Suzuki SV650 Overview
Straightforward, versatile, affordable and plenty of fun: just some of the words which are used to describe the SV650. This middleweight V-twin bike shows that it is possible to be a good all-rounder without compromising on quality. It’s also so easy to ride that novice riders will find it a breeze whilst experienced riders will also find something to love. With a new 2016 model on the market, the used prices for the earlier bikes are also pretty sweet.
The SV650 has a liquid-cooled DOHC engine which is so smooth you barely know its running. It is flexible and responsive and more than capable of handling just about anything thrown at it. Suzuki engines are generally reliable too which means you can take this out in confidence. It also offers a light ride with handles well, with accurate steering and more than adequate suspension and brakes. It is let down a little by the lack of space for taller riders but those of average height should find the riding position comfortable whether you want to thrash this bike on the track or pile it with luggage and go touring.
It’s worth noting that this is a bargain bike which means that it doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles but this is certainly something which could be changed over time. It is competitively priced with low running costs and cheap insurance. Although it remains a popular bike, these bikes are easy to pick up especially if you opt for an earlier model.
Suzuki SV650 Spec
| Seat height |
800mm |
| Weight |
169kg |
| Engine |
Liquid cooled, four stroke, DOHC, V Twin |
| Capacity |
645cc |
| Average fuel consumption |
40mpg |
| Top speed |
126mph |
| Insurance group |
– |
Suzuki SV650 Gallery
Owner Reviews |
| Submitted by: | Chris | Review Date: February 2017 |
Comfort | | No weather protection | | Ride Quality | | |
| Build Quality & Reliability | | Some cheap materials |
| Engine Rating | | Superb unbreakable |
| Brake Rating | | |
| Running Cost | | Quality of materials they can rust. |
| Overall | | |
| Pros Comments | Would recommend for everyday riding, nice first big bike. |
| Cons Comments | Quality of materials they can rust. |
| Submitted by: | Dave McCallum | Review Date: March 2017 |
Comfort | | Fantastic riding position and handlebar placement. Seat can get a little hard feeling after a couple of hours in the saddle. | | Ride Quality | | As good as the SV650 has ever been. The front forks are still considered a little soft, but it's perfect for city commuting with weekend fun. |
| Build Quality & Reliability | | Stunning piece of kit. Everything feels solid. |
| Engine Rating | | It lacks the explosion of power that the inline-fours have, but this engine is super torquey at low revs. Great fun for overtaking, and zipping about town |
| Brake Rating | | With ABS this thing stops dead. Without, the braking distances are increased but still feels like there's lots of easily controllable stopping power |
| Running Cost | | Front forks are a little soft for someLacks the styling of other newer models such as the MT07 |
| Overall | | |
| Pros Comments | Great bike. As my first I wasn't expecting something so versatile. It's fantastic for the daily commute, easy to control (which makes filtering a doddle), and great fun at the weekends with enough power to put a smile on your face each time you take her out. The torque low down in the rev-range. Excellent first bike. Cheap to run.
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| Cons Comments | Front forks are a little soft for some
Lacks the styling of other newer models such as the MT07
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| Submitted by: | Nigel | Review Date: March 2017 |
Comfort | | Large comfortable seat, allows for varied riding positions | | Ride Quality | | Compared to a Nina and Aprilia, translation is more difficult, need to have revs spot on. Quite heavy and difficult to lean past 45 degrees. |
| Build Quality & Reliability | | 100% |
| Engine Rating | | Will pull your arms off if you ask it to. But is very well controlled and had a great power delivery. |
| Brake Rating | | Front brakes are supreme. Back brakes are shocking and can't stop the bike, purely for stability. |
| Running Cost | | Back brakes |
| Overall | | |
| Pros Comments | Great bike. Everyone should own one at some point in their motorcycle journey. It pulls like a dog and is so reliable. Bullet proof engin. Only down points are the back breaks and the slightly "boaty" feeling compared to a sports bike. |
| Cons Comments | Back brakes |
| Submitted by: | Nick | Review Date: March 2017 |
Comfort | | Great for touring | | Ride Quality | | Medium weight handles well in corners |
| Build Quality & Reliability | | Build quality is good but still not as good as Honda. No mechanical faults. |
| Engine Rating | | It's has power where I need it. It's not a sports bike bit has the power in the mid range. Ideal for touring. |
| Brake Rating | | Good grip. Brakes are reasonable. Emergency stops have been done. |
| Running Cost | | Overall build quality |
| Overall | | |
| Pros Comments | It sounds good with a race pipe. It's comfortable for touring. Fuel economy is good. Very underrated meaning very keen prices. |
| Cons Comments | Overall build quality |
| Submitted by: | Tom Campbell | Review Date: May 2017 |
Comfort | | Comfortable to ride but over long distances it can get a bit heavy on the wrists | | Ride Quality | | Corners well, however sometimes you feel the backend slipping out. Front end feels like a pogo stick under braking. Would benefit from suspension upgrades. |
| Build Quality & Reliability | | Reg rectifier caused me a 3 mile push home one rainy night |
| Engine Rating | | Torquey and fun, perfect for A2 licence riders like myself |
| Brake Rating | | Front brakes are double discs and are very sharp, rear can lock up if pressed too hard |
| Running Cost | | Build quality and suspension |
| Overall | | |
| Pros Comments | Loveable little machine with enough torque to put a grin on your face, perfect for A2 riders and DAS riders alike. |
| Cons Comments | Build quality and suspension |
| Submitted by: | Kev Edwards | Review Date: October 2017 |
Comfort | | Comfortable enough on long journeys | | Ride Quality | | Light and easy to ride |
| Build Quality & Reliability | | excellent build quality |
| Engine Rating | | The engine in my bike fuel injected and the performance is brilliant for the engine size |
| Brake Rating | | Brakes well, dual disc on the front, drum on the rear. |
| Running Cost | | Cheap to run and insure. |
| Overall | | |
| Pros Comments | FUN AND EASY TO RIDE |
| Cons Comments | Better night lights |
| Submitted by: | The Stace | Review Date: November 2017 |
Comfort | | Generally it is a very nice bike to ride. I use it every day to commute. Can ride for about an hour before the seat gets too uncomfortable and I have to take a break. Wouldn't have a pillion as there isn't a lot space. | | Ride Quality | | Lightweight with great seat height. Smooth ride on all roads I've encountered so far. |
| Build Quality & Reliability | | Built quality generally seems ok. Had a crack in the rear fairing but dealer was quick to sort. |
| Engine Rating | | Has plenty of power in reserve for when it's needed. Doesn't feel like it it will chuck you off wish is great for a new rider. |
| Brake Rating | | Always feel confident when braking, even when it's a little late. |
| Running Cost | | Tank can get about 200miles which suits me as it covers a round trip to other offices without issues. Can't comment on yearly costs as only had it a few months but cheaper to run than my car. |
| Overall | | |
| Pros Comments | Seat height Smooth Power Braking system |
| Cons Comments | Seat comfort. |
| Submitted by: | Edward | Review Date: November 2017 |
Comfort | | Fine for short distances. Used for a long 2h30mn journey and my back was numb after 90 minutes…admittedly I am also out of practice of long trips and my back and bum are not used to long journeys either | | Ride Quality | | Good for commute in town and motorway, although in the latter it is windier than the Gladius which had a bigger front headlamp faring. BUt I like this one for the looks…it does not look like taken out of Transformers film. Has the power and comfort. Feels light despute it's 200kg |
| Build Quality & Reliability | | Had it for 1 year and 4k miles so hard to tell so far. Seems fine although taking the seat off is a hustle. |
| Engine Rating | | Good power for commuting and motorways with a 100kg rider (i.e. me!) |
| Brake Rating | | ABS seems nice although I cannot really tell the difference. |
| Running Cost | | Too early to tell after 1year and 4k miles. |
| Overall | | |
| Pros Comments | It's a tested and proven mid range Suzuki 650…they have not really re-invented the wheel here…from a rider/consumer point of view. Does the job nicely. |
| Cons Comments | I cannot understand why: 1) Petrol tank getting smaller…as a commuter I would like maximum range…the original SV's had about 18L capacity (if I remember correctly). I seem to spend half my life filling up at petrol stations. 2) The SV was 166kg dry…why are the new ones 200kg? The lightness of the original SV was like riding on the wings of angels 3) Consumption in town is about 15% to 20% higher than on the road, the fuel gage light comes on quite soon. |
| Submitted by: | Baha | Review Date: November 2017 |
Comfort | | Seat feels a little uncomfortable after a while. | | Ride Quality | | Easy to ride, great torque and excellent handling. |
| Build Quality & Reliability | | |
| Engine Rating | | |
| Brake Rating | | |
| Running Cost | | Good fuel consumption and parts are average prices. |
| Overall | | |
| Pros Comments | Handing going into corners |
| Cons Comments | Slipper clutch |
