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Suzuki SV 650 in the driving report

Honest drives the longest

The new Suzuki SV 650 wants to find its way back to the strengths of the original model: timeless design, lightness, elegance, character and a V2 engine that is probably the best of its kind on this side of 100 HP.

E.There are motorcycles that, over time, have assumed larger-than-life status. And they don’t even have to be particularly exclusive, lightning fast or extremely expensive. Suzuki’s SV 650 is such a motorcycle. In the years after its mark-up in 1999, it sold across Europe like bratwurst at Bikertreff. The reasons for the success are quickly clear: It was easy, it was beautiful, it was the only one in the class with a great V2, and therefore exactly the right pressure in exactly the right places. It didn’t have any major weaknesses, and it was really cheap. Bought, said many, whether as a naked or later as a half-clad Suzuki SV 650 S.

Suzuki SV 650 in the driving report

Honest drives the longest

Suzuki SV 650 with a beginner-friendly character

The gladius is history now. The SV is now called SV again, and that documents the return to old virtues. “Keep it simple” is the right motto. First of all, this is reflected in the strongly cleared out look of the new Suzuki SV 650: classic round headlights, clear, simple shapes, an ordinary exhaust instead of the gladius ulcer that takes getting used to, and a sleek, sporty, slim rear . Committed to the past, nicely tidy and timeless instead of interchangeable-futuristic or retro-hip. We’re glad. A positive side effect of the detox treatment is an impressive eight kilo weight savings compared to the previous model.

The engineers from Hamamatsu have also sharpened the drive. 60 new or changed parts are to be installed on the 645 cubic V2, including new pistons, new cylinders, double ignition, new injection, new airbox, etc. This increases the rated power from 72 HP to 76 HP, and the engine now complies with Euro 4. The digital cockpit is also new, it is the same component as on the GSX-S 1000, including gear indicator. Chassis, suspension and ergonomics have been revised, but basically come from the Gladius, whose beginner-friendly character the Suzuki SV 650 has inherited.

At just 785 millimeters, the seat height of the Suzuki SV 650 is very low, and the seat and tank are beautifully narrow and have a great shape. Good for little people and good for intimate contact with the motorcycle. There is also enough space to the rear for larger pilots. The seating position is good, normal for its class. That means: footrests not very high, handlebars rather narrow and not too far forward. Typical naked bike comfort with a well-dosed pinch of sportiness. Feels right. Nothing tweaks, that makes you want more. Unfortunately, the weather god probably also drove SV 650 earlier, because Petrus ’thick tears of joy turn the wonderful coastal roads around the Spanish Lloret de Mar into rather soapy run on the day of the journey. The following driving impressions are therefore expressly provisional due to the lack of grippy cornering.

New V2 with an extremely successful sound

So let’s first pay attention to the revised engine, a wonderfully easy-to-handle unit. The water-cooled 90-degree twin combines good manners with sporty flavor. In town, he strolls smoothly and lazily in high gear, already pulling 2000 turns without hacking or whipping. Even at such low speeds, the torque is decent, and the drive then increases its power very evenly over the entire speed range. Above 6000 laps, sporty natures are finally satisfied, from here on there is a little extra kick. The 645-V2 of the new Suzuki SV 650 has fun with the revs, provides enough power with enthusiasm for a brisk country road trip. The specified maximum power is credible and on par with the competition. He works as charismatically as only a V-engine can. There are certainly vibrations, but they are pleasantly pulsating and contribute more to enjoyment. "Rumble" says Suzuki. Like. As is the extremely successful sound. A sonorous V-beat under load, shimmering hotly upwards, so deeply meditating in push mode from the air filter box that one believes in loudspeaker trickery or at least one suspects a significantly larger drive unit under the tank. Really nice and subjectively a big plus.

The transmission and clutch emphasize the feel-good character of the engine. The former provides satisfaction with its clean and easy shiftability, the latter simply does its job. Compared to the particularly wobbly Gladius at the rear, the new Suzuki SV 650 is firmer. It seems that with unchanged components, the reduced weight has a positive effect on driving behavior. No, this is not a GSX-R, the suspension elements are, as is usual in this class, of a simple design. Only the rear preload can be adjusted 7 times. For a mid-range bike and under the given conditions, the SV rides stress-free, uncomplicated and playful.

Not good standard tires

The chassis is unpretentious and gives confidence even when wet, a good sign. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the first tires on the new Suzuki SV 650. Too often a tiresome subject, not just at Suzuki. The Dunlop Qualifier is, not to be fooled by the name, a sporty country road tire – but one that is now very gray. He is said to have very good dry grip, which we couldn’t really check. Rather moderate wet grip and wooden feedback do not match the demands of this bike. Beginner-friendly motorcycles want tires like these, and they aren’t.

Finally, it should be noted that the front brake is quite blunt. The delay is okay, but this requires a strong right-hand man, and of course the controllability suffers. That doesn’t necessarily have to be the case, snappy rubbers could certainly help, after all, the new Suzuki SV 650 has a perfectly functioning Nissin ABS on board.

Apart from that, however, and especially given the low price of 6390 euros – that’s a whopping 900 euros below the Gladius – the new SV 650 promises a big step in the right direction. Suzuki has turned the right screws. The SV 650 is thus moving back to its origins, being a simple, fun, timeless and honest motorcycle in the best sense of the word. And honest still drives the longest.

Technical data Suzuki SV 650

Suzuki

Newly stripped Suzuki SV 650: a pretty V-engine in a clearly structured tubular space frame results in an extremely coherent overall concept.

Suzuki SV 650: prices and offers

Used Suzuki SV 650 in Germany

Regardless of whether it is the new edition or the original model of the Suzuki SV 650, there are countless of them on the market. If you want to buy such an excellent, sporty and at the same time easy to use bike, you should visit the used motorcycle exchange. Due to the large number of available Suzuki SV650 motorcycles as good as new can be dusted off at low prices: Used Suzuki SV 650 in Germany

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