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I have to disagree, a far better fit for the Miata is the Grom. The Grom introduced so many to riding (even stunting and racing) and is the epitome of a cheap fun vehicle that people consider to be better on "smiles" per gallon than anything else in any close range.
I agree. Affordable, fun and capable in stock form. Miata dominated National showroom stock B for years. They created a huge aftermarket for performance parts in both handling and power. The little hairdressers car could frustrate the hell out of many higher end cars on a track. I myself built a 250hp Miata.
The 44 Teeth guys made the same declaration about the SV650, and I couldn't agree more. I have a track prepped K9 S model (K-Tech fork upgrade, YSS shock, and braided lines and EBC pads) and it can do everything, commuting, canyon carving, track, and even touring as it can sit at 80MPH all day with no effort and no vibration. I just did a 2-day track school on it, and it was brilliant. I currently have 4 bikes, a Street Triple, a first gen Monster, and a SS Ducati, and if I had to drop to one bike the SV is the one that would stay.
FYI this is the only podcast that is worth listening to/watching .. Thanks for having the same passion , interests, and putting forth ambition to keep the motorcycle community informed and entertained ❤
I bought my 2020 SV650X on May and I cannot be more happy about that decision. Is my first bike and I really love it. Happy to hear about your thoughts on the model.
2 місяці тому+1
You could be happier with a radial hydraulic upgrade including a radial clutch slave cylinder (as opposed to a hydraulic "cable" still using a levered worm gear). This is like a whole different bike!
1:13:34 the brakes callipers were actually updated in 2019, and it now has 4 piston callipers (8 pistons total) in the front 😊 Great episode, always enjoy hearing more praises about my bike ! Thank you
Hello! I'm 45 years old and I'm from Portugal. I've had 12 bikes and I'd venture to say that my favorite is the SV650X that I still have. I'm sorry it wasn't very popular, as I love the aesthetics and the clip ons. I know it's an attempt to make a caféracer, I don't care, I really love the aesthetics and the riding position. One of my old motorcycles was the gladius, which I ended up selling, but it was the reason for me looking again for a now prettier SV650. Compliments! 👏🏻
The SV650 is the "poor person's" Ducati Monster. I've owned both (my street bike was a Monster 900 and my track bike was an SV). The SV is a great bike for track days: cheap to run, cheap to modify, cheap to crash and repair. Plus it's easy to find track prepped SV's for affordable prices. I loved the sound and simplicity!
I have a '99 SV650 naked which I have owned since new. I contemplated selling it a few times, but then I take it out on the backroads. I will never sell her. Such a joy to ride.
You could be happier with a radial hydraulic upgrade including a radial clutch slave cylinder (as opposed to a hydraulic "cable" still using a levered worm gear). This is like a whole different bike!
May I humbly suggest for a future Motorcycle Icons episode, the Yamaha FJ/FJR? From the 1984 FJ1100 to the current FJR1300, it's been 40 years now, with the FJR1300 itself being well over 20 years in production. It is widely regarded as the gold standard for high speed, long distance sport touring, with legendary reliability.
I have always liked the look of them , traditional round headlight . I own a Honda 919 and I have to say that is is super comfortable and fun , cheap and extremely reliable.
Congratulations. Mine's a 2023. Hopefully you got it at a good price. I suggest getting some children's watercolour paint brushes from Poundland or other discount store and applying some rust protector such as XCP or ACF-50 to the 1cm long U clamp for the front ABS sensor lead and the heads of bolts around front brake calipers and the, the front mudguard and the bolt heads for the chainguard and the two bolt heads where the sidestand meets the frame. Also in end of the front spindle ends and around the front spindle between the wheel and forks. They rust. You cannot spray rust protector on brake surfaces.
I got mine in May! Get a Corbin saddle. Your butt will thank you.
2 місяці тому
You could be happier with a radial hydraulic upgrade including a radial clutch slave cylinder (as opposed to a hydraulic "cable" still using a levered worm gear). This is like a whole different bike!
Spurg with a clean face, been a few since we've seen you shave haha SV650 is an icon bike in the UJM world. It's worn so many hats by owners it's astounding.
I have a 2023 Ducati Monster and have been riding for 40 years, I currently ride it the most of my bikes! I have ridden the SV650 and it is a GREAT motorcycle that is 80% of the Ducati at 50% of the price!
Here in Australia and Japan we got the MC33 VTR250, which was pretty much the same idea of a mini Japanese Monster but even smaller and even more reliable. They're still a classic first bike despite having been out of production for over a decade. A winning formula at any scale!
Bought my '13 SFV650 Gladius in 2016 for 4k (2k miles on it), been running for over 10 years with no issues. Great starter bike, and I think mostly get comments on how unique it looks compared to other naked bikes. Overall great bike, the headlight does suck though for night riding. Also the piece where the passenger foot peg is actually metal.
@@bloodhoug82 Just because your favorite sports team fails wouldnt make you less of a fan. Plus with modifications you can change out any pitfalls in the design you may not like.
Follow-on Episode: "What's Your SV650...that's not an SV650?" When you guys talk about how much you love the SV650, I think about the passion I had for an R3! While the two bikes obviously differ in displacement, I can't help but think about how good the handling was, how good the ergos were, and just how confidently I could ride it in a lot of situations. Given the variety of low weight and middleweight sportbikes and nakeds that have emerged over the last ten years, I think that the feelings you both have for the SV650 would be similar to the feelings that other riders have toward other small bikes and I think it could warrant a good "readers-write" show. In my case, I had a white 2020 Yamaha R3 with some real sticky tires....Michelin Pilot 5's or Pirelli Diablo Rosso's. Also had Woodcraft rearsets, a Yoshimira slip-on exhaust can, and I loved to run the bike with the side panel fairings off...just to make my little bike look a meaner, bigger dog. All in all, it was a very light handling bike that I could ride in any situation, but was most fun when whipping it through curves. And yes the R3 and I partnered up for a few track laps as well and the fun continued....
I remember my first SV650 ride. It was my second bike after a Ninja 250. I rode it home after buying sight unseen. I thought Holy Shit this thing is fast! Rode it cross country, up pikes peak, did track days and racing on it. Amazing bike.
I bought a gladius because they didnt have an sv at my dealer. I didnt like the looks but knew it was an sv essentially. I still dont like the looks over 10 years later but love the bike and have had so much fun on it.
The SV650 with the GSXR front end is truly the cafe racer of the modern era. "Cafe racers" were originally made to go fast from a mix of parts as the SV650/GSXR is 100% right in that spirit.
I rode an sv650 on track recently through my riding lessons, and it was such a joy! It's the first motorcycle I've tried, that truly felt like it just became a part of my body!
I started on a sv650 20 years ago, they’re such a gem of a motorcycle. It’s still my favourite engine ever even though I have a Ktm 1190 now, nothing compares to that sweet 90 degree v twin.
I got the current model black with bronze frame sv650. Love it. All the bike I’ll ever need and it looks classic.
2 місяці тому
You could be happier with a radial hydraulic upgrade including a radial clutch slave cylinder (as opposed to a hydraulic "cable" still using a levered worm gear). This is like a whole different bike!
When I started listening to this episode, I really had no idea you were going to dedicate your entire "not the news" time to my persona from the last motorcycle dating game :D I'm not sure I deserve that but I feel honored and HD XR1200 Sportster is a good pick, I actually rode Iron 1200 on vacation from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon and back liked it a lot. That said, if I was to buy it, it would be my second or third bike. Zack was right assuming I was looking for something sportier along the lines of BMW R9T, Triumph Speed Twin 1200, Moto Guzzi Griso. The new HD Rev Max 1250 engine looks really appealing in the sporty department in the new Sportster or Panamerica but I am afraid neither of those is going to become a future classic. If only HD made the Bronx...
@TheHelac The sv is a bit lighter, lower to the ground, and just more compact in general. It's my everyday bike and I like to use it for shorter trips and work commuting. The vstrom is a little taller and heavier, but it can be used for the same purposes. I like to use mine for longer trips, 2-up, and camping. Needless to say, I've used the sv for all of these as well.
I’ve had my 2017 SV650 ABS for three years now and it’s been spectacular. It’s my second bike after starting on a 2016 CBR500R and it’s created a massive problem for me. It has power, instant torque (given you’re in the right gear), relatively light on fuel usage, and comfort. The problem lies in the fact that it’s Premium Mediocre ™. I know there are faster bikes, more comfortable bikes, more torquey bikes, but all of them feel like somewhat of a compromise in comparison. You can get more speed at the expense of comfort, you can get more comfort at the expense of character, you can get more character at the expense of reliability. The SV is the middle of the road choice but it does it so well. I’ve been hunting for a third bike and not one looks like it could fill the spot the sv holds. The MT09 comes close, but at that rate I’d rather just have two bikes and not have to lament losing the Goldilocks SV in the future.
Wow! I also started on a CBR500R 2019, and jumped onto a SV650 2022 after… and I feel at the exact same situation now with my SV, the mt09 looks nice, but is so hard to get rid of the SV than having two bikes starts to seem like the best solution (and most espensive 😁)
Yep, the SV650 and the MT09 def are hovering around the "sweet spot" on comfort, performance, bang for buck. I myself have gone slightly a dif direction with the Triumph trident 660, little more perf 80HP 420lbs, similer ergonomics, hell of a bang for the buck. Would of considered the SV, but have owned 2 Suzuki's in the past and not here to bash so wont go into details but yeh, Yamaha's always turned out better in the end for overall ownership/quality, but now giving Triumph a go. MT09 looking mitey good these days, maybe in the future, and a little shout out to the ZX900RS, classic looks/perf, just the tack on fees etc ballooned the price up to top tear lvls😂, so passed on that for a first new bike purchase, but it was close, hmm for now really satisfied with the trident. -Cheers
The Suzuki SV650 is a great bike. My older brother had one for years and I ride it every time I visit. I’m fortunate to buy more fun bikes for more money, but the Suzuki is special.
my wife and I first got into motorcycling in 2018, we bought an SFV-650 from a friend as our first bike (which became my wife's when I got a Honda 919)... my friend had put the GSXR suspension on it, and we cafe'd both of our bikes, so the Gladius got a round headlight again and we rectified many of the styling "issues" Suzuki had blessed it with at birth... gotta say, pretty sweet first bike!
Thank you for this new series. Black painted 2nd gen frame did its job perfectly. My one is a 2009 SV650S and it is a very happy puppy always wanting to have a fun🙂
Surprised that Zach ot Spurgeon didn't comment on a suspension change after the Galdius was killed. It had preload adjustable front forks while the subsequent 2017 and newer SV had non adjustable front forks. Zach, did you notice a difference in handling or front fork performance with the newest iteration over the previous ones?
at 47:50, the Yamaha TRX850. I have one. It was sold in Japan, Europe and Australia/New Zealand (both countries are treated as a combined single market by car and bike manufacturers). I got my licence in the mid 1980's and while I haven't owned a long list of bikes, the TRX850 is the only bike I decided to hang onto after I bought a new bike for daily riding (I don't own a car, I ride all year round almost daily). My TRX was my daily ride from mid 1999 to late 2012. I rolled the (metric) odometer all the way over during that time. You can put the TRX850 along side the Honda VTR and Suzuki TL/SV lineups as a "Japanese version of a Ducati", and in some ways the TRX is a forerunner of Yamaha's crossplane MT lineup. I'll be buying an MT09 for daily use soon but I just can't bring myself to let my TRX go, so it will be lightly modded for "fun" riding along side the MT.
Loved this. I’ve got a 2003 SV650s in the garage that Ive never ridden because it sat for years and needs help. This breakdown of the bike’s history has rekindled my excitement to get it roadworthy by the Spring! Also - first time seeing your show, and found you two to be engaging and approachable knowledgeable. 👍
SV 650 was my riding school bike. I really have fond memories. Also they are cheap, even new. 7200€ (that includes taxes in my country) is really afforable. There is nothing wrong with a vanilla flavored bike. It's the most popular icecream that everyone can agree on.
My first bike was an SV650N (Curvy), my colleagues first bikes were ALL SV650s, the first race series I followed was the SV650 minitwins and still now the one machine I keep advising new starters to get is the SV650. I'd still love to get another one, 20 years after I last had mine. They aren't just iconic, they are up there with Fireblades, Fat Boys, Bonnevilles and C90s as "The Face of Motorcycling".
SV650, Bandit 600, Seca II, and the beloved Versys 650 have long been my suggestion for a second bike after newer riders believe they have "outgrown" that first bike. That said, I SPECIFICALLY would pick the Versys when I don't believe they have figured out what kind of riding they want to do. Plentiful and cheap to buy with the same resale value a couple years down the road why having a little bit of everything. Basically a less tall and dull KLR650 that does not require a milk crate on the back to run correctly. And Appalachia is thus far my favorite "region" for riding as there is a ton of variety and MOST areas have limited traffic. That said, 2025 will be two weeks in the canyons, mountains, etc of California, Nevada and Oregon...so might change my outlook.
guys, thanks a lot for SV650 review in Daily Rider -- i bought it last year, sv 650 2022. Covered 14 000 + km in my first season. Backyard roads, cities, German autobahns -- amazing experience. Totally loving it, Thanks)
Middleweight naked bikes have always had a spot in my garage. They were all capable all-rounders and all good for long rides, sometimes 2 up. In 1975 Mine was a 550 Honda. In '81 it was a Yamaha 650 Seca GT, to be replaced by a low cost leftover GT650 Honda, traded for an '01 SV650. This was replaced by my best handling ever bike , a 2009 Buell XB9SX. At age 81 I have moved to my retirement Royal Enfield INT650. It suits this old man by not asking to be pushed, while being happy to do several 400 to 500 mile days in a row. Color me satisfied. PS; Wife and I each had a Seca II.
An amazing allrounder. It’s pretty much the answer to: I want a reliable, fun, popular street bike with lots of support and a great community. I rode a Gladius in a test ride once - if it hasn’t been so thrashed, I probably would have bought it. It was a great feeling machine
I returned to riding after 30+ years, bought a new 2019 SV 650 to re-learn. Loved it, but quickly "upgraded" to a ninja 1000sx. Love my N1K, but I wish I had kept the SV as a second bike. It is just a joy to ride, and makes an amazing sound. The power is near perfect, as it is satisfying and 100% usable. For non-rideing folks that think 74hp is not enough, you just don't know how bikes work. To 100mph, 74Hp on a 400lb bike FEELS pretty close to a bike with twice the power. Up to 100mph. Of course the more powerful bike pulls that hard all the way to 160, but on the street that's really not usable. I'm looking for a good used SV.
I had a K9 SVS for almost 10 years until i decided to replace it when the Z900RS cafe came out. I love the RS, but I miss my SV. When I sold it I'd added Givi luggage and converted to handlebars to make is an excellent mini tourer. Just such an easy bike to live with in so many ways.
In 2006, my first not "POS" bike(2nd i owned) was an 01 sv650s, I went to the dealer, saw it there, i didn't know anything about the SV, didn't love the looks, but it was priced cheaper than most sport bikes, and insurance was much less expensive, i fell in love with it, i still think the 2nd gen looks better, but im always surfing marketplace looking for a cheap SV as a 3rd bike.
I gotta be honest, as much as I love the SV650, I didn't hate the Gladius at all. I kinda liked the grasshopper look of the bike. Besides, looks aside, it was still an SV650 underneath.
I have the 22’ SV650X and sure not as comfortable because of clip ons I love the look. It’s not too low like a super sport either so it’s not that bad. With an Werkes USA exhaust it makes a huge difference without being obnoxiously loud
I’m floored that you talk about 1999 like it was ancient history. Man, I feel old. By the way, I have been riding for over 52 years and owned scores of bikes, and at the moment only an SV650, a DL650 V-Strom, and a 250cc trail bike reside in my garage.
I met Spurgeon at a gas station north of Waco on I-35 following a COTA MotoGP weekend. He was on a new Bonneville or Speed Twin if I remember correctly, and I was on a... SV650S. That bike was perfect. I spent all day going 80+, and it was very content to be a happy companion. They really are the Labradors of motorcycles.
I feel honored that my bike, my first bike at that, was the one picked to make an icon video on!!! I absolutely loveeee my sv650 it's a 2017 I daily it to work and I've put about 25000 miles on it in my 4 years riding 😊 I still have as much fun on it now as I did the day I got it
I own the SV650X. It's JUST different enough from the regular SV650 that it just really grabbed my eye. I've never seen another one on the road either, so it's not like you're riding the same bike as everyone else.
Plus you got clip ons, feels almost like riding a different bike with the changed position. You only need a fork kit and better brakes to have endless fun on the track!
I went to a open day at my local Suzuki dealer and back to back rode the 2nd gen SV650, gladius and gsxr 750. The overwhelming thought I had at the time was the riding position of the gladius was it was a lot lower compared to its predecessor and wasn't as fun and flickable. Not a bad bike by any stretch but I couldn't conceive getting the gladius over the sv unless you were vertically challenged. Funnily enough I was completely put off by the gsxr. It just wasn't my cup of tea. Bear in mind that I had and still have a rsv mille so it had stiff competition for a sports bike
I recently got a 2005 SV650S, it's got 45k miles and it still runs great and apart from a couple minor scratches looks factory fresh and it was only £1700 with brand new michelin road 6s and EBC discs/pads!
I had a 2003 SV650S for my first bike. I wish I never got rid of it but it wasn't the best for long distance riding. I appreciate my gold wing now, but wish I had both.
I bought myself a 2003 sv650 standard in 2022 after selling my Z900 and no bike for 6 months. only 2100 miles on it and had a little dent on the tank. Now the sv650 has 8,300 miles. Fun bike and loves to rev high on the canyons. I just bought myself new mt09 and selling sv650. Although ill regret it im sure. That little bike has character and sounds nice. If i dont sell it. Just gonna keep it.
i bought a gladius as my first naked bike, really loved that bike. like you guys said, it was not a particularly great looking bike, but sounded amazing with a full system. I personally loved the chrome bars, thought it added a bit of old school flair, that being said, I like that bike so much I consider getting a true sv650 just so I could "know the difference" truly a winner of a motorcycle
Lovely show as allways! I enjoyed a trip down memory lane. I got my license on an SV650. Note for your engine sound game: you often mention fuel pump equal fuel injection, while often true, some carburated engines also uses fuel pumps and I must admit I was yelling in my head this time 😂 but my guess was a fj1200 based on your fuel pump comment and carburettor vs injection startup sound. Anyway, thanks again for another fun episode!
I just bought a new one in May. Shes already got some sweet mods and plan on taking it all the way. Fantastic bike that feels so good to ride. And that V Twin bassy pulse from the full M4 exhaust with 2 Wheel Dynoworks ECU flash, orgasmic. You wont get that on your parallel twin. Love the SV! Hey Suzuki, bring back the SV1000!
Since I'm sure Producer Chase would never make such a mistake I am confident it was simply as Easter egg with this being the start of Spotify offering the video form of this amazing podcast and way to increase the interactions. And to his credit, it worked. I am a long time listening dating back to early seasons with Lemmy but I rarely comment but Chase in his wisdom forced my hand with his Easter egg. Been riding for 10 years and my wish would be to talk about motorcycles for a living so it is only due to my incredibly astute eye that I must point out that the bike showed when you discussed the Z650 was in fact a Z900. That is all.
I loved my SV650 Gen2. Loved the motor characteristics. Torque right from the bottom. I rebuilt the suspension for my weight because that was a weak point. I test rode a Ducati Monster 1200 S thinking that if 650cc was good, then 1200 must be awesome. I was shocked to find out that I couldn't even let out the clutch below 3500 rpm or it would stall. I could let out the clutch on my SV650 without even giving it throttle, and it would start rolling. I've finally found another twin motor that would give that torque right from the bottom, and that's the Triumph 1200 motor, so now I'm a Scrambler 1200 XC owner, which stems from my love of the old SV650 from years ago. It's definitely that character with double the power like I was looking for.
Love my 2020 sv. Out the door for 6800 bucks. Thats a deal. On the other hand, i dont recall you guys stating the change in the performance stat changes. Love the show. Thanks
Been awhile since we have seen ol' Spurge clean shaven. The Gladius wasn't that bad. I think it looked worse then than it does now and mostly because people don't like change. I like the SV650 even considered buying one. Not sure it deserves an entire HS/LS episode but still informative and entertaining. First gen looks good but I would take a 2nd gen just for the fuel injection, not a fan of carbs. On to the engine sound guessing game, probably to obvious for it to be an SV650 right? Sounds like a triple or a four cylinder, but would've been nice for the owner to get it higher up the rev range. Honda ST100 maybe ST1300? And my 0 for streak continues. I am so bad at this game. You could do worse than Boston as THE worst drivers are from Maryland. Although, we do refer to drivers from up there as Mass - holes! Spurge please put some of those weekend routes on the Rever app! Well, as it has been said "every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end!" Looking forward to the beginning of episode five. Fine show Old Sports see you in two!
Great discussion, thanks. Here in Oz I have the 2010 2nd Gen sv650s ABS model. Here the 2nd gen lasted till 2010 and the 09 and 10 models offered ABS. The brutal sv650s clip-ons killed my wrists within 5 mins!!! I imported the superb Convertibars from the US--very comfortable. I also have the 2010 dl650 vstrom which has a slightly harsh engine vibe between 5.5-6.0 k rpm which is absent from my sv650s version of the same motor. The 2014 2nd Gen dl650 also has that same harsh spot. I find the gearbox is smoother on my sv650s and I prefer the gear ratios for the highway.
I'd recommend getting a 2020's SV with the upgraded 4 piston front calipers. Suzuki finally upgraded the front brakes after 20 years! Also the GSX-R 750 front end lowers the front end about 30mm which made very low speed handling quite unstable in my experience. I fitted fork extenders on mine.
I’m on my 3rd SV. Lucky enough to have a few bikes but there is nothing to beat a SV as a commuter. It is just a great all round bike, hugely competent and amazingly reliable, I have not had a problem beyond normal servicing on any of the 3 bikes. The current 2020 one is on 35k, might replace it with a new one whilst they still make them.
Fun fact, essentially since the sv650 was launched, the engine hasn't changed. It's virtually exactly the same, the only changes were (as mentioned in the episode) switching to fuel injection in 03, and switching to twin spark plugs per cylinder in 07 to help alleviate the issue of getting water in plug holes and turning your bike into the dreaded sv325. You could literally take a motor from a '24 sv and throw it in a 99, only swapping a handful of parts (mostly electrical, and the heads because of the aforementioned dual plug heads)
I can add a little to the Sv discussion. In 99, I'm ring a Bandit 1200 and an XT250. I went to Colorado Springs and took the 1st sv out for a test ride. I went up the side of a mountain with enough turns to find out what it did. I went back and told the salesman that the bike does nothing wrong. 2 weeks later, I traded the xt and some cash for it. I loved the 1st gens gauge cluster. I disagree about the most common mod. Exhaust was my pick. A few years later I bought a 2003 in blue. I liked the F.I. and the little more power. I didn't like the dash. A year later I traded it for a DR650. I still have it. Along the way I traded the bandit for a vfr800. I had that bike until a year ago. There was a 2002 zx12, a cbr1000rr and an assortment of 600cc sport bikes. I'm quite old but I'm thinking of getting one more sv. My main complaint with most of the newer bikes is the seat height. I have a short inseam and I'm too old to be horsing a bunch of weight around. The sv was a home run. :) The vfr was my travel buddy for 22 years. I was sad when it left but my riding had changed and it no longer was being utilized. :)
Great takes and I appreciate the appreciation of Suzuki even when it's so fashionable to hate on them lol. But alas as a previous owner of an SV1000S, I'm a little bummed it was not mentioned at all. Closest mention was the TL1000 (which I would love to get to swing a leg over some day). Nonetheless, awesome ep and I hope you all do more of these motorcycle legends podcasts!
Considering the affordability of it's best days the SV650 could well be the best bike ever made. I'm still revving my 22 year old SV into the red up to 11000rpms after 40000 miles of savage abuse and little maintenance. Suzuki could modernize an SV650 with the latest electronics and easily take it out to 750. New brakes and suspension wouldn't go amiss and how about a bit of fresh styling. The SV 750 could show a those parallel twins the way to go and in my opinion couldn't fail to become another SV legend.
Had to hop over to UA-cam for this, but for the Not the News, I can't believe no one has mentioned a Low Rider ST El Diablo. A well modified 2021 Low Rider S is what I put most of my miles on besides my 09 Daytona 675 and Grom, but the El Diablo hits the nail on the head if you asked me for a modern sport touring Harley-Davidson that could become a future classic. Only reason I hadn't thought of it on the first go around was I usually turn the Harley part of my brain off when listening to this fantastic production lol.
love the sv, sidegraded to an h2 but still kept is as a daily driver. Good choice for an affordable can do it all bike. Guess I will track it in the near future.
Last year I bought a basket case 99 SV650 for $500. Slapped on some Andreani fork cartridges, GSXR 1000 rear shock and front brakes off a CBR F4i and it has turned into a wicked little track missile. 370lbs full wet weight! These are the Miata of motorcycles - everyone should try one.
Back in 2016, I was replacing my Bandit 600 and the (new then) 4th gen SV650 was the main candidate but ended up with a VStrom, for the added versatility. Still being a Suzuki fan boy today, and owning now a 23 Hayabusa, the SV650 still comes to mind as a 2nd bike, just to scratch that ich that never went away! About the sound guessing game, the XJ600 Diversion, as was called here in Europe, was very popular through the 90s, with Yamaha adding the naked sibling a few years later, the XJ600N. The "wierd" sound comes by the courtesy of a rare firing order, (1-4-2-3) when compared to the usual inline 4s from japan (1-2-4-3).
I got a good deal on a new SV650, and planned on keeping it for a year, but I've had it for just under three. Time moves on, and I got an even better deal on a new 2024 Stealth Edition Triumph Speed Twin 1200 (Sapphire Red/Silver Red), that was too good to miss. The SV is a brilliant bike, and I'm going to miss it, it brought a smile to my face every time I rode it.
03 k3 Sv1000, I did the gsxr fork swap. The 03 years suck because you can get the k3 subframe causing parts issues. But the gear driven cams... nothing sounds better than a v twin gear driven cams. Pop tune on a dual shorty yoshi. Best sounding bike / engine.
GSXR front end is one upgrade, but a fully adjustable shock is another upgrade that is very easy to do, especially with the plentitude of used shocks available on the Internet for pennies on a dollar. Add stiffer springs in the front (if you don't want to deal with the front end swap) and you've got yourself that feels a lot better on the street.
I guessed the engine!!! Sorta. I owned an 82 Seca 750 for a while and when I heard the engine guess start up I said "that's one of those YICS things... wait, it's a Seca!!" I did not know what CC it was, but I knew it was an inline 4 Seca. That was a fun episode. I have a 22 SV650 and ride it all over the place in North Georgia. Just got back from a beach camping trip. I definitely need a windscreen, though.
This in-depth look at a legendary machine has been great. For consideration in future episodes: Kawasaki Concours, 1986 - 2006 or definitely the Sportster (as you mentioned). Also, the Honda CB series, 350cc thru 1100cc, would be interesting.
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This series has awesome potential. There had better be an episode on the KLR.
The SV650 did for motorcycling what the Miata did for sports cars in a lot of ways.
I have to disagree, a far better fit for the Miata is the Grom. The Grom introduced so many to riding (even stunting and racing) and is the epitome of a cheap fun vehicle that people consider to be better on "smiles" per gallon than anything else in any close range.
@@gordonshumway1857 Care to share the statistics you're going by?
@@TheCdubbleyoo opinions don’t need statistics. Wth
And the Ninja 400 is the BRZ/FRS/86 of motorcycles. I know cause I own both 😁
I agree. Affordable, fun and capable in stock form. Miata dominated National showroom stock B for years. They created a huge aftermarket for performance parts in both handling and power. The little hairdressers car could frustrate the hell out of many higher end cars on a track. I myself built a 250hp Miata.
The 44 Teeth guys made the same declaration about the SV650, and I couldn't agree more. I have a track prepped K9 S model (K-Tech fork upgrade, YSS shock, and braided lines and EBC pads) and it can do everything, commuting, canyon carving, track, and even touring as it can sit at 80MPH all day with no effort and no vibration. I just did a 2-day track school on it, and it was brilliant. I currently have 4 bikes, a Street Triple, a first gen Monster, and a SS Ducati, and if I had to drop to one bike the SV is the one that would stay.
FYI this is the only podcast that is worth listening to/watching .. Thanks for having the same passion , interests, and putting forth ambition to keep the motorcycle community informed and entertained ❤
I bought my 2020 SV650X on May and I cannot be more happy about that decision. Is my first bike and I really love it. Happy to hear about your thoughts on the model.
You could be happier with a radial hydraulic upgrade including a radial clutch slave cylinder (as opposed to a hydraulic "cable" still using a levered worm gear).
This is like a whole different bike!
1:13:34 the brakes callipers were actually updated in 2019, and it now has 4 piston callipers (8 pistons total) in the front 😊
Great episode, always enjoy hearing more praises about my bike !
Thank you
Suzuki puts out alot of iconic bikes... DRZ400... Hyabusa...SV650
Katana
Dr650
Vstrom...
Burgman 650 = the Legendary maxiscooter
And entire GSXR line
The best bike is the one you have. The perfect bike is the one thats reliable.
The ideal amount of bikes to own is "one more".
bikes have 2 wheels, one less and you’re in danger.
But the “better” bike is never the one you have and it’s a bad mentality that I need to get out of my head often
@@LongNguyen-ed4qs
You are a consoomer
Which is the bike that he has!?
Now you got me wondering what the best bike is!
🤷🏿♂️
Hello! I'm 45 years old and I'm from Portugal. I've had 12 bikes and I'd venture to say that my favorite is the SV650X that I still have. I'm sorry it wasn't very popular, as I love the aesthetics and the clip ons. I know it's an attempt to make a caféracer, I don't care, I really love the aesthetics and the riding position. One of my old motorcycles was the gladius, which I ended up selling, but it was the reason for me looking again for a now prettier SV650. Compliments! 👏🏻
The SV650 is the "poor person's" Ducati Monster. I've owned both (my street bike was a Monster 900 and my track bike was an SV). The SV is a great bike for track days: cheap to run, cheap to modify, cheap to crash and repair. Plus it's easy to find track prepped SV's for affordable prices. I loved the sound and simplicity!
Nah it’s outgrown the monster.
The funny thing is that real poor people these days can barely afford any motorcycle as a toy 😅 😢
I have a '99 SV650 naked which I have owned since new. I contemplated selling it a few times, but then I take it out on the backroads. I will never sell her. Such a joy to ride.
Do not sell it.
You could be happier with a radial hydraulic upgrade including a radial clutch slave cylinder (as opposed to a hydraulic "cable" still using a levered worm gear).
This is like a whole different bike!
May I humbly suggest for a future Motorcycle Icons episode, the Yamaha FJ/FJR? From the 1984 FJ1100 to the current FJR1300, it's been 40 years now, with the FJR1300 itself being well over 20 years in production. It is widely regarded as the gold standard for high speed, long distance sport touring, with legendary reliability.
The FJR has to be one of the top iron butt association ride bikes out there, probably only beaten by a BMW.
I have always liked the look of them , traditional round headlight . I own a Honda 919 and I have to say that is is super comfortable and fun , cheap and extremely reliable.
Wow. I'm a literally picking up a 23 plate SV tomorrow!!!
Congratulations. Mine's a 2023. Hopefully you got it at a good price. I suggest getting some children's watercolour paint brushes from Poundland or other discount store and applying some rust protector such as XCP or ACF-50 to the 1cm long U clamp for the front ABS sensor lead and the heads of bolts around front brake calipers and the, the front mudguard and the bolt heads for the chainguard and the two bolt heads where the sidestand meets the frame. Also in end of the front spindle ends and around the front spindle between the wheel and forks. They rust. You cannot spray rust protector on brake surfaces.
Blue skies an green light my friend!
I got mine in May! Get a Corbin saddle. Your butt will thank you.
You could be happier with a radial hydraulic upgrade including a radial clutch slave cylinder (as opposed to a hydraulic "cable" still using a levered worm gear).
This is like a whole different bike!
Spurg with a clean face, been a few since we've seen you shave haha
SV650 is an icon bike in the UJM world. It's worn so many hats by owners it's astounding.
I have a 2023 Ducati Monster and have been riding for 40 years, I currently ride it the most of my bikes!
I have ridden the SV650 and it is a GREAT motorcycle that is 80% of the Ducati at 50% of the price!
Here in Australia and Japan we got the MC33 VTR250, which was pretty much the same idea of a mini Japanese Monster but even smaller and even more reliable. They're still a classic first bike despite having been out of production for over a decade. A winning formula at any scale!
Bought my '13 SFV650 Gladius in 2016 for 4k (2k miles on it), been running for over 10 years with no issues. Great starter bike, and I think mostly get comments on how unique it looks compared to other naked bikes. Overall great bike, the headlight does suck though for night riding. Also the piece where the passenger foot peg is actually metal.
The Gladius was a huge flop though. Btw the SV650 headlight was shit as well
I have 2014 gladius. Zero complaints. Excellent bike
@@bloodhoug82 Just because your favorite sports team fails wouldnt make you less of a fan. Plus with modifications you can change out any pitfalls in the design you may not like.
Follow-on Episode: "What's Your SV650...that's not an SV650?"
When you guys talk about how much you love the SV650, I think about the passion I had for an R3! While the two bikes obviously differ in displacement, I can't help but think about how good the handling was, how good the ergos were, and just how confidently I could ride it in a lot of situations. Given the variety of low weight and middleweight sportbikes and nakeds that have emerged over the last ten years, I think that the feelings you both have for the SV650 would be similar to the feelings that other riders have toward other small bikes and I think it could warrant a good "readers-write" show.
In my case, I had a white 2020 Yamaha R3 with some real sticky tires....Michelin Pilot 5's or Pirelli Diablo Rosso's. Also had Woodcraft rearsets, a Yoshimira slip-on exhaust can, and I loved to run the bike with the side panel fairings off...just to make my little bike look a meaner, bigger dog. All in all, it was a very light handling bike that I could ride in any situation, but was most fun when whipping it through curves. And yes the R3 and I partnered up for a few track laps as well and the fun continued....
I remember my first SV650 ride. It was my second bike after a Ninja 250. I rode it home after buying sight unseen. I thought Holy Shit this thing is fast! Rode it cross country, up pikes peak, did track days and racing on it. Amazing bike.
I bought a gladius because they didnt have an sv at my dealer. I didnt like the looks but knew it was an sv essentially. I still dont like the looks over 10 years later but love the bike and have had so much fun on it.
The SV650 with the GSXR front end is truly the cafe racer of the modern era. "Cafe racers" were originally made to go fast from a mix of parts as the SV650/GSXR is 100% right in that spirit.
I rode an sv650 on track recently through my riding lessons, and it was such a joy! It's the first motorcycle I've tried, that truly felt like it just became a part of my body!
Just set a timer for every 5 minutes, and have both of you say "Harley Davidson". That should make all the HD'ers happy!
Tbf to the gladius i changed the exhaust, handlebars to black, mirrors and tail tidy and it looked way better
I started on a sv650 20 years ago, they’re such a gem of a motorcycle. It’s still my favourite engine ever even though I have a Ktm 1190 now, nothing compares to that sweet 90 degree v twin.
I got the current model black with bronze frame sv650. Love it. All the bike I’ll ever need and it looks classic.
You could be happier with a radial hydraulic upgrade including a radial clutch slave cylinder (as opposed to a hydraulic "cable" still using a levered worm gear).
This is like a whole different bike!
To defend the Gladius, Fortnine has a video titled "The best used motorcycle to buy." No, never owned a Gladius, but I'm a fan!
When I started listening to this episode, I really had no idea you were going to dedicate your entire "not the news" time to my persona from the last motorcycle dating game :D I'm not sure I deserve that but I feel honored and HD XR1200 Sportster is a good pick, I actually rode Iron 1200 on vacation from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon and back liked it a lot. That said, if I was to buy it, it would be my second or third bike. Zack was right assuming I was looking for something sportier along the lines of BMW R9T, Triumph Speed Twin 1200, Moto Guzzi Griso. The new HD Rev Max 1250 engine looks really appealing in the sporty department in the new Sportster or Panamerica but I am afraid neither of those is going to become a future classic. If only HD made the Bronx...
Already have the sv650 and vstrom 650 in the garage. Guess I'll have to get the scrambler 650 when it comes out to complete the set
what are the diferences? have vstrom, wondering how different sv is
@TheHelac The sv is a bit lighter, lower to the ground, and just more compact in general. It's my everyday bike and I like to use it for shorter trips and work commuting.
The vstrom is a little taller and heavier, but it can be used for the same purposes. I like to use mine for longer trips, 2-up, and camping. Needless to say, I've used the sv for all of these as well.
I’ve had my 2017 SV650 ABS for three years now and it’s been spectacular. It’s my second bike after starting on a 2016 CBR500R and it’s created a massive problem for me. It has power, instant torque (given you’re in the right gear), relatively light on fuel usage, and comfort.
The problem lies in the fact that it’s Premium Mediocre ™. I know there are faster bikes, more comfortable bikes, more torquey bikes, but all of them feel like somewhat of a compromise in comparison. You can get more speed at the expense of comfort, you can get more comfort at the expense of character, you can get more character at the expense of reliability. The SV is the middle of the road choice but it does it so well.
I’ve been hunting for a third bike and not one looks like it could fill the spot the sv holds. The MT09 comes close, but at that rate I’d rather just have two bikes and not have to lament losing the Goldilocks SV in the future.
Wow! I also started on a CBR500R 2019, and jumped onto a SV650 2022 after… and I feel at the exact same situation now with my SV, the mt09 looks nice, but is so hard to get rid of the SV than having two bikes starts to seem like the best solution (and most espensive 😁)
Yep, the SV650 and the MT09 def are hovering around the "sweet spot" on comfort, performance, bang for buck. I myself have gone slightly a dif direction with the Triumph trident 660, little more perf 80HP 420lbs, similer ergonomics, hell of a bang for the buck. Would of considered the SV, but have owned 2 Suzuki's in the past and not here to bash so wont go into details but yeh, Yamaha's always turned out better in the end for overall ownership/quality, but now giving Triumph a go. MT09 looking mitey good these days, maybe in the future, and a little shout out to the ZX900RS, classic looks/perf, just the tack on fees etc ballooned the price up to top tear lvls😂, so passed on that for a first new bike purchase, but it was close, hmm for now really satisfied with the trident. -Cheers
The Suzuki SV650 is a great bike. My older brother had one for years and I ride it every time I visit. I’m fortunate to buy more fun bikes for more money, but the Suzuki is special.
my wife and I first got into motorcycling in 2018, we bought an SFV-650 from a friend as our first bike (which became my wife's when I got a Honda 919)... my friend had put the GSXR suspension on it, and we cafe'd both of our bikes, so the Gladius got a round headlight again and we rectified many of the styling "issues" Suzuki had blessed it with at birth... gotta say, pretty sweet first bike!
Thank you for this new series. Black painted 2nd gen frame did its job perfectly. My one is a 2009 SV650S and it is a very happy puppy always wanting to have a fun🙂
Damn tho! I think the Gladius looks cool as hell! Definite 2nd choice bike for those TRON riders haha
The Gladius has the exact same chassis/frame as the brand new one, basically the same bike with different plastics yet people still overlook it.
Yep..but with more weight compare to 3rd gen SV
Surprised that Zach ot Spurgeon didn't comment on a suspension change after the Galdius was killed. It had preload adjustable front forks while the subsequent 2017 and newer SV had non adjustable front forks. Zach, did you notice a difference in handling or front fork performance with the newest iteration over the previous ones?
at 47:50, the Yamaha TRX850. I have one. It was sold in Japan, Europe and Australia/New Zealand (both countries are treated as a combined single market by car and bike manufacturers). I got my licence in the mid 1980's and while I haven't owned a long list of bikes, the TRX850 is the only bike I decided to hang onto after I bought a new bike for daily riding (I don't own a car, I ride all year round almost daily). My TRX was my daily ride from mid 1999 to late 2012. I rolled the (metric) odometer all the way over during that time. You can put the TRX850 along side the Honda VTR and Suzuki TL/SV lineups as a "Japanese version of a Ducati", and in some ways the TRX is a forerunner of Yamaha's crossplane MT lineup. I'll be buying an MT09 for daily use soon but I just can't bring myself to let my TRX go, so it will be lightly modded for "fun" riding along side the MT.
YES, The Suzuki SV650 is definitely the best modern motorcycle. I wish all motorcycles gave you as much satisfaction for your money as the SV650.
Loved this. I’ve got a 2003 SV650s in the garage that Ive never ridden because it sat for years and needs help.
This breakdown of the bike’s history has rekindled my excitement to get it roadworthy by the Spring!
Also - first time seeing your show, and found you two to be engaging and approachable knowledgeable. 👍
SV 650 was my riding school bike. I really have fond memories. Also they are cheap, even new. 7200€ (that includes taxes in my country) is really afforable.
There is nothing wrong with a vanilla flavored bike. It's the most popular icecream that everyone can agree on.
My first bike was an SV650N (Curvy), my colleagues first bikes were ALL SV650s, the first race series I followed was the SV650 minitwins and still now the one machine I keep advising new starters to get is the SV650. I'd still love to get another one, 20 years after I last had mine. They aren't just iconic, they are up there with Fireblades, Fat Boys, Bonnevilles and C90s as "The Face of Motorcycling".
SV650, Bandit 600, Seca II, and the beloved Versys 650 have long been my suggestion for a second bike after newer riders believe they have "outgrown" that first bike. That said, I SPECIFICALLY would pick the Versys when I don't believe they have figured out what kind of riding they want to do. Plentiful and cheap to buy with the same resale value a couple years down the road why having a little bit of everything. Basically a less tall and dull KLR650 that does not require a milk crate on the back to run correctly.
And Appalachia is thus far my favorite "region" for riding as there is a ton of variety and MOST areas have limited traffic. That said, 2025 will be two weeks in the canyons, mountains, etc of California, Nevada and Oregon...so might change my outlook.
guys, thanks a lot for SV650 review in Daily Rider -- i bought it last year, sv 650 2022. Covered 14 000 + km in my first season. Backyard roads, cities, German autobahns -- amazing experience. Totally loving it, Thanks)
Middleweight naked bikes have always had a spot in my garage. They were all capable all-rounders and all good for long rides, sometimes 2 up. In 1975 Mine was a 550 Honda. In '81 it was a Yamaha 650 Seca GT, to be replaced by a low cost leftover GT650 Honda, traded for an '01 SV650. This was replaced by my best handling ever bike , a 2009 Buell XB9SX. At age 81 I have moved to my retirement Royal Enfield INT650. It suits this old man by not asking to be pushed, while being happy to do several 400 to 500 mile days in a row. Color me satisfied.
PS; Wife and I each had a Seca II.
An amazing allrounder. It’s pretty much the answer to: I want a reliable, fun, popular street bike with lots of support and a great community.
I rode a Gladius in a test ride once - if it hasn’t been so thrashed, I probably would have bought it. It was a great feeling machine
I returned to riding after 30+ years, bought a new 2019 SV 650 to re-learn. Loved it, but quickly "upgraded" to a ninja 1000sx. Love my N1K, but I wish I had kept the SV as a second bike. It is just a joy to ride, and makes an amazing sound. The power is near perfect, as it is satisfying and 100% usable. For non-rideing folks that think 74hp is not enough, you just don't know how bikes work. To 100mph, 74Hp on a 400lb bike FEELS pretty close to a bike with twice the power. Up to 100mph. Of course the more powerful bike pulls that hard all the way to 160, but on the street that's really not usable. I'm looking for a good used SV.
I had a K9 SVS for almost 10 years until i decided to replace it when the Z900RS cafe came out. I love the RS, but I miss my SV. When I sold it I'd added Givi luggage and converted to handlebars to make is an excellent mini tourer. Just such an easy bike to live with in so many ways.
I had a gladius before I had a G2. It wasn't ugly enough.. it got stolen! Loved it. All black. Such a great engine.
In 2006, my first not "POS" bike(2nd i owned) was an 01 sv650s, I went to the dealer, saw it there, i didn't know anything about the SV, didn't love the looks, but it was priced cheaper than most sport bikes, and insurance was much less expensive, i fell in love with it, i still think the 2nd gen looks better, but im always surfing marketplace looking for a cheap SV as a 3rd bike.
Lol at the "my first not pos..." such a milestone, onowing it wont catch fire or find boltS in the oil pan.
I love the look of the Gladius--especially in blue and white.
I gotta be honest, as much as I love the SV650, I didn't hate the Gladius at all. I kinda liked the grasshopper look of the bike.
Besides, looks aside, it was still an SV650 underneath.
I liked the name, but hated the looks.
I have the 22’ SV650X and sure not as comfortable because of clip ons I love the look. It’s not too low like a super sport either so it’s not that bad. With an Werkes USA exhaust it makes a huge difference without being obnoxiously loud
I’m floored that you talk about 1999 like it was ancient history. Man, I feel old.
By the way, I have been riding for over 52 years and owned scores of bikes, and at the moment only an SV650, a DL650 V-Strom, and a 250cc trail bike reside in my garage.
I met Spurgeon at a gas station north of Waco on I-35 following a COTA MotoGP weekend. He was on a new Bonneville or Speed Twin if I remember correctly, and I was on a... SV650S. That bike was perfect. I spent all day going 80+, and it was very content to be a happy companion. They really are the Labradors of motorcycles.
I feel honored that my bike, my first bike at that, was the one picked to make an icon video on!!! I absolutely loveeee my sv650 it's a 2017 I daily it to work and I've put about 25000 miles on it in my 4 years riding 😊 I still have as much fun on it now as I did the day I got it
I bought my red 2017 SV new in 2017 and still enjoy it. Best bike I've owned.
I own the SV650X. It's JUST different enough from the regular SV650 that it just really grabbed my eye. I've never seen another one on the road either, so it's not like you're riding the same bike as everyone else.
Plus you got clip ons, feels almost like riding a different bike with the changed position. You only need a fork kit and better brakes to have endless fun on the track!
I went to a open day at my local Suzuki dealer and back to back rode the 2nd gen SV650, gladius and gsxr 750. The overwhelming thought I had at the time was the riding position of the gladius was it was a lot lower compared to its predecessor and wasn't as fun and flickable. Not a bad bike by any stretch but I couldn't conceive getting the gladius over the sv unless you were vertically challenged.
Funnily enough I was completely put off by the gsxr. It just wasn't my cup of tea. Bear in mind that I had and still have a rsv mille so it had stiff competition for a sports bike
I recently got a 2005 SV650S, it's got 45k miles and it still runs great and apart from a couple minor scratches looks factory fresh and it was only £1700 with brand new michelin road 6s and EBC discs/pads!
More of this guys! It really hits the mark. Great job as always.
I had a 2003 SV650S for my first bike. I wish I never got rid of it but it wasn't the best for long distance riding. I appreciate my gold wing now, but wish I had both.
I bought myself a 2003 sv650 standard in 2022 after selling my Z900 and no bike for 6 months. only 2100 miles on it and had a little dent on the tank. Now the sv650 has 8,300 miles. Fun bike and loves to rev high on the canyons. I just bought myself new mt09 and selling sv650. Although ill regret it im sure. That little bike has character and sounds nice. If i dont sell it. Just gonna keep it.
I had to buy the dl650 because I could not fit well on the sv
27:57 "With popularity comes expectations for evolution." Nicely put Zack!😊.
1:09:50 The best SV650 mod + tachometer.
The adjustable fork preload happened in 2002, on the last year of the 1st gen.
They did fix the brakes guys! In 2019 that moved to 4 pot front callipers!!!
i bought a gladius as my first naked bike, really loved that bike. like you guys said, it was not a particularly great looking bike, but sounded amazing with a full system. I personally loved the chrome bars, thought it added a bit of old school flair, that being said, I like that bike so much I consider getting a true sv650 just so I could "know the difference"
truly a winner of a motorcycle
Lovely show as allways! I enjoyed a trip down memory lane. I got my license on an SV650.
Note for your engine sound game: you often mention fuel pump equal fuel injection, while often true, some carburated engines also uses fuel pumps and I must admit I was yelling in my head this time 😂 but my guess was a fj1200 based on your fuel pump comment and carburettor vs injection startup sound.
Anyway, thanks again for another fun episode!
I put 50,000 miles on the original SV650. Mostly commuting. A 2002 model. Never let me down.
I just bought a new one in May. Shes already got some sweet mods and plan on taking it all the way. Fantastic bike that feels so good to ride. And that V Twin bassy pulse from the full M4 exhaust with 2 Wheel Dynoworks ECU flash, orgasmic. You wont get that on your parallel twin. Love the SV! Hey Suzuki, bring back the SV1000!
Since I'm sure Producer Chase would never make such a mistake I am confident it was simply as Easter egg with this being the start of Spotify offering the video form of this amazing podcast and way to increase the interactions. And to his credit, it worked. I am a long time listening dating back to early seasons with Lemmy but I rarely comment but Chase in his wisdom forced my hand with his Easter egg. Been riding for 10 years and my wish would be to talk about motorcycles for a living so it is only due to my incredibly astute eye that I must point out that the bike showed when you discussed the Z650 was in fact a Z900. That is all.
I loved my SV650 Gen2. Loved the motor characteristics. Torque right from the bottom. I rebuilt the suspension for my weight because that was a weak point. I test rode a Ducati Monster 1200 S thinking that if 650cc was good, then 1200 must be awesome. I was shocked to find out that I couldn't even let out the clutch below 3500 rpm or it would stall. I could let out the clutch on my SV650 without even giving it throttle, and it would start rolling. I've finally found another twin motor that would give that torque right from the bottom, and that's the Triumph 1200 motor, so now I'm a Scrambler 1200 XC owner, which stems from my love of the old SV650 from years ago. It's definitely that character with double the power like I was looking for.
If Robert Pirsig was alive today he would ride an SV650.
Without question, YES!!! My 07' K7 S-model with aftermarket lowers and exhaust is a dream
PS. I see SV650, I click
It’s a great little bike. It’s very light. It’s quick too. It’s not a dog. It’s a fun bike. Sounds good too with the right exhaust.
This podcast was the best yet listening to you from Tunisia,Iam for the uk👍
Love my 2020 sv. Out the door for 6800 bucks. Thats a deal.
On the other hand, i dont recall you guys stating the change in the performance stat changes.
Love the show. Thanks
Been awhile since we have seen ol' Spurge clean shaven. The Gladius wasn't that bad. I think it looked worse then than it does now and mostly because people don't like change. I like the SV650 even considered buying one. Not sure it deserves an entire HS/LS episode but still informative and entertaining. First gen looks good but I would take a 2nd gen just for the fuel injection, not a fan of carbs. On to the engine sound guessing game, probably to obvious for it to be an SV650 right? Sounds like a triple or a four cylinder, but would've been nice for the owner to get it higher up the rev range. Honda ST100 maybe ST1300? And my 0 for streak continues. I am so bad at this game. You could do worse than Boston as THE worst drivers are from Maryland. Although, we do refer to drivers from up there as Mass - holes! Spurge please put some of those weekend routes on the Rever app! Well, as it has been said "every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end!" Looking forward to the beginning of episode five. Fine show Old Sports see you in two!
Great discussion, thanks.
Here in Oz I have the 2010 2nd Gen sv650s ABS model. Here the 2nd gen lasted till 2010 and the 09 and 10 models offered ABS.
The brutal sv650s clip-ons killed my wrists within 5 mins!!!
I imported the superb Convertibars from the US--very comfortable.
I also have the 2010 dl650 vstrom which has a slightly harsh engine vibe between 5.5-6.0 k rpm which is absent from my sv650s version of the same motor.
The 2014 2nd Gen dl650 also has that same harsh spot.
I find the gearbox is smoother on my sv650s and I prefer the gear ratios for the highway.
I'd recommend getting a 2020's SV with the upgraded 4 piston front calipers. Suzuki finally upgraded the front brakes after 20 years!
Also the GSX-R 750 front end lowers the front end about 30mm which made very low speed handling quite unstable in my experience. I fitted fork extenders on mine.
I’m on my 3rd SV. Lucky enough to have a few bikes but there is nothing to beat a SV as a commuter. It is just a great all round bike, hugely competent and amazingly reliable, I have not had a problem beyond normal servicing on any of the 3 bikes. The current 2020 one is on 35k, might replace it with a new one whilst they still make them.
Fun fact, essentially since the sv650 was launched, the engine hasn't changed. It's virtually exactly the same, the only changes were (as mentioned in the episode) switching to fuel injection in 03, and switching to twin spark plugs per cylinder in 07 to help alleviate the issue of getting water in plug holes and turning your bike into the dreaded sv325. You could literally take a motor from a '24 sv and throw it in a 99, only swapping a handful of parts (mostly electrical, and the heads because of the aforementioned dual plug heads)
I can add a little to the Sv discussion. In 99, I'm ring a Bandit 1200 and an XT250. I went to Colorado Springs and took the 1st sv out for a test ride. I went up the side of a mountain with enough turns to find out what it did. I went back and told the salesman that the bike does nothing wrong. 2 weeks later, I traded the xt and some cash for it. I loved the 1st gens gauge cluster. I disagree about the most common mod. Exhaust was my pick. A few years later I bought a 2003 in blue. I liked the F.I. and the little more power. I didn't like the dash. A year later I traded it for a DR650. I still have it. Along the way I traded the bandit for a vfr800. I had that bike until a year ago. There was a 2002 zx12, a cbr1000rr and an assortment of 600cc sport bikes. I'm quite old but I'm thinking of getting one more sv. My main complaint with most of the newer bikes is the seat height. I have a short inseam and I'm too old to be horsing a bunch of weight around. The sv was a home run. :) The vfr was my travel buddy for 22 years. I was sad when it left but my riding had changed and it no longer was being utilized. :)
Bought a 1999 sv650s new and still ride her most days. Would never sell her as still grin everytime I ride her...
Great takes and I appreciate the appreciation of Suzuki even when it's so fashionable to hate on them lol. But alas as a previous owner of an SV1000S, I'm a little bummed it was not mentioned at all. Closest mention was the TL1000 (which I would love to get to swing a leg over some day). Nonetheless, awesome ep and I hope you all do more of these motorcycle legends podcasts!
Considering the affordability of it's best days the SV650 could well be the best bike ever made. I'm still revving my 22 year old SV into the red up to 11000rpms after 40000 miles of savage abuse and little maintenance. Suzuki could modernize an SV650 with the latest electronics and easily take it out to 750. New brakes and suspension wouldn't go amiss and how about a bit of fresh styling. The SV 750 could show a those parallel twins the way to go and in my opinion couldn't fail to become another SV legend.
Had to hop over to UA-cam for this, but for the Not the News, I can't believe no one has mentioned a Low Rider ST El Diablo. A well modified 2021 Low Rider S is what I put most of my miles on besides my 09 Daytona 675 and Grom, but the El Diablo hits the nail on the head if you asked me for a modern sport touring Harley-Davidson that could become a future classic. Only reason I hadn't thought of it on the first go around was I usually turn the Harley part of my brain off when listening to this fantastic production lol.
I had an 08 SV650 & put 60k miles on it. Best bike I've ever owned!
love the sv, sidegraded to an h2 but still kept is as a daily driver. Good choice for an affordable can do it all bike.
Guess I will track it in the near future.
Love this format! More please, gents
I would buy a SV650 enduro/scrambler in a heartbeat. And I'm a Yamaha guy (own an MT07)
Last year I bought a basket case 99 SV650 for $500. Slapped on some Andreani fork cartridges, GSXR 1000 rear shock and front brakes off a CBR F4i and it has turned into a wicked little track missile. 370lbs full wet weight! These are the Miata of motorcycles - everyone should try one.
Back in 2016, I was replacing my Bandit 600 and the (new then) 4th gen SV650 was the main candidate but ended up with a VStrom, for the added versatility. Still being a Suzuki fan boy today, and owning now a 23 Hayabusa, the SV650 still comes to mind as a 2nd bike, just to scratch that ich that never went away!
About the sound guessing game, the XJ600 Diversion, as was called here in Europe, was very popular through the 90s, with Yamaha adding the naked sibling a few years later, the XJ600N.
The "wierd" sound comes by the courtesy of a rare firing order, (1-4-2-3) when compared to the usual inline 4s from japan (1-2-4-3).
Oddly the current Ducati monster headlight is weirdly shaped similar to the sfv galdius, so did Ducatiy copy back from the sfv may be as a joke?
After taking a long look at the Suzuki Gladius, I think it looks kind of cool. I guess I’m not a sheep.
I got a good deal on a new SV650, and planned on keeping it for a year, but I've had it for just under three. Time moves on, and I got an even better deal on a new 2024 Stealth Edition Triumph Speed Twin 1200 (Sapphire Red/Silver Red), that was too good to miss. The SV is a brilliant bike, and I'm going to miss it, it brought a smile to my face every time I rode it.
03 k3 Sv1000, I did the gsxr fork swap. The 03 years suck because you can get the k3 subframe causing parts issues. But the gear driven cams... nothing sounds better than a v twin gear driven cams. Pop tune on a dual shorty yoshi. Best sounding bike / engine.
GSXR front end is one upgrade, but a fully adjustable shock is another upgrade that is very easy to do, especially with the plentitude of used shocks available on the Internet for pennies on a dollar. Add stiffer springs in the front (if you don't want to deal with the front end swap) and you've got yourself that feels a lot better on the street.
I guessed the engine!!! Sorta. I owned an 82 Seca 750 for a while and when I heard the engine guess start up I said "that's one of those YICS things... wait, it's a Seca!!" I did not know what CC it was, but I knew it was an inline 4 Seca. That was a fun episode. I have a 22 SV650 and ride it all over the place in North Georgia. Just got back from a beach camping trip. I definitely need a windscreen, though.
This in-depth look at a legendary machine has been great. For consideration in future episodes: Kawasaki Concours, 1986 - 2006 or definitely the Sportster (as you mentioned). Also, the Honda CB series, 350cc thru 1100cc, would be interesting.
Love the Historical perspective!