Suzuki SV650 Complete History and Buyer's Guide

Suzuki SV650 Complete History and Buyer's Guide

A complete complete guide to buying a used Suzuki SV650 — model history, specs, known issues, and what to look out for.

A lightly modified second generation blue Suzuki SV650. A favourite to buy second hand, as per this buying guide.
Buying a used SV650: This is a second-generation one, in classic blue, lightly modified

Real-world fun and usability. The perfect beginner track motorcycle. The affordable (and more reliable) alternative to the Italian v-twins.

The Suzuki SV650 is many things to many people, but in summary, the Suzuki SV650 is one of the most well-loved and oft-missed motorcycles of all time.

Here's everything you need to know about buying a used or new Suzuki SV650:  all the motorcycle you need*.

* "Need". Not "want". It's OK to want a Yamaha R1.

In this guide...

  • What makes the SV650 so popular — price, style, character, and speed
  • A quick guide to which one you should buy (for whatever budget)
  • A history of the three generations of the Suzuki SV650
  • Alternatives to the Suzuki SV650, including the SV1000, the Wee-Strom (V-Strom) and the Kawasaki Ninja 650
  • What to look for when buying each generation of the Suzuki SV650

The Suzuki SV650 is one of the most well-loved modern motorcycles.

Not because it's amazing at any one thing. Because it's so amazingly good for the price, both new and used.

Don't take my word for it. I'll pepper this article with quotes from reviewers, forum posts and bloggers who will unanimously agree.

More than half of us have owned SVs, and we’ve all recommended the bike to others. Repeatedly. (Motorcyclist, 2017)

The Suzuki SV650 is known for so many things, but among them, it's known for

  • Balance: Not overpowered (this is from the same time period as the Hayabusa, also from Suzuki), but not slow enough that you'll get bored of it.
  • Versatility: A usable power band for the city, but high enough rev range for the track for a beginner.
  • Character: A burbling 645cc v-twin felt and sounded great. Especially with after-market pipes on it.
  • Style: Especially as a naked, the trellis frame and simple motorcycle looks were attractive without trying too hard.
The SV is light, nimble, easy to ride, predictable and fast. It also looks like a real motorcycle, with its frame and engine contributing to its essential, functional style. Motorcycle Daily, 2000

Yes, 'cafe racers' are a theme that's over-played. But many (including myself) will admit they look nice. So when the SV650X was released for 2018, I thought... time to bite the bullet and maybe get a new motorcycle!

But you may not want a brand new one. In fact, I wanted a used SV650 for years.

I've been following these motorcycles for so long (ever since they were first heralded as a "poor man's Ducati" for their trellis frame combined with a v-twin engine) that I thought I'd put down what I know about them.

The SV650 and SV650S are great bikes no matter if you are a beginner or an experienced rider and the fact that the SV has continued to be one of Suzuki's best sellers in this country since its inception a decade ago is testament to how good of a bike it really is. (Cycle World, 2010)

Overall: What should you buy?

My overall recommendation boils down to

  • You can buy a second-generation SV650 — but only if you're extremely confident it has been well taken care of (valve inspections, power commander with exhaust mods, no parts typically replaced from crash damage), and don't pay more than US$2,500 for it anyway.
  • Get a SFV650 ("Gladius") for a bargain price. Not because they're worse (they're mostly just "different", but because they're unloved.
  • Buy a used third-generation (the newest) SV650 with more confidence, but with the same caveats, and for not much more (US$4,000).
  • Or buy one new. Why not? They're not expensive.

Compared: The alternatives to the SV650 to consider (or not)

There are a number of worthy alternatives to the SV650. Really, since about the year 2000, there have been few "bad" motorcycles. All of these motorcycles stand on their own two feet, and one in good condition will always be worthy of picking up. But here are the differences and why you should or shouldn't get one.

The Suzuki SV650 vs SV1000 (and SV1000S)

A black Suzuki SV1000S, a higher-power alternative to the SV650
The Suzuki SV1000S I rode for a month.

The Suzuki SV1000 (and SV1000S) is a fine, cheap and fun bike, produced in the same era as the second-generation SV650. I rode the snot out of one for a month and enjoyed it, but didn't fall in love.

It's well-liked as another "poor man's Ducati". The SV1000 produces a healthy 89kW (120hp) and gob-loads of torque (peaking at 102 Nm/75 ft-lb), with a lot of it coming all through the rev range. It has a sweet exhaust note from a 996cc fuel-injected V-twin. It is slightly heavier than the SV650 (218kg for the SV1000S, vs 198kg for the SV650S of the same era, both weights fully fuelled) but still handles similarly, and has more than enough of a power upgrade to make up for it.

The SV1000 is just as reliable, too. The one I was on was pushing 100,000 kilometres (65,000 miles) and still purred, started easily and hadn't needed any major service in over 50,000 kilometres. In fact, at the last few valve service intervals the valves hadn't needed any adjusting, and given the low resale value of the bike (and the expense of the service), there was no economic sense in continuing to do them.

The main criticism of the SV1000 (per many owners) is that they were an upgrade in the engine, but still a cheap-feeling motorcycle. Looking at forum comments, while buyers thought it was OK for a middleweight utilitarian motorcycle to use lower grade components, they weren't as quick to excuse a litre-class motorcycle, which they compared with high-end machines like the Fireblade, GSXR-1000 etc. that were more highly spec in comparison.

This isn't an objective criticism; the Suzuki SV1000 is a great motorcycle. Get one in good condition and you'll like it.

The Suzuki SV650 vs the Kawasaki Ninja 650 (or EX650)

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 (not the 636 or 600, both very different four-cylinder, high-revving and high-horsepower machines) is a similar motorcycle to the SV650, producing similar power from a comparable engine. The engine was a 649cc parallel twin with a 180 degree firing order, which meant it also had a burbling note, not unlike the SV650's note. The SV650's sound found more favour, though; people don't rave about the sound of the Kawasaki Ninja 650 (and some says it sounds like a "lawnmower".)

For me, the most compelling aspect of the Ninja 650 for me is the fact that it's a parallel twin which means it only has one cam cover. This cuts down maintenance time a lot when it's time to adjust valves. It also is fewer gaskets to replace, fewer bolts to risk accidentally stripping, and so on.

The main differences between them, apart from the engine configuration, is:

  • The controls: The Ninja 650 with fairings has handlebars, whereas the SV650S (which has fairings) has clip-ons. They're both similarly comfortable.
  • Weight: In the past the Ninja 650 was slightly heavier, by about 10kgs or 22lbs. However, the 2019 Ninja 650R is 12 pounds (~5kg) lighter than the SV650. The weight discrepancy varied slightly among model years.

Without going into all the various differences between the two motorcycles, it should be said that they're both very similar. You will probably best choose between them on a test ride and seeing what fits your frame best, based on availability.

The SV650 vs various middleweight "non-supersport" fours (Honda CBR650F, Hornet 599, Suzuki GSX650)

The middleweight four-cylinder motorcycles are in the same price range and you will like any of them/not hate any of them. Each rider may have a personal favourite due to a riding position or personal experience.

They're not quite in the same category, purely because these are four-cylinder motorcycles and produce a different feel and sound. I've ridden Hornets and CBRs and they're great. I particularly loved the CBR600F4i, and will soon be a proud owner. If you're interested in getting one, here's my detailed buyers guide to the CBR600F series.

The most notable difference is in how torque is created. The Suzuki SV650 produces slightly more torque, and slightly lower in the rev range, compared to its cousins.

You can see this in the torque curve of the Suzuki SV650 vs the GSX-R600 (they're different years, but in broad terms, the overall characteristics are the same):

Buying used SV650 - torque curve compared with GSX-R 600
Torque curve of Suzuki SV650 vs GSX-R600

You can see that the SV650 gets near peak torque very quickly, and stays there. But it runs out of puff while the GSX-R's torque is still climbing. The GSX-R revs all the way past 15,000rpm, and since power is a function of speed and torque, the power keeps climbing too. This means the GSX-R also has higher top speed.

The SV650 vs DL650 V-Strom (aka the Wee-Strom)

The "adventure' version of the SV650 - the dl650 V-Strom
The V-strom DL650. It ain't pretty, but people love it.

The Suzuki DL650 V-Strom, or the "Wee-strom" as it's affectionately called, is a cult motorcycle of its own. It's a slightly de-tuned SV650 motor in a more upright chassis with wide handlebars.

The Suzuki V-Strom is a favourite for long-distance touring and light adventuring. Later models are even good for more serious adventuring, with better crash protection and bigger (19 inch) spoked wheel options.

Both machines have the same engine block, though in the V-Strom it's detuned slightly, resulting in around 3 less kW (5 less horsepower), and more low-down torque. The body is also around 10kg (22 lbs) heavier than the SV650S. On the road, this isn't noticeable; the most noticeable difference is definitely the high riding position of the V-Strom.

According to one forum member who put it concisely:

"You'd choose the DL if you want to ride your SV long distances or in the rain/cold and comfort is your top priority, with performance a close second behind. You'd choose the SV if you want to take corners quickly and don't mind sacrificing a small amount of little comfort."

Or Carole Nash, an insurer:

Longer journeys aren’t really its strong point and it’s much more of a point and squirt option, but if touring is your thing the V-Strom 650 was launched in 2004 using the same engine. These V-Stroms have a strong following as entry level adventure bikes.

The V-Strom also comes in a larger, heavier, and higher-torque/power 1000cc variant. You get similar trade-offs to what you'd expect: the 1000 version is more comfortable on the highway (though the 650 version is fine!), but the 650 is more nimble off-road (but neither is fantastic off-road).

Brief history of the Suzuki SV650

Basically there are four phases of the SV650.

  • First generation SV650, released in 1999. This had carburettors, and the original great. If you're OK with carbs, go for it.
  • Second generation SV650, released in 2003. This was fuel injected, and later got ABS. It ended between 2009 and 2012, depending where you're based.
  • The controversial "Gladius"/SVF650 Generation
  • The new incarnation, from 2016 onwards, which is secretly a Gladius with better skin.

All of the generations of SV650 are good. However, there isn't much of a price difference between the first and second generations (maybe $500), assuming a motorcycle is well-kept. This is because of the way motorcycle prices tend to plateau. Old bikes, if they're well-maintained, are essentially always around US$2K (or the equivalent in other currencies). You'd only pay a tiny bit more for the significant improvements in second generation. So unless you're a diehard fan of carburettors, get the second-generation onward.

The First Generation Suzuki SV650: Carburettors (1999-2002)

First-generation SV650, red. A great motorcycle to buy used.
A 1999 Red Suzuki SV650 (with lower bars). From Craigslist.

This was the SV650 that started it all. It was launched as a casual, low-class but high-fun competitor to the Ducati Monster, a growing segment of "naked" motorcycles.

For context, the first-generation SV650 was released in the era of speed wars between the Suzuki Hayabusa vs the Honda Blackbird. It was also the time when and the market for litre bikes was heating up from the recently released Yamaha R1 (see my full buyer's guide for the R1 here), which had thrown down the gauntlet at the CBR900RR.

(Want to just get a Monster? See my complete model history and buying guide.)

The SV650 was originally released as a naked. Its basic specs were:

  • 645cc 90-degree L-twin. Two carburettors, liquid-cooled, 8 valves per cylinder
  • Wet clutch, six-speed transmission
  • 48kW (64 hp) @ 9,000 rpm, 57 Nm (42 ft-lb) @ 7,200 rpm
  • 189 kg (417 lb) wet weight - very light!

It might not sound like much power or torque, but in stock form, the first-generation SV650 did an under 12 second quarter mile, and a 0-100km/h (0-60mph) of mid-3 seconds. This is thanks to the way the torque is delivered, plus the stock gearing ratios. It takes a LOT more torque and power to get closer to 3 seconds or under, not to mention skills shifting (and a track to do it on).

A blue fully faired SV650S, first generation - hard to find used in good condition
This is the SV650S, the faired version. Similar to the SV650 in standard form, but with clip-ons and obviously a full fairing. They also came with a "bikini" fairing - same as above, minus the lower protection.

Buyer's guide for the first-generation SV650

You can still buy first generation SV650 motorcycles and they're not expensive. In fact, you can get them for US$1,500 with a bit of haggling and in very good condition, though they're often listed for more.

From a good local motorcycle dealer I'd pay US$2,000 or so for a first-generation SV650 depending on miles. If it needs any service (and it almost definitely does, unless you're buying it from a dealer), I wouldn't pay more than $1,000.

Still, this isn't much of a discount on the second generation, which was significantly improved. I'd only buy this model if you happen upon a great example, or if you're really strapped for cash.

A general word of caution for early SV650 models: They probably haven't been treated well.

The Suzuki SV650 was always a cheap and cheerful motorcycle, giving huge bang for their buck. They're often recommended either as a first motorcycle (in the US), or as a first "step-up" motorcycle in the UK or Australia.

For this reason, a lot of them have been abused to a degree just by the normal learning curve of beginning riders. They almost definitely have been dropped at low speeds or a standstill. The clutch has been abused from inexperience. They might have been poorly maintained.

Just think how your average punter would treat a first or second motorcycle they're definitely planning to move up from. Would they be fastidious about changing the oil, spending $3-500 on planed service intervals, changing the fork oil or brake lines or preventing tank rust? Probably not.

There are a whole host of things to check for on any motorcycle, and I've made a comprehensive guide and checklist here. More guides coming soon, particularly on the major components like the tyres, suspension, chain/sprockets, and the electrical system.

Aside from that, on the SV650, check for these things

  • Charging system:  The regulator/rectifier can go bad on these (as any motorcycle this age). Make sure the seller isn't pretending everything is fine by having trickle-charged it overnight to mask the issue. Take a multi-meter, and make sure the voltage at the battery holds steady when on the gas (it should be lower at idle, then increase with mild throttle, and then not spike up with heaps of throttle). The lights should not dim when off the throttle, either.
  • Exhausts: If it has an after-market exhaust and it hesitates or misfires, then it probably hasn't been jetted. Jetting isn't as easy as dropping in a Power Commander unit and uploading the correct map, so many don't do it. Unless you're willing to buy the kit (cheap) and install it (expensive, even if it's your time), don't buy it.
  • Rust in the tank: Easy to see if the paint isn't well maintained. If there's a tank bra on it, take it off and have a look underneath. Open the gas cap; if the petrol isn't full to the top, you might see rust right below the level.

Here's a great list of everything that can go wrong and how to fix it easily, courtesy of SVRider.

Second generation Suzuki SV650 — Fuel Injected (2003-2008)

A red SV650S, with bikini fairing, second generation. A great motorcycle to buy used!
A red second-generationn SV650S, bikini fairing

In 2003, Suzuki updated their SV650 considerably. This version was sold in the US only until 2008, until the next "Gladius" model took over in 2019. In Australia and in the UK though, you could get the same SV650S model until 2012.

The biggest changes for the second-generation SV650 were:

  • Fuel injection + a digital display
  • Slightly more power & torque: 73 hp (55kw) @ 8800 rpm, and 47 ft-lbs (64 Nm) at 7000 rpm)
  • Updated powder-coated aluminium truss frame, making it look awesome
  • Wet weight for S version: 198 kg/437 lbs. This is a 9kg (22 lb) increase from the previous generation.

Like the earlier models, the second-generation SV650 one came in both naked and faired versions.

So why do people love the second-generation Suzuki SV650 so much?

  • Affordable: New or used, the SV650 has always bee described as being great value, as a beginner (in the US, or in Australia with restrictions) or experienced (Australia) motorcycle. In the UK, you can pick one up for 1-2K pounds. In the US, you can get one in great condition for US$2-3K. In Australia, for A$2.5-4K. The prices stabilise at the lower end of this range.
  • It can keep up with middleweight inline-four motorcycles until highway speeds: Since the SV650 produces all its torque down low, it'll keep up with faster 600cc motorcycles until around 100 km/h or 60 mph. After that, it's game over as they keep revving.
"But just because the upright riding position of the naked SV makes it more usable in the real world, does not mean that it gives up performance. From 0-60, it will hang right near the GSX-R 750. The figures say the Gixxer is .05 seconds faster to 60, but if you’re debating margins that small, you must be a real hoot at parties." - Jalopnik
  • They're reliable: SV650s have a "reputation for reliability". It means on average that people don't complain about them as much as they might about older Aprilia or Ducati motorcycles.
"They say a cockroach is the only thing that’ll survive a nuclear strike. Well, that’s horseshit, as the SV650 could endure two. Despite the modest grunt and zippy motor, chasing tenths wasn’t in the design brief so engine longevity is a significant benefit. Spanked, revved, bounced off the limiter and munching miles: you’d have to try exceptionally hard to make one go BANG." - 44teeth
The second-generation SV650 in naked form, with a custom exhaust system.

Buying guide for the second-generation Suzuki SV650

Generally speaking, not a lot goes wrong with the SV650 fundamentally.

From a motorcycle dealer, I'd pay about US$2,500 depending on miles. Privately $2,000 for one in good condition not needing any imminent service, and less than $1,500 if it does.

Like the first-generation SV650, most of these are getting long in the tooth as of 2019. Apart from this, they were cheap to start with, and often recommended as a first or second motorcycle (depending on licensing restrictions in different countries).

The fact that old SV650s are often first or second motorcycles mean they may not have been treated too well, because the person who bought it knew they'd sell it within two years. If most people know that, they're unlikely to do things like replace brake lines, add power commanders and so on.

If you're willing to live with that, buy used! Otherwise, buy a new one (see below).

Things to look for include

  • Charging system. Just like the earlier models, these are getting long in the tooth, and the reg/rec is the first part to go bad.
  • Brakes. You can almost expect them to be soft. Most people don't change their lines. One with braided lines is definitely higher in value, even though the work isn't hard!
  • Cam chain tensioner: These can get worn and noisy. But it's a cheap fix - about an hour's labour.
  • Rear sprocket: Check things are as they should be. The S version should have a 44 tooth rear,  and the naked version a 45 tooth rear. Count them! Of course, if you want the way it has been modified, so be it.
  • Leaky forks. It might have been wheelied. This is a side product of motorcycles capable of doing wheelies!
  • Evidence of being tracked. Look for pilling on the sides of the tires, especially the rear. Not a bad thing in itself, because the engine is very reliable, but make sure the seller is being honest with you.
  • Worn suspension: If it hasn't been done, plan on refreshing the fork springs and oil, and maybe replacing the rear shock. This is transformative in improving handling.
  • After-market exhausts without a remap. Many install an exhaust without a remap, or install a Power Commander without installing the appropriate fuelling map. The result can be a slide reduction in performance, even if it's an improvement in sound. This tends (anecdotally) to happen more on cheaper motorcycles, maybe because of literal "bang for buck", especially if people know they won't on-sell the motorcycle.

Some common modifications to SV650s that are fine are

  • Better protection for the radiator. It can get damaged at highway speeds easily.
  • Protection for the front cylinder's plug, that can sometimes be affected by rain. People either extend the front fender, or put some grease or silicone sealant around the spark plug to avoid water from entering.

The Controversial Suzuki Gladius/SFV650 Generation (2009-2015)

A Suzuki SFV650 Gladius - a controversial successor to the SV650
A Suzuki Gladius
In 2009 Suzuki replaced the SV with the disappointing SFV650 Gladius, a misfire that in every significant way (weight, performance, looks, and price) was worse than the SV. Like your Uncle Carl who lives out in your backyard in a rusting Airstream with a one-eyed pit bull named Slash, the less said about the Gladius the better. - Motorcyclist

Wow, Motorcyclist. Tell us how you really feel. Is it really that bad? What happened?

So many people would never consider the Suzuki Gladius (or SFV650 as it was renamed in 2013) to be even the same motorcycle. Ostensibly it was supposed to replace the SV650, but the things that changed made it lose favour with the faithful were mostly aesthetic.

Here's what changed:

  • An improved engine, with more torque down low and a similar peak. This came via new camshaft profiles (with more lift, for more power at higher revs), 10% more crankshaft inertia (smoothing things out), and modified and balanced intake/exhaust tracts (to bolster the mid-range).
  • Much heavier, at 202kg (446 lbs) wet, about almost 30 lbs (14kgs) up from the second generation SV650, largely from the tubular steel chassis (the SV650 used aluminium).
  • Lower seat height: 31 inches, vs the 32 inches of the earlier SV
  • Similar spec: 71hp (53 kW), 2 hp down from the SV650 (but this is kind of a rounding error), 47 ft-lbs, which is 5 more, and tuned down low.
  • The new styling: Described as "bulbous" or "feminine", including the front headlight which became more modern rather than the traditional round headlight
  • The name, "Gladius", which many equated to "Gladys"

People didn't really like this. They didn't like the weight, and they really didn't like the look.

It's non-aggressive in an almost feminine manner – certainly in the pinky-purple colour option, although if that's too girlie for you a blokey black is available. - Telegraph

Nonetheless, some people think it's a better motorcycle, especially after the 2012 update that improved how it looked.

Sport riders will simply love the handling of the SFV [compared to the 2015 Yamaha FZ-07 and Ducati Monster 821]. - MotoUSA

Regardless, it deserves a mention. One thing's for sure: The Gladius/SFV650 will be harder to sell than a SV650, so you can also get it for less. For one thing, it's no longer made, which means fewer people are doing searches for them. For another, it was neither popular nor good enough to reach cult status, which means nobody will lust after it.

However, if you find one for cheap and it's in good condition, you can examine it through the same lens as an SV650 and know you'll enjoy it a lot. Maybe a little more.

Buyer's guide to the Suzuki Gladius/SFV650

Because the SFV is less in demand than the SV, it has a smaller market. Fewer people will look for them and lust after them.

This, coupled with the fact that they're newer motorcycles, means you can get a similar motorcycle for less than you'd have paid for a newer SV650. Looking on online classifieds, I can see several for around US$2,500, or $3K from dealers. Great price. Just be warned: you might have to keep it, or expect a loss.

If you're wondering what can go wrong with the SFV650, it's a very similar list to the SV650 2nd gen, with just the difference of them being newer so not being as worn. The reg/rec, for example, is less likely to have gone wrong.

Fewer Gladius models were tracked, too.

Third generation Suzuki SV650 2016+: New frame, style.

In 2016, after years of being begged to do so, Suzuki brought back the SV650.

They kept it as light as possible, with the ABS model weighing basically what the last model weighed, despite everything needed to keep it EURO 4 compliant.

Third generation SV650 - an excellent motorcycle to buy used
The third generation Suzuki SV650. (Photo from Revzilla)

Major changes for the third-generation SV650 include:

  • New, lighter frame than the Gladius. Still steel.
  • Retuned engine, producing 3 more kW (4 more hp), and similar peak torque as earlier of 64 Nm (47 ft-lb). However, it makes this torque higher in the rev range at 8,100 rpm, vs the earlier model, which made it at 7,200 rpm.
  • Reduced weight of 197 kg/434 lbs for ABS model. Still heavier than the older SV650S (which didn't have ABS).
  • Maintained the Gladius' low seat height of 31 inches
  • Moar electronics! (see below, "Why buy a 3rd gen?")

All this, brand new for $7,500. So why not?

The electronics they added to it are designed to make this user-friendly motorcycle even more user-friendly. Here's what they added.

Why buy a 3rd gen Suzuki SV650?

It's easy to look back and just buy one of the earlier ones. There are still a few features only available on the third-gen one though that make them worthwhile.

  1. Low RPM Assist: This basically makes them stall-proof. An SV650 is not easy to stall anyway, but I would be lying if I said it never happened to me at the traffic lights. Considering the SV650 gets many entry-level riders, this is a nice plus.
  2. ABS: Available as an option previously, now this is standard (for a bike of the same weight)
  3. Better display: A bright display shows all kinds of stuff, including average fuel consumption, range, water temp and a fuel gauge.
  4. Easy start: OK I'm including this because it seems silly. One new "feature" is that you can start the motorcycle in neutral without pulling the clutch lever in.

The main reasons I'd buy one is to have the refinements of the Gladius in the smaller, lighter SV650 package.

Plus, they updated the styling a LOT. Like the below example of the SV650X Cafe:

Suzuki SV650X in cafe racer styling - they come up used sometimes
Cafe racer styling. A little late in the SV650X but welcome!

So what's it like? The SV650 is just like you remember it — lightweight, easy to use, with manageable power and versatility that won't let you down whether in the city or in the twisties.

The only let down is that the torque is made higher up. I'm sure this is a consequence of the motor having to be retuned for EURO-4 compliance. Nobody would do it on purpose. Perhaps an exhaust and remap would take care of it. It's not really noticeable while riding it, unless you're riding it on a dyno.

Here's what others say about it:

  • "The Suzuki SV650X is like owning a puppy. It's as impractical as a puppy, but you still love it." - Motorcycle News
  • "The engine is a treat, it churns out lovely dollops of poke in a way only a V twin configuration can provide, that cool exhaust note adding to the pleasure." - Bennets UK
  • "Arguably one of the most sensible bikes on the road today." - Superbike Online

Sum up — is the Suzuki SV650 for you?

Many people buy the SV650 and love it for years, thinking "I'll never grow out of it".

The thing is, many of us want change in motorcycles. More comfort, more speed, power, more adventure... just something else.

But I really often come across people who say how much they miss their old SV650. It's just like how I talk about my old Monster, which I sold mostly because I was afraid it'd break down again.

The temptation of the SV650 is to have the glorious sound and feel of the Monster in a package that doesn't break down. It's certainly something I want in a motorcycle. Is it something you want?