Suzuki SV650S

Sweet Ride – I bought an SV650 after going through a few road bikes after I decided my body was no longer up to riding trail bikes (GSX750F, ZZR600 and a ZXR750). I thought a V twin would best suit my desires - I missed the torque of the DRZ400 and DR650 (I had between the GSX and the ZZR), and I remember the awesome experience riding a good mates TL1000R was many years ago.

I first test rode a 2005 model SV650N at a bike shop a few months ago. I was trying to be critical as I am over buying bikes I am not happy with. Other than slight vibes through the footpegs, I couldn't fault it.

I now own a 1999 SV650S that I got for a steal but it needs some love. However, this particular bike has less vibration than the later model bike I test rode. My bike has an aftermarket can on it, which sounds awesome but I can't comment if there is a noticable power gain.

Ergo's - The older model fits me better (173cm tall), and the seat has a little more padding. The N (naked) model has a more upright riding position which takes more pressure off the wrists. Seating position is comfortable and less cramped than most other road bikes I have ridden.

Engine - What a gem, it's not the fastest thing out there, but acceleration is strong thanks to the torque of the twin. It's forgiving too and doesn't take ages to spin up or bog like some 4 cylinders can. Injection is slightly better than the carb model, don't have to wait for warm up (where most engine wear occurs) and is more responsive through the mid range, however, the EFI does have a slight jerkyness or snatch to it with small throttle applications. Clutch and gear shifting is spot on, although I found the clutch does take a little getting used to as it appears to have a bit more of an on or off policy compared to other bikes I have ridden, almost like a hydraulic clutch even though it's cable. This bike will power wheelie in first and second gear despite what people think on you tube.

Handling & Suspension - Now it's time to pick on the SV a little. While the suspension feels well balanced to me, it's lack of adjustment in particular the forks, is where Suzuki decided to save money. This could be a problem if your weight and skill level is not matched. I find the steering a little on the slow side too, needs more input than other bikes I have ridden, though at least it has good steering like unlike the ZXR750.The conventional forks are also subject to errosion which takes away from the looks. This bike feels light, which is a welcome change for me and doesn't have the top heavy feel the TL1000R of the same era had.

Brakes - They work well enough. Rear is adequite, front is strong enough but has a woody feel. I don't rate tokico brakes very highly, nissin would have been a better option or better still brembo.

Quibbles - My bikes speedo reads double the speed I am actually doinig, a common issue that is usually due to a dealer giving you a speedo drive off a later model. The side stand does not extend far enough forward, so be careful to ensure the bike is stable before wandering off (test bike nearly fell over on the sales rep) and my stands spring is sagging. Horn is pathetic. Really should have adjustable USD forks in todays day and age.

Overall, best road machine I have ever owned, and equal with my DRZ400 for fun factor. You will probably have just as much fun, and be less at risk of loosing your licence than on the inline 4 croutch rockets. Once again Suzuki has put a smile on my face. The low cost and reliability Light, Torquey motor, looks, reliability Non adjustable forks, side stand, steering on the slow side

SV addiction – After buying a new sv650 back in 2002 I have just got rid of it with 312.000km on the clock and it was stilling running strong . These bikes are way better than their price tag would suggest , I was running around 120km each way to work and back each day and the only time it was ever off the road was for general maintainance , tires , oil changes , brakes etc . In which case i would ride my SV1000 . I could not afford to spend big $$$ on flash oil etc so i always used the cheapest oil i could find which here in NZ was Red Stamp oil 10-40 which was produced in thailand and was $20 for 4ltrs .

Everyone says it is junk but its done me just fine. The bike itself was super user friendly , Lite , cheap to service, super fun to ride and would be a blast for noobs and pro's alike. For me this bike was a work horse and i should have treated it a little better, as in letting it warm up for a min before taking off , but i never did, and puting new oil in it every 5000kn instead of every 10,000km.

Yep i did abuse this beaut wee bike but it just kept on going. In its 300,000 km with me it never failed to get me home , I also did tours on it of about 4000km a time every year. She was comfortable and reliable and handled like a dream for weekend scratching. Honestly i don't have a bad thing to say about it and it was so good i have just brought another 2002 SV650 .... a sweet little one lady owner with only 12000km on the clock so i know i have years of trouble free riding ahead of me .

If anyone is thinking of buying one of these little beauties all i can say is do it , you wont regret it. Oh I forgot to mention performance ..... its great , pulls from any gear and rev's freely right to redline, though i didn't do that very often , but on a daily basis i would rev it to 9-10k revs and never let the engine lug as i believe lugging the engine is worse than red lining it. Suzuki hit the nail on the head with this bike.....perfect. Excellent everyday bike that will get you there and back and you can have fun while doing it front suspention if i had to choose something ... but you can live with it

Great All Rounder – I have owned my 2004 SV650s for 3 years now. WOW, What a great bike the SV is and I can see why it's hugely popular. Firstly, amazing engine! heaps of power available from low in the rev range and all 6 gears, perfect for town and highway riding. Extremely reliable and easy to service. I ride with wifey on the back and the sv handles this fine. Ample amount of mods are available for this bike as they are popular bikes to race in the V-Twin class.

Another good reason to buy this bike is the huge online community at SVRIDERS where you will learn everything and anything about this bike. Powerful V-Twin, Lightweight & Nimble, Looks, Sound, Easy to Service, Many Mods Available... Front Suspension pretty poor from factory but easy to improve with heavier fork oil and new springs.