Full History on the Suzuki SV650 & Why it is so Popular for the Track
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I bought a 2001 SV650 brand new from the dealer as a first big bike. 21 years later, my Brother still has the bike and it is still a daily rider. In all that time, apart from tyres and servicing, nothing has ever gone wrong with the bike.
Cool it's still in the family 20 years later.
Wheelies or no?
@@SystemAdministrator1
I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be in such good condition if it was to be wheelied. In fact it is well known that the SV 650, is the worst bike to do wheelies on, as it can damage the engine so easily. Of course if you don't care about that, then go for it. Some of us however, have a lot more respect for our bikes and common sense.
Just picked up a 2023 🔥
Just got my black and gray 08 sv650 s with blue halo headlights
I’ve owned my 04SV since 2014. It’s been a commuter, tourer, and is now a dedicated track bike. These bikes will almost live forever.
This is true bro. :) Drop by if have time. I have a lot of videos about the 3rd gen.
How much do you want for it? I want to buy it.
@@rebeltvr6046 Lol you want to buy a beat up track SV?!🤣
Just got a 2009 sv650 (blue and white) gladius for 2000$ for my first bike, 4000 miles on it. I didn’t know it was hated so much but it rides amazingly.
I have one as well, its amazing, its just as good only marginal differences and budget friendly.
I just got off of my sv650s 2003 from a 3 hour long trip in the mountains of San Diego.
I love my bike.It’s exactly what I wanted in a motorcycle. I can thrash it and not worry about it.The only problem is that the bars are too low stock. I put some risers on it and it made it a lot more comfortable
to ride.
Especially with my 69 year old butt on it.I’ve been riding for 55 years
ayy i live in san diego
What size risers did you put on it?
I'm 46 and I hope I'm still riding my then very vintage SV when I'm your age. Risers sound like a great idea as well. I have never ridden mine longer than 2, maybe 2.5 hours. Much respect dude.
@@gregsoucie 💪
Did you fit clip on risers or replace the top tree and go for a proper bar and riser setup?
I have a 2nd gen SV. I bought it in september 2021, it had 9,000 miles. Now july 2022 it has 17,000 miles, the power is exactly enough to have fun on the road without getting in too much trouble. I average about 54 mpg on my 20 mile commute, the best I ever got was 62 mpg and it was because I was very gentle on a long ride. I've had plenty of 1200s, cafe bikes, cruisers, and I still go back to my SV to do the job I need it to do most of the time.
I bought a 2000 SV 650 in 2019 with 2,451 miles on it. It's my first bike and I love it! It has 8,500 now.
Great bike altouth i prefer the 2003+
I bought my first bike in 2019 aswell, an '01 sv650. It's a great bike to learn on and I still daily it. I got it with 17,000 miles on the clock and with a little bit of love it's still going strong with 32,000.
If it’s the first model, GET THE SUSPENSION SORTED!!! It’s a different bike with good suspension.
I also own one, nothing wrong to tell about this bike but the gearbox could have longer gear ratios imo
#ATGATT bro
I bought a 3th generation for commuting and to my surprise this SV650X is as fun as my R1, only a little slower, and full of the torque character of my Ducati Monster, with all of the pros of the Italian and none of it's cons. ¡Love the SV, such a special bike!
You should try a triumph daytona 675 2009+ they make R6's feel boring and like they have sluggish handling.
@@PhrozenPhlangesAmen
I bought my 2006 SV650 a few years ago with only 3500 miles. It now has close to 12000 and I'm dying to get it out for this season. One thing the video did not mention (besides it being comfortable) is what a decent touring bike it makes. Though I normally use it for commuting and fun rides, I took a 3000 mile round trip on it last summer with saddle bags and a GIVI. This bike really can do it all and I feel that even if I got another bike, this one will stay with me! Keep them shiny side up, everyone!
I have had my sv650 for 5 years and have done 80000 kilometers on it. Very good bike not once has it let me down.
After a long time away from the track, I picked up a 2004 SV650 S and started doing track days at my local track, Putnam Park. After about 15 track days on the SV, I moved "up" to a Yamaha R6. To be honest, I learned more and had more fun on the SV. The R6 is a bit faster, to the point that full control becomes a question! With the SV I can pin the throttle no problem, with the R6, not so much. It is hard to learn while you are scared to death. FYI my SV650 sees 115mph before brake at T1, the R6 shows 138-140mph before brakes in T1.
haha same here. I did not race my SV but moved from liter bike to 750 because it was scaring to death. I wanted to enjoy track days not kill myself.
I believe you man. The SV is the right one for a lot of riders. On the roads and on the track. Drop by if have time. I have the 3rd gen.
@@RRRRefuelRideRace There are a lot of riders that started out on an SV650, migrated up to much bigger and expensive bikes and then after several years went back to the SV. Here in the UK a lot of those liked the S but not the riding position so put on bar raisers, changing the clutch cable, brake hose line, and extending some of the electric loom. I ride my 2003 S only on the road, but kept the clip-ons, etc and added things like extended mirrors, better shock after wearing out the original, better fork internals, braided lines, etc. Brilliant bike to work on and you do develop a deep feeling for it, though I do know some that could not get on with the V twin and went for an inline four bike. Yep the seat is a bit painful, though I am OK doing two hours without a stop and have done much longer than that only stopping to refuel.
@@madcockney Perfectly agree mate. I have it and I am happy with it. Made quite a lot of matetial for TH-cam about it.😀
Of all the supersport bikes I've owned over 20 years of riding, 2Gen SV650 is one of the three bikes I still have today. Currently in track mode with GSXR front end w/Traxxion internals and R6 brake calipers, Penske rear shock, GSXR 180 rear wheel & tire, Yoyodyne slipper clutch, velocity stacks......and many small mods. Love the sound of V Twin with Leo Vince exhaust.
I love my 03 650S. I picked it up in 06 with 3500 miles on it for $3200. It's a Ducati lite. All the fun at 2/3rds the cost and less maintenance.
I had an 04 SV650S that had full fairings back in 2007 that I used as my daily driver for many years in my early 20's. I lived on the beach so it was the perfect set up for a 23 year old guy. I have a CBR 1000rr and a Speed Triple now but I still miss that bike. Ultra reliable and a lot of fun with the kind of power you can actually use on the road.
The Sweet japanese V2 with a hell of a gear box, light as a feather and so much torque coming out of bends that will make you respect it.
I'm currently in the market for a 2nd gen SV to do a street fighter build... I was looking for an SV1000, but after riding a 650 and thinking it over, I've decided the 1000 is gonna be too much for what I actually want the bike for.
Here in VicDanistan, Australia, the police are savage on speeding and 30km/h over will get your bike impounded with a 12 month loss of licence. I've had big litre bikes already and the reason I wanted a twin was to get something I could lean on a little without going to jail. With the 650, I can all of the power and the value for money is awesome.
I was Marketing Manager for Suzuki Holland in 2001-2003. In 2002 I introduced the SV 650 Cup in the Netherlands. It was a huge succes!
A very sound synopsis. Truly inspiring bikes to ride fast, dead modable and robust. I've had a 1st gen 99 S for years, I'm an OAP and my kids think it's funny. I've been riding since 1974 and it's deffo one of (if not )the best bikes I've ever owned. It's so light and unlike a four has plenty of jollies low down below 7000 rpm or if you want to make it sing plenty above as well. Great thing is they never scare you, unlike the fours, handling is better than you'll ever be and although quick, they don't suck you out of your depth, complete control is always there. Probably the only things that take a bit of getting used to are the difference between 1st and 2nd gear and despite the generous amounts of torque having to use 1st below about 10mph. Also the brakes which truly take a ton of tugging before they bite. I wanted my lad to get one, but he went for an early CB500 (which admittedly are OK), but he rides it like Schaaf and gets 42 mph ! Whereas I can get all my fun without revving it to death, sounds much better and I get 56mph. They're dead safe, reliable and so much fun, you can't go wrong.
I have a 2nd gen SV track bike currently. Great bike for all tracks. Road America you wish you had more power but more technical tracks it beats a panigale in ease of use. Supermoto's are amazing on track because they inspire confidence with their riding position and are great to learn techniques on.
Had one as a loaner for a couple weeks and I was impressed. I never liked SUZUKIS, be it a car or a bike, but the SV was great! Decent power, great handling and character!
I’ve been binging these bike history vids the past few days love em
I have an SV 1000 S for many years. Good old v2 power.
Just last week I managed to pick up a 2005 for $1,500. Need some work, and has 50,000 miles on it. But it does run, with a clean title. And I ended up riding it 50 miles home. And after tearing into it for maintenance, I found out it has a power commander 3 hooked up and tuned to its Yoshi exhaust. I'd say a decent little score. Still waiting on some brake parts though.
Nice!!
I've had 3. My latest is a gen two naked, with now about 98,000 miles. I crashed a couple of times since January, more before that. I plugged all the wires in, put in a new solenoid fuse and hit the button. Started right up; not the same I can say for the Honda or the Triumph. I've had the bike since 2017 and will likely never get rid of it. It just goes on, and with some good/cheap mods, it's a superb ride. It's easy for me to get a new more modern bike, and I will, but I'll never get rid of the SV. Here to many more miles for you. Happy riding.
Sv650 for the track, definitely!
Love your videos, all the best from Portugal.
I bought a second gen for the track & I absolutely love it. Still only in the novice group at the minute but improving all the time. It’s such an easy bike to get along with.👍 nice review by the way.
Just got a 2003 sv650s with 4000 original miles! Will be looking into suspension upgrades soon and then hopefully going to the track!
My 04 has been running strong since I bought it in 07. The only problem is riding it in the rain. Known as the SV325. There's a drain hole you have to clean out on a regular basis or water backs up and grounds out your front spark plug. Other than that it's been the perfect bike for me!
I'm obsessed with SV650 videos. Thank you.
I raced at Loudon on a GSX-R600. My racing mentor raced an SV650S and won just about every weekend. I did not realize how special this bike was until I started racing. I suspect that the new Yamaha R7 will follow suit.
I have a 2000 sv650s, such a fun bike to ride. The v-twin engine is a great sounding motor with aftermarket exhaust, and the narrow v-twin makes the bike alot slimmer than the 4 cylinder bikes. The lean angle is insane on the SV, probably why people race them! Amazing bikes 👌 thanks for the video!
Bought a used '18 SV650 in April 2020 (only had 159 miles and was bought new in July 2019) as my first bike, and I love it. It has 6k miles now with no issues. I've only done slip-on exhaust, LED headlight, frame sliders, and recently made a big upgrade in the tires department. It is just a fun, reliable bike that won't get you into too much trouble. I will say I was picky with the color combination I wanted (pictured at 13:44), but I finally found the perfect bike for me.
I have a 2nd gen that is my dedicated track bike. Did springs and emulators on the fork and an Ohlins on the rear. Those are the only mods besides rearsets. The bike's relative lack of top speed compared to the super sports incentivizes you to learn to carry corner speed. I highly recommend an SV as a learning tool for the track.
New riders always want to compare HP numbers. They really don't know how to ride properly and most of the time they shit their pants on supersports at every corner. Even track noobs come with 1000cc and get lapped by ninja 400 all day. They should start small and some people they love staying small because it's cheaper and way more fun than trying to control a bucking horse into the corners.
My motto is "if you ain't having fun, you ain't learning shit".
Men this is to long ago since you have made vids like this! Really miss them. I am a bit older now since watching but could you maybe make one about the Honda NT 700 deuville? Keep up the good work!
I love carbed bikes. As you stated in the video, awesome throttle response.
Had a carbed suzuki bandit from -00. It was a great bike, quite calm and soft if you wanted it to, but i loved just pinning the throttle and hear and feel when the main jet kicked in so to speak.
I know exactly what you mean. Used to love that on my old vfr750
I got a 2006 sv650s in 2020. 11000 miles later and I'm still totally in love!
I had a red 05 SV with 3600 mile on it and she had no problems , just a wonderful bike, and I loved it. I sold it last year and I think of it often.
In 2007 I road across the US on one of those. Only issue was the elevation in the Colorado mountains (Monarch pass) , had it wide open doing 25-35 mph. Great bike!
Bought my 04 Sv650 1 1/2 years ago, had 42k miles on all original parts (has a delkevick 18in slip-on. oil/air filter, spark plugs obviously not original), coming up on 48k now with regular maintenance and it's still running smooth and strong . It's my first street (legal) bike and it's definitely one I'll be keeping in the family once I buy something different :) these bikes really are some of the best be it on the track or street.
Thanks for the great video man! Keep up the good work
Another excellent episode. I will pick the first generation mt09 for track days.
Excellent info and the wry humour appreciated. Thanks.
had a 2006 sv650, bought it for £1700 with 18,000 on the clock, never missed a beat sounded lovely, and then sold it for £900 with 30,000 miles, still see it on my commute.
My first bike was a 07 and I absolutely love it. It’s such a great bike and really got me addicted to riding I put over 8k miles in a little over 4 months 😂
Just bought a Gen 1 - loads of character, easy to ride and super upgradable. Happy to be a SV-ista now 😊
The sv650s are like the mazda mx5 of the motorcycle world. Its nothing crazy fast but with some good suspension mods its hard to compete with in a tight twisting road or track.
Gr8 vid, hero. Ride safe, god bless u.
My first bike was a red 2006 SV650S. Bought it in 2010. Loved this bike. I've put around 23k miles on it in 2 years. In 2012, a car cut me off, totaling the bike.
Since i wanted a 1000 at first, I got myself a nice 2005 SV1000S. I've put a lot of mods on it, rode The Dragon 5 years in a row and I've put around 30k miles on it.
But I miss the 650. Nimble, flickable. Just so much more user friendly.
Stay safe out there. Enjoy the ride.
I bought an 08 SV650S to get back into motorcycling after a 15 year hiatus from track riding super sports. It’s a great bike that will teach anyone regardless of experience a whole lot. My crew rides hard and I’m usually the slowest bike in a sea of super sports with fully adjustable suspensions and riding aids. Yet my old underpowered bike can keep up where it matters.
I own a 2009 SFV650 and really like it. I am at a loss to understand all the negative comments. For sure it does look a bit different but still looks great in my opinion. Under the look change it is still a SV650 with the same mechanics.
Best exhaust note of ANY bike. Yoshimura or Scorpion note is glorious
Bought my 2005 sv650s 2 months ago, layed it down and she still rides perfectly. Only broke my brake pedal and my break lever. Still rides like new. Extremely easy to work on and lots of factory and custom aftermarket parts out there for it. Plenty of full fairing kits with different colors and designs for people who dont like the half fairing look.
I've owned 2, a gen 1 and a gen 3. Fantastic bikes all around even though suspension and brakes upgrades are a nice plus. There aren't many bikes as good as this when it comes to having fun for cheap. Great engine (the carb is the best of the 3, delivers the best sensations) light reliable cheap to maintain... I now own a Monster 1100 evo and a CBF600 but still like the SV and might get a gen 2 (the best looking one) someday as a commuter if I grow tired of the CBF.
Great video. I bought a 1999 SV650 that year and loved it. Regrettably. I sold it. But I now have a 2003 SV1000 and all is well.
The SV is a great beginner track bike. However, When you push close to the limit, the front end is a little vague and tucks without much warning. Changing triple clamps, forks and front wheel with similar era GSXR parts is a common race mod. This helps reduce the vagueness and massively improves braking and stiffness
Gen 1(1999) SV650s owner here! Great bike. Light and fun. And the sound is amazing even with original pipes
I loved my old SV650s second gen. really was as legendary as people later recognised.
Had a 04 with D&D exhaust, TRE, K&N, and full fairing kit. Was a great all around bike
Excellent informative video.
I own and ride my gen 1 year round. It is engine and chassis number 10 made in 98 ready for the 99 debut. The only non wear part I have had to replace is the rectifier. Having far less tech (like none) compared to my 21 tracer GT, it’s reliable, predictable and still gong strong after 25 years. People say it’s a good beginner bike which I think is in fair, it’s just a good bike. Sure I have had much bigger and faster bikes but this is so well balanced and has enough power for its light weight. This one is staying in the collection permanently.
I have owned many of these bikes over the decades I rode. One thing I paricularly liked was I "geared" (sprocketed) significantly higher than stock, and it revved so low which was kinda cool. The 6th gear was like a super overdrive. For city driving, 5th gear was high enough but sometimes coasting up to a red light I would use 6th so it would almost feel like it was in neutral (minimal engine braking so it "coasted" far). Fun bikes.
Do you remember the number of teeth you were running on the front and rear sprockets?
I bought a 03 awhile back and it’s finally running now but I need a new chain and tires. I want to gear it for cruising on the hwy though
The best bike for the track is the one you’re most comfortable on/with.
That beeing said, I started on a dl 650 “V-Strom” and i agree about that motor; torque everywhere and such a fun engine despite the 65ish horsepowers.
I think that with the suspension tuned I would have so much more fun on a V-Strom 650 than my -16 MT(fz)-09 with tuned suspension.
Great video!
i've had 2008 sv650s for few months rn. it's crazy how many parts there are everywhere. you can find the side fairings as well from almost anywhere
Had a SV650N K4 and two SV1000S and N and i still love this bike.
About to attend my first track day on the newest bike to the family… a 2022 sv650! Looking into the hotbodies racing fairings and doing a full track conversion.
Hey. Save your money. Try a few track days for a bit first before going all in.
I'll suggest you get these upgrades before getting race bodies and a full track conversion because you can still ride street.
#1 one piece leather suit and hear
#2 a set of stickier tires
#3 upgrade your brake pads
#4 frame sliders for small accidents
#5 get a coach to teach you the correct racing line
After that if you want to go full in, then go ahead. I just don't want you to go all in then change your mind half way and waste all that money. Building up racing skills takes time and your bike is more capable than you think in stock form.
@@tongyang1631 thank you for the insight. I’ve tracked many times before lol… just first time getting the SV out there. I have friends who out ride 600s all day on their SVs and RC390s. I have an 08 600rr right now and my friends are still faster on 650s. I made the change to smaller bike to become a better rider :) Have a great day!!
Picking up my sv 650 s from 2013 on Saturday and it only had 1000 miles ! Can’t wait
I have owned 2 SV’s and loved both. Strong very capable power, great handling and above all very reliable.
They have decent handling once upgraded but if you jump on a Daytona 675 you soon realize the handling of a modified sv650 isn't as good as you thought it was.
I've had a 2005 S for 2 years as my first bike and it's amazing!
She was my first bike, u got a 2001 one. She's perfect cause she can do literally ANYTHING, fast riding, curves, any type of weather. I love the half fairing of mine in yellow, just beautiful
I've been itching to pick one up for the longest time. For the price and performance it's mighty tempting.
Very detailed video. Just have to agree with everything mentioned here. I have the 3rd gen. Have a lot of videos about it. The main con is the seat and the main pro is the engine. A lot more can be seen in my videos. :) Keep up mate.
Great tribute to a great motorcycle. I want to go buy one like now!
I haven't tracked yet but I have two in my garage that I'm split on. 2007 GSX-R 750 and 2016 FZ-07
Going on more spirited rides with my friends on the FZ while I was working on replacing the rectifier and stator, on the 750 I found it really easy to keep up with them in the twisties and not needing to push that hard at all. That had me thinking whether or not I should use that instead of the 750 for my first track day even if the suspension is squishy
I've ridden an 03 SV S for 2 years before stepping up to an 06 Tuono. The Tuono is an amazing machine, but I still miss my SV sometimes.
I had that problem with the water collecting the front spark plug. Killed two plugs before I figure out what was going on. front mudguard extension fixed the problem
I had a burgundy/black '07, 2k~ miles and I was the third owner. I rode it solo from IL to Idaho, to Kansas, back to IL. Absolutely life changing experience.
I'm currently kicking myself for selling it.
I had both a 1999 red standard sv and a 2001 s model. It was awesome after doing fork mods. It was such a great bike.!
My main frustration with Gladius up through gen 3 has been the lack of the S and SF models. I have an '08 SF and I love the duality of being able to ride a sporty bike with clip ons comfortably as an everyday commuter.
I have a 2017 sv650 and it is a great bike with the perfect amount of power and torque for the streets and track.
Thanks, very informative =)
Nice history lesson on one of my favorite bikes. The 2nd gen s to me is about as good as a naked style bike can look. It always reminded me of a fighter jet or a mechanical hawk. I bought a first gen Yamaha FZ1 and at least from a looks point of view they both have that same hawk/bird of prey styling and I love it.
I've got a fully-faired gen 2 and can confirm. They look really good. For the money, nothing looks faster and cooler. Is it fast? Like not really compared to superbikes. But in the real world you can go faster than anything if you ride it well. I love my bike. And tomorrow I've got a day off so it's riding time.
@@gregsoucie I sold my FZ1 to my nephew and as luck would have it he is selling it back to me next yr. Next summer cant come fast enough, happy riding my friend.
@@ninji522 1st gen FZ1 is an awesome machine, my daily commuter now.
I had the 1st gen for 2 years then the 2nd gen from 2010 till today, I did more than 100k km, changed only the front fork from the Yamaha R1, replaced the leathers of the seat and the bike is still rocking!
At 18:40, when you said "But remember..." i was hoping to hear "The SV650 is NOT a beginner bike..."
Very informative video btw, i have an SV650 2001, been worked on to keep the spirit of the SV but with tasteful look, it's been a blast since i got it.
I ride a 2017 SV650 and I love the bike. I want to get another one just for the track. It's not a super fast bike, but I have had mine at a top speed of 148 mph during Bike Week. It's a blast to ride!
lol they don't do 148mph, top speed is 130mph. My Triumph Daytona 675 probably does 148mph, real speed not speedo speed.
😂😂
Proud owner of a K4 SV. I don't have much more to compare from, but I can totally say it's great fun in the road
Thanks. I like details. I have a Vstrom with original OEM adjustable forks which need a fair amount of preload to avoid over compression. The rear shock also needs adjusting for more preload to improve low speed turning.. The engine is noisy and i gather the later models have gear driven cams and sound more subdued to my ear.
Nice...vaguely related...I used to ride a TL1000R. Kind of the big weird brother of the SV. It was a handful...
Everyone calls it the best second bike but I think it’s better described as everyone’s second favorite bike! It’s the best second bike in the stable around! No matter if you have a sportier bike, a cruiser, tourer, dirt bikes, dual sports, adv, whatever you’re into, the SV is the perfect compliment / second bike to have to round out and supplement what any other kind of bike doesn’t. We love ours!
I recently made a service to a Vstrom 650 pretty much the same engine, anyways the only easy was the oil change, I clean and dial all the EFI management and had a blast figuring out I had a problem with the fuel regulator at the fuel pump, I work at small shop with no scanner tool, nor fuel pressure gauges, only basic tools and my two hands.
Owned a 03 SV650S, top quality bikes 👌
Nice lap times at NHMS .. I just started back racing on a 2007 Gen 2 ..
I always heard the sv650 was always a good bike but man, after hearing all the descriptions I have heard from this video, I am legit considering getting one as my first bike. Heck, many will say it is not a terrible place to start from, in fact, it is a heck of a bike to have.
I just got a 2009 sv650sf it’s quite the bike. Only 14,000 miles. I upgraded from a Suzuki s40 boulevard. Still have the s40 as it’s a lot more fun to just hop on and ride around town. It seems to get more attention as well. But when I wanna go for longer distance highway runs. The sv650 is buttery smooth.
Just when i needed it!
I have been in the track a couple of times in my Yamaha FZ6 and it is a fantastic track bike. With four cylinders high rev engine you are going to have a lot of fun in it.m
If someday you decide to sell your beloved CBR 600 send it to Texas and I will gladly buy it. It is a great bike!
Cagiva raptor 650... Best of both world's! Sv engine with great upgrades to frame, suspension and brembo's on it! Cagiva/mv agusta racing experience ❤️
Had my 08 for 12 years and I still love riding it
just bought a 2002 a couple months ago. Love it so far but previous owner had it for over 2 years and only put 50 miles on it. It runs better and better with each tank of gas with additives in it but should really get the carbs out this winter when the snow flies and do a once over.
Im currently on a Gsx250R, cant wait to try it on a track.
Own a 2nd gen sv650 and also a gsxr600. As you said the sv does everything well and I love it as a commuter. For the track I'd always take the gsxr however as the revvy character is no longer a drawback but the suspension and brakes are noticably better, and there's much more power. Definitely wouldn't dislike riding the sv around a track though!
I have a second generation 2008 sv650sf, thinking of selling . With 19000 miles .I got when it had around 14000 miles , it is a great bike .
I love my 05 650s. Ive had it for about 4-5 years