Suzuki SV650 - Suzuki SV650 Review

The Suzuki SV650 has to be one of most under estimated bikes here in the UK if not worldwide, and a great sales success for Suzuki motorcycles. Whether bought as a new or used motorcycle this 650 motorcycle has become a firm favourite with novice riders as its so practical and very easy to ride. But the SV can also deliver great satisfaction and riding pleasure for even the more experienced rider.

With the SV650 Suzuki have managed to beautifully combine a sporty look and feel, but still make it feel like its a motorcycle that you can learn to ride on, commute to work or blast down twisty roads.

Suzuki have produced two versions of the SV650, the naked (no fairing) model 650 and the SV650S which comes with a half fairing. Most prefer the faired version, as for me, the naked version of the Suzuki SV would be my choice but then I'm a bit old school (or maybe just old) 6'2 and find the S versions riding position uncomfortable and a bit cramped, this is mainly due to the lower handlebars.

Really it doesn't matter which version you prefer, because I think you’ll find that any model Suzuki SV650 motorcycle is one of the best all round bikes you can buy. And it can be an absolute bargin if you can find and buy a good used one.

Having a good stiff chassis and quite sporty suspension, the suzuki SV 650 gives you confidence to to really lean into the corners, although experienced riders may find the suspension a bit soft if they can push the bike to its limits.

The 650 V-twin motor has plenty of usable power, about 70bhp at 9,000 rpm and bags of torque around 47ft-lbs at 7,500rpm. With a quarter mile time of 11.8 seconds, and a 0-60 of just 3.6 seconds, this model of Suzuki is not going to be the fastest bike you’ll ever ride, but with the bike being so balanced and very predicable, you will be able to see off almost any sports car and even some of the super sports bikes due to the SV having such a usable power band.

If this Suzuki motorcycle has to have a fault, it would be that the engine is maybe a bit to responsive to even the slightest throttle movement, and new riders may find this a bit off putting until they get the hang of it. However, other than this small glitch I think that the Suzuki SV650 is probably one of the best mid-range motorcycles that a new rider can learn on.

Engine: Liquid cooled, 8 valve, V-twin, 645cc
Power: 69bhp
Top speed: 123mph
Weight: 169kg

Find a good used Suzuki SV650 and you've got yourself an excellent starter bike into motorcycling.

You won't have to worry that your 3 year old Suzuki SV doesn't have the power of that newer Honda 600RR, you just have to remember that a good rider on that used SV will be able to ride rings around a new rider on just about anything.

For an experienced rider, even on a used Suzuki SV650 it is not going to be very difficult to humiliate any new rider on their new expensive motorcycle. So there you have it , any version of the SV650, with its strong V twin engine and excellent chassis is a great ride. Its a highly recommended combination that makes the Suzuki SV650 one of the best 650's and maybe one of the best all round motorcycles you could ever buy