hey all...

well so i had planned to get a new bike end of the summer or therabouts...but a pretty sweet deal suddenly popped into the picture...my only question is how you guys would evaluate this deal...

from a private seller, a 2003 sv650s purchased 6 mo ago from the dealer w/ frame sliders, 6 mo left on the factory warrenty, and 718 miles on the dot...paperwork showing 600 mile service, and my local mechanic will look it over of course as well...quite literally perfect condition

what my question is what is a fair price...he wants 5500 i said no way, he says 5000 (this is all over email) and i'm meeting with him later this week...im assuming i could probably talk him down a little more, how would you gauge the value of this bike?  kbb suggests approx 4k, but thats for one with quite more wear on it...and i figure the warrenty is worth somethin, right?

additionally, i wouldnt want to keep this bike out on the street like i do with my gs...so my options stand like this...

1, keep outside, buy gorilla alarm with shock, current, and tilt sensors...kept covered as well

2. keep outside, somehow convince my property manager to let me (or even help me lol) sink that thing pablo has his bike locked to into my parking spot (where could i buy that and how could i convince my property manager?)

3. rent a 5 x 10 spot in a self storage place w/ good security (this is financially viable since i will be moving in 4 months to a house w/ garage so this would not be a long term solution)

4. any other ideas?

thanks for reading


- alex

rent the storage spot, its got to be insured too.

A ground anchor would be far better than an alarm, most motorcycle shops should sell them. With the alarm you can just stick the bike in the back of a van and drive off and most people pay no attention to an alarm.

5000 is way, way high.  I just paid $3,200 for an 02 SV650S.  These bikes are too plentiful to pay high kbb.  And miles that low means it sat for long periods of time, make sure you know the carbs have been cleaned.  On a test ride, pay attention to dead spots and acceleration below 3k rpms.  Definitely have a mechanic or experienced friend check it out.  

Oh, just bought new 6 months ago?  So, it sat dry on the floor all this time?  I assume that's cool.

I'd say about 4,500 tops is good.  Low mileage isn't that big a deal, but the fact that it's already 2 years old is, esp. when you go to resell it.

And, I'd be stoked to get a bike that new and clean.  Have fun deciding.

Oh, I paid $214/yr for the GS and just got a quote from the same insurance co for about $850/yr for the SVS.  So, take insurance into account.  And of course, I'll shop for a better rate.

Also, I recently checked for storage spaces, and none would let you store a motorcycle inside a storage locker.

Can you park it inside your apt?  That's what I'd do if I lived on the first floor.

I'm starting to appreciate how easy and relaxed it was to own the GS.  I had no worries.  Now, me worry about theft.

yeah, i was thinking it was a bit high but dang...its the copper color i love and i did not think i'd be able to find one that clean...

insurance isnt  gonna be TOO bad...i got quoted $470 for a year...which for my age isnt too shabby...

i guess im just having a hard time passing up this deal, ideally i would have like to purchase a bike in july / august when i move to a house w/ a garage...dunno...i guess if i cant find a security system i'd feel okay with i'll have to pass, peace of mind is important to me...

still conflicted...


- alex

I'd keep looking, that price is way high.  Sv650's are commonplace, you should be able to find what you want with a little patience.  

With the SV650 you should be able to snake a heavy chain through the frame, and around something solid.  The bike brace pablo mentioned looks really secure, and at ~$200 is about the same price as a good quality chain, ground anchor, and lock.  But definitely get a bike cover.  Of course, get theft insurance too.

I agree wholeheartedly about the insurance.  Get comprehensive coverage.  Even the best anchors and braces don't do any good when you are at work, or your girl/guy's place for the night, or visiting the 'rents for the weekend, etc.  

Late last season I was quoted 3900 for an '03 SV650S with 3k miles.  I'm pretty sure it was a mistake.  The salesman moved it off the floor before I could secure the cash for it  :x   Realistically, I would think about 4500 sounds right.  Don't factor in for any extras like sliders, mod's don't raise the instrinsic value of a bike much.  The warranty on the other hand... that adds some peace of mind to the deal, so that may be worth it to you.

I'd say try to talk him down a little bit.  If you do get the SV, be sure it is what you want, because if you sell it in the next few years, you will probably be selling it cheap.  At least around here, nobody seems to be interested in them... its all about the I4's.  :dunno:

<edit> one last tidbit... I paid 5900 OTD for my NEW 04.  That translates to a sticker around 5500-5600... if you have that kind of green, maybe you should consider dealing for a brand-new ride.

Quote from: hairball5000 is way, way high.  I just paid $3,200 for an 02 SV650S.  These bikes are too plentiful to pay high kbb.  And miles that low means it sat for long periods of time, make sure you know the carbs have been cleaned.

2003 is the model year change to the new frame and bodywork and fuel injection.  $5000 is a reasonable price, but you might be able to do better if you keep looking.  not for anything with that low mileage though.  and remember the S models go for about $500 more than the naked models.

Check out this site:
http://www.socalsvriders.org/

Particularly "for sale" forum for prices in SoCal.  650's are quite popular here.

Quote from: hairballAlso, I recently checked for storage spaces, and none would let you store a motorcycle inside a storage locker.

Can you park it inside your apt?  That's what I'd do if I lived on the first floor.

I'm starting to appreciate how easy and relaxed it was to own the GS.  I had no worries.  Now, me worry about theft.

why wouldnt they let you store bikes?  did they tell you?

and unfortunately i dont live on the first floor, otherwise i'd be less worried

- alex

I agree with the good insurance route. And good locks will last a long time. a storage space is only a temporary solution. If you can put the bolt in without the property manager noticing and remove it when you leave, no harm done.

if you can get it below 5k for that bike, it is a pretty good deal.  The new fuel injected ones seem to be going for more and holding their price pretty well.   You won't be dissapointed.  I have a 03 SV650S and love her to death.  I bought mine new for 6200