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
- Top speed126mph
- Weight169kg
- Average fuel consumption40mpg
- Capacity645cc
- Seat height800mm
- EngineLiquid cooled, four stroke, DOHC, V Twin
Suzuki SV650 Insurance
Suzuki SV650 Photos
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Owner Reviews
Pros
Narrow, low to ground for 5.7 rider.
Cons
Softer ride.
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Quite stiff going over bumps but great on on normal roads.
Solid construction as you would expect by Suzuki. The SV has been round for a long time and now finally looks the part too match the performance.
Great brakes.
Great lightweight narrow bike. Perfect for commuting if you need to get past traffic.
650 on a lightweight bike. Never ever struggled on my motorway commutes. Got the power there as it's a v-twin ready and waiting.
Roughly over 220 miles a week - would require two fuel stops per week. Using premium unleaded 1 full tank would be £15.
Pros
Perfect first big bike, great commuter whilst being fantastically fun at the weekend too.
Cons
More responsive suspension.
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Great for the commute, good for long journeys.
Never broken down.
Two front brakes powerful enough to stop you sharply when you need them, with plenty of feel for the novice rider.
Lovely lightweight and flickable big bike.
Great first bike.
Great value to run.
Pros
Paint work.
Cons
Tire inflation sensors.
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Soft seat.
No problems.
Sharp.
Great handling.
650 twin great power.
Great insurance.
Pros
It sounds good with a race pipe. It's comfortable for touring. Fuel economy is good. Very underrated meaning very keen prices.
Cons
Overall build quality
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Medium weight handles well in corners
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.
Overall build quality
Build quality is good but still not as good as Honda. No mechanical faults.
Good grip. Brakes are reasonable. Emergency stops have been done.
Pros
Loveable little machine with enough torque to put a grin on your face, perfect for A2 riders and DAS riders alike.
Cons
Build quality and suspension
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Corners well, however sometimes you feel the backend slipping out. Front end feels like a pogo stick under braking. Would benefit from suspension upgrades.
Torquey and fun, perfect for A2 licence riders like myself
Build quality and suspension
Reg rectifier caused me a 3 mile push home one rainy night
Front brakes are double discs and are very sharp, rear can lock up if pressed too hard
Pros
FUN AND EASY TO RIDE
Cons
Better night lights
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Light and easy to ride
The engine in my bike fuel injected and the performance is brilliant for the engine size
Cheap to run and insure.
excellent build quality
Brakes well, dual disc on the front, drum on the rear.
Pros
Seat height Smooth Power Braking system
Cons
Seat comfort.
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Lightweight with great seat height. Smooth ride on all roads I've encountered so far.
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.
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.
Built quality generally seems ok. Had a crack in the rear fairing but dealer was quick to sort.
Always feel confident when braking, even when it's a little late.
Pros
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
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.
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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
Good power for commuting and motorways with a 100kg rider (i.e. me!)
Too early to tell after 1year and 4k miles.
Had it for 1 year and 4k miles so hard to tell so far. Seems fine although taking the seat off is a hustle.
ABS seems nice although I cannot really tell the difference.
Pros
Handing going into corners
Cons
Slipper clutch
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Easy to ride, great torque and excellent handling.
Good fuel consumption and parts are average prices.
Pros
Its v twin torque. Its so addictive and for a big feeling bike its easy to throw in and out of the corners.
Cons
Shocks
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Ride is ok. Obviously the front shocks and brakes are a bit lame and spongey but there ate plenty of options to upgrade.
Vtwin torque is so much fun. Pulls away quick. Tops out about 128.
Cheap as chips in everything. Fuel, insurance and maintenance.
Pretty solid built. Feels sturdy and robust especially when am throwing it around the twistys of Scotland.
Brakes are good anf responsive, however the shocks kind let it down.
Pros
Handles really well and pulls nicely
Cons
Fix the wet weather issues with the bike which I have done by putting a guard over the front spark plug to stop the water getting in
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Corners great. Rides well, heavy engine braking so unless used it feels jolty
Feels quite powerful
When I commute I do about 200 miles a week which costs me about £15
Regulator issues also if ridden in rain front cylinder clogs with water causing stuttering and stalling
Handles braking quite well but the brakes themselves are lacking
Pros
Light and nimble
Cons
Suspension!
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Light and agile, turns and steers quickly
Peachy v twin, smooth and reasonable power
Pretty good on fuel, servicing far less than my Ducati, no surprises there!
Typical Suzuki build, not up to Honda quality
Uprated with Hel stainless brake lines and sintered pads, much better.
Pros
Would recommend for everyday riding, nice first big bike.
Cons
Quality of materials they can rust.
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Superb unbreakable
Quality of materials they can rust.
Some cheap materials
Pros
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
Front forks are a little soft for some Lacks the styling of other newer models such as the MT07
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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.
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
Front forks are a little soft for someLacks the styling of other newer models such as the MT07
Stunning piece of kit. Everything feels solid.
With ABS this thing stops dead. Without, the braking distances are increased but still feels like there's lots of easily controllable stopping power
Pros
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
Back brakes
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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.
Will pull your arms off if you ask it to. But is very well controlled and had a great power delivery.
Back brakes
100%
Front brakes are supreme. Back brakes are shocking and can't stop the bike, purely for stability.