Suzuki SV 650S / ABS

Middleweight sport bikes are known for their responsive handling, and the SV650SF is engineered to set the standard for its class. With its light and rigid aluminum-alloy truss frame and technically advanced suspension front and rear, it invites you to carve up the canyon roads with complete confidence. Now that you know the reason it was created, I invite you to further read how it was developed and improved through the years.

Suzuki launched the first SV650 in 1999 as an entry-level priced naked motorcycle. For the retail price of $5999 that you would of pay on it, the bike offered great handling and sufficient power through the rpm range. It was the result of strong development concerning both chassis and engine coming from the TL1000S.

Combining light weight, rigid chassis, strong handling, and a 90-degree V-twin producing strong mid range torque, the SV650 addressed to beginners or experienced riders who needed a fast and cheap mean of transportation.

North America saw the first SV650 in two colors, red and blue but only without the fairing. The Suzuki SV650S, though, was present in Europe, as well as the “N” version of the bike.

The new millennium caught the Suzuki SV650 basically unchanged, but Suzuki took care to black-coat the wheels and to add a new black paintjob to match with them.

In 2003, the Suzuki SV650 lined up with the SV1000, the bike’s bigger brother and successor of the TL1000, and was introduced as a new, totally redesigned naked bike. It featured a new aluminum frame, similar to the one found on the SV1000, and the engine delivered the same output even though the carburetors were replaced by an electronic fuel injection system implementing Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve system (SDTV) and Auto Fast Idle System (AFIS).

Also new, was the instrument panel with the central rev counter, the window with liquid crystals for speed, mileages, engine temperature, clock and the indicator of reserve.

The bike’s sharp new appearance really made it stand out but no matter what Suzuki had in mind, every model would have to remind of the old one and to be similar to the bigger brother.

In 2004 the SV650’s passengers could enjoy the bike’s increase in comfort, given by the lowered subframe. It also featured a more compact rear fender and, like most of the ’04 Suzukis, the SV650 presented only the classic Suzuki “S” logo on the fuel tank. Paint options were Blue, Black, or Yellow.

The 2005 SV650 saw a couple of minor changes. It was equipped with a meter visor that was color matched with the body parts and its center part was composed of a smoke-cleared shield. This made a new cockpit area. Also the front brake cylinder head got a new style. The radiator was redesigned and it was now 40mm narrower than on earlier models.

Some color changes were also present as the main frame, swingarm and the wheels were changed from Silver to Black for a sportier image.

From 2007, both SV650 and SV650S model arrived with available ABS and twin spark plugs for reduced emissions.

Honda unveiled at the 2007 Paris Motor Show its new CBF600 and CBF600S machines which were derived from the Honda Hornet. The “S” model especially promises to be a very strong competitor for the new SV650SF because, as the naked version, it has an engine taken right out the CBR600RR. Because the machine that provided the engine was strongly improved, the CBF600S suffered the same effect and the engine is now lighter and smaller. The difference is that it is tuned for stronger low and mid-range pull.

The Hornet also the inspiration source for the chassis and the innovative Mono-backbone frame has been adapted to the more relaxed riding position of the 2008 Honda CBF600S, Suzuki SV650SF’s strongest competitor.

Yamaha also enters the scene with its revised multipurpose, go-anywhere do-anything middleweight FZ6 machine which is just as happy taking you to work, for a brisk sport ride or on a weekend tour. A strong competitor for the Honda and Suzuki alike, the new FZ6 is ready to test its abilities against the best in the busyness.

The North American market saw a series of changes coming from the Suzuki SV650. It was first introduced as a naked bike, then there was the half fairing adding and for 2008 it features a full fairing and it is named SV650SF. It’s like Suzuki anticipated what customers were expecting and delivered the ideal product dressed nicely and aggressively.

The sleek fairing features dual 60/55W headlights with running lights and folding mirrors while the frame, swingarm, and wheels are black-painted for a sportier look.

Suzuki made sure that their new SV would receive the proper final touch by offering it Blue or Gray painted. This completes the overall visual aspect of this sport bike and creates a nice contrast with the black-painted elements that I previously mentioned.

Suzuki’s middleweight standard style motorcycle, the SV650SF is destined to both beginning and experienced riders alike as it offers a great balance between power and handling so I will test the bike considering myself in both of the given situations.

Once on the 2008 Suzuki SV650SF, I noticed the seating position is upright with the narrow seat making the 31.5-inch seat height lower than it actually is. This is a plus for smaller-stature beginners who need to confidently put their feet on the ground when needed.

Weighing only 385 lbs, the SV650SF is extremely light so that very same beginner should be able to balance the machine without any worries of falling over.

Other elements that determine the riding position are the handgrips which are within reach and both clutch and brake levers don’t require a lot of strength to be maneuvered and this also makes for a great beginners bike. What makes it very cool is the fact that the brake lever position is adjustable so it can be brought in closer to the grip for those with shorter fingers. That wasn’t my case so I left the lever as it was.

The elements that complete the position triangle are the footpegs which given to the fact they are right below you, provide a comfortable riding position and can be easily abandoned for the more stable ground beneath them (at slow speeds, of course).

Being user-friendly and confidence-providing, the Suzuki SV650SF turns easily and performs well at slow speeds, but when you really twist its throttle, the mighty V-twin shows you how things can become more than exciting on the new machine.

Acceleration is smooth without any jerking, but it can also be quite a torque releasing unit when needed. This is given to the bike’s V-twin engine that does its job spotless and given to its construction specifications it revs high and also provides great amounts of torque. The cool thing is that the rider can establish the rhythm wanted without any a racy-character involved.

Gearing is very forgiving and this makes it suitable for beginners but once they’ve gotten used to it, changing gears would be a children’s play.

A symbol of the SV650SF, the four-stroke 90-degree V-twin engine which meanwhile became fuel injected, provides smooth acceleration over its wide powerband and an experienced rider could easily put those qualities at work in collaboration with the six-speed transmission that properly does its job and shifts smoothly, as expected.

The braking system implements dual hydraulic discs up front and a single rear disc. Both brakes perform exactly as they should and provide excellent stopping power anytime needed.

My impression given by this new, fully-faired SV is excellent. The bike now looks excellent and still retains the qualities that made it famous.

The SV650S offers an equal measure of V-twin excitement. It’s loaded with advanced designs, starting with a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine that boasts a wide powerband with crisp throttle response and strong acceleration in every gear. What’s more, its 90-degree V-twin design offers perfect primary balance, which results in smooth performance and comfortable open-road riding.

Everything is nicely dressed with a full-fairing and the bike promises to sell as no other given to its new radical appearance for 2008.