Phil1

Cheers, yes I did read that they are better with some heavier oil. Doesn't look too difficult to change the oil really. I've stripped the brakes, done the seals etc. I've got a paddock stand for the back and I think I used my jack somewhere on the front to get both wheels off the deck.

Would the front fork oil be a major job?

The plugs were done about 19,000 miles and it's done about 24,000 now so I'm a bit on the fence with that one. My last car (Jaguar xf SV8) had 90k intervals on the iridium plugs. I'm guessing standard plugs should be good for half/quarter of that and they're not really something that will go with age like oil/coolant/brake fluid would. Air filter... I'll give it a look over to check for condition, and I've got an airline in the garage I can give it a blast out with. Not really seen a very dirty filter though in all my years of driving.

Hi guys, new user here.... Just in the process of bringing my SV back out of the garage from storage for 3-4 years or so and wanted to let you know how I'm getting on, and if there's anything I've missed... I've been off the road for a few years after having my second child and not really having the time or energy to use the bike. The bikes been SORN and basically just sat in the garage. First things first.... Would it start..... Meh. No. It was on an old optimate which was showing a green light to say the battery was ok, but it clearly wasn't. Not sure why but it hasn't actually being charging the battery and the battery was actually at about 7v. Dead as a dodo. Bought a new battery and fitted it, along with a different comfort charging cable so I can use my much newer ampmatic charger. Would it start...... On the button. Purred into life no problem, despite the fuel being at least 3 years old. It's probably got about 30 miles of fuel in, so the first stop (after the MOT) will be some fresh fuel. One thing I noticed was the lights flickering quite badly at idle so I checked the charging rate and it was very low at idle (13v) and revving it up it reached nearly 15.5v. Way too high. Reg/rec clearly knackered. Ordered a new one and fitted and it's running much better at about 14.4v at idle and dropping slightly to 14v at higher revs. Checked all the lights, horn etc and they're all fine. The only thing I wasn't happy with, and never was... Was the point at which the brake light came on with the lever. It was nearly 20-30% application before the light came on. Took the switch off and filed a bit off the microswitch plunger and it's all good now. Warming up..... Took ages to warm up, it was about 75 degrees shown on the dash and the radiator was starting to get warm, so I figured the thermostat is stuck open/seal passing. Ordered a new one, so it'll also be getting some fresh coolant in. Any tips on changing the stat on an sv650 or bleeding? Thought I might as well change the oil and filter too so they're on order too.. The chain has only done about 3000 miles, so that'll just get a really good clean and lube up/reset tension etc. Tyres..... Need a bit of advice on this one. The date code on them shows them about 10 years old, but plenty tread. I'm thinking I should be changing these as they're going to be well on the way to going hard now. Tyres ain't cheap though! So that's the bike..... As far as I'm concerned, I've got a new textile suit. I need some new boots too. Helmet has only seen about 200 miles and that was bought round about the time the bike was sorn, so that'll be fine. In terms of my riding itself, I'm going to go very steady first few times out as I get ill need a fair few miles to get back into it. Not to mention using those muscles I've not used in a while. Anyway, any further tips for me will be greatfully recieved....if it's getting the bike back into shape, or myself

Evening guys. First of all, I'm Phil...not sure that's too difficult to work out, I'm not far out of Leeds and have an 04 SV650. I say returning... Firstly I'm sure I had an account here before, but it's not returning my email address so maybe, maybe not. Secondly.... I'm working on getting back on the bike this year after a 3-4 year hiatus (kids, life getting in the way etc). The youngest is now 4, so I'm finding myself having more and more odd few hours I can get out. Anyway.... Thought I'd pop in to say hi