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 | | |
| 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 | | |
| 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. |
| Cons Comments | Front forks are a little soft for some
Lacks the styling of other newer models such as the MT07 |
| 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 | | |
| 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 | | |
| 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 | | |
| 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 |
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