1999 Suzuki SV 650S

Suzuki SV 650S

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.