Thursday 10th March 2016

Suzuki SV650: PH2 review

Could it be a welcome return to form for Suzuki's popular middleweight?

---

Everyone loves a Suzuki SV650, right? With over 410,000 produced since its launch in 1999, it's fair to say this middleweight V-twin has a special place in many hearts. Back in the day it revolutionised the class, embarrassing more than a few sports bike riders thanks to its agile handling and punchy V-twin. And all the time doing it on a shoestring budget.

Nearly half a million sold since 1999

More recently things have turned rather sour for the SV. The rot started in 2009 when the Gladius emerged, replacing cool SV minimalism with a tart's handbag of a bike that wallowed its way around bends. Then, two years ago, Yamaha unveiled the MT-07 and the back end fell out of the SV's world. Bikes were heavily discounted to the point of almost being given away and life was pretty miserable.

Happily, this has all changed for 2016 with an all-new SV650 that, Suzuki hopes, will reinvigorate the sporty side while retaining its friendly nature. All for £5,499, a handy £250 less than the Yamaha MT-07...

Is it really a new SV?
On first impressions the SV650 looks like a restyled Gladius. Thankfully, it isn't. The V-twin engine has received 60 alterations including new pistons, electro-chemically coated bores, ten-hole fuel injectors and a few electronic tweaks such as a new low rpm assist function. More of which later.

The net result is a small increase in power, a fruitier air box sound and a claimed 73mpg. Which is a touch optimistic in my experience. The chassis is the same trellis style as the Gladius; however, it has different weight distribution, far better styling, a narrower waist (giving it a lower 785mm seat height) and a bit of a re-jig to its suspension. Suzuki claims 80 changes in total and a 6kg weight loss to the chassis alone. Many will be happy the Gladius's horrible combined rider/pillion footpeg assembly has been banished, replaced with sportier separate units.

More power, les fuel - win!

Does it work?
Visually, the SV does look good. It's not crazy modern like the MT, but it is classically cool. The digital dash is a nice touch (and now includes a gear indicator) and attention to detail like black bars, a sporty stripe in the paint and new exhaust system all helps. And you don't need to pull the clutch lever in to start this SV! A new 'easy start' system means that if the bike is in neutral, hit the starter button once and the bike will automatically turn over until it fires into life. Pointless but nice to have.

And the same could be said for the low rpm assist, which is supposed to increase the revs slightly at the point the clutch starts to bite to help reduce the chances of a stall. As such you can pull away without a hand on the throttle, should you feel the urge. Trinkets aside, what Suzuki should be shouting about is the fact this bike reminds you just how good an SV actually is!

The SV650 has been around for so long it is all too easy to forget what a cracking little bike it is. The V-twin motor is an absolute peach, with a lovely linear spread of torque and a healthy dose of speed. It's not quite as spirited as the MT's parallel twin, but it is really easy to get along with irrespective of your level of riding experience. Taking it gently through town or thrashing it on the back roads, the SV's engine responds perfectly and without fuss or hesitation. And it is all backed up by an excellent chassis.

SVs have always handled well, but this new model is certainly the best to date. The suspension is lacking adjustment (only the damper's preload can be tweaked) and when you really get going the huge hero bobs do scrape, but that's only because you can push it far further than you expect. Much like the old model! There is a whole SV race series in the UK and they only stiffen the forks and upgrade the damper before destroying lap times, which demonstrates the bike's sporting potential. Once again sports bike riders need to keep a wary eye on their mirrors this summer...

New digital dash a nice touch

MT or SV, that is the question...
Fair play to Suzuki, the MT-07 is a cracker but the SV650 is equally impressive. It may not quite have the Yamaha's instant punch when it comes to power, but it felt more composed in the bends than the MT with slightly better suspension. The price puts it on a par and Suzuki will likely match Yamaha's PCP deals, so it really is back in the running. The look might be a bit too safe for some but, by the same token, others hate the neo-Japanese MT.

For those who've always loved the SV it's great to have it back in contention and see Suzuki realise that getting back to its roots can result in some great bikes. Fingers crossed this bodes well for the 2017 GSX-R1000...

---

SUZUKI SV650
Engine: 645cc V-twin
Power (hp): 75@8,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 47@ 8,100rpm
Top speed: 135mph (est.)
Weight: 195kg (wet)
MPG: 73 (claimed)
Price: £5,499

Watch the video here.

 

[Gecko1978]

got to assume a faired version will appear in the coming 12 months and it will look a cracker as the old one did. also 73mpg really with 75hp or around 300BHP per ton it really will be a rather swift commuting tool.

[3795mpower]

Great all rounder.
Mine has been a fun reliable & cheap to run machine since I bought it new many years ago.
The V-twin is a great little motor & always sounds great with a pipe

[The Angry Gopher]

3795mpower said:

Great all rounder.
Mine has been a fun reliable & cheap to run machine since I bought it new many years ago.
The V-twin is a great little motor & always sounds great with a pipe

Even better with two pipes

[GingerNinja]

While I'm glad Suzuki are still making it, I just find it a little bland and uninteresting visually.

[R66STU]

I had this shape,I threw it at my local SV Specialist and spent about £1500 on race pipes, a power commander tail tidy, stiffer fork springs plus a few other extras, It really opened it up and transformed the bike. Not to mention made it sound amazing,

Its the best shape sv650 IMO, and it was £4800 brand new in 2011. It really was a quick V Twin sports bike, that did not get left behind by bigger bikes (in the real world, on real roads) rather than the urban commuter it seems to have evolved into.

[Baryonyx]

3795mpower said:

Great all rounder.
Mine has been a fun reliable & cheap to run machine since I bought it new many years ago.
The V-twin is a great little motor & always sounds great with a pipe

They really nailed the looks with that one. The SV650 never looked better than than the curvy faired model.

[RicharDC5]

A white 650 like the one posted above is a strong contender for my next bike. Seems like a bargain when they aren't much above £4000 when looking around.

On the clutch assist, wouldn't it be safer for the bike to just stall instead of lurching forward if the person riding is being a tool with the clutch?

[SteveSteveson]

Bugger. I thought I was down to an MT07 or a nearly new MT09 when I finally get round to a new bike.

The clutch assist does sound stupid. I agree, better to stall. I like the start assist though, if only because it will stop me panicking that something is wrong when I don't press the starter button quite long enough when it's cold.

[DM79]

I love mine, they make a great first big bike!