. Once you get that carb issue sorted you may find it will start just fine. I am not trying to talk you out of the SV but just don't expect it to solve all your problems. A new bike will bring with it new issues. Owning a motorcycle can be like dating a stripper. Be prepared to fork out a lot of dollar bills for a bit of fun. :thumb:
Quote from: Twisted on January 30, 2012, 12:41:22 AM
Owning a motorcycle can be like dating a stripper. Be prepared to fork out a lot of dollar bills for a bit of fun. :thumb:
You must be dating the wrong strippers. Dating strippers = free shows at home :D
Buy the SV....
And find a way to shoehorn the motor into the gs.
The new power mod for our little gs's isnt exhaust or jet kits...
Its engine swaps.
This is the future!
The only nice thing about startups on FI bikes is that when it's cold you can hit the starter and run back inside while it warms up, instead of having to stand there to keep turning down the choke as it warms. Just because a bike has carbs doesn't mean it should have any problems starting or running. I also try to stay on top of mine because I have a ton of neighbors around, but if you have some privacy and won't be bothering people with the noise you can start it with the choke, let it warm up a minute or two, then just shut the choke off completely, let it run for another minute, and go. It really shouldn't be a high maintenance thing. I've had some FI bikes, and all of those wires and computers under my seat scared me, I feel much better on a bike with carbs. Now if you want to talk about a starting prodecure that's more work, come kickstart my yz with the decompression lever when everyone else is just hitting starter buttons as they casually stand next to their bikes. :icon_mrgreen:
well this is all pending i get a sale. :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:
If i dont get a sale in the works in april, i'm just going to renew my registeration, insurance and ride it for the year. Maybe front sprocket it since i think i saw them for $25 shipped, doesn't look like much work. Maybe get it jet if i find a local guy to help me do it.
Bike is clean, little rash on one side due to tip over. 11k miles, new tires. Clean up everything nicely. Intergrated LED tail and LED front turns. Hopefully i can get $2000 for it and only be out cost of tires and cleaning it.
Its a good bike without a doubt, if the SV's weren't that cheap i would probaly not consider selling this. 600cc sportbikes are $4.5k+ and insurance are insane VS my 500 or a SV being around $3000 and lower insurance rates.
Quote from: LEMON8 on January 30, 2012, 02:03:35 PM
well this is all pending i get a sale. :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:
If i dont get a sale in the works in april, i'm just going to renew my registeration, insurance and ride it for the year. Maybe front sprocket it since i think i saw them for $25 shipped, doesn't look like much work. Maybe get it jet if i find a local guy to help me do it.
Bike is clean, little rash on one side due to tip over. 11k miles, new tires. Clean up everything nicely. Intergrated LED tail and LED front turns. Hopefully i can get $2000 for it and only be out cost of tires and cleaning it.
Its a good bike without a doubt, if the SV's weren't that cheap i would probaly not consider selling this. 600cc sportbikes are $4.5k+ and insurance are insane VS my 500 or a SV being around $3000 and lower insurance rates.
Mod the piss out of it and enjoy. Its a fun, reliable, and inexpensive bike. '
Oh, and pics or it didn't happen!
There is no modification you can do to the GS500 that wouldn't make an SV650 even better itself, and there is no modification you could do to the GS500 that would give the same engine performance as the SV650.
Keep the GS500 only if you really like it. Otherwise buy an SV. You can always buy another GS later if you change your mind.
Quote from: LEMON8 on January 30, 2012, 02:03:35 PM
Its a good bike without a doubt, if the SV's weren't that cheap i would probaly not consider selling this. 600cc sportbikes are $4.5k+ and insurance are insane VS my 500 or a SV being around $3000 and lower insurance rates.
You'll love the SV. There's definitely some great bikes to be had for good deal. I bought my XB9 for $3200 with only 3400 miles on the clock. Actually.... didn't even notice the coincidence but I bought my yz426sm for $3200 too. Craigslist is your best friend.
Quote from: Flux Maven on January 30, 2012, 08:04:49 AM
Quote from: Twisted on January 30, 2012, 12:41:22 AM
Owning a motorcycle can be like dating a stripper. Be prepared to fork out a lot of dollar bills for a bit of fun. :thumb:
You must be dating the wrong strippers. Dating strippers = free shows at home :D
They are female. They will cost you money especially the pretty ones.
Quote from: Twisted on January 30, 2012, 10:48:53 PM
Quote from: Flux Maven on January 30, 2012, 08:04:49 AM
You must be dating the wrong strippers. Dating strippers = free shows at home :D
They are female. They will cost you money especially the pretty ones.
I thought that statement sounded backwards too, until I realized you meant you'd spend money on other things. I thought your stripper girlfriend was still making you pay for her to get naked, which would've been a poorly setup situation on your part haha
Maybe I should have said supermodel. :embarassed:
Quote from: SAFE-T on January 30, 2012, 02:58:27 PM
There is no modification you can do to the GS500 that wouldn't make an SV650 even better itself, and there is no modification you could do to the GS500 that would give the same engine performance as the SV650.
Keep the GS500 only if you really like it. Otherwise buy an SV. You can always buy another GS later if you change your mind.
Maybe not, but you will get enjoyment out of it.
Quote from: Twisted on January 31, 2012, 05:49:13 AM
Maybe I should have said supermodel. :embarassed:
Yea I would go with the supermodel next time.... I dated a stripper once... Never again
Quote from: Flux Maven on January 31, 2012, 08:48:51 AM
I dated a stripper once...
How many songs did your 'relationship' last? :icon_lol:
yes, buy the sv. BUT:
keep the gs until you're certain you love the sv. finding another reliable bike is a real challenge sometimes, especially to replace one you've grown to know/love.
the sv will not be forgiving of newbie mistakes like the gs is. it can high/low side, when the gs would most likely not. it's brakes are capable of stoppies much more easily, or washing the front end too.
as far as 'keeping up with i-4's" i don't think you'll find any problems with that on the sv. ever.
if you have to sell the gs to buy the sv, ok, sure. just see if you can get some seat time from a friend on his/her sv before you do. the ergonomics and power may be too different for you to relax and/or enjoy the new ride.
the only day i don't regret selling my gs is the day i have the carb off my drz for something. ;-)
Trust ohgood on that one and do try to get some seat time on any bike you are considering. I have an SV and it is definitely not the best bike I have ever owned.
-Jessie
The GS is like the girl next door you should have married. Get it running right, then decide.
My advice, get it running right and enjoy it then move on. So many bikes, so little time. Don't ride a bike that does not run right.
I'm back here thinking of another GS. 1993 on Boston CL is appealing. I sold my 40hp 2004 two years ago.
I have 2001 SV naked and 2003 SV naked in garage. The 2001 is the better bike to me, the 2003 will be sold in spring. 2001 stays. Fast enough is well, fast enough. 2001 is prettier and friendlier.
The 2003 SV is a 65hp bike. 2001, 60hp. Both feels like 2x the power compared to GS. Both start right up in the ice cold, stall once, restart.
2003 takes a while to warm up just like yours, but runs better ice-cold. It needs basically every mod the GS needs. There are more to do for he SV, more support out there, so it may be seen to need more.
FI requires equal to more maintenance than your carbs. Check out V-strom fuel pump filter mod. And TPS sensor adjustments. Sync issues are equal or more.
Your GS needs one fast pass at the carbs, if its stock. Do it before you let it go. Enjoy it.
Your 600 friends are riding mid size bikes. Some think of them as entry level. If you want to go fast buy a BMW S1000RR. Or, if you can't afford that, get a used GSXR1000 or R1 and stomp them. Don't do that without track riding training.
Then again you may see this all different than me. And finding out is half the fun.
My next bike may be another GS, could be ST2, or Burgman 650.
Quote from: johnny ro on January 31, 2012, 08:39:39 PM
Your 600 friends are riding mid size bikes. Some think of them as entry level. If you want to go fast buy a BMW S1000RR. Or, if you can't afford that, get a used GSXR1000 or R1 and stomp them. Don't do that without track riding training.
Are we encouraging people to be squids on this site now? How about don't do it without track riding training and do it on the track?
what "I" don't understand is how fast is your friends riding? GS500 can go 100mph all day, as long as it has oil.. so the hell?! tbh, I found someone to ride with for a short time, he would ride like 4 feet behind cars, going like 45mph... I would just sit back my 2 second/4 second rule. and sometimes.. hope the car in front of him would slam the brakes. Bad thing to hope on someone, but the lack of brain in that kid. Really just got under my skin.
Quote from: J_Walker on February 01, 2012, 12:08:23 AM
what "I" don't understand is how fast is your friends riding? GS500 can go 100mph all day, as long as it has oil.. so the hell?! tbh, I found someone to ride with for a short time, he would ride like 4 feet behind cars, going like 45mph... I would just sit back my 2 second/4 second rule. and sometimes.. hope the car in front of him would slam the brakes. Bad thing to hope on someone, but the lack of brain in that kid. Really just got under my skin.
You don't have to hope it. It will happen not if but when.
I would think a major factor in the decision is the condition of the SV. It could be a good deal, or it could be the guy's selling it cause it has issues. But you just gotta decide whether you like riding your current bike or not. If you're happy with the bike regardless of your friends, keep it and enjoy riding it. If you're bored with the GS and wanna try something different, buy the SV.
Quote from: J_Walker on February 01, 2012, 12:08:23 AM
what "I" don't understand is how fast is your friends riding? GS500 can go 100mph all day, as long as it has oil.. so the hell?!
The GS can go 100mph in 6th gear almost topped out, with barely any acceleration left. A lot of 600s will hit 100 in 2nd gear, and still pull hard right past it. It's not the same. If his friends got on the highway and just rode at 100mph for miles, which I'm not encouraging, yes he could keep up very uncomfortably. If his friends ride around on open roads and go back and forth in spirts from 65mph up to 110mph and back down depending on their surroundings, which is the more realistic scenario, they'll lose him the first time they hit the gas. They'll go from 65 to 100 in the blink of an eye while his bike is still trying to get past 80. Again, I'm not saying his aspiration should be to buy a faster bike just to go mess around on the highway, but if that's what his friends do, the GS isn't going to keep up just because it's possible to get to 100. My truck will also do 115mph, but you're not going to see me keeping up with many sportbikes while I'm in it.
I have a new reason to like the GS500: Apparently, it also functions as an "Insane friends" filter.
Excellent!
Quote from: Phil B on February 02, 2012, 04:39:06 PM
I have a new reason to like the GS500: Apparently, it also functions as an "Insane friends" filter.
Excellent!
Haha, seriously. I've made much nicer friend in the GS/buell crowd than I did in the general sportbike crowd. I didn't mind putting on a helmet and riding around, but I always dreaded when everyone wanted to stop at a sports bar to get something to eat. I'd just sit there thinking "I like these guys so much more when they have helmets on and we're not talking" hahaha
I rode with the local sportbike crew for a while and most of them were a bunch of self-absorbed know-it-all jackasses. If I had a superbike or supersport I would look for people on Buells or GS500's to ride with.
Quote from: J_Walker on February 01, 2012, 12:08:23 AM
what "I" don't understand is how fast is your friends riding? GS500 can go 100mph all day, as long as it has oil.. so the hell?! tbh, I found someone to ride with for a short time, he would ride like 4 feet behind cars, going like 45mph... I would just sit back my 2 second/4 second rule. and sometimes.. hope the car in front of him would slam the brakes. Bad thing to hope on someone, but the lack of brain in that kid. Really just got under my skin.
I'm sitting on 70-85 all day. I dont wanna go 100mph, i dont see the purpose nor do i want to get caught or go SPLAT.
Jumping on the highway, everyone goes from 20mph to 75mph in a blink, while i'm still chuggling along to catch up. The group i hang with aren't exactly speed demons or squids. We all gear up and are fairly new but everyone is on cbr 600rr or older gsxr750. Both have least double my HP. I dont chase or ride beyond my skill but they have to wait for me at times.
I dont know of a GS/buell crew around chicago. If i did i would hang with them.
I went to see that SV, it was beaten up. So i passed it up. But i can find a nice one for around $4000. Maybe i will keep my GS for one more season.
Quote from: LEMON8 on February 03, 2012, 05:19:54 PM
...
Jumping on the highway, everyone goes from 20mph to 75mph in a blink, while i'm still chuggling along to catch up. The group i hang with aren't exactly speed demons or squids. We all gear up and are fairly new but everyone is on cbr 600rr or older gsxr750. Both have least double my HP. I dont chase or ride beyond my skill but they have to wait for me at times.
hate to contradict ya, but seems like they must be "speed demons or squids".
If all they do is accelerate quick to get on the freeway or some such, then go at normal speeds, you should have no difficulty going 5mph over "normal" for 30 seconds to catch up to them. There should be no waiting involved, if that's really "all" they do.
When else are they going to be doing 20mph-75mph bursts, if they're not "speed demons or squids" ?
hint: being a bunch of cool talking guys, does not make them any less squidly.
Good for you for walking away. There are always good deals to be had if you are patient. And even if you want the bike, don't be afraid to walk away. Sometimes that is the way you get a great deal. And even if it doesn't work that time, there will always be another. I got my '06 SV a few years ago ('09-ish) from the original owner for $3000. She had bought it and only rode it for 2 seasons before losing interest. It sat to the point it had a dead battery. She told me it was running till the battery died and she thought it had about 5,000 miles on it. We struck a deal tentative on the fact that I'd buy a battery for it so I could hear it run before I gave her the cash (SV batteries are not easily accesible to jumpstart). Stuck a battery in it and it fired up. No bad noises, no smoke, and only 1,200 miles on the clock. Sold! The RC51 was a similiar situation. The seller wanted $4000. Went to see it, offered $2500 and he declined. it. Get a call 10 minutes after I left, "I talked to my wife, would you give me $2,650 for it?" Sold!
Not bragging, just giving 2 examples. I could give you more. If you have cash on hand when a deal pops up and you are willing to walk away, you are in a great bargaining position :thumb:
-Jessie
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on February 03, 2012, 06:30:00 PM
The RC51 was a similiar situation. The seller wanted $4000. Went to see it, offered $2500 and he declined. it. Get a call 10 minutes after I left, "I talked to my wife, would you give me $2,650 for it?" Sold!
You got an RC51 for $2650?! son of a Buddha Loves You! I wouldn't even expect to find one around here for less than $5000-6000. I would love to have one of those bikes, even a crashed one haha.
Seriously though, being patient is your best friend. Keep a constant eye on craigslist, know your price limit and stick to it. Just keep looking and something good will pop up. I see R1s listed for $2500-2800, and various other things, and of course they're never where when you've got the cash in hand, but deals like that always come eventually.
"Right place at the right time" applies but I would add "with the right resources." Money talks so cash on hand is key. That RC51 was a steal. It had been wrecked in the past but was repaired. The paint on the tank had spider webbed and when you looked at it close you could tell it wasn't symmetrical (body filler). The bike looked good at 10 feet and ran great. It even came with a new set of tires. The guy selling it also had a sweet Buick Grand National in the garage. One of the reasons he sold so cheap is he didn't like the idea of having a bunch of strangers coming to his house. The ergonomics were horrible on that RC51 for street riding so that love affair was short. The other good thing about buying things cheap is you can usually re-sell it for a profit. Like you said, RC51's sell for $5,000 ;) I bet I could still sell my SV for what I paid for it in the spring.
-Jessie
I bought my xb9 for $3200(3600 after taxes, title and all of that), and resold it for $3700 with 6k more miles haha. I always buy things cheap and just make my money back later. I used to be on a constant rotation of bicycles and that hobby completely paid for itself. It's much easier with those though because you don't have to deal with titles and taxes.
I know the ergos on the RC51 are supposed to be awful, but I like naked bikes, so when i think about riding one I picture some dirtbike bars and maybe some lower pegs. Toss on some bicycle shorts and I'd be good for a few hours of riding.
The dual radiators look really cool on that bike when you have the fairings off.
-Jessie
Haha, I was actually gonna say the only drawback to a naked RC51 would be the random radiators hanging out on the sides. I've seen them painted black, and they don't look all that bad, but I'm not sure how good it is for them to be covered in a layer of paint. You could also come up with air scoop/shrouds to cover them, either buell 1125 or cb1000r style to partially cover them. I think I'd try to just replace them completely with one bigger one up front.
(http://www.honda-rc51.de/IntroRC51-1.jpg)
Hate this thread!!! :mad:
got me lookin around at SV650s again lol (my fav. sport bike)
if your still looking, I came across a site that seems similar to this one while I was browsing around at SV650s for sale.
http://www.svrider.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=33
I only looked at the for sale section and seen lots of SV650s.
def. bookmarked for my own purposes if I get another bike anytime soon.
Well Sunday I had me a very enjoyable ride. Though the mountains, into surfers paradise. The whole time leaning over one cheek nearly off the seat having no trouble keeping up with a Ducati monster 1000, and a couple of cb919's. Plus a mix of other sport and super sport bikes. When the big guys took off I had my own fun at my limit and got there a couple minutes after them, then relaxed as the sport bike guys filled up and I said I've got about 3/4 tank left. I keep hearing how great the sv is but wait and develop your skills and if that right bike comes up then pounce, but a GS setup for you will put just a big smile on your dial.
Hey there, new guy here (and i'll be making a "new guy thread" shortly).
Don't know if this is still relevant, but i'm in central illinois and am looking to buy my first GS, and what you're asking is exactly what i'm looking to spend.
If its still for sale, please let me know via PM. I AM interested.
I sent you a PM by the way....