When Suzuki decided to re-launch its hugely well-liked SV650 mid-range v-twin sportsbike, it took a appear within the rear view mirror to obtain back towards the classic, trellis-framed styling that produced it such a hit in the first place. Its low seat height and narrow waist make it super-accessible for newbies and these of shorter stature without feeling cramped or insubstantial, and its punchy energy curve and lightweight handling are brilliant for self-confidence building. Exactly the same issues make it a lightweight riot of a thing for much more experienced riders. Gizmag's Loz Blain spent per week having a resurrected legend.
Suzuki SV650: very much at home within the urban jungle Suzuki SV650: rounded trellis frame recalls the original SV650 that ran from 1999-2002 Suzuki SV650: narrow tank holds just 13.8 liters, but with excellent fuel economy that's good for ... Suzuki SV650: narrow waist and low seat height will make this a really appealing bike for ...
Suzuki's original SV650 popped up in 1999, some six years after the Ducati Monster that clearly inspired it. The natty trellis frame, free from Italian electrics, moved a lot of units, as did the low seat height and light weight. It was sporty enough to be correct fun, but sensible sufficient for commuting and touring, and its important advantage was that it was approachable sufficient for inexperienced riders and shorter riders. It sold by the bucketload.
It was replaced by a more angular update in 2003, then by the weird and bulbous Gladius in 2009, but nobody seemed to like those as much. Still, the basic 645cc v-twin engine platform was always a winner, seeing duty in all these bikes plus the venerable but fugly V-Strom 650. All told, Suzuki has sold more than 400,000 bikes based on this mid-size v-twin.
The idea using the 2016 Suzuki SV650 would be to get back to basics with a style overhaul that takes the SV back toward that original tube trellis frame, with an engine refresh thrown in for more energy, torque and efficiency. You are able to judge for yourself how Suzuki did with the styling; I think it looks fine, if a bit anonymous, having a very complete digital dash being the standout feature to my eye.
Hop on board although, and I'm genuinely shocked to discover this bike weighs 197 kg (395 lb) wet. It feels incredibly light and compact, and preposterously slim - some thing like a Honda VTR250 on steroids. That is high praise as the VTR has been my go-to recommendation for learner bikes for something just like the last ten years, simply because it is so easy to ride that it builds confidence faster than just about anything I've ever seen.
That leads me to how I test learner bikes nowadays, because it is been many years since I was able to appear at a motorcycle via correct beginner's eyes. What I do now is pay interest to how rapidly the bike makes me confident enough to start becoming stupid on it, simply because that exact same self-confidence is what encourages learners to get available and start enjoying themselves. With the SV I start feeling devilish inside about 100 meters of Suzuki's driveway. Pop a tick in that box, then.
The ride
The 1 we're riding will be the Australian SV650L, that is the LAMS (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme) energy restricted version that doesn't advantage much from the engine updates. Rather than the full-fat 75 horsepower and 64 Nm (47 lb-ft), it is been ECU-tuned down to 47 horses and 56.5 Nm (42 lb-ft).
The outcome is really a totally non-threatening throttle mapping that delivers strong, grunty drive with no surprises. It's a thoroughly learner-friendly experience, but frankly a bit harmful with yours really on board, because when there is no fear wide open in the throttle stop, that's exactly where I have a tendency to remain.
I remain there with no fear that I am becoming cruel to it, because it is an understressed version of a just about faultlessly dependable donk. The gearbox is light and good, which fits with Suzuki's reputation for creating brilliant cogs, and the clutch is feather-light.
The riding position is pretty roomy, encouraging you to climb about around the bike within the twisties. It is also fairly comfy, save for the bars that really feel an inch or two narrow to get a big boofer like me. Mind you, you appreciate the narrow bars when you are filtering in between lanes. And around the opposite side, the mirrors are great for looking in, but sit out just wide enough to obtain in the way when you're in in between four-wheel drives. A good low seat height of 785 mm (30.9 in), combined having a super slim tank and physique, make this one of probably the most accessible sportsbikes on the market for shortypantses.
The suspension feels a little old-school, in that it's quite soft and lightly damped, but I do not actually possess a issue with this setup offered the target market. As a large bloke I'd wish to be placing heavier oil within the forks and maybe getting the shock revalved for more manage and much less bounce in faster bumpy corners. There is not much adjustment - just preload on the shock - but smaller sized folk will most likely discover the regular setup very useable.
The brakes, Tokico 2-piston calipers on twin 290mm front discs, are adequate with out becoming thrilling and are ideal for the brief. Suzuki has gone having a Nissin ABS system, and after a few fast tests on gravel and oily tarmac, I cannot fault it.
As for the handling… well, it is so damn light on its feet that the SV corners on a dime. Feet up U-turns are a breeze, and in tight, twisty bends it feels like a cheat code. It comes from the factory with sticky Dunlop Qualifier tires on along with a slimmish 160/60/17 around the back makes it track and change lines beautifully. Mind you, such sticky rubber strikes me as an odd option for learners because although the tires grip beautifully, they do need some time to warm up.
Nonetheless, once you are there the SV is nicely and really up to get a sporty ride, turning in fast and powering out nicely around the gas. It does get a little wallowy in faster sweepers because of that soft suspension.
The real important here to get a beginner is whether it is simple to deal with at slow speeds, obtaining around in visitors. And right here the SV absolutely shines. A low RPM help method provides it a little squirt of fuel when you visit let the clutch out, making it very hard to stall, and it's supremely maneuverable all the time.
An additional happy small nugget is the fact that Suzuki has finally decided to let you begin the bike without the clutch in - and on a one-touch ignition button that cranks the starter until the bike fires more than with out you getting to hold your thumb down. Maybe a carryover in the vehicle world, but why not, eh?
I completely love this little bike. I think it is a excellent starter bike or commute killer, and I will be recommending it to well-off newbies that can come in the AU$9,990 pricetag (it's US$6,999 derestricted within the US, or US$7,499 with ABS). I certain hope Suzuki opts to bring the unrestricted version out to Australia also, simply because the extra power would make it a sensational all-rounder or mid-size twins racebike with some suspension tweaks.
The competitors
Within the SV650's category are a pair of superb (and much more contemporary and distinctive searching) parallel twins from Kawasaki and Yamaha: the ER-6N and MT-07/FZ07. There is also the beautiful but expensive Ducati Monster 696, which provides the only other V-twin engine within the class, even though the 659 LAMS restricted version has apparently been discontinued in Australia.
I believe the SV will appeal to learners on its classic style, on its capability to be tricked up having a couple of bolt-on additions, and on its v-twin engine, which hammers away in a muted style with the standard exhaust but may be made to sound correctly butch and bassy like a v-twin ought to with pretty much any aftermarket pipe. Seriously, these issues sound house-shakingly huge whenever you open them up.
Most importantly, although, it's low, it is narrow, and it is light, creating it extremely accessible and great for building self-confidence on. It is the size of a 300 using the grunt of a 650. It is got my missus hunting through the cupboard for her leathers, and it's got me giggling like a lunatic as I take it through the back streets. Welcome back, SV650, we've missed you.
