But not quite a Ninjette.

And I'm not giving up the Harley touring bike.

A recent job change made motorcycle commuting the best option. But a 900 lb air cooled Harley in Washington DC traffic is just a bit much.

Got home from work today and had an e-mail from a local auction house, they had a 2001 Suzuki SV650S auction closing this evening. It supposedly runs and starts, has 6,400 miles, but the front brake lever doesn't work and the tires look like they are original from 2001, very dry rotted. It's last inspection expired in 10/10 so it probably hasn't been on the road in 12 years.

I threw out a bid of less than half what I thought it was worth. Bidding didn't even get up close to that and I won it.

After resurrecting half a dozen ninjettes I think I'm ready for another project.

Cool! Look forward to hearing how you like it.

woohoo!!! Those are fun bikes! :wave:

Very pretty bike.

I love it! :)

But not quite a Ninjette.

And I'm not giving up the Harley touring bike.

A recent job change made motorcycle commuting the best option. But a 900 lb air cooled Harley in Washington DC traffic is just a bit much.

Got home from work today and had an e-mail from a local auction house, they had a 2001 Suzuki SV650S auction closing this evening. It supposedly runs and starts, has 6,400 miles, but the front brake lever doesn't work and the tires look like they are original from 2001, very dry rotted. It's last inspection expired in 10/10 so it probably hasn't been on the road in 12 years.

I threw out a bid of less than half what I thought it was worth. Bidding didn't even get up close to that and I won it.

After resurrecting half a dozen ninjettes I think I'm ready for another project.

My guess is you scored if for ~$1500, anywhere near that is a firm steal, that is a solid bike!

Soooooo...how are you going to dude up the commuter?

My guess is you scored if for ~$1500, anywhere near that is a firm steal, that is a solid bike!

Soooooo...how are you going to dude up the commuter?

My max bid was going to be $1,600 but I won it with a $1,015 bid, but with their auction fees the total out the door was $1,214.

Bike starts and runs pretty good, carbs may need some cleaning. Previous owner kept it full of gas and ran it every month, took it for rides around his neighborhood even though the bike hadn't been registered or inspected in 12 years. Tank doesn't appear to have any rust in it. Tires look to be original to the bike and are very dry rotted. I'm working on getting a set of them. Have also started ordering replacement hose for the fuel and cooling system. Probably should get a new carb boots too. Master cylinder doesn't pump up the front brakes at all. Have a new one on the way along with some Galfer stainless brake lines.

As for setting it up as a commuter, not really sure how much I want to do. A rear rack and a top box would be nice. I have a 29 mile each way commute of mostly highway riding and since Covid traffic hasn't been too bad. I'll see how the comfort is and make changes as necessary.

My max bid was going to be $1,600 but I won it with a $1,015 bid, but with their auction fees the total out the door was $1,214.

Bike starts and runs pretty good, carbs may need some cleaning. Previous owner kept it full of gas and ran it every month, took it for rides around his neighborhood even though the bike hadn't been registered or inspected in 12 years. Tank doesn't appear to have any rust in it. Tires look to be original to the bike and are very dry rotted. I'm working on getting a set of them. Have also started ordering replacement hose for the fuel and cooling system. Probably should get a new carb boots too. Master cylinder doesn't pump up the front brakes at all. Have a new one on the way along with some Galfer stainless brake lines.

As for setting it up as a commuter, not really sure how much I want to do. A rear rack and a top box would be nice. I have a 29 mile each way commute of mostly highway riding and since Covid traffic hasn't been too bad. I'll see how the comfort is and make changes as necessary.

Oh yeah, that is really awesome. I see a streetfighter build in your future...

http://www.bikebound.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kawasaki-Ninja-650-Streetfighter-7.jpg

I don't think I'm even going to have to clean the carbs.

Here is a short video after it warmed up.

Cil4Y8UICpk

Nice find

Thanks for the vid! That is one CLEAN looking bike, really like the silver frame. You definitely can color me a tad jealous.

Any rides of length to report on it yet?

Thanks for the vid! That is one CLEAN looking bike, really like the silver frame. You definitely can color me a tad jealous.

Any rides of length to report on it yet?

No rides yet.

Tires were original 2001 and very dry rotted. I have a new set of Dunlops on order, should be here by Thursday. Wheels are off the bike and ready to go to the shop the moment the tires show up. The front brakes were gone when I got it, master cylinder was doing nothing, Got new braided steel brake lines and master cylinder sitting here and haven't had a chance to install them yet. Was real busy over memorial day weekend.

I did take a few minutes out of today to run down to DMV and get the title changed, registration and plates.

Hopefully get the brakes done one of these evenings so it's ready to ride as soon as the tires show up.

Still no rides and making very slow progress.

Mostly because a week ago I came down with Covid and spent 5 days laying on the couch hacking and coughing. Feeling better but still have very little energy.

Tires are mounted on the rims, but not back on the bike yet.

Hopefully I will have it all together this weekend.

Mostly because a week ago I came down with Covid and spent 5 days laying on the couch hacking and coughing

wow....get well soon

wow....get well soon

Thanks, Feeling quite a bit better.

Got the wheels and tires mounted, thought I had all the brake parts I needed, but one banjo bolt is the wrong thread pitch. Amazon will have one here on Saturday.

https://s3.memeshappen.com/memes/Score--meme-10644.jpg

Got the front brake master cylinder rebuilt over the weekend, ran the new braided stainless brake lines and bled the brakes, then I changed the oil and filter.

Used it for my commute to work today and took the long scenic way home. This thing is a ton of fun to ride.

My only complaint is my knees are pulled up pretty tight in the riding position. Looks like there are some options to drop the pegs an inch and move them back an inch.

I have a set of Buel pegs that came on my SV when I got it. Yours if you want to cover shipping.
I will say they are notably lower, but they scrape. To be honest, I preferred the stock position.

I have a set of Buel pegs that came on my SV when I got it. Yours if you want to cover shipping.
I will say they are notably lower, but they scrape. To be honest, I preferred the stock position.

Sent you a PM