KING OF THE MIDDLEWEIGHTS?
Suzuki’s SV650 has been the go-to choice for learners, commuters and track day enthusiasts for over 20 years. It might not be the quickest or most sophisticated machine on the market, but there’s a reason why it continues to sell in good numbers. We spent a couple of weeks putting it through its paces to see what makes it so special.
The Suzuki SV650 has been around for a while. Twenty-one years to be exact. That’s got to be long enough to iron out any little niggles, surely.
The biggest visual change since its launch in 1999 has been the development of the frame from an aluminium unit to a steel trellis one – and the half fairing of the original S model is gone too, replaced by the café racer-styled SV650X. The tank has an unmistakable Suzuki shape, and I’m a fan of the fully exposed cables and hoses, too.
The front mudguard looks like it’s been fitted back-to-front with next to no protection for the engine, but such is the current fashion.
It’s been much the same throughout its long life, but we may see some changes to the SV next year, as it needs to be updated to meet the new Euro 5 emissions regulations. We’re hoping the factory upgrades the bike rather than drops it from the range, as it would be difficult to imagine Suzuki’s line-up without the SV.
There is a reason why the SV has been doing the rounds for so long
– it’s a fantastic bike. No, really it is! Don’t let the power figures or the age of the machine fool you, the SV is still fun, sorted and relevant.
As soon as you start the engine, the rumble from the 645cc V-twin lets you know that you’re in for a good time. At tickover it sounds like a bigger machine, and as you ride it – especially above 5000rpm – the noise gets even more glorious and grininducing, making you want to hang on to the gears a little longer than strictly necessary. And don’t worry, you’ll hear it ok even with earplugs in.
The riding position is comfortable, but compact. The pegs are fairly high, and you lean a little towards the handlebars.
The seat is firm, but comfortable, and the lack of screen means no buffeting. The overall feel is relaxed but committed, with plenty of a feel of what’s happening underneath you.
One aspect of the bike that surprised me was the enthusiastic, but smooth power delivery. And having just ridden the Royal Enfield Interceptor before this bike, the difference between two 650cc twins was astounding: the extra power that the SV has makes it feel sportier and more alive, and naturally, it makes things like overtakes much easier.
Performance levels were upped again when I jumped on the CB650R, which in comparison feels more like a big litre-bike with its four-cylinder engine and superior power.
Pleasant surprises continued with the SV’s gearbox. It’s super-smooth with quick and decisive action, whether you bother with the clutch or not. This is one bike where a quickshifter would be an utter waste of money.
Although the SV seems to punch above its weight in many respects, it still retains the benefits of a smaller bike. The main one being light and accurate handling. The handlebars aren’t very wide, but because the steering is so light it feels like you have plenty of leverage. With the quickturning nature of the machine, it’s difficult to resist the urge to do a little slalom when you’re bored in slowmoving traffic.
Riding faster, the composed feel of the SV doesn’t falter. The suspension is firm, but not harsh or crashy. Fast cornering is stable, hard braking doesn’t upset the forks, and you constantly feel connected to the road. Whatever speed you choose to ride at, the SV makes the job easy and enjoyable.
Brakes are powerful and sharp enough to bring you to a halt quickly. I tested the Tokico front brakes in anger as a driver pulled up in front of me from a side street; they brought me to a stop with enough time to gesticulate wildly at the driver in the car before I continued my journey.
The two things absent from the SV package are bells and whistles. This is a simple bike with no added extras, but you know what, there was absolutely nothing missing that I felt I needed on the bike. Everything from power delivery to suspension, from the riding position to brakes is so well set up that I can’t see any need for adjustment or electronic help.
One thing that would make the bike more suitable for the kind of riding I do, would be the ability to add luggage. As it is, there are no bungee hooks for a tail pack, although a top box and tank bag are available from Suzuki.