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Suzuki SV 650S

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Make Model

Suzuki SV 650S

Year

1999 - 00

Engine

Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Capacity

645 cc / 39.4 cu-in
Bore x Stroke 81 x 62.6 mm
Cooling System Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio 11.5:1
Lubrication Wet sump
Engine Oil Synthetic, 10W40

Induction

2x Mikuni BDSR39 carburetors

Ignition Digital transistorised
Spark Plug NGK, CR8E
Starting Electric
Max Power 53 kW / 72 hp @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque 64 Nm / 6.53 kg-m / 47.2 lb-ft @ 7200 rpm
Clutch Wet, multiple discs, cable operated
Transmission 6 Speed
Primary Reduction 34/71 (2.088)

Gear Ratios

1st 32/13 (2.461) / 2nd 32/18 (1.777) / 3rd 29/21 (1.380) / 4th 27/24 (1.125) / 5th 25/26 (0.961) / 6th 23/27 (0.851)
Final Reduction 45/14 (3.000)
Final Drive Chain, #525 O-ring
Frame Aluminium, Trellis frame
Front Suspension Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped, fully adjustable preload
Front Wheel Travel 130 mm / 5.1 in
Rear Suspension Link-type, 7-way adjustable spring preload
Rear Wheel Travel 125 mm / 4.7 in

Front Brakes

2 x 290 mm Discs, 2 piston calipers

Rear Brakes

Single 240 mm disc, 2 piston caliper

Front Wheel

3.5 x 17
Rear Wheel 4.5 x 17
Front Tyre 120/60 ZR17
Rear Tyre 160/60 ZR17
Rake 25°
Trail 102 mm / 4.0 in

Dimensions

Length  2045 mm / 80.5 in 

Width      790 mm / 31.1 in 

Height   1060 mm / 41.7 in

Wheelbase 1 420 mm / 55.9 in
Seat Height 800 mm / 31.5 in

Dry Weight

169 kg / 372 lbs

Wet Weight

189 kg / 417 lbs

Oil Capacity

2.3 Litres / 2.4 US qt / 2.0 Imp qt

Fuel Capacity

17 Litres / 4.5 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal

Consumption Average

4.65 L/100 km / 21.5 km/l / 50.6 US mpg / 60.7 Imp mpg

Braking 60 mph / 97 km/h - 0

36 m / 118 ft

Standing ¼ Mile  

11.85 sec / 177 km/h / 110 mph

Standing 0 - 60 mph / 97 km/h

3.2 sec

Standing 0 - 100 mph / 161 km/h

8.76 sec

Top Speed

204.3 km/h / 126.9 mph

When it first appeared in 1999, the SV650 was one of the highest-spec bikes in its class. An all-new purpose-designed V-twin engine housed in an aluminium trellis frame with sporty styling was much more advanced than competing bikes like the Bandit 600 and Kawasaki's ZR-7.

 

Suzuki extended the appeal of the SV by offering two versions. An unfaired SV650 is ideal for town use, but this half-faired version extends the SV's remit to include longer-distance commuting and light touring. Higher gearing gives an increased top speed, while lower handlebars and a twin headlamp fairing keeps wind stress off the rider, allowing relaxed high-speed cruising. The SV650S also has twin trip meters and an integrated cockpit dash.

 

The engine looks like a miniature version of the firm's TL1000 motor, the eight-valve, quad-cam design producing an impressive 52kW (70bhp), with a pleasing, torquey delivery. The chassis provides similarly easy handling, the conventional upside-down forks and rear monoshock providing soft, predictable damping while the light weight and sporty geometry mean the SV steers quickly. Twin front brake discs with two-piston Tokico calipers provide ample stopping power.

 

The naked version of the SV is 4kg (8.81b) lighter than the faired 'S' model, and is also geared lower, giving a lower top speed and faster acceleration. The result is a markedly different bike: much livelier round town, and more fun to ride.

 

The engine and chassis is largely identical to the unfaired machine, although the different riding position gives a more sporting feel. The aluminium frame is more than stiff enough for the power output, and sporting radial tyres give sportsbike levels of grip.

 

As an all-round budget or novice machine, the SV650S is an excellent choice. But more sporting riders may find the V-twin motor short of outright power compared with four-cylinder rivals, although the narrow, firm chassis is as sporty as anything else in the budget middleweight class.