Why I almost got ripped off buying an SV650
Found a 2007 Suzuki SV650 listed locally for cheap last Tuesday. Seller claimed it was “mint condition” just needing battery. My dumbass almost drove over with cash immediately.
Step one: I forced myself to sit down with coffee first. Researched common SV650 issues:
- Ticking engines from failed tensioners
- Rusty swingarm near shock mounts
- Clunky transmission between 2nd-3rd gear
- Electrical gremlins around the regulator
Grabbed my flashlight, tire pressure gauge, and phone for recording sounds.
The sketchy inspection
Arrived at some dude’s muddy backyard. Bike looked shiny from far away. Got close – saw rattle-can paint job flaking off. Pressed my thumb into the tires: hard as rocks. Seller kept saying “Easy fix bro”.
Cold start test: Made him wait while I felt exhaust pipe cold. Started up with horrible chain-rattling sound behind cylinders. Filmed it – classic cam chain tensioner failure.
Swingarm check: Knelt down with flashlight. Surface rust everywhere but worse near shock linkage. Poked with key – chunks flaked off showing deep corrosion.
Test ride demands: Seller refused test ride until cash in hand. Compromised: made him ride it down street while I listened. Missed second gear twice then loud CLUNK shifting to third. Transmission sounded like marbles in a blender.
The paperwork trap
Asked for title. Dude pulls out “rebuilt” papers from three states away. Registration expired 2019. License plate bent like it survived a crash. My stomach dropped seeing mismatched frame numbers.
How I walked away
Pointed out:
- $800 tensioner replacement
- $300 swingarm replacement
- Transmission rebuild? Probably totaled
- Illegal titling meant no registration
Dude got pissed yelling “Its a project bike!” Threw my gear in the car as he threatened to “sell it tomorrow for double”.
Found another SV650 yesterday:
- Made owner start cold – smooth idle
- Checked swingarm with magnet – zero rust
- Test rode through all gears butter-smooth
- Title matched VIN perfectly
Bought it for $300 more. Moral? Skip sellers who rush you. Gut feelings usually right.
