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Suzuki SV 650 in the top test

Everything at the beginning

Lots of motorcycles for the money – and in the center of the action a magnificent, lively twin. Suzuki mixed up the middle class with the SV 650 at the turn of the millennium. The new Suzuki SV 650 wants to pick up exactly there again.

E.This was a tailor-made debut for the Suzuki SV 650. When Suzuki launched the SV 650 in 1999, it immediately dominated the middle class for years. But the other manufacturers didn’t sleep, so the Gladius was supposed to judge the stronger competition (also from their own company in the form of the Bandit 650) from 2009. A claim that she never really lived up to. The half-baked chassis set-up stood in the way, the rounded look was not everyone’s taste. Only the famous 90-degree twin remained. But that was not enough.

Suzuki SV 650 in the top test

Everything at the beginning

Is that a 250?

A seat height of just 780 mm is ten less than with the Gladius, which is certainly not high, and does not represent an insurmountable hurdle even for smaller or inexperienced people. People with a guard size or above, on the other hand, have to bend their legs a little more. The tank turned out wonderfully narrow, which creates a delicate line. An impression that is supported by the narrow handlebars of the new Suzuki SV 650. And once animated a colleague from the car group to ask whether "this is a 250".

No, dear colleague, it is not, but a powerful 650, whose 90-degree twin reports immediately and with a lively boll. The clutch of the Suzuki SV 650 can be easily pulled, the first gear slips into it. Small niceties on the side: When the clutch is engaged, the electronics automatically increase the idling speed by 200 or 300 revolutions to make moving off easier.

Curves are the territory of the Suzuki SV 650

The mirrors allow a neat look back. Nimble, little Suzi threads her way out of the big city through the tangle of traffic, elegantly shakes off the tin caravans and dives into the winding streets of the hinterland. Here she is in her element. Sure, brisk motorway stages can also be completed with the Suzuki SV 650, after all, your Suzuki attests a brave 205 km / h top speed. It pulls its course steadily. But it’s not fun without a windbreak and with the upright sitting position. No, curves are their territory. 

The V2 of the new Suzuki SV 650, which has been modified in around 60 parts, can be moved from 2000 rpm without any unpleasant chopping and becomes really alive from 3000. Supported by a strong center, it twirls lively up the speed range. A really lively guy, this V2. It’s great that the Euro 4 vote has not lost any of its liveliness. And thus continues the family tradition in the most admirable manner. It bursts with zest for action, hammers at low engine speeds when the gas is drawn out of the intake tract like a pocket-sized superbike. And adds a full, dull grumble in push mode, as if it had a liter of displacement.

Enjoyment without regrets. The SV ensures uncomplicated driving fun, does not overwhelm – and sporty natures also get their money’s worth.

With all of this, his rumbling and rumbling from the more pleasantly designed exhaust is never intrusive. And the double-ignition twin, which runs beautifully smoothly, especially in the medium engine speed range, allows vibrations to penetrate just enough to make the Suzuki SV 650 stand out as full of character.

The small power plant does not shy away from high speeds, even though its vigor has already passed its zenith at 8500 and the last 2000 / min subsides a little up to the limiter. Turning it out doesn’t do much, it’s better to shift up earlier. Load change? Sure, are noticeable, but not uncomfortably hard. Everything in the green area, as with the transmission of the Suzuki SV 650, which is not super creamy, but works precisely and crisply.

The chassis is impressive

When it comes to the chassis section, the fun doesn’t get a hole. At least once the Dunlop qualifiers have warmed up. Until then, the pelts will still look wooden, cold and wet are not their faculty. Initially, grip and feedback are manageable. But if they are kneaded nice and warm, they develop hearty grip – the fun on the Suzuki SV 650 can begin.

Even if the seating position with a pronounced hollow in the seat does not seem particularly active: the Suzuki SV 650 really blossoms on small, winding country roads. Swirls cheerfully over winding routes and unravels even tricky curve sequences with a light hand. And because the tires are now sticking so nicely, you angle the little corner sweep heartily. Until – a little earlier than expected – there was friction between the long, fearful nipples and the asphalt. If you are not frightened by this and the SV leans even deeper in right-hand bends, you will shortly afterwards even miss the exhaust cover a few throws.

The Suzuki SV 650 really blossoms on small, winding country roads.

While the Gladius regularly ranked at the end of its class in terms of handiness and steering precision in comparative tests, the Suzuki SV 650 has improved on these points. Combines a good shot of maneuverability with casual accuracy. The pleasure in swinging curves does not only come from the seven kilograms that she has lost compared to her predecessor.

The streamlined chassis also plays its part. The underdamped Gladius chassis and the associated swaying through fast, undulating corners: pass. Much more sporty, the Suzuki SV 650 hits the targeted line more precisely, remains stable even in sharp inclines, although not completely neutral. If bumps cross her path, she happens quite unmoved. The SV only parries the grip on the brake with a noticeable righting moment.

The cockpit with LC display basically comes from the GSX-S 1000 F.

However, the technicians almost overshot the target when it came to setting up the suspension. The shock absorber of the Suzuki SV 650 is very tightly damped, especially in the rebound stage. If it ironed out long waves neatly, it would rumble over short edges such as dome covers, which is not very comfortable in the long run. Attempts to elicit more comfort with a different suspension setting are limited to changing the rear preload. The simple spring elements do not have more adjustment options. On the other hand, the chassis can easily handle a passenger. He even finds a reasonably comfortable place.

Also pleasing in this context is the almost princely payload of 221 kilograms. This leaves enough room for a trip for two with luggage. But the delivery donkey is not the main purpose of the SV; But they too have to refuel at some point. Welcome break for the pilot, whose butt does pinch after a few hours. The sparse seat cushion provides little comfort in the long run. The pronounced hollow of the bench also offers little room to move. While the fuel gurgles into the dainty tank, your gaze wanders over the Suzuki SV 650. The cockpit with LC display basically comes from the GSX-S 1000 F. It has all the essential information ready, and offers data on consumption in addition to the usual displays and remaining range. It is only silent about the outside temperature.

The new SV sips shyly from the fuel

You will look in vain for different driving modes or even traction control, which is not really tragic in this performance class. Year adjustable clutch lever is probably a superfluous luxury here, an immobilizer, which the Suzuki SV 650 also does without, but not. The dictation of the red pencil is noticeable on the 650s produced in Japan. Not only on functional, but unkind-looking add-on parts such as the foot brake lever or the arms of the pillion pegs. After all, Suzuki leads the SV with 6495 euros and thus around 800 euros under the Gladius in the price lists. On the other hand, the Gladius has been offered for sale in special promotions for just under 6,000 euros.

Click, the tank is full, the face brightens. With just 3.5 liters per 100 kilometers, the Suzuki SV 650 sips – cautiously moved – downright shy of fuel. This means that the at first glance sparse 13.8 liters of tank capacity (Gladius 14.5 liters) extend almost 400 kilometers. Clean. And even those who frequently call up the performance of the twin will hardly chase more than five liters through the ten-hole injection nozzles on average.

SV brake looks a bit blunt when it is first can we

For riders in a hurry, not only the proper chassis and the decent consumption are pleasing. In precarious situations, the rear wheel stays nicely on the ground and on track, even with heavy emergency braking. In connection with the well-regulated Nissin ABS, the Suzuki SV 650 achieves an average deceleration of 9.7 m / s². Or to put it another way: from 100 km / h it is already after 39.8 meters and thus 1.2 meters earlier than the Gladius. However, the SV brake looks a bit dull the first time it is put on, especially when it is wet.

Only with increasing temperature does it bite more spontaneously. But requires a hand that is just as powerful for a strong delay. In terms of controllability, the double-piston floating calipers only offer good home-style cooking. It was the same with her predecessor. What is new, however, are the 12,000 maintenance intervals. Which means that the Suzuki SV 650 is in a better position than its predecessor when it comes to costs.

Technical data Suzuki SV 650

The new Suzuki SV 650 costs 6,495 euros.

Here you can see an extract of the technical data. If you would like the complete measurement values ​​determined by us, including all consumption, torque and acceleration values, you can buy the article as a PDF for download.

Model history Suzuki SV 650

The SV was a great success right from the start. The pretty aluminum chassis and the aluminum swingarm gave it a high-quality appearance. And word quickly got around that the V2 was a great drive. Logical consequence: the Suzuki SV 650 was a sales success. In 2003, the revised version continued with a more angular design and injection system.

In 2009 the design language and name changed. From then on, the 650s rolled through the country as the Suzuki Gladius with a more flowing, rounded design and revised engine.

Suzuki SV 650 (1999)

The first: aluminum frame and swing arm, rear brake caliper support with tension strut.

Suzuki SV 650 (2003)

Larger muffler, rear caliper overhead and angular design.

Suzuki SV 650 (2009)

Change in shape and style. Steel frames, more flowing forms, trendy headlights.

competitor

Manufacturer

One of the main competitors of the new SV 650 is the Yamaha MT-07.

  • Honda CB 650 F: Four-cylinder in-line engine, 87 hp, weight 212 kg, 0-100 km / h 3.8 seconds, Vmax 195 km / h, consumption 4.3 liters, 7,955 euros *
  • Kawasaki ER-6n: Two-cylinder in-line engine, 72 hp, weight 208 kg, 0-100 km / h 3.9 seconds, Vmax 200 km / h, consumption 4.0 liters, 6395 euros *
  • Yamaha MT-07: Two-cylinder in-line engine, 75 hp, weight 184 kg, 0-100 km / h 3.8 seconds, Vmax 207 km / h, consumption 3.7 liters, 6.395 euros *

* Without additional costs

MOTORCYCLE scoring

The new Suzuki SV 650 turned out to be a neat motorcycle.

If you want the detailed MOTORCYCLE score, you can purchase the article as a PDF for download.

Maximum score Suzuki SV 650 Engine 250 161 The lively V-Twin continues to impress with its great smoothness. Convinces with a wide usable speed tidy and a decent transmission. Even if this is not reflected in the measured values ​​in tenths of a second. He still shapes the character of this machine. His manners have also improved when it comes to load changes. They are no longer as hard as they were with the Gladius. Chassis 250 159 Gone are the days when Suzuki’s mid-range twin lurched courageously through the corners. The spring elements are now sporty and taut. However, at the expense of a slight loss of comfort in the hindquarters. The Suzuki SV 650 drives more precisely and directly and remains significantly more stable in curves. A little more lean angle would not be bad. On the other hand, the chassis can also handle a pillion passenger. Everyday life 250 140 Despite the small tank, decent range, plus ample payload. However, there is a lack of options for securing luggage well. In terms of equipment, the Suzuki SV 650 only offers home cooking, neither an adjustable clutch lever nor an immobilizer are on board. Not everyone gets along equally well with the seating position, it is especially useful for smaller drivers, but it seems a bit inactive. The pillion passenger finds an acceptable place. Safety 150 94 There is nothing to criticize about the absolute braking performance of the Suzuki SV 650, and it remains very stable even with hard braking maneuvers. The ABS is well coordinated. Manual strength, feedback and controllability of the floating caliper brakes are rather average. Costs 100 78 Low consumption and 12,000 inspection intervals complete the picture of the inexpensive street sweeper. Overall rating 1000 632 Price-performance rating Top grade 1.0 1.0 With many small improvements and a much friendlier cost balance, the Suzuki SV 650 is now also among the one-zero candidates in the middle class.

MOTORCYCLE conclusion

With its problem-free handling and the easily controllable chassis, the SV makes it easy to find a quick line.

With its new outfit, the Suzuki SV 650 looks younger, fresher and much more pleasing. And yet remained true to himself. It offers a lot of motorcycle for the money. Low seat height, narrow tank – the lively SV has a lot to offer not only to newbies, but also to experienced pilots.

The streamlined chassis benefits the driving dynamics, and the fine V2 is a fine companion even 17 years after the foundation stone was laid – and a frugal one too. But even in the latest edition, the workmanship is simple and the features are not too lavish. Of course, that doesn’t detract from the fun of driving. In this respect, the Suzuki SV 650 is completely the same again.

Desire for the lively curve speedster from Suzuki?

Used Suzuki SV 650 in Germany

If you do without lavish equipment and all the bells and whistles and just have fun heating around, you should consider buying a Suzuki SV 650. The motorcycle, which has been popular for many years, is available in large numbers on the market. It is definitely worth taking a look at the used motorcycle exchange. There you can find cheap Suzuki SV650 in excellent condition: Used Suzuki SV 650 in Germany

Desire for the lively curve speedster from Suzuki?

Used Suzuki SV 650 in Germany

If you can do without lavish equipment and all the bells and whistles and just have fun heating around, you should consider buying a Suzuki SV 650. The motorcycle, which has been popular for many years, is available in large numbers on the market. It is definitely worth taking a look at the used motorcycle market. There you can find cheap Suzuki SV650 in excellent condition: Used Suzuki SV 650 in Germany

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