Living with the 2018 Suzuki SV650 - In Depth Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ค. 2024
- Living with the 2018 Suzuki SV650 - In Depth Review: Having been riding the 2018 Suzuki SV650 for a few weeks now I've started to get a good feel for what the bike is all about. In this review I look at how the bike rides in various riding scenarios, discuss the costs of ownership and review the pros and cons of the bike as I see them. If you're interested in the 2018 Suzuki SV 650 you need to watch this review!
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Excellent review. I’ve owned an SV650 for 2 1/2 years and 16,000 miles and I would have little to add to what you have said, except perhaps to point out that I am a rider with over 30 years of experience and I nonetheless love this bike and find it offers absolutely everything I need and want. The problem with the mainstream motorcycle enthusiast community (where I live in the US; I cannot speak for other places) is that bikes such as this are shunned as “beginner bikes” when in fact they’re better engineered machines, far easier to care for, and way more fun to ride than the bikes that ignite the passion of the motorcycle fashionistas.
This was my question. I wanted to know if this bike is good for someone who's been riding for 15 years. I mean, I want something with enough power that I won't get bored quickly. I'm also 6'2" 80kg so curious if this would be comfortable.
ky7114, I totally agree with you! I too live in the US and middleweight bikes are shunned by many in the US bike world, particularly the people that love to ride road pigs (HD's), and the super sport crowd (I used to be one of them in my much younger days). What many people are missing about middleweight naked bikes is the value one receives for the dollars spent. That "value" includes: The low cost of purchase, the excellent power to weight ratio and wide power band, the outstanding reliability, the excellent handling, the low insurance cost, the low maintenance cost and the fun factor, which I think is highly underrated. I've ridden many a Harley's and they are hideous overweight pigs on a twisty road. I rode sport bikes for 20 years (in my younger days), but they have peaky power bands that are not as usable on the street as the naked middleweights and the ergonomics are awful! At 60 years old, I could not ride a sport bike today for more than 30 minutes without my back screaming at me to stop. Ha ha! The middleweight naked class of bikes are the true gems of the motorcycle world when one factors in all parameters.
@@paulb6295 Yes I'd have to agree with that as well. Having personally had "issues" with the Harley Davidson crowd (dickheads). I think the naked bikes are the best way to go after (16 years riding) I'd say I've found the cruiser bikes are just too heavy in tight slow moving situations, and the supersports bikes are just geared and make power for the high speed side of things. Around rural areas, and open country roads they don't feel at home unlike say an MV 800 dragster or something similar would feel perfectly at home. I even had a Triumph 995i Speed Triple at one point. Naked bikes are awesome!
'Beginner' bike term really annoys me. I've know guys with 1000cc bikes that had no right to be on one, all they could do way squirt and go. I've ridden a fair few bikes and with less than 100hp and anything but a road with loads of very long straights you should never get left behind if you can ride. Current bike power for the big stuff is needless really but it is what is it. My favourite bike was a VFR400 with 60hp, if that. I could hang onto most things with that and literally ground the pegs away.
This comment was a gold mine for me to see right now, amazing !!! Heavily looking into the SV650 as my FIRST street bike purchase. Coming off a 300cc dirt bike and just passed my MSF course test so, I think I'm ready..
What's it like in town: 1:07
Night riding: 2:15
Lugging bike around: 4:35
In the rain: 5:36
Cost of ownership: 7:33
Touring on the bike: 9:43
Cleaning: 12:10
Pros and cons: 12:51
Aspen Bluu you the real MVP
Not all heroes wear capes mate
@Aspen Bluu you forgot the (smack watch on tank) at 0:39
Thanks thanks thanks m
I want to say to this "guy" says hello kids when he rides like nerd insane , what a bitchh
Hi I am a Japanese and living in Hamamatsu City Shinohara, Just 2 mile distance from Suzuki Main Office and Engine Factory.
My neighbor is mostly Suzuki Related People.
We can see so many SV650 and V stream 650 at their parking space, this means employee using them for commuting , as their cost performance is outstanding.
相棒、ありがとな
i bet a lot of van vans too
mine is not working , it wont stast now GGGrrr
I just bought a 2003 gsxr 750 in rizla spec... It woulda been made right near u? Is that right.. Im in canada.. I pick bike up tommorrow. I really excited!!!!!!
If they would dare to ride a honda they would be probably fired .
Update since my last comment from a year ago. I have a 2019 SV650ABS and love it. It is nimble but also feels planted in turns. The other day I was accelerating relatively hard from around 55 mph and I noticed the bike fishtailing left and right several times. At first it seemed like a tank slapper, something I had never experienced before. However, it turned out to be some kind of oil slick on the road causing the rear wheel to lose traction. I later saw the culprit, a vintage Ferrari spraying, not dripping, some fuel/oil/water mixture from the exhaust. I am not a racer and had never experienced anything like it. I do remember not cutting the throttle abruptly and let the bike move. Remarkably, it straightened itself out and I did not have to put my Tech-Air 5 vest to the test. I think that the bike’s stability was aided by its overall well sorted chassis and geometry. I am left terrified but also have gained some confidence in the rider friendliness of the SV650. I’ll keep riding and will pay even more attention to road conditions. I thought I’ll share this with the hope that someone may also learn from it and also consider the SV650 as a super fun bike that handles well even in tricky situations. I’ll post this on other sites as well and am curious what people think.
Thanks for sharing and well done for not coming off!
@@TheMissendenFlyer was dumb luck but the bike helped. Thanks for the great content you keep putting out!
This has to be the best review of this bike ever. No senseless rambling, no rubbish uncopyrighted techno music, no cheesy pan-shots, and quality audio all around. Cheers mate 👌
Thank you very much!
We need more Bikes like this. Back to the roots you know.
100% agree - great fun and no nonsense biking....
TheMissendenFlyer Hi Mr Flyer, I currently own an SV 2017 version. I love the bike but the seat and seating position cause me proper discomfort to be honest. I find my hands and fingers go numb and the seat is really uncomfortable, the god awful uneven and bumpy Kent roads do the rest making the bike struggle to cope with my 15 stone. I am wondering if the GSXS 750 would be a good replacement and step up in comfort. I have a test ride booked but would be interested in your view having ridden both. Ta in advance and also for the excellent reviews. Steve.
@@stevebrown2646 I had a similar issue. Liked the 650 twin, didn't get on with the ergos and wanted to ride bumpy roads. I got a 650 V-strom and couldn't be happier.
@@TheMissendenFlyer although I never buy new, this bike is probably the one to get price vs what you get. and maybe the guzzi v7 when on sale lol
The gsxs 750 wouldn't be a good replacement in terms of comfort, if you want great comfort & the same engine as the SV650, the Vstrom 650 is the right bike for you, of course, if you like the way it looks...
Top class review. Your presentation and production values are first rate; plus what I like best about your reviews is that they address the way most people will use a bike.
Cheers!
Had mine since February, my first big bike and I absolutely love it. It does have an adjustable pre-loaded rear shock though.
Kind of reminds me of the 600 Bandit which I had a few years ago. Cheap to buy, cheap to insure and maintain and a whole lot of fun to ride. Nice video and great to see your not drawn in by exclusively reviewing the exotic machines that most of us can,t afford.
Dave Stafford the engines in a bandit is a big old lump being a straight 4 though, only thing i dont like about it
Great review! I have a 2019 and love it. I am 6'2", 185 pounds and it fits me very well. A small point as to the headlights. They can be easily adjusted to point higher or lower with a screw underneath the light fixture. It is explained in the user manual. Safe riding!
This video as a whole gets a tick ! Wholesome effort and quality. Thank you sir I learned everything I need and more about the SV.
Glad to be of use!
Thanks for yet another comprehensive, down-to-earth and very fair bike appraisal, TMF. Not a wheelie in sight, thankfully.
Good stuff 👍
If I do a wheelie, something has gone dreadfully wrong....
That's the review I was looking for to help me make a choice. Thank you
My first 'big' bike was an early 2000's yellow SV650S. Fantastic bike! Had a Staintune exhaust - got loads of compliments on the V Twin sound. If I had to commute again I'd definitely get another one!
I'm looking at getting a bike again, been 18 years since I've owned one. I'm 47 now and don't need a racer but still would like a little power when needed for fun. Everywhere I turn this bike has gotten awesome reviews. Everyone who owns or has owned one has nothing but positive reviews. Thanks for your review!
Did you get one in the end?
Now this is what I'm hoping for when looking for an informative review. Good job!
Thank you, Sir. This very comprehensive review made me thinking to get one. I am jumping from 300 cc.
This is really the best review if any bike on youtube, specially for people that are interested in buying their first bike. Subscribed.
Thank you and welcome along!
I'm torn between the xsr700 and the sv650x...TMF might have swayed it for me!
Best looking color you got there...
Solution on rain riding and touring we mounted a Givi screen and some small handguards. The seat are hard, but that can be an easy fix for touring...great review Mr.
Had a 2nd gen SV I rode coast to coast(USA) bike was bulletproof. Sounds amazing! suspension leaves a bit to be desired, but a traxxion dynamics cartridge emulator for the forks and a gsxr shock transformed her. I'm on a monster now, and kinda miss the the no worries, runs perfect every time of the SV. You really cant go wrong buying this bike.
Love my 2007 SV 650S. I run down from Surrey to the sunny South of France every year for hols. Relatively comfy, the full fairing keeps the wind/weather off you then of course country twisties and mountain roads are a blast. Has the added bonus of sounding great (the Yoshi can helps!) Pretty good as a commuter as you state with this one. Love the reviews. Keep up the good work!
Can you send a photo of the SV with full fairing? The wind at higher speeds was a slight shock for me on my 22 model!
Watch your earlier review for this bike,and this one is great too!Its a cracking looking bike and wouldnt mind one myself.Nice to see someone telling how it really is in the real world.
Excellent review as always MrF and definitely one of the better middleweights. Love the design in black and red.
Another quality video and update review, thank you. Hope the trip is going well. 👍
It looks smashing in that colour-scheme!!
Top quality content! I found out everything I ever wanted to know
Really really really good review! Excellent quality! Loved it
Owned a 2006 model as my first bike. Fantastic machine that served me well for 2.5 years. Will be looking at the Triumph street triple r/rs next time around. Appreciate the lucid and detailed review!
Great review. The '99-02' "curvy" early models have electronic traction control in the wet, cutting the ignition to the front cylinder. Mine would become an SV325 then turn back into an SV650 when I had the throttle pinned open and that front cylinder dried out! Scary in the lower gears!
Brilliant video as usual TMF. Got Dunlop Roadsmart 3's on my Versys 1k, brilliant tyres I actually prefer them to the Metzeler Roadtec's I had before them!
This is the best video I ve seen about sv650. Got all information I need, thank You
Glad to be of help! Cheers!
Excellent review once again TMF. I bought my SV from Ford & Ellis in 2017. Great bike and a superb dealer.
Did Mod1/Mod2 on this bike - passed 1st time - cracking bike to learn the trade on but characterful engine, great style and value for money make this a fine choice for anyone after a fun, no frills naked bike imo. Top review as always btw 👍
I commute 2000 miles a month on a V Strom 650. I had an sv in my 20s. Now that I'm in my 30s I wanted something a little more comfortable. All and all that power plant is amazing. Plenty of torque, great gas mileage, and dead nuts reliable. I loved my sv, but my Vstrom could definitely be my "forever bike"
Just bought a 2-021 v-Strom with 2200 miles on the clock - what a beautiful piece of kit - I agree with you completely.
watched a lot of reviews on the sv 650 , yours several times . Took delivery of mine three months ago now and really like it so thanks for all your advice .
Do you agree with my summary and conclusions?
@@TheMissendenFlyer Yes i do esp i love the engine and how do they build it for the money . thanks again
Thankyou TMF what a great and v informative review of a classic Bike .
I have done my lessons for mod 1 n 2 on one of these and it was v kind to me as a learner so it def would be my 1st option for my 1st bike when i pass hopefully.
I am a beginner with a 2020 sv 650a, its limited to 48bhp yet doesnt feel like its lacking power. I am in love with this beast. I ussualy ride it without a baffle and the sound is amazing!
Couldn't agree more!
Fantastic review and video. Can't go wrong with a Suzuki twin. I rode a V-Strom 650 for a while during the Gladius years and always wanted an SV. Loved the engine as you said. Great points all around, well done video.
Thanks:0)
Super informative and fun review. You just earned a subscriber Sir! Keep it up!
I was really thinking about getting the 2019 SV650for my first bike. I've been riding my brothers 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan and I really enjoy it but I don't want to get the same bike as him. I was looking for a good 650cc bike and this is the one I've been stuck one and this review really helps.
Great review again! Can I make a suggestion? The font or black and white combo on the font for the questions is not great to read the questions your asking. Solid white text and a bit larger would help I think. Just something I've noticed when secretly watching in work and the phone down at key board level ha. Thanks
Feary888 - I agree - good suggestion.
Thank you so very much for this review. I’m a Melbourne based rider and about to come off my Learner approved motorbike. I’ve been racking my brain as to which Non-Learner bike to get. I’d heard of a few different bikes but this Suzuki SV650 kept popping up….but YOUR review was by far the best & instilled the most confidence to purchase this bike. Reason being, you specifically showed it on the freeways and the wet, which were my two main concerns. Once again, thank you very much for taking the time to help me make my decision. Genuinely appreciative🙏🏼
Glad to help! Enjoy….
I just started watching your videos, and they are some of the best there are in term of useful information. I'm trying to make up my mind about which motorcycle to buy as mi first motorcycle. I've been researching a lot and the two that captivate my attention the most are this SV 650, and the Vulcan S. I know that cruisers are not your type of ride, but if someday in the near future you could make a video about the Vulcan S, it would be great and many would be thankful for it. I think is a pretty attractive bike to consider for many beginners like me that plan to keep his first bike for long time.
Great review. Very useful for folks considering this bike. Amazing value - not much more than the SV650s I bought in the early 90's!
Jme Be I’ve got one of those currently. Bloody fantastic bikes, no wonder the engine has remained almost unchanged because it’s a stonking engine
In my opinion it’s a shame Suzuki haven’t got a faired or even half faired version of the new SV in their lineup because the gen 1 and gen 2 still look really good today, and that added wind protection is nice
1999 was the first year
Thanks for the info, I definitely think this is the bike for me. Sending love from the states ✌🏻
Another excellent review. Was very helpful and I enjoyed a lot. Thanks much!
Thanks for watching....
I have the 06 sv650s. Love the bike my dudes! Sold my Harley and had some extra cash and bought it
Good review as ever. I'm really hoping you do a cb300r review soon. I am pre ordering shortly but would love your review
“My goodness me he’s in a hurry” The Missenden Flyer
This needs to go on a t-shirt hahaha. It seems like you’re channel pops up everytime I look at videos on different bikes so I may as well just start at the beginning and work my way through all the videos you’ve made!! As always another brilliant and informative video for both riders and those looking to get into riding. Thanks as always for taking the time and trouble to make these vids. I for one, find it helpful…..a lot!
Glad to hear that -thank you!
Quality review as always. Looking more and more likely that this will be my first big bike come spring
You’ll love it!
Great review as always, I have purchased a black SV650 and looking forward to riding it after my test in March! I’m local in PR so will keep an eye out for you.
Give me a wave if you see me - I’m often riding through!
I think you'll sell a few with this video, love the little v twin engine.
Great review of the SV650. Thank you
Excellent review! I have had Suzukis in the past. Good bikes for the money.
Another good review. Would really love to see what this bike is like on track
What a thoughtful and thorough review. Thanks mate!
Cheers - appreciated
Great review, thanks 👍 I’m just coming up to a year on my 2017 SV, and I agree with pretty much everything you have said here, the things I love the most are the fact that it’s lightweight, easily manoeuvrable, and a delight to filter on.
Only regret I have now is the dealer offered me the addition of the cafe racer version for £850, and I declined because I’d already asked for the tracker to be added on - wish I’d gone with it now, if you think the seat you have got is a bit hard, you want to try the basic vanilla one on mine!! Very happy with the bike though, great fun to ride, which is what it’s all about, have done 7k in the last 10 months, mine came with dunlop sport max qualifiers fitted as standard, bit skittish in wet and didn’t last very long! Using Bridgestone 023s now, handling much better 👍 Also swapped the exhaust out, good thing about the SV is that monstrosity on the back is a separate Can, so you can just bolt on an aftermarket end can, no need for any pipes
Great stuff Steve, glad we largely concur!
you add so much useful info in description, some of them are not even related to bike such as equipment you use, but one thing is missing, and that is, I mostly watch your videos for the rural area route you take for bike ride tests, so a map or your route you take, if added to description will also add value to those who want to explore these rural routes by themselves. such as a link to GPX file etc to be readily available to download from your website etc.
Another great review! Thanks from Canada 🇨🇦
If this was badged as an entry BMW or Ducati, it would get a lot more enthusiasm from riders and the media. As its badged Suzuki, its not seen as sexy, is totally ignored by the media and overlooked by the vast majority of riders. Pity - theyre a damn good bike. I have a friend who rode a second hand one on the pan American on one all the way to Ushuaia from Canada. It was dropped, ridden without any more than chain maintenance and new tyres, and it made it through on bad fuel, poor roads and operator neglect, much to the chagrin of accompanying GS and KLR who had all sorts of issues. As an entry level bike, I think it is a splendid example of what a real world bike can be at a bargain price it is worthy of bike of the year!
I 100% agree!
Imagine this frame with a 900 or 1000cc in it ! It would eat Monsters for Breakfast !
This is my dream bike, the BMW g310r is on a budget list if I cannot get the sv, which hopefully won't happen
Thanks for the review!
Totally agree with you on the headlight. I hate those bloody angular things.
Best review for someone considering one that I've seen, thanks. The only other things I'd have been interested to know would be performance (acceleration, top speed) and economy figures (mpg, tank range).
@TheMissendenFlyer......What a brilliant and concise review .It was very informative video.Thanks
Glad to help!
Perfect, honest review as always. I'm off to the dealer! Thank you, Sir.
Thank you for watching!
Thank you for this informative video which is ultra helpful to us and also thank you for explaining insurance and service charges. Since I am from India I can calculate the amount of money it requires to keep it in shape.
Im 5'7 (1.70 m) and considering this as my first bike. I keep hearing that this is a great beginners bike. Now I am definitely convinced.
I got it and it's perfect!
standing @ 5'6 I can say I love my gladius 🥹 lol definitely a free beginner bike if you at least of some knowledge of riding in general.
Thanks. This was informative and thorough.
Great video, lots of information! Awesome format.
Cheers Greg - appreciated!
Good video as always. Any chance of a long term review of the updated 2018 MT07?
Also if that can be done then comparing the two. Sorry if I'm asking for too much!
Excellent in-depth review! I test rode one before I decided on my MT07. I did enjoy it and would consider one as a cheap commuter when I sell my MT. Great video.
Cheers Dan....
Another brilliant review!
Thank you sir....
I have since put a scorpion taper on my Sv , if anyone had a Sv 2018 go get one sounds amazing and half the weight of the original can . Also put a puig screen on the front take the wind right off you . Two cheep enough changes made a huge difference to the bike .
Neat and classy review. You covered all the points that a potential owner could worry about and in the process you cleared couple of mine as well, :) Guess this could be a great bike for me to graduate from my RE(Hope they release it soon in my country). Thank you TMF, subscribed your channel. Cheers, stay safe!
Thanks for the sub - the SV is an excellent bike....
Brilliant indepth review of a great looking bike in my opinion. Be great if you could get a yamaha mt 07 as a long term test bike so you could compare them or just a review on one.
The bike itself looks very fashionable with the modern matching frame and rim colours contrasted with the tank and plastics and very nice looking user controls.That said however that front mudguard is like something OCC would produce its more fashion than function, I can just imagine what the rider and bike would look like in the wet .That rear plate holder hanging down is so out with the rest of the bike it really does need a revamp to bring it a touch of modern styling.
I passed my test in 1999 and this was my first big bike, eventually I tried others, along with the SV thou'. But I always longed to go back to by 650, it was just an amazing alrounder.
Definitely buy a rear hugger though, that back end always got messy.
hey Mr Flyer, what about a look at the Vitpilen 701???? I'm sure your take on it would be interesting.
Great video, I passed my mod 2 the other week, and I have been looking at getting this bike for my first big bike, but in the white and red.
Congratulations!
Another helpful video, thank you.
Tried it out at my local dealership and it's a pretty fun bike.
Great review! Thanks for posting!
Thanks for watching!
Fantastic, thorough review. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
You can also get a top box and a Suzuki travel bag for it too. I love it because it has a retro look to it with that beautiful headlight. Thank you Sir......Sal : )
I would try covering/blacking out my dash if I were trying to demonstrate the head light's effectiveness. I think your Go Pro is using your dash lights to set exposure, which leaves your head light coverage under-exposed.
I've just bought a Suzuki SV650 last week after doing my homework and looking at videos like yours, Andy. I took a risk - again - because there are no new new 2022 models in the UK, so I couldn't get a test ride on one. But, I got a very good deal from a local dealer on a preregistered Suzuki SV650 in glass sparkle black with a pearl brilliant white tank, and with a gorgeous red frame, which, I must say, looks a lot better in the flesh. I've got a Tenere 700 at the moment as well, so jumping on a Suzuki SV650 with 17" wheels felt a bit strange to say the least! But, after about ½ mile I felt very comfortable on the bike; I'm 6' 2" but I didn't feel cramped at all, which was a big worry for me. The bike is bigger than you think, it's slightly longer than similar bikes at 84.25" (2140mm), the kerb mass is 200kg, but it's very low down, and it has a very short seat height of 30.9" (785mm). I found controlling and moving the bike around was extremely easy for me after coming from a Tenere 700; lets just say the Tenere can be a bit of a handful! When you ride on the Suzuki SV650 the star of the show has to be its glorious V-twin engine. Technically, it's an L-twin, because the cylinders are at 90° to each other, which gives the engine perfect primary balance. And, what a sound that engine makes. There's a lovely "phutphut phutphut phutphut phutphut" as you motor along - you can't beat the sound of a V-twin! Couple that V-twin engine with the smoothness of the gearbox in a trellis frame, and what an overall package you get for your money; the bike is a joy to ride. Even though the Suzuki SV650 first came out in 1999, and it's a basic bike, the Suzuki engineers really knew what they were doing. Not only is it cheap to run, own and to purchase; it's well built, it's very reliable, and it will do everything you want a bike to do, and more. I can see why the Suzuki SV650 is used on the track, and why it's been described as a classic. I'm very happy I bought one, because it's the perfect bike for me and I wish I'd bought one sooner; I also would've saved a lot of cash. I would highly recommended the Suzuki SV650 to any bike rider because it's not just a beginner bike, there's a lot more to it than that. Another thing going for it is once you put a slip-on exhaust on the bike, it sounds mega!
Done a couple of thousand on mine now and can't disagree with anything you've said, great work 👍
and yes exhaust and tail tidy were the first mods I did. Tail tidy was £21 from eBay (excellent bit of kit)- then splashed out on the Pipe Werx titanium exhaust (same as the JHS Supertwin).
Great review. I allready made my mind to buy this(i own inazuma). Now i am going to go to dealer ship to buy exacly this black and red paint one. Again brilliant review. Subbed. :)
Welcome along!
Excellent comprehensive review!
Thank you!
Good content and clear presentation. It would have been good to add a pillion and their view, as it looks better than a lot of bikes in regard to seat and pegs.
I have owned over 70 motorcycles, and every time I ride it, it puts a big smile on my face. I love these things and there's a lot you can do with them if you so choose.
I’ve had the sv650 for about a month and I’m a 16 year old male in California. Coming from a dirt bike background I do wish I had a little more torque but I’ve barely had to maintenance it just make sure I whatch the oil and lube my chain and tighten bolts
I own a 2017 model, and as you, I found the suspention to soft for hard cornering, but stiffening up the rear suspention 3 clicks, made a huge improvement in handeling.
Cheers,
Erik Geeraerts.
Erik Geeraerts thanks for the input! I have a 09 gladious I’m gonna see what 3 clicks does for me.
I rode one and was very similar to my Suzuki GSR600 and the side stand is terrible mine has tipped over twice because of the rubbish stand, thank god for crash bungs saved me some money both times. I’ve toured two up on mine and throw over panniers and a rucksack was good enough for two people for 4 days!! As always great video 👍🏻
How did it tip over if the stand was down?
Andrew Fishburn it doesn’t sit at a good enough angle to hold the bike on it and it’s quite flimsy for a bike if it’s size, so a slight misjudgement and off she goes
I had an SV650 (2005) as my first bike after passing my test and did over 25000 Miles on her before it got written off, along with my forearm on a dark commute in a December. It was a terrific, forgiving and plenty powerful roadster, with a peppy v twin lump. Never regretted buying her and it looks a good solid budget buy even now. They need some pampering, as the fittings would rust if neglected, but mine always looked mint. Paint quality was superb. It was my only transport and regular maintenance and cleaning kept her reliable every day. Never had any problems and she was five years old when I got her.
Ten or so years ago , the SV, Honda Hornet, Kawasaki ER6, the Fazer and Suzuki’s own Bandit were king of the middleweight hill. Now, however, the big four’s current ranges are joined by other ubiquitous players and trends have changed, so competition is both wider in scope and tougher now. Suzuki has barely moved on at all. Which begs the question, is the little SV still relevant in today’s market?
I think it is - it has a an authentic charm about it I like, and that engine is sweet...and it looks good IMO...
👍 Excellent review TMF, thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it
Wow, great review thx. Liked your bike dryer! Thought the front forks were adjustable though?
Thank you for an expert assessment.
I'm no expert!
That is a pretty nice looking bike, much nicer than previous SV models - that res is gorgeous. Great price too for a naked. The thing that I don't like is that single header, which can probably be improved somewhat by a belly pan, but also the way it looks underneath, I could probably live with it. Of course the can is a bit ugly, although not as bad as some I've seen, but this can also be replaced. In fact with a nice can I bet this V-twin sounds lovely. Radiator isn't too bad but I'd probably get a nice cover and replace the filler cap. Bikes with no clutch reservoir (cable operated) always look a bit odd to me cos they're not symmetrical. I'd also get a hugger, a tail tidy and a cover for the rear brake reservoir too. I bet its lovely in those hot hot summer days we've had with no fairing. Bit too small for me, I'd prefer it in 1000cc.
I do like that v twin 650, that's on the older SV's and the v stroms. My 09 gladius has it too. The thing I like about naked sport bikes is that bare bones, budget feeling. I also have an f800gs, but something about the light weight, mid displacement, naked sport bikes just hits the spot.
I agree, they are a great fun non nonsense ride - you can really use all of the bike on the road too without getting into silly speeds....
TheMissendenFlyer I think it the perfect second bike/ new rider bike. Not complicated, not over powered, cheap. I started on a ZX-6R and this bike is more fun to ride, definitely not as fast, but more fun.
My goodness that that bike looks sharp.Thanks for the review.
Thanks for watching!