The 'knock'....the final thread!

[kwak zzr]

hi sv 1000s riders
ive just joined this site because i intend to buy a 1000s but upon reading about this famous knock i dont know what to do? i test rided one on sunday and i was pleased with the performance and grunt(im a 4 cylinder man i aint used to twins)
please could i get some feed back from you guys about you sv's and what you would do?
am i right in saying the sv650s doesnt have this same problem?
thanks to you all
daz till (uk)

[Chris Shelly]

The knock in most cases in not that big of a deal. I believe only a few people actually have a severe case. Most other people it is not that noticable and only shows up when the motor is above 210F (99C) or so.

For me my SV1000S knocks at times when the ambient temperature is warm and I am stuck in traffic. All other times you really can't hear it. My SV1000N has had its 600 mile service recently and it did does not knock at all yet. I like this bike so much I bought 2 of them. Obviously I am not all that concerned with the knocking issue.

If you want to try to avoid the possibility of any knock try to find the latest build as you can. My SV1000S was built February of 03 but my SV1000N was built in July of 03. Better yet try and find an 04. They have the revised bearing.

[Guard]

Hello all,
I just bought my sv1000 in june, i have put 1000 miles on it and have riden it very soft for break in reasons. BUT, after 800 miles i changed the oil and put heavier oil in and the knocking got louder and louder. It doesnt do it until it warms up abit. But after a mile or 2 down the road it starts. I have called the dealer back and they told me to bring it back in adn they will only charge me 350 for a valve adjustment. Im thankfull i have found this forum to let me know the bearing issue. I havent talked to suzuki yet, i have their number on my desk and planned on calling in the morning, wish me luck and thanks for the info. I love the bike and hate the knock.

[okimic]

They will ONLY charge you 350 for a valve adjustment?

Is this their answer for the 'knock'? If it is their fix to an issue wouldn't it be covered under warrenty?

Good luck with Suzuki and let us know how you fair!!

[rjk]

Originally Posted by okimic

They will ONLY charge you 350 for a valve adjustment?

Is this their answer for the 'knock'? If it is their fix to an issue wouldn't it be covered under warrenty?

Good luck with Suzuki and let us know how you fair!!

Maybe it's Peso's? We're not getting the whole story, or someone is getting

[andyw]

Originally Posted by kwak zzr

hi sv 1000s riders
ive just joined this site because i intend to buy a 1000s but upon reading about this famous knock i dont know what to do? i test rided one on sunday and i was pleased with the performance and grunt(im a 4 cylinder man i aint used to twins)
please could i get some feed back from you guys about you sv's and what you would do?
am i right in saying the sv650s doesnt have this same problem?
thanks to you all
daz till (uk)

Don't let the knock issue put you off...........you've had the test ride, liked the bike....now buy it!..........

Recent reply to a similar concern from another new member.....

Originally Posted by andyw

stuartl - having done so much to make everyone aware of the issue let me try and allay your fears (I feel guilty that you are not out there with a big grin on your face riding an SV1000 ). I've done a lot of research, collected all the stats and spoken to very many owners:
The actual incidence of the knock IS low - a small percentage of bikes so the odds are in your favour
There is a solution available under Warranty - revised main bearings
Many new owners having done the same as you, researched this site but realised that the 'pros' for this bike way out way the 'cons' and bought an SV

The main reason I continue to persue the issue is that I feel Suzuki owe it to us to come clean with an official statement as to the history behind this problem, let us have details of the range of engine numbers for bikes that might be affected at some point (no more concerns/confusion for people like you and existing owners) and clarify whether in fact the knock can be ignored altogether without even having the fix (which is exactly what a lot of owners have chosen to do)
So...you know you want to.......get down the Dealers with your wallet in your hand!

[Arthur]

Hi Guys,
Getting my baby today!!!!!

Please can some one point me to what engine number had these problems? I think there was a range of numbers where the problem were picked up.

[Bish]

Originally Posted by Arthur

Hi Guys,
Getting my baby today!!!!!

Please can some one point me to what engine number had these problems? I think there was a range of numbers where the problem were picked up.

Good choise - you won't regret it

There is a range of numbers that are likely to be effected. However we do not know what that range is (I am trying to get as much info as I can from my dealer, they've been really helpful so far). Also not every engine in that range will be effected.

Why is that? - Different engines have different bearing shells. It looks like only one 'size' (clearance) of bearing shell is a problem, the rest are fine.

There are people riding about with over 10 - 15 thousand miles on their bikes and they have not got the knock. If your bike develops the knock, it should be resolved under warranty.

The SV1000S that my dealer used as a demo bike has 11000 miles on it. It's in the range of engines that are likely to be effected. It's not got the knock.

Cheers
Bish

[Arthur]

Sweet thanks for the help. I will keep and eye and ear open any any knocking.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Preload]

Originally Posted by Greggy

the vibes you experience going throught the revs is...well how can i put it gently....a sign you're riding a bloody v-twin! the knock is only apparent at idle, ie when you've stopped and don't twist the throttle.

I'm not so sure. After I changed to full synthetic oil, the knock was at least 50% quieter for a few hundred miles. And the engine ran more smoothly, the way it did when it was new.

A few days ago the knock came back nearly as strong as before and the engine is running with substantially more vibration in all revs.

The Suzuki tech is coming to my dealer in a couple of weeks to check out my bike. I'm thinking of changing back to non-synthetic oil just to remove any softening of the sound that the synthetic oil might contribute. Is there any problem with switching oil back and forth like this?

[David1572]

I have the knock without a doubt. Does anyone know if it is necessary to have it taken care of, or do you think it is ok to just leave it alone? Anyone have a bike that knocks and put alot of miles on? After reading that it can take months out of riding for them to tear the motor down, and some the knock came back, I'm starting to wonder if it is even worth it. Unless my motor is going to lose power or seize.

[hedgetrimmer]

My SV1000s is only 1 week old with 600 miles,it's going in for it's 1st service on 14th Oct.04.(tomorrow)and I am DEFINITELY going to challenge them on this subject!!I specifically asked them about this before I purchased and was assured that there wasn't a problem!! IF there is a problem,and they new about it,then they sold me the bike fraudulently!!
Come on guys this is a World -Wide Corporation,not a back-yard cowboy car salesman!!! They should come-clean and re-call the affected machines.What if the big-ends go BANG while you're riding???
I've owned 5 SUZUKIs to date and have been very happy SO-FAR GET IT SORTED

[andyw]

David1572 - that is one of the main points for my keep writing to Suzuki - we need the answer to that question. The last letter was recorded delivery to one of the Directors of Suzuki GB but 10 days on I am still waiting for the reply!!

hedgetrimmer - let us know what happens, be interesting what your dealer has to say if your bike gets the knock after the service especially after you asked about this before buying!!

Set of used bearing shells from a 'knocker' have gone to an engineer for assessment, waiting for his feedback. Also have a contact at Westlands (build the Armed forces helicopters) who does this sort of assessment work....he will also take a look and give a second professional opinion

[hedgetrimmer]

Originally Posted by andyw

David1572 - that is one of the main points for my keep writing to Suzuki - we need the answer to that question. The last letter was recorded delivery to one of the Directors of Suzuki GB but 10 days on I am still waiting for the reply!!

hedgetrimmer - let us know what happens, be interesting what your dealer has to say if your bike gets the knock after the service especially after you asked about this before buying!!

Set of used bearing shells from a 'knocker' have gone to an engineer for assessment, waiting for his feedback. Also have a contact at Westlands (build the Armed forces helicopters) who does this sort of assessment work....he will also take a look and give a second professional opinion

Yes I'll certainly let you all know.

[David1572]

Thanks for all your doing Andy!! If you wanna send me a copy of that letter I'l send 5000 to suzuki and maybe they will get the point that they are being a bunch of A-Holes about this. I don't think I will ever buy another Suzuki after this complete disrespect from the corpoartion towards its customers! They know the problem is out there why do they have to completely ignore everyone

I have love for my SV,
NONE for suzuki!