Went to check out a 2001 SV650s Today

[aireq]

So I'm looking for my first bike, and went to check out a 2001 SV650s today.

The Damage:

Dropped twice both at low speed, one time went from a low side to a high side as low speed (hit both sides of the bike). Second time the rear of the bike hit, and bent the subframe.

First crash screwed up most of the plastics, and dented the tank on both sides. While he's been riding it, and it doesn't look like the tank is leaking i would definitely replace the tank. How much do you think this would cost for a used tank?

The plastics are not a concern to me. I would ride the bike naked and still be happy with it, safety is my greatest concern. The guy who is selling it does fiberglass repair for boats and said he would fix all that if I pulled everything off the bike for him, but it would be up to me to paint it. Cosmetics are not an issue to me at all. If he fixes the fiberglass, and I sand it and paint it with regular rattle can I'd be happy.

The second crash bent the sub frame in the back (holds up the seat). So the left side sits lower then the right. It's not that bad because the guy still rides it, and it looks like you could pull the subframe off and bend it straight. What would a replacement subframe cost?

My main concern is if the main frame is bent. Everything looked straight to me (except the subframe). If you drop a bike at low speed is it common to tweak the frame? The guy uses it for commuting, and he said it rides fine. Is there an easy way to tell if the frame is tweaked?


Other general stuff it needs / general info:

New front tire, rear tire looks really good. (price?)
Chain (gauge is at the halfway point)
Teeth on the sprocket looked good (no hooking)
overall tuneup (plugs, oil etc.. etc. ) I would end up doing this to any used bike.
Shift lever and break lever assemblies. (how much would these be?)
Front right turn signal missing.
21252 miles on the odometer.

He was asking $1800 US, but said he'd drop it to $1600 when I said I wanted to replace the tank. This seems like a pretty good deal to me.

So what does everyone think? Sound like it's worth it? My major concerns on the cost of the tank, and break/shift lever assemblies, and possibly if the frame is bent.


Eric

[Sev]

I can't think of any way to turn a slow speed lowside into a highside without hitting something solid.... and it seems to me there would be a good chance there is real structural damage. More likely he highsided it and she rolled, or it got dropped more then once.

I think you'd be better off looking somewhere else.

[aireq]

Actualy his ex girl friend wrecked it. He said she was making a steep downhill turn. I guess I could see how that could happen if you were to lowside on a steep hill the bike wouldnt' be horizontal laying on the ground, and you could possibly catch the tires again and flip over to the downhill side of the bike.

Is there anyway to tell if the frame is bent? There were no scratches or cracks at welds, or cracks in the paint.


What about the other stuff, if you were to assume the frame is straight?

[Sev]

New tire about $100, new shift and brake levers $50-75 maybe more depends on the kind. Chain and sprokets can run another $100 or more. Turn signals are $60-80 each if they are manufacturers.

There's also a chance that your bars will be bent and need replacing.

There isn't any real easy way to tell if the frame is bent or there's a similar problem. You're going to be looking for cracked paint, or new welds, ones that cover up the old ones.

I heard somewhere that taking a peice of string and stretching it around the front then pulling both ends tight to the back and staring down them will let you know if there is a major bend in it. Really it'll let you know if there's a warp between the engine and the rear tire.

[aireq]

GMDComputrak will check a frame, but there doesn't seem to be one in seattle. Does anyone know of a shop in seattle that can check the straightness of a frame?


Eric

[TechTMW]

An insurance company would probably have the informatioon you are looking for ... Maybe if you call 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, and explain your situation, they will be able to tell you of a reputable repair shop that they use for frame straightening in your area.

As an added bonus, they will give you a free quote !

[oldnslo]

Bad medicine--look elsewhere. Too many miles, too much potential crash damage. Maybe for about $500.......

[Joe Mc]

I'd pass. Sounds like more trouble than it's worth. You can get something a bit older that hasn't been crashed for the same money.

[ZooTech]

Too many "what-ifs". Sounds like a scary proposition. If he wants to sell it, he should part it out on eBay. I parted out my first bike after the exhaust valve broke and got out of it what I paid. If you're concerned about safety, don't buy someone else's crashed bike.

[Randy]

Man, it seems like this bike has had a rough life. I would look for a little less beat beater.