I am looking at an either 01 or 02 SV650S, how do I determine the model year the tag on the frame says 06-01, which i interpret as an '01 model year, the salesman says it is an '02.

My other question lies in the best way to tell if a bike has been dropped, I saw an '01 GSXR 600 for sale in the college parking lot last night, the frame is polished ,as well as the wheels. the bike is all black , I called him and he says it has never been down, he just painted it black a few months ago( he said was originally black/yellow) He says the forks have been rebuilt along with the steering dampner. the bike has a yoshi full exhaust. He wants $500 and take over payments( the payoff is $5600 so essentially $6100 for the bike) My instincts tell me the bike may have been down judging by the polished frame, fresh paint, rebuilt suspension parts, how can i best tell? Is $6100 a decent price for the bike?

1: The '02 SV(S) has an adjustable front fork (adjustment screws on top of the fork legs). The '01 and earlier doesn't.

2: Pretty hard to tell. Look for small dents or scratches under the paint, maybe bent footpegs or levers...

1. dont know much about SVs, but my buddy has an 2000 SV...nice ride. On my Gixxer the frame sticker says 1999 (date it was manufactured, pretty sure about that), but the model is a 2000.

2. when in doubt.....RUN.....with the amount you're taking over as payment.....you could get a BRAND SPANKIN' new Gixxer!!!! (well, i guess that depends where u live) and i dont suggest getting a brand spankin new Gix as a first bike, unless you 1) have lotsa bling bling 2) you have first class health insurance http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

GOOD LUCK finding that "special someone", hopefully a Gix http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

While I guess that is a fair price with a "non-dropped" bike with all the extras you mentioned, you could buy a new one and save yourself the hassle. I mean...it is your first....so who cares about the mods? You always drop your first bike anyway. Wear the gear bro and good luck http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif