Suzuki SV650

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Suzuki SV650

2006 Suzuki SV650S
Manufacturer	Suzuki
Production	1999 - present
Class	Standard/naked bike

2004 Suzuki SV650

2003 Suzuki SV650S

2002 Suzuki SV650

Race Prepped 2001 SV650

2001 Suzuki SV650S

2008 Cafe Racer Styled SV650

The SV650 and variants are street motorcycles manufactured since 1999 for the international market by the Suzuki Motor Corporation, featuring a mid-sized V-twin engine and medium performance components. In 2009 Suzuki replaced the naked SV650 with the Suzuki SFV650 Gladius.

First generation (1999–2002)

Suzuki introduced the SV650 in 1999 as a budget entry in the emerging naked bike market and, as of 2008, offered both naked and fully faired. With a MSRP of $5699 in the US, the bike provided a sporty though easily manageable ride. The combination of light weight, rigid chassis, strong handling, and the V-twin's strong mid-range torque appealed to beginner and experienced riders alike. While Suzuki has clearly modeled the first generation of the bikes aesthetics after the Suzuki TL1000S, There is also a clear influence from the Ducati Monster. The TL is still considered the "big brother" of the better-behaved SV650. The 2003 SV1000 replaced the TL Series (TL1000S and TL1000R) and Suzuki marketed it as a bigger alternative to the second generation SV650. European aficionados sometimes refer to the first generation models as "curvies" and differentiate them from the "pointies", the more angular second generation models.

The SV650 immediately became wildly popular, but American buyers wanted the sportier 'S' version that featured lower handlebars, higher foot pegs and a bikini fairing and windscreen, available only in the European and Canadian markets. American magazines ran articles describing how to import it into the United States. In 2000, Suzuki began importing the SV650S to the U.S.

Because of the relatively low purchase price and excellent handling characteristics, the SV650 became popular with racers which prompted a rebirth of the "lightweight twins" racing classes across North America and the SV650 began winning against the aged Suzuki GS500, Honda NT650 and Kawasaki Ninja 500R, which previously populated the class.

Second generation (2003–present)

In 2003, Suzuki redesigned the SV650 with a new pressure-cast aluminum truss frame, new bodywork, new swing-arm with revised rear brake caliper mounting, new exhaust, brand new digital speedometer display and a new electronic fuel injection/induction system to replace the carburetor. The new fuel injection/induction system has a certain advantage over the carburetor since it does not need to be cleaned nor does it have trouble from a cold start up. The new model failed to gain initial acceptance by new riders, largely because the new angular aesthetic looked more aggressive and visually larger than the "curvy" first generation SV650. The 2003 SV650s also supported some first generation parts (like the rearsets and radiator) thus making 2003 a unique year for finding and repairing certain parts. The tail frame is also angled up higher than 2004+ models. Other than these changes the motor is relatively unchanged and is still the crown jewel of the motorcycle. First model first iterations also had a problem with crankshafts failing when raced or ridden excessively hard. The 2003 SV650s also came in a special edition Burning Copper color that is found only in 2003 and also other Suzuki Bikes such as the GSX-R1000 and the GSX-R1300.

For 2004, Suzuki used a new, 40 mm lower subframe and a seat with a narrower design in the front. The trail was raised by 2 mm, and the rear fender was restyled to clean up the area under the tail lights and provide more protection against flying debris.

In 2005, the frame was changed from silver to a matte black finish.

For 2007, both SV650 and SV650S added twin spark plugs per cylinder and an exhaust gas oxygen sensor for reduced emissions. An anti-lock braking system(ABS)was also added as an option.

As of 2008, alongside the traditional SV650 and SV650S models, Suzuki offer a new SV650Sport (UK) or SV650SF (US) model with a more traditional complete fairing. The SV650S has been removed from the US market.

September 30, 2008, Suzuki Australia introduced the SV650SU, a detuned version of the SV650S, to augment their range of motorcycles that comply with the country's Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS).^[1]

The 2009 Suzuki SFV650 Gladius replaced the Sv650 naked version in the USA, however a naked 2009 Sv650 is available in Canada.

The MSRP of the 2009 model is $7,499 USD which is a $600 increase from previous year.

Modifications and aftermarket support

Suzuki kept the SV650 profitable by scrimping on suspension. Many riders replaced the under-sprung and under-damped forks with reasonably-priced cartridge-simulator kits, and/or upgraded fork springs. More obsessed racers and enthusiasts opted to swap complete front ends. On the 1st generation (1999-2002) models, the Suzuki GSX-R750 SRAD models or Kawasaki Ninja ZX-636 will fit with minor machining. On the 2nd generation (2003+) SV650, the 2003+ GSX-R600, 750, or 1000 model front ends nearly "drop-in". Such replacements typically also benefited braking performance by replacing the stock two-piston callipers with four-piston callipers, some of which are radially mounted. The budget minded simply replaced stock brake pads and flimsy brake lines with aftermarket parts for marked improvement. Popular rear shock upgrades range from expensive aftermarket replacements from Penske, Ohlins, or Elka or, more affordable, a fully-adjustable rear shock from the 2nd generation Kawasaki Ninja ZX-636, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R or the 2nd generation SV650. Rear suspension upgrades require very little modification to install. Adding an exhaust system, an EFI tuner box, suspension and brake upgrades utterly transform the SV650s, turning them from competent sporty commuter bikes into bona fide middleweight track monsters for as little as $1500 in modifications.

Specifications

SV650 specifications:^[2]

Performance

References

See also

• Suzuki SV400
• Suzuki SV1000
• Suzuki DL650 V-Strom
• Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom

External links

• Suzuki SV650S review Road test of the Suzuki SV650 and SV650S
• Motorcycle.com 1999 Suzuki SV650
• Motorcycle.com 2000 Valuebike Shootout
• Suzuki SV650 and SV650S model history