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.
Any corrections or more information on these motorcycles will be kindly appreciated.