Hey Matt:

I'm learning tons every day. This might be a phone conversation to answer the question correctly, but this is an initial stab.

If the question is what to look for and how to look for an SV650 race-bike, I would use the National craigslist search tool and put in "SV650 track." I wanted to skip the significant extra cost and time and effort by trying to find someone's well-kept SV650 with good extras - but not too good.

If the question is what I was looking for in a bike and what did I find, I found a 2002 SV650 track built bike with an extra motor and some other spares, in really good shape for $2,500 plus shipping of $495. I used the shipper as the middle man to inspect the bike and deliver the cashier's check - this worked well and thanks to 303 Cycle and other guys who recommended Uship - I found a good shipper at a way better price than calling around. The key is that they come to you (e.g. the bike was in Atlanta and the shipper was in Atlanta, so that saves them gas and you money).

I had significant help from one member on here, who looked at every bike I was looking at and gave me feedback. This was incredibly helpful and I feel very lucky to have had this input.

To summarize his advice, look for a clean bike that is not too molested. He felt strongly about it having a stock front end instead of the GSXR swap out, and felt that a clean bike for a little more money was worthwhile if it was well-maintained. I also short-cutted some of the extra cost by getting a bike already set up for the track with SharkSkinz, Race wiring, Ohlins Rear Shock, Clip-on's and rear-sets, extra geering and new chain. The bike looked really well maintained compared to a lot of others I looked at. So now I just need to buy springs for the front and rear ends for my weight and get the Ohlins reconditioned with the new spring. (Hopefully!).

A couple notes about the SV650. Through this process I learned that the SV650 is a stroked and bored 400 originally intended for other markets. As a result, the ability to further bore the bikes is very limited and if a bike is bored out, you probably won't be able to rebuild that cylinder if you need a new top end. As a result, I went with a bike with totally stock motor and a second motor too.

The reason for the second motor is that these bikes are notorious for destroying crankshafts. Once a crank goes, its totally possible to have a total motor failure and lose everything inside. As a result, the second motor as an insurance policy was a real factor in which bike I chose. I was considering the bike anyway, but when he mentioned he had a "built" motor for the same bike I closed the deal for full asking price immediately.

If the question is why the SV650 instead of another bike, take a look at this awesome thread: http://forums.mra-racing.org/viewtopic.php?t=15164.

For me (275 pounds with my gear on) the Production Cup 250 wasn't really an option, and I like the simplicity of V twins (two carbs, two spark plugs, easy access, etc.). All that plus the bike looks easy to work on - pull the gas tank and you have easy access to the carbs. That and a lot of spare parts for these on here together with the extra power of the SV in the low-end torque range (again the weight issue) made this a clear choice for my first race bike.

Would love to chat directly so I will send you a PM with my phone number.

Thanks!

Jason