@@doofino I've been riding for 11 years and I'll agree "the sv650 is not a beginner bike" taken guy that knows nothing and put him on that and he could easily end on his back it wants to stand up.
I got a 99 sv650 as my first bike, I love the low rpm rumbles and pops. Its torque AF, But!! It commands your respect immediately and in doing so your attention. Thing is therapy to me and im in Absolute L
Great review, thank you 😊 I bought a new SV650 in 2017, and my wife bought a new Z650 at the same time. We have put tons of miles on both bikes including tours, and we are both of the same opinion that the SV is the better bike, despite being lower cost. We have had a few problems with the Z650, but the SV has not missed a beat, and is more fun to ride. Both are great bikes, but the SV is a friend for life!
I've got a 2G with a tail tidy and I can say I don't envy any other bike's rear end. Even the front end is very classy while not being too boring. I love it!
I love my 2000 SV650 naked. Got it when I was 14 and still love it at 26. It's a great all around bike, not the fastest but not the slowest. I've taken it on some moderate dirt bike trails with pilot powers and around every twisty road near my house, she'll do whatever you want it to do. I think I'm gonna go for a ride because of this video. lol Y'all ride safe and keep at least one on the ground.
I have a 2019 with ABS. I think it is awesome and all the bike most people ever need. I am 6'2" and find it comfortable. Pure and simple motorcycling. Stay safe!
@@matecaljkusic480 I think it could very well be. It depends were you ride and what your riding style is. For me the power is more than enough but i am only 185 pounds. You can adjust the preload on the shock to adjust for weight differences. If you need more power in a similarly nimble package consider the MT09 from Yamaha. It is more expensive though. Ride safely!
2008 SV650 is my first bike. The SV feels like an excellent starter bike. I have had zero issues and zero close calls in 2 years and 6k miles. Comes down to the rider. Works great for me, yet my buddy who started on a GSXR 1000 can still ride it enjoyably.
It probably shouldn't be the literal first motorcycle you ride. But after an hour of seat time you're probably good enough for it. Keep in mind, that's the same Mr. Regular who said the Busa would be perfectly fine for someone who's never ridden before.
My first bike was a 2004 SV650s well over a decade ago. I've owned 600's and 1000's since then and I still miss SV. It wasn't the fastest bike but it could keep up with faster bikes outside of high speed interstate runs. But you could actually row through most the gears unlike a 1000 where you can bang two gears and then have to back off because you are over 100mph. I still recommend it to anyone who wants to get into riding as a first bike.
The more I hear you talk about the SV650, the more I feel like I made the right decision in making it my first bike. Aside from some issues related to maintenance (or lack thereof done by previous owners) and general age-related issues, my 2001 SV650 has been an extremely rewarding experience as my first bike over the last year or so. Even the maintenance issues feel semi-rewarding because the bike is pretty easy to work on, so I get the experience from doing my own work to correct whatever needs it and keep that knowledge in my tool box, so to speak.
I owned a 2017 sv650 for about 2 years before it was totaled in a freeway accident. The only thing you forgot to mention is the one press start. You dont need to hold the starter button. Just press and forget
An SV650 is the bike you should buy after 2 months on a Rebel or ninja 250. You'll outgrow either of those pulling out of the driveway, but its good for learning the basics. Then buy an SV650 and be slightly disappointed by every other motorcycle you'll ever own.
I've owned several bikes over the years, going back to some old 250's in the 70's a Honda 550f2 ( My first big bike), a kawasaki gpz600r, two speed triples (love em!) a street triple R (beautiful bike) and an sv1000s but I have now had two sv650's.... a first gen and a second gen, and I have to say, they are probably the most fun with the Street triple, that I have had. The power is just right for me to get the most out of the bike, they handle great, and I love the slightly agricultural feel and torqueness of that V twin....ok, not as smooth as my Triples, but I just love these bikes. And you know what, I'm gonna get another one day ... ;0)
I have a 2008 naked SV, I bought it cash in 2011 with 59 kms on it. It does a good job as a touring bike and it still has so much to offer me. It is my second ever motorcycle, after spending 2 years on my little GS500.
Just got my first bike today. 2019 sv650. Throttle is nothing like I ever expected. Only ever rode my girls 300cc once around the block and it’s no where near as touchy (makes sense) Almost ate shit bumping a little to hard at 40mph but slowly getting the hand of it :))
I have an '04 SV650. Best bike I have ever owned. It's the kind of bike where if you think about selling it to "upgrade" don't. Just keep it, take a little time and save up the money you'd get from selling it and buy the new bike. You will always go back to the little SV eventually and you'll be glad you kept it.
I currently own a 2017 Sv650, this review pretty much sums it up. if your going to mod it, a couple of qualitly of life mods should be first, windscreen it really helps, extention to front mud guard, it WILL throw shit all over the front of the bike and yourself especially in the wet. Other than that go nuts its a great bike
I have an '02 SV 650 It is the first bike of this type I have ever had. You mentioned about the older rider, that's me. Still trying to hone my technique. Been riding since 1970. My SV is great for fun, even on the commute. Gotten a little saddle sore going from Houston to Austin a couple of times.
The CB650R makes just under 100HP in the UK so noticeably more than MT07, SV and Z650 but it's also slightly more expensive. The outgoing CB650F model made about 88HP. Suzuki made another variation I think it was called the SV650S also described as the pointy one which actually looked pretty good, especially when fully faired
I considered an Sv650, xsr700, cb650r as my first big bike in the UK. In the end I got a Triumph Speed Twin ! (I am a sucker for classic looks, but then I am a middle aged old git)
75 HP for a beginner! Your beginners must be exceptional am hopping that I can pick my second bike tomorrow, and it's a 200cc and I still think that that's a lot. But about the sv, I think that I have told you how much I love naked bikes ( slightly more than I love naked women, wait that's list ) anyway I list the sv look and that 2018, looks even prettier than it's predecessor and so I know that the winner is really going to love it.
I am a new rider and got a 2018 sv650a in black and red about two months ago, got 2k miles on it now. The throttle doesn't feel snatchy to me at all, but responsive. I find this bike very easy to ride smoothly at low speeds and it's really fun between 5 and 9k rpm. Power wheelies in first and easy clutch ups in second. I did add a click of preload on mine and lowered the gear shifter and rear brake lever when I got it.
@@ryanrake2714 The point is it's not a good beginner bike because of the power and torque it makes. I've owned both the carb and fi sv650 models and they are a blast to ride but again, not a beginner bike at all.
Thanks Yam. New subscriber, new to riding, looking forward to my first bike. Doing all my research now and as a new viewer to this sport and genre of TH-cam, I really appreciate your reviews and quality of videos. Smart, no ANNOYING intros and patreon begging, just good info. Thanks!
The SV is defianately a great bike , but for my height at 6 foot 2 it was a bit to small for longer rides. Now i have gotten a KTM 790 Duke as my first real (A2) bike.
The Gladius was statistically actually just an improvement over the SV650, actually. People just couldn't put their "MOOOOOOM I DON'T WANT A GIRLY BIIIIIIKE" behind them.
It was hideous and uncomfortable. That was the biggest beef with it. You can sit here and _"snort snort _*_ackshoouhllee,_*_ _chuckle snort fart"_ nonsense all you like. It had nothing to do with it being "a girly bike."
@@waddlesmcsqueezy Christ, do you practice top secret strategies on how to always be wrong? My '06 SV has about 35k on the clock. It's served me perfectly well. Wait, lemme rephrase that into terms you'll understand. *_Ackshoouhllee_*_ I have a 2006 SV650 in Candy Napoleon Blue._
I was wondering this too. Its not really fair to compare a sporty faired motorcycle to a bunch of naked bikes. I'm honestly surpirsed Papa Yams didn't see the Z650 in his research for competitive models.
@@DaBudaa1 For what it's worth I think the z650 is the best looking bike in the class, unless we are including the Honda, which I kinda don't, due to its high price.
@@kleinbottled79 I strongly agree with you. Thats why I purchased a Z650 instead of an MT-07. It was the Z650's gull wing swing arm that caught my eye at the dealer back in April; I was at the dealer looking to test ride a Z400, but they did not have any in stock.
@@chael9323 Cruiser Motorbikes aren't really my thing, although that Vulcan looks sick. Imo the Z650 is the type of mix between sport and relaxed i need.
I definitely would NOT recommend trying to put a 180 size rear tire on this, the wheel is too narrow and will really deform the profile the tire is supposed to have. A 160 is a common enough size, you can find that in pretty much every modern tire from a Dunlop Q3+ to a Michelin Road 5.
It’s the engine that’s brilliant; the rest of the package is obsolete. But, reasonably priced, reliable, aesthetically acceptable with extensive dealership “support” . . . not too shabby.
I bought my 25 year old son a 2017 SV650 with 963 miles with barend mirrors, Corbin custom leather seat, LED H4 headlight, & Hotbodies Racing Growler slip on for $5,500, I bought myself a 2018 brand new & added all the same above mods & have about $8,300 in mine, both are great bikes. I love Suzuki & also owned a new 2006 SV650s that I put over 55,000 miles on b4 my son blew the motor due to low oil, they are great dependable motorcycles, u could do way way worse, but couldn't do much better 👍👍
Awesome !!! I'm coming from a dirtbike and looking to make my first street bike purchase ever, thinking SV650. Have 5 years on your son, feel like I'm mature enough to handle it. Good to see you recommend the bike.
@@TopshelfJunior this is the second SV650 I've owned, I had a 2006 SV650s it had clip on handlebars with a half faring I put full fairings put got rearended at redlight & wound up turning it into a single seat Streetfighter
Goddamit, i need one! And i gotta say, up there you guys have a totally different idea of what biginner bike is haha, i own a gixxer 155 (gsx155) and i'm in love with it, maybe some day i'll get and sv...
Cheers dude, mind made up. Always loved Yamahas and owned a ton (250LC x 2, 350YPVS, SZR660, MT-03 660, TRX850 x2) and should buy an MT-07 but going back to my roots (GP100, SV1000) so goodbye BMW F650CS and hello another SV!
I got a first gen sv as my first bike and I have to say I love it. Most "traditional" starter bikes like the gs500 , A 250 ninja, just lacks the responsiveness and flickability that makes riding fun. They ride like honda civics in comparison.
I love my SVee, absolutely flawless. Bought the 2k19 model with the grey tank/back and red frame/rims. Everytime i look at her my knees start shaking and pure love is taking over. Thank You, Suzuki
If you ever had a sv650 .. and sale it thinking you get a faster and better bike go for it .. but remember this you will always think back about your sv650 . So no matter what keep it don’t have that regret
I enjoyed your review of the Suzuki SV 650. I ride a 2007 plasma blue Kawasaki 650R Ninja in mint condition with 4,050 miles. I've never had the opportunity of riding a Suzuki SV650. Sometimes I feel like I would want to trade in my 650R for a Suzuki SV650 and experience that bike, but with the full fairing on my 650R it's really hard to beat it on the freeway, and that's where the 650R really shines.
No one ever mentions the crap stock suspension. The fork has too little low-speed damping (rising and diving with acceleration and braking), and too much high-speed damping (harsh over big stuff). I upgraded both ends immediately.
So imma be real I didn't bother watching this vid Im only commenting bc it's most recent, in previous you have referred to twist of the wrist 2, which honestly is such a pure way to learn without actually getting on the bike and as a beginner street rider it was extremely helpful and I hope you see this comment because that really help me out alot, thx Yam master N
I had this bike as my first and then I got z900RS... the seat was too thin for me for long commute. 6’1”. But I miss sv650 sooooo much best bike ever!!!! Z900rs is great, but too much power for me to enjoy riding. Any thoughts on a trade? Looking at royal Enfield interceptor 650... maybe?
Your city reminds me of the game Midtown Madness 😁 It looks really nice. Also, I own a 2002 1st gen SV650(naked) and I ride it every day to work and I love it.
In 2017 Suzuki renamed the Gladius everyone hated to "SV650" and killed off the better SV650. Aluminum frame, analog tach, the 2009 SV650SF was the perfect motorcycle.
People either say the sv650 is the perfect beginner bike or are adamant that they shouldn't be used as one. My opinion is that it depends on the person,if you are chill and don't ride purely for adrenaline it's perfect. If you are the type to want to full pin from every stop and gun it around everywhere,then get a 250-400(personally I had a RC390 and fucking loved it)
Went on a motorcycle course/ group ride and was on my Ninja 400 for the day, at the end of the day I got to have a little ride on their sv650 (which they rent out) and boi it has got some great acceleration as well as sounding like a beast. I myself aren’t into the naked bike feel but loved the motor, would be cool if it was in a sportbike variant
In 99 they offered a naked, the 650n and a half faired version, the 650s. The 'full faired' was simply an S with optional fairing lowers. You also missed out the sv650 mk2, or as it was known, the pointy. This had a newly designed frame and cosmetics aswell as updating to fuel injection. I owned a 99 650s way back in 2000. The better looking version to the naked ;P Was an absolutely incredible machine, I owned it for 7 years and over 150k miles. It was one of those rare bikes that was capable of anything yet able to grow with you as your skills improve. When you find yourself to be pushing the bike to its limits just splash out on a few brake and suspension upgrades and it will be more than capable of embarassing larger capacity bikes. It's good to see that the bike is still in production near on twenty years later. It is however a shame to see that Suzuki are still penny pinching with the basic suspension and same brakes as used way back in 99....
Dope to hear ! Coming from the dirtbike world, I have a Kawasaki KLX 300R, is the SV650 going to be too much for me ?! Looking to make my first street bike purchase ever..
Great breakdown on the SV650 Vammie! A quick little backstory on me, I have never ridden bikes before and looking into starting. I am no longer a youngster, almost halfway through my life. But the call of the open road has been talking to me. I have really been thinking about the Kawasaki X-300 Versys, but now I am thinking maybe the SV650. I like the X-300 for the windscreen and the upright sitting position. I am not looking to be a racetrack rider, just looking to have something to get me back n forth to work in DFW. What do you think of the x-300?
You mentioned Bhp for all the bikes except for the CB650R for which you used the Whp. The CB has 95HP at the crank, making it the most powerful (and expensive) in this class, although being an inline 4 it makes its power higher in the rpm.
Sv650 is the only 600 / 650cc without annoying handlebar vibration on the highway. Any V-Twin is going to sound better with a pipe on it then any parallel twin even a crossplane crank.
Strangely, I find that upright/naked set-ups are only comfortable for around town (under 100k/60m speeds), where you're on and off the bike a lot, or off-road where you need to be out of the seat. With a tall torso the wind buffeting is insane in temperatures under 15c/60f (which is the average temperature year round in New Zealand where I live). You need to lean down or back, or maybe get a large wind shield to deal with it (which create it's own problems). For a ride of an hour plus, it needs to be a light sport bike for control on a fast ride or winding road. Otherwise I enjoy jumping on a laid back cruiser/chopper for a comfortable relaxed multiple hour A to B style ride, where the bike largely breaks the wind for you. And just for the record; ADV and Tourer bikes are a bit of an unknown quantity for me, but I don't think I would like the weight and upright posture combined generally speaking. I ride bicycles as well, and I am the same with them, I don't like the "normal' upright style. I love going for a long cruise on my custom Giant chopper on a warm day and either of my light bmx or downhill bike for tricks and off road or short distance. I used to love a race bike set up for training and going fast too, but am getting a bit old for that lark.
I wouldn't consider the street triple a beginner bike in the same sense as these are. It's closer to a sport bike, considerably faster, less newbie friendly and more expensive too.
Thanks. Did you know Korean Hyosung GT650 is almost similar to this bike and having the beautiful fairing version? It's quite popular especially in India, Malaysia, even US i think. But still lack of good reviews. I hape you can make review on this bike too. Thanks Yammie!
I agree with you mostly on the SV650...having put over 4000miles on my 2018 SV650, it truly a great bike for all types of riding. However, I disagree with your comment on the throttle being twitchy. If you want to ride a twitchy throttle.... hop on the FZ-09, now that's a throttle that can get even the more experienced riders into trouble.
I've dome 51,000 km on my 2017 SV and it is really lurchy and snatchy around town. I test rode the dealer's SV too so i could have a comparison and although it was better it still had the same basic problem. Then i had a test ride on their V-Strom 650 and that was really quite OK and no snatch at all. So i don't think i'm imagining it. The snatching gets worse if you let the tyre pressures drop and if you neglect adjusting and oiling your chain then that seems to make it really super jerky. Yes, i never rode the old MT-09 but it is well known for this problem. I had a test on the 2019 MT-09 and they must have cured it, it was silky smooth throttle.
I really hope I win the sv650 in the give away. I bought that sweet t-shirt to get them chances to win! PS editing to say hi to my twin in blue lol F5v
Yes, he did missed the second gen which is the best ever. The second gen was starting to look dated compared to the Ninja and the Yamaha of those times, also Kawasaki was a bad revelation, they were able to produce an interior product in every way and sell it for more money and still sell a lot of it, that's when the Gladius came in, which was an attempt to increase the profit margins with the SV and it back fired on them, so now Suzuki Is trying to redeem themselves with a revised and updated SV that resemble more the original concept, to mimic the Ducati Monster. Back in 2008 the economy tank, and Suzuki didn't see it coming and didn't planned for it, and ever since they just haven't been able to rebound like the other brands. They are just not creating products type for the current hype and style of usage, I think Yamaha today is the only one risk taker and throwing the whole kitchen sink at creating exciting new models with cool designs and lively engines that are capturing the new wave of riders. All these companies go up and down in cycles.
883L Kawasaki makes much more exciting and innovative designed bikes just look at the new zx2r or an h2 along with the z 900 which our course the z650 is part of
Yes Yamaha is also earning points in the offroad world by offering the only Japanese 2 stroke dirtbike anymore. But... if they upped the anti, weight and even price closer to the ktms but also offered hydraulic clutch, electric start and counter balanced motors they might actually have a shot at winning a lot of us back from team orange.
"The SV650 is not a beginner bike" I will remember that quote from Mr regular for ever
"The SV 650 is not a beginner bike."
@@doofino I've been riding for 11 years and I'll agree "the sv650 is not a beginner bike" taken guy that knows nothing and put him on that and he could easily end on his back it wants to stand up.
I got a 99 sv650 as my first bike, I love the low rpm rumbles and pops. Its torque AF, But!! It commands your respect immediately and in doing so your attention. Thing is therapy to me and im in Absolute L
He also did that video with a carbureted version instead of fuel injected like this one.
@@jimjam87599 If you equate beginner to bloody idiot, it is not a beginner bike. Otherwise it is. ;)
"The Ninja 650 doesn't come in a naked variant"
... dawg.
Z650
Was gonna say
B O I
albeit a little buzzy
DSGR maybe it's not imported to the us so he doesn't know about it
As much as i like the z, in europe the sv is 1200 euros cheaper
Great review, thank you 😊 I bought a new SV650 in 2017, and my wife bought a new Z650 at the same time. We have put tons of miles on both bikes including tours, and we are both of the same opinion that the SV is the better bike, despite being lower cost. We have had a few problems with the Z650, but the SV has not missed a beat, and is more fun to ride. Both are great bikes, but the SV is a friend for life!
I still like the 2nd gen sv the most. Especially rear end and taillights, those were amazing looking
I've got a 2G with a tail tidy and I can say I don't envy any other bike's rear end. Even the front end is very classy while not being too boring. I love it!
I've still got a 04 sv1000 it's strange how it still looks modern despite being a 16 year old bike.
I love my 2000 SV650 naked. Got it when I was 14 and still love it at 26. It's a great all around bike, not the fastest but not the slowest. I've taken it on some moderate dirt bike trails with pilot powers and around every twisty road near my house, she'll do whatever you want it to do. I think I'm gonna go for a ride because of this video. lol Y'all ride safe and keep at least one on the ground.
As an owner of 4 SV650s (Starting in 99) including a 2017 currently , this is spot on.
I have a 2019 with ABS. I think it is awesome and all the bike most people ever need. I am 6'2" and find it comfortable. Pure and simple motorcycling. Stay safe!
I'am also 6.2 but heavier, around 260 pounds on a good day, do you think this would be a good bike for me?
@@matecaljkusic480 I think it could very well be. It depends were you ride and what your riding style is. For me the power is more than enough but i am only 185 pounds. You can adjust the preload on the shock to adjust for weight differences. If you need more power in a similarly nimble package consider the MT09 from Yamaha. It is more expensive though. Ride safely!
Mr Regular says this is not a beginner bike!
I just said the same thing. I had 1, And idk if it's a beginner bike.
I am a beginner rider. it's a lot. of fun.
2008 SV650 is my first bike. The SV feels like an excellent starter bike. I have had zero issues and zero close calls in 2 years and 6k miles. Comes down to the rider. Works great for me, yet my buddy who started on a GSXR 1000 can still ride it enjoyably.
A lot of riding schools here in the UK use SV650s for training new riders getting them ready for their DAS tests
It probably shouldn't be the literal first motorcycle you ride. But after an hour of seat time you're probably good enough for it. Keep in mind, that's the same Mr. Regular who said the Busa would be perfectly fine for someone who's never ridden before.
My first bike was a 2004 SV650s well over a decade ago. I've owned 600's and 1000's since then and I still miss SV. It wasn't the fastest bike but it could keep up with faster bikes outside of high speed interstate runs. But you could actually row through most the gears unlike a 1000 where you can bang two gears and then have to back off because you are over 100mph. I still recommend it to anyone who wants to get into riding as a first bike.
The more I hear you talk about the SV650, the more I feel like I made the right decision in making it my first bike. Aside from some issues related to maintenance (or lack thereof done by previous owners) and general age-related issues, my 2001 SV650 has been an extremely rewarding experience as my first bike over the last year or so. Even the maintenance issues feel semi-rewarding because the bike is pretty easy to work on, so I get the experience from doing my own work to correct whatever needs it and keep that knowledge in my tool box, so to speak.
I owned a 2017 sv650 for about 2 years before it was totaled in a freeway accident. The only thing you forgot to mention is the one press start. You dont need to hold the starter button. Just press and forget
An SV650 is the bike you should buy after 2 months on a Rebel or ninja 250. You'll outgrow either of those pulling out of the driveway, but its good for learning the basics. Then buy an SV650 and be slightly disappointed by every other motorcycle you'll ever own.
My 2005 gen2 SV650 in that sweet blue duco and black frame. A stone-cold classic that just gets better every year.
I've owned several bikes over the years, going back to some old 250's in the 70's a Honda 550f2 ( My first big bike), a kawasaki gpz600r, two speed triples (love em!) a street triple R (beautiful bike) and an sv1000s but I have now had two sv650's.... a first gen and a second gen, and I have to say, they are probably the most fun with the Street triple, that I have had. The power is just right for me to get the most out of the bike, they handle great, and I love the slightly agricultural feel and torqueness of that V twin....ok, not as smooth as my Triples, but I just love these bikes. And you know what, I'm gonna get another one day ... ;0)
I have a 2008 naked SV, I bought it cash in 2011 with 59 kms on it. It does a good job as a touring bike and it still has so much to offer me. It is my second ever motorcycle, after spending 2 years on my little GS500.
Proud owner of sv650 2019 yoshimura + edition. Red and grey.
Just looked it up, damn son.
Just picked the same bike up myself a couple weeks ago as my first bike. Totally in love
First bike I ever bought, same year + everything, I love it.
Just got my first bike today. 2019 sv650. Throttle is nothing like I ever expected. Only ever rode my girls 300cc once around the block and it’s no where near as touchy (makes sense) Almost ate shit bumping a little to hard at 40mph but slowly getting the hand of it :))
I have an '04 SV650. Best bike I have ever owned. It's the kind of bike where if you think about selling it to "upgrade" don't. Just keep it, take a little time and save up the money you'd get from selling it and buy the new bike. You will always go back to the little SV eventually and you'll be glad you kept it.
I currently own a 2017 Sv650, this review pretty much sums it up. if your going to mod it, a couple of qualitly of life mods should be first, windscreen it really helps, extention to front mud guard, it WILL throw shit all over the front of the bike and yourself especially in the wet. Other than that go nuts its a great bike
I have an '02 SV 650
It is the first bike of this type I have ever had. You mentioned about the older rider, that's me. Still trying to hone my technique. Been riding since 1970. My SV is great for fun, even on the commute. Gotten a little saddle sore going from Houston to Austin a couple of times.
The CB650R makes just under 100HP in the UK so noticeably more than MT07, SV and Z650 but it's also slightly more expensive. The outgoing CB650F model made about 88HP.
Suzuki made another variation I think it was called the SV650S also described as the pointy one which actually looked pretty good, especially when fully faired
I considered an Sv650, xsr700, cb650r as my first big bike in the UK.
In the end I got a Triumph Speed Twin ! (I am a sucker for classic looks, but then I am a middle aged old git)
75 HP for a beginner! Your beginners must be exceptional am hopping that I can pick my second bike tomorrow, and it's a 200cc and I still think that that's a lot. But about the sv, I think that I have told you how much I love naked bikes ( slightly more than I love naked women, wait that's list ) anyway I list the sv look and that 2018, looks even prettier than it's predecessor and so I know that the winner is really going to love it.
I am a new rider and got a 2018 sv650a in black and red about two months ago, got 2k miles on it now. The throttle doesn't feel snatchy to me at all, but responsive. I find this bike very easy to ride smoothly at low speeds and it's really fun between 5 and 9k rpm. Power wheelies in first and easy clutch ups in second. I did add a click of preload on mine and lowered the gear shifter and rear brake lever when I got it.
Planning on getting this for my first bike. Heard a lot of good things about it.
Please watch Regular Car Reviews SV650 review
@@samlarson2501 yes but to be fair that was also a carbureted model. FI is much better for a beginner and often times just the majority of riders
@@ryanrake2714 The point is it's not a good beginner bike because of the power and torque it makes. I've owned both the carb and fi sv650 models and they are a blast to ride but again, not a beginner bike at all.
just grabbed a 2005 SV650 today for just $1550. Needs some TLC, but runs. i rode it about 50 miles home.
Kawasaki has the z650 which is more of a competitor than the Ninja no? :)
CorruptBane yea that’s what I was thinking....
I think the SV is a better looking bike. Personal opinion but I dont really like the lines on the Kawi. Bit too jagged!
i love my Z650
And the ER6N before that
Yeah I agree he should have left the Ninja650 and compared the Z650 instead. The Z650 is actually a naked middleweight like SV650 or MT-07.
Thanks Yam. New subscriber, new to riding, looking forward to my first bike. Doing all my research now and as a new viewer to this sport and genre of TH-cam, I really appreciate your reviews and quality of videos. Smart, no ANNOYING intros and patreon begging, just good info. Thanks!
I have a Gladius and it's amazing... The current SV650 is basically just a Gladius with a round headlight and different tail
Was thinking exactly the same thing! Love my Gladius
Spot on 👍
but it's still butt-ugly.
Firstly kawasaki has the z650 and second cb650 makes around 95. It's on a perfect spot for making it A2 compliant meaning 70kw to 35kw.
Not a beginner bike my friend. Great handling and ergonomics, but i repeat, not a mild mannered bike. Torque galore.
Strongly feeling the need for one of these.
The SV is defianately a great bike , but for my height at 6 foot 2 it was a bit to small for longer rides.
Now i have gotten a KTM 790 Duke as my first real (A2) bike.
You dont have to hold the start button, has a smart start feature. Just tap the button. Suzuki's way of preventing unnecessary starter wear.
The Gladius was statistically actually just an improvement over the SV650, actually. People just couldn't put their "MOOOOOOM I DON'T WANT A GIRLY BIIIIIIKE" behind them.
It was hideous and uncomfortable. That was the biggest beef with it. You can sit here and _"snort snort _*_ackshoouhllee,_*_ _chuckle snort fart"_ nonsense all you like. It had nothing to do with it being "a girly bike."
@@DarkMatterX1 sounds like someone's mom got them a gladius instead of a gen 2
@@waddlesmcsqueezy
Christ, do you practice top secret strategies on how to always be wrong? My '06 SV has about 35k on the clock. It's served me perfectly well. Wait, lemme rephrase that into terms you'll understand.
*_Ackshoouhllee_*_ I have a 2006 SV650 in Candy Napoleon Blue._
Kawasaki has the z650. It's their naked ninja 650 (basically).
I was wondering this too. Its not really fair to compare a sporty faired motorcycle to a bunch of naked bikes. I'm honestly surpirsed Papa Yams didn't see the Z650 in his research for competitive models.
@@TheMajorRE I imagine it just slipped his mind. I think he even mentioned the Z in his middleweight naked bike video.
I agree, I don't know why Yamie did not include the Z650. :( since I have a Z650.
@@DaBudaa1 For what it's worth I think the z650 is the best looking bike in the class, unless we are including the Honda, which I kinda don't, due to its high price.
@@kleinbottled79 I strongly agree with you. Thats why I purchased a Z650 instead of an MT-07. It was the Z650's gull wing swing arm that caught my eye at the dealer back in April; I was at the dealer looking to test ride a Z400, but they did not have any in stock.
Could you kindly review the Kawasaki Z650 please it's been on my list for years now and i'd very much appreciate your thoughts on it. Cheers!
Get the Vulcan S instead
@@chael9323 Cruiser Motorbikes aren't really my thing, although that Vulcan looks sick. Imo the Z650 is the type of mix between sport and relaxed i need.
Lawnmower
I definitely would NOT recommend trying to put a 180 size rear tire on this, the wheel is too narrow and will really deform the profile the tire is supposed to have.
A 160 is a common enough size, you can find that in pretty much every modern tire from a Dunlop Q3+ to a Michelin Road 5.
You forgot to mention second generation SV-s (2003-10) before Gladius . I love thous bikes
only thing they shouldn't have changed...the rear 'afterburners' light....it was iconic
It’s the engine that’s brilliant; the rest of the package is obsolete. But, reasonably priced, reliable, aesthetically acceptable with extensive dealership “support” . . . not too shabby.
I bought my 25 year old son a 2017 SV650 with 963 miles with barend mirrors, Corbin custom leather seat, LED H4 headlight, & Hotbodies Racing Growler slip on for $5,500, I bought myself a 2018 brand new & added all the same above mods & have about $8,300 in mine, both are great bikes. I love Suzuki & also owned a new 2006 SV650s that I put over 55,000 miles on b4 my son blew the motor due to low oil, they are great dependable motorcycles, u could do way way worse, but couldn't do much better 👍👍
Awesome !!! I'm coming from a dirtbike and looking to make my first street bike purchase ever, thinking SV650. Have 5 years on your son, feel like I'm mature enough to handle it. Good to see you recommend the bike.
@@TopshelfJunior this is the second SV650 I've owned, I had a 2006 SV650s it had clip on handlebars with a half faring I put full fairings put got rearended at redlight & wound up turning it into a single seat Streetfighter
had one of these for around a month, used each day loved every journey on it
Goddamit, i need one! And i gotta say, up there you guys have a totally different idea of what biginner bike is haha, i own a gixxer 155 (gsx155) and i'm in love with it, maybe some day i'll get and sv...
Cheers dude, mind made up. Always loved Yamahas and owned a ton (250LC x 2, 350YPVS, SZR660, MT-03 660, TRX850 x2) and should buy an MT-07 but going back to my roots (GP100, SV1000) so goodbye BMW F650CS and hello another SV!
Which do you think is better for a first time rider, the MT03 or
the SV650, and why? 650 sounds like too much for starting
I got a first gen sv as my first bike and I have to say I love it. Most "traditional" starter bikes like the gs500 , A 250 ninja, just lacks the responsiveness and flickability that makes riding fun. They ride like honda civics in comparison.
The best urban get around errand bike out there.
I love the 2020 model that now comes in all black!
Same !!! Looks sick ! Thinking about that bike as my first street bike ever.
Fingers crossed to win this one!
Thanks for another awesome video yam doodle
I love my SVee, absolutely flawless. Bought the 2k19 model with the grey tank/back and red frame/rims. Everytime i look at her my knees start shaking and pure love is taking over. Thank You, Suzuki
SAME
Great review! I love my 2023 SV650 ABS!
If you ever had a sv650 .. and sale it thinking you get a faster and better bike go for it .. but remember this you will always think back about your sv650 . So no matter what keep it don’t have that regret
I enjoyed your review of the Suzuki SV 650. I ride a 2007 plasma blue Kawasaki 650R Ninja in mint condition with 4,050 miles. I've never had the opportunity of riding a Suzuki SV650. Sometimes I feel like I would want to trade in my 650R for a Suzuki SV650 and experience that bike, but with the full fairing on my 650R it's really hard to beat it on the freeway, and that's where the 650R really shines.
iam a collg student and i cant wait to buy a sv 650 as soon as i get a job 😅
The 2018 SV650 is my first bike and I love it.
Love my SV. Granted I picked yo an SV1000 for 3 grand. Way more bang for the buck, I love this torque monster.
SV650 and JS Bach = great video🥂
Boourns for slagging on the partially faired 1st gen SV. I love mine haha!
Boourns 😂😂😂😂😂
No one ever mentions the crap stock suspension. The fork has too little low-speed damping (rising and diving with acceleration and braking), and too much high-speed damping (harsh over big stuff). I upgraded both ends immediately.
So imma be real I didn't bother watching this vid Im only commenting bc it's most recent, in previous you have referred to twist of the wrist 2, which honestly is such a pure way to learn without actually getting on the bike and as a beginner street rider it was extremely helpful and I hope you see this comment because that really help me out alot, thx Yam master N
I had this bike as my first and then I got z900RS... the seat was too thin for me for long commute. 6’1”. But I miss sv650 sooooo much best bike ever!!!!
Z900rs is great, but too much power for me to enjoy riding. Any thoughts on a trade? Looking at royal Enfield interceptor 650... maybe?
Your city reminds me of the game Midtown Madness 😁 It looks really nice. Also, I own a 2002 1st gen SV650(naked) and I ride it every day to work and I love it.
You just made a great case for why the sv650 is more premium mediocre than the ninja 400 checkmate
In 2017 Suzuki renamed the Gladius everyone hated to "SV650" and killed off the better SV650. Aluminum frame, analog tach, the 2009 SV650SF was the perfect motorcycle.
You can fix the jumpy throttle by replacing the injectors with gixxer injectors (more jets/injector).
Yams finally going as deep as he can on one of his bikes. 1:10
**Pulls out lotion**
I would LOOOOOVE to se the Sv1000 return!!! Naked with 150hp!!!!
People either say the sv650 is the perfect beginner bike or are adamant that they shouldn't be used as one. My opinion is that it depends on the person,if you are chill and don't ride purely for adrenaline it's perfect. If you are the type to want to full pin from every stop and gun it around everywhere,then get a 250-400(personally I had a RC390 and fucking loved it)
Went on a motorcycle course/ group ride and was on my Ninja 400 for the day, at the end of the day I got to have a little ride on their sv650 (which they rent out) and boi it has got some great acceleration as well as sounding like a beast. I myself aren’t into the naked bike feel but loved the motor, would be cool if it was in a sportbike variant
NOBODY:
Me watching Yammie Noob: *snickers*
My friend: what's so funny?
Also me: Saggy Boob
It is basically the Swiss army bike. From Japan. Man, I'm not gonna land this metaphor am I?
We still love you bro
Bought one new in 2001 and loved It! They are a perfect companion on country or mountain roads.
Bike night at Sandy’s burgers downtown every Thursday at 8 PM. Come flex on all the Austin motobros
Thanks for the vid, love my SV!
You missed out the pointy SV's after 2002 and please dont put a 180 on it, it will not improve grip🤦♂️
@@alphacapo Hi, I see your point, I'm aware of J&S in Bristol, I'm sure it wont be a 180 tyre on a 160 rim though, it deforms the profile
Looking forward to the detailed R3 review! I would love to win either honestly, since it will be my first motorcycle.
I started on a ninja 650, but the r3 and sv650 were my two second choices... Can't go wrong with either! Good luck with the giveaway bro!
In 99 they offered a naked, the 650n and a half faired version, the 650s.
The 'full faired' was simply an S with optional fairing lowers.
You also missed out the sv650 mk2, or as it was known, the pointy. This had a newly designed frame and cosmetics aswell as updating to fuel injection.
I owned a 99 650s way back in 2000. The better looking version to the naked ;P
Was an absolutely incredible machine, I owned it for 7 years and over 150k miles.
It was one of those rare bikes that was capable of anything yet able to grow with you as your skills improve.
When you find yourself to be pushing the bike to its limits just splash out on a few brake and suspension upgrades and it will be more than capable of embarassing larger capacity bikes.
It's good to see that the bike is still in production near on twenty years later.
It is however a shame to see that Suzuki are still penny pinching with the basic suspension and same brakes as used way back in 99....
i got a 2006 sv650 and its the only street bike ive ever rode/owned
beginner bike for me
Dope to hear ! Coming from the dirtbike world, I have a Kawasaki KLX 300R, is the SV650 going to be too much for me ?! Looking to make my first street bike purchase ever..
I’m learning to ride on this just now.
The faired SV650 was always more beautiful than the naked, faster too and more desirable which you didn't show in the video.
I've had fat bob supercharged, buell Ulysses, yam 1100, plus many more. My choice for my retirement bike is the SV 650A
Great breakdown on the SV650 Vammie! A quick little backstory on me, I have never ridden bikes before and looking into starting. I am no longer a youngster, almost halfway through my life. But the call of the open road has been talking to me. I have really been thinking about the Kawasaki X-300 Versys, but now I am thinking maybe the SV650. I like the X-300 for the windscreen and the upright sitting position. I am not looking to be a racetrack rider, just looking to have something to get me back n forth to work in DFW. What do you think of the x-300?
You mentioned Bhp for all the bikes except for the CB650R for which you used the Whp. The CB has 95HP at the crank, making it the most powerful (and expensive) in this class, although being an inline 4 it makes its power higher in the rpm.
Sv650 was my second bike after ninja 250 I rode the sv650s 33000 miles before selling and starting to ride dirt on my yamaha 450
You hurt me Yammie... I ride a 2013 Gladius, and love it to death!
Well, it's basically the same bike with different aesthetics, the Gladius is really nice !
I've got Eighteen With pirelli's on it it handles real well
What’s the differences in the Gladius? He said it did everything worse than the normal SV!
You could do a direct comparison between the SV and FZ. I think that'd be cool.
The boys over at Motorcyclist Magazine did that already, it's a great video. Honestly it changed my mind from the sv for the fz.
@@alickilicki oh, well in that case I guess I'll go watch that lol.
Sv650 is the only 600 / 650cc without annoying handlebar vibration on the highway. Any V-Twin is going to sound better with a pipe on it then any parallel twin even a crossplane crank.
The ninja 650 does come in naked, its called the Z650
Can you please do a moto-vlog reviewing the CB650R
I have an 02 sv650 and I love it it's a very good do anything bike
Strangely, I find that upright/naked set-ups are only comfortable for around town (under 100k/60m speeds), where you're on and off the bike a lot, or off-road where you need to be out of the seat. With a tall torso the wind buffeting is insane in temperatures under 15c/60f (which is the average temperature year round in New Zealand where I live). You need to lean down or back, or maybe get a large wind shield to deal with it (which create it's own problems).
For a ride of an hour plus, it needs to be a light sport bike for control on a fast ride or winding road. Otherwise I enjoy jumping on a laid back cruiser/chopper for a comfortable relaxed multiple hour A to B style ride, where the bike largely breaks the wind for you.
And just for the record; ADV and Tourer bikes are a bit of an unknown quantity for me, but I don't think I would like the weight and upright posture combined generally speaking.
I ride bicycles as well, and I am the same with them, I don't like the "normal' upright style. I love going for a long cruise on my custom Giant chopper on a warm day and either of my light bmx or downhill bike for tricks and off road or short distance. I used to love a race bike set up for training and going fast too, but am getting a bit old for that lark.
Some claim that the breaking system is on of the best especially, for beginners - how correct is that?
It has the best brakes and suspension in it's class.
The kawasaki z650 has better brake feel & fantastic clutch, but pretty horrid fork dive. The sv650 looks & feels more premium.
Street triple is the biggest killer of these bikes
Sold my SV after 5 minutes of riding a street triple and got one
I wouldn't consider the street triple a beginner bike in the same sense as these are. It's closer to a sport bike, considerably faster, less newbie friendly and more expensive too.
Thanks. Did you know Korean Hyosung GT650 is almost similar to this bike and having the beautiful fairing version? It's quite popular especially in India, Malaysia, even US i think. But still lack of good reviews. I hape you can make review on this bike too. Thanks Yammie!
I agree with you mostly on the SV650...having put over 4000miles on my 2018 SV650, it truly a great bike for all types of riding. However, I disagree with your comment on the throttle being twitchy. If you want to ride a twitchy throttle.... hop on the FZ-09, now that's a throttle that can get even the more experienced riders into trouble.
I've dome 51,000 km on my 2017 SV and it is really lurchy and snatchy around town. I test rode the dealer's SV too so i could have a comparison and although it was better it still had the same basic problem. Then i had a test ride on their V-Strom 650 and that was really quite OK and no snatch at all. So i don't think i'm imagining it. The snatching gets worse if you let the tyre pressures drop and if you neglect adjusting and oiling your chain then that seems to make it really super jerky. Yes, i never rode the old MT-09 but it is well known for this problem. I had a test on the 2019 MT-09 and they must have cured it, it was silky smooth throttle.
5:35 it has one touch start. Don’t hold the button.
I really hope I win the sv650 in the give away. I bought that sweet t-shirt to get them chances to win!
PS editing to say hi to my twin in blue lol F5v
As an sv650 veteran dont bother with a 180 rear its looks good other than that it fucks up the ride
Yes, he did missed the second gen which is the best ever. The second gen was starting to look dated compared to the Ninja and the Yamaha of those times, also Kawasaki was a bad revelation, they were able to produce an interior product in every way and sell it for more money and still sell a lot of it, that's when the Gladius came in, which was an attempt to increase the profit margins with the SV and it back fired on them, so now Suzuki Is trying to redeem themselves with a revised and updated SV that resemble more the original concept, to mimic the Ducati Monster. Back in 2008 the economy tank, and Suzuki didn't see it coming and didn't planned for it, and ever since they just haven't been able to rebound like the other brands. They are just not creating products type for the current hype and style of usage, I think Yamaha today is the only one risk taker and throwing the whole kitchen sink at creating exciting new models with cool designs and lively engines that are capturing the new wave of riders. All these companies go up and down in cycles.
883L Kawasaki makes much more exciting and innovative designed bikes just look at the new zx2r or an h2 along with the z 900 which our course the z650 is part of
Yes Yamaha is also earning points in the offroad world by offering the only Japanese 2 stroke dirtbike anymore. But... if they upped the anti, weight and even price closer to the ktms but also offered hydraulic clutch, electric start and counter balanced motors they might actually have a shot at winning a lot of us back from team orange.
Look up the Cagiva raptor 650 it’s an Italian bike with the SV650 motor but with Brembo’s and upside down forks and a better looking trellis frame 😀