[SV Rider81]

Just wondering, is it possible to lower the seat height with simple tools?

Is the seat adjusted by the black peg with 4-holes on it? Looks like a V-shaped metal plate, is that the one?

I would like to lower the bike a bit.Can I do it on my own, or is it better to take it to a mechanic and ask them to do it ?I need to get the bike serviced too,so I was thinking of combining both in 1 go.

Not sure if there are other threads that exist with the same info. Please give me your inputs.

 

[Lost1888]

Here's a thread that may help you with what people have done and what worked for them. http://www.svrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73818

My bike was lowered when I bought it. I'm 6' so it was not necessary. But I did notice the bike didn't handle as well in slow speed tight maneuvers. Also with the lowering links they chopped the side stand down. I recommend that you try modding the seat before you actually lower the bike. Just my $.02

 

[SV Rider81]

Thanks for the info. I'll give that a try.

Also, I have a new problem!! I hadn't gone riding in a few weeks, and took the bike our y'day. But i found that the rear wasn't working!! Scared the hell out of me!

Any idea why this might have happened?Could the cable have snapped? But I haven't used the bike in a while, and the last time I did the brakes were just fine.

 

[Lost1888]

Thanks for the info. I'll give that a try.

Also, I have a new problem!! I hadn't gone riding in a few weeks, and took the bike our y'day. But i found that the rear wasn't working!! Scared the hell out of me!

Any idea why this might have happened?Could the cable have snapped? But I haven't used the bike in a while, and the last time I did the brakes were just fine.

There is no brake cable for the rear brake. I would inspect the brakes and see if there is anything that is wrong just by looking at it. Leaks, Pads? If the pads are good and you don't see any leaks then bleed the rear brake.

Did you take your back tire off this winter? I was also thinking maybe the guide pins on the caliper are not in the caliper right. :dontknow:

 

[httc84]

Check your reservoir level. It's visible below the seat on the right (brake) side. As Lost1888 said: leaks, pads, etc.

The rear brake lever pushes up into the rear master cylinder through a linkage just behind the rear set. The master cyclinder has two lines off it. One goes up to the reservoir, the other goes back to the rear brake.

Make sure the reservoir has fluid in it, then pump the brake by hand looking for leaks with a flashlight.

If you pulled the rear wheel off, you typically have to pump up the rear brake prior to riding.

 

[SV Rider81]

I did not pull out the tire. The last time I went riding, the brakes worked just fine!
I'll get back today and see what I find. I dont remember seeing any leaks. I need to check the reservoir though.
The closest mechanic is about 10miles away. I'm skeptical about riding the bike with only the front brakes. I'll have to go real slow,and be extra careful.

 

[Lost1888]

You should be fine riding to the mechanic with just front brakes. They do the majority of the stopping anyways. Also I wouldn't go to a mechanic to have your brakes bleed. Just not worth their hourly rate there going to charge you. It really is a simple job. I could talk you through what to do if need be. On your way home stop and pick up some brake fluid (Dot 4) so you have it if you need it. For bleeding the brakes you will need it. Do you have a manual? If not you can download one from here-http://thepiratebay.org/search/sv650/0/99/0

 

[SV Rider81]

Thank you so much for your help,Lost1888. I'll give it a try, and keep you guys posted!

 

[Lost1888]

No problem.

 

[SV Rider81]

I checked the reservoir, and it looks empty to me. I'll try to get a pic, so it'll be clearer to understand.
I checked for leaks, and didn't see any. So it might just be that there's no brake fluid left.

Few questions:
1) Where can I pick up the brake fluid? How much does it cost,and is there a recommended brand?
2) To fill the reservoir, do I just have to remove the seat,and access the reservoir?
3) once filled,all I need to do is keep pushing the brake lever until I get resistance again.IS that right?

 

[Lost1888]

I checked the reservoir, and it looks empty to me. I'll try to get a pic, so it'll be clearer to understand.
I checked for leaks, and didn't see any. So it might just be that there's no brake fluid left.

Few questions:
1) Where can I pick up the brake fluid? How much does it cost,and is there a recommended brand? I bought mine at the Suzuki dealer. Maybe $5 a bottle. IDK I just bought it and didn't care.
2) To fill the reservoir, do I just have to remove the seat,and access the reservoir? The reservoir is right below the right tail frame rail.
3) once filled,all I need to do is keep pushing the brake lever until I get resistance again.IS that right?Not quite. You have to open the reservoir, refill, if you have a bleeder hose connect it to bleeder, If not get one for a couple dollars, put a pan, coffee can or something for the hose to drain into, now for the actual bleeding part- get a 8mm wrench and put it on the bleeder, pump the rear brake pedal, crack the bleeder maintaining pressure on the brake pedal, DO NOT LET OFF THE PEDAL UNTIL THE BLEEDER IS CLOSED!, pump in the brake and opening the bleeder over and over again, continue this process till you have the system full of fluid and no air bubbles when you crack the bleeder for the last time. Take your time and you should be fine.

Now while you filling the system inspect all areas for leaks through out the process. The braking system is a closed system and should not lose fluid unless you have a leak. I am concerned you have a leak. FYI the manual recommends you change brake hoses every 4 years. They do dry rot and weaken over time.

Did you inspect your pads to see if you have any meat left on them?

 

[httc84]

A few other suggestions:
1) Keep an eye on the reservoir level as you bleed. Top off as needed. And refill when done.
2) The bleeder valve is a small nipple sticking out the rear of the rear brake. Should have a small plastic cap on it.
3) Brake fluid will eat paint. If you get any on the bike, wash off. This is a good reason to use a hose and be careful (or use a small funnel) filling the reservoir.

+1 on a leak. If all your fluid is gone from the reservoir, you've have a leak. It could be a slow leak, or a bad leak. You'll know more when you fill and bleed the system.

As others have said, if you need to, you can ride to a shop. Just take it easy and be very careful at slow speeds. Slow speed drops become more common with front brakes only. And it becomes more difficult to maneuver if you are used to using the rear.