Roadster – 2016 Suzuki SV650 test: return on investment – More equipment, less finish

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2016 Suzuki SV650 review: return on investment

Roadster - 2016 Suzuki SV650 test: return on investment - More equipment, less finish

Returning to the Suzuki catalog in 2016, the ‘new’ SV650 is a thoughtful and economical upgrade. Despite welcome innovations, this motorcycle with the famous surname cultivates a stripped down classicism, in opposition to the current trend. Test.

Equipment up, finish down

Its stain will be heavy, especially at first glance, the look of this SV 2016 does not seem so far removed from that of the Gladius, which already looked like the first SV 650 discovered on New Year’s Eve. 2000 … Technically, the five-spoke rims, the square-section steel swingarm, the 290 mm front discs bitten by axially-mounted twin-piston calipers remain.

The telescopic fork is still not adjustable and the mono-shock absorber offers the minimum, that is, an adjustment in preload (7 positions). Visually, the novelty gives a furious impression of dejà vu, even if Suzuki announces that the engine and chassis assembly would release "over 140 new parts".

Bonus, it loses 8 kg compared to the Gladius equipped with ABS to display 197 kg all full facts. Speaking of ABS, the SV650 adopts Nissin anti-lock braking which controls wheel speed 50 times per revolution, like all Euro4 homologated motorcycles. The update to the new standards is also reflected in the grafting of unsightly reflectors below the rear indicators..

The dressing is noticeably different, its lines are less "organic" but appear quite consensual. The tank is also less wide by 65 mm, to promote ergonomics. Its already limited capacity goes from 14.5 liters to 13.8 l: not really an asset, even if Suzuki announces a record consumption of only "3.84 l / 100 km".

Nicely decorated with two Dodge Viper-style stripes, this tank matches a more tapered rear shell ending in a double square-shaped LED light inspired by GSX-R … or Yamaha FZ8, depending on the point of view. !

The tubular trellis frame is particularly highlighted, as on the first generations of SV650 (the second version launched in 2003 received an aluminum perimeter). The pretty aluminum plates have disappeared, to the "profits" of much more basic footrests. A central stand? It is no longer done…

No side scoops or the ounce of a nose screen: the SV650 is pure and hard roadster, without much stylistic effort. Its round front headlight, very "90s", even gives it a classic, almost neo-retro style! To the point of exposing itself to vindictiveness for lack of sobriety, at a time when its competitors compete in stylistic originality via complex shapes – sometimes too much – often enhanced with LEDs.

The one-piece saddle is still as low (785 mm) … and not very thick at the front. The passenger, installed very – too much – behind, is rather well seated, but must deal with the absence of grab handles. You can console yourself with the two removable straps under the saddle which serve as a lashing hook…

On the instrumentation side, a breeze of modernity is blowing – finally! – on the Suzuki roadster with a fully digital board. Readable and complete, it does not forget the gear indicator engaged – which is missing for example in the new CB500F – nor the on-board computer indicating the instantaneous and average consumption and the remaining autonomy.

The voluminous exhaust – but rather short – would be lightened by 3.5 kg. It obviously meets Euro4 standards and sports an oval outlet inspired by GSX-R. Insufficient, however, to eclipse the summary finish of its apparent tubing, which a small cover could have had the decorum to conceal … Even small disappointment with regard to cables and hoses little or poorly concealed, which adversely affect the perceived quality.

Externally, the V-twin seems identical: hardly do we notice its new clutch housing. The radiator – very visible – would be lighter and its width increased by 20 mm. In total, this mechanism presents 60 new parts, like pistons coated with resin and equipped with "L" segments, which contribute to the reduction of consumption and to the increase of performance of +2.8 hp.

Now 76 horsepower, the SV 650 outperforms the MT07 (74.8 horsepower) and ER-6 (72.1 horsepower). The maximum torque remains fixed at 64 Nm, but now flows at 8,100 rpm against 6,400 rpm for the old Gladius.

Always to improve combustion, a second spark plug comes to replace the first inside each cylinder head (double ignition). The injection and the air box also receive modifications to comply with the new standard..

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