Roadster – 2016 Suzuki SV650 test: return on investment – Dynamics: convincing developments

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2016 Suzuki SV650 review: return on investment

Roadster - 2016 Suzuki SV650 test: return on investment - Dynamics: convincing developments

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.

Dynamics: convincing developments

And what about the real innovations on this 2016 SV650? Do not worry: rather than opting for expensive assistance such as anti-skating adjustable on 180 levels or variable maps via satellite link, the Hamamatsu firm has made much more pragmatic technical choices..

As on the GSX-S1000 – and the Ducat – a brief press on the starter button is now enough to launch the Twin. Second step forward and not the least, the starting aid "Low RPM Assist". Inspired by car starting assistance devices, this new system works from the start or when operating at very low speed..

Informed by a sensor, the injection system opens an additional circuit allowing the engine speed to be increased to avoid stalling. A bit like a kind of automatic choke whose action varies automatically. For fun, you can let go of the clutch and go up to third gear on the flat without touching the throttle. Guaranteed success with beginners and motorcycle schools !

By releasing the clutch, the speed increases a little, 250 rpm to be precise, and the bike sets off without intervention on the throttle. On the net of gas, the obviousness and the handling of this SV650 appear immediately in urban cycle. Its twin does not knock and the turning radius is good: examination passed !

Regarding the position, it seems to have changed little: the saddle allows a pilot of average height – 1m75 – to put his feet perfectly flat. Like the Gladius before it, girls will appreciate this bike, especially since it actually turns out to be narrower between the thighs thanks to the new tank. A shocking argument !

The handlebars – as narrow as they are raised – and the slightly set back footrests give the position a touch of sportiness. Despite its design, the V-twin vibrates little: it accepts to evolve at 1800 rpm on the first reports without having to touch the clutch. Really good dough !

But we are not going to spend the day at such low speeds … By turning the handle, the response is quick without being brutal. Those who look for any weakness in behavior, or a slump, will be at their cost.

Like its smooth gearbox, this engine is well bred. This does not prevent him from knowing how to play on the register of impertinence by producing muscular flights in the towers.

To make it more fun, the engineers have boosted its high revs: the shifting of this power upwards is successful, with no frustrating counterpart in its mid-rev range. The competition had better watch out! This V-twin is pleasant to use, but also to hear.

Without aggressiveness, it continues to bark to the rhythm of the clicks emanating from the airbox, more than from the exhaust. Without a doubt, this bike gives the banana! Motorcyclists in phase with this concept without show off, those who practice on the return and the new licenses will find their account there..

The latter, whatever their age, will have to be satisfied with a limited version of 45 horses for two years (the kit will be set up by the dealers who will then return the initial power against 100 €). Hopefully Suzuki knows how to preserve the playful character of the V-twin.

A healthy body for a healthy mind

On the wet roads of southern Spain taken by MNC to discover this SV 2016, it is better to stay focused … Especially since the hailstones (!) That hit the tips of our fingers are starting to sore them! Not the best conditions to test a roadster without any form of protection…

Fortunately, the Suzuki SV 650’s chassis is as reassuring as its engine. The only downside, to be confirmed under better conditions, is a lack of frankness when setting the angle in very slow turns, probably linked to the old-fashioned tires (Dunlop Qualifier) ​​and whose grip is not very convincing on wet…

For the rest, this bike is perfectly balanced. Lightweight and easy to handle, it is never restive and allows you to improvise whatever the pace you impose on it. On the highway, it keeps its course impeccably. The rudimentary-looking fork does not have to be ashamed of its behavior and has satisfactory hydraulic resistance.

Nothing to do with that of the first SV which plunged outrageously under braking … Behind, the shock absorber of basic design works quite well, but its performance lacks progressiveness, especially on successions of shocks. On bumps, however, it is more the lack of padding in the saddle than the performance of the damping that detracts from the comfort. !

As thin as on the Gladius, the saddle of the SV650 is really perfectible despite a well done design: it just lacks thickness. In terms of braking, the bike is rigorous without being exceptional, like the previous models. Logical since it uses the same material !

The performances are correct, nothing more. The front, which does not shine with its power, at least has the advantage of being progressive. And the ABS which supports it is as reassuring as it is not very intrusive, even at the rear.

Announced at less than 4 l / 100 km, gasoline consumption was 4.4 / 100 km during our test according to the on-board computer. A very reasonable value allowing a glimpse of a little more than 300 km of autonomy. Not bad at all !

Verdict: the same but better … 7 years later !

Succeeding a Gladius misunderstood since its release in 2009, the SV 650 sounds like a homecoming marked by relevant developments (lower weight and consumption, slightly higher power) and interesting innovations such as the ingenious and fun start-up aid "Low RPR Assist.

However, the known scent it gives off and its understated classic allure will likely struggle to appeal to younger people, while some risk reducing it to an update of the bike they rode in the early 2000s….

This choice is assumed by Suzuki, which hopes to attract as many people as possible this simple alternative, intelligently designed but without real daring … The future will tell if this bet will be favorable to it..

Last argument and not the least for a novelty: its price. Not yet officially fixed on this date, it is announced "from 6599 €"by the French subsidiary who insists on the non-final nature of this price. If it were to be confirmed, this price would place the SV650 at the same level as the ER-6n (currently displayed € 6,599 with ABS) and just below bestseller in the roadster category: the MT-07 (€ 6,699 with ABS). The battle will be tough! "

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