One of my bikes is a 33 year old ST1100. Very well maintained and quit reliable. I ride and drive old vehicles all over Europe with very little problems... Oh and the ST is very, very comfortable with a lot of hard luggage capabilities. Well maintained older vehicles are quite reliable!
Nice that the SV650 is considered a classic! I took my SV650S K8 round Europe in 2009 - 2,500 miles in 9 days. It was faultless. Even did itself proud round the Nurburgring!
Hmmm; well classic is a used lightly here because it's a new bike. But it's been around for ages and the very first ones would be considered a modern classic in my books. Having said that a lot of our viewers like the idea of them for a cheap, reliable, modern bike so we thought it would be cool to do a review, Alex
Have the exact blue '23 SV650. Put a Cyclops brand H4 LED in front. Big improvement. Some Evotech parts and tail tidy. Taking it tomorrow with my brother to McCall Idaho, before the snowy season. Not quite as thrilling as my Z900, but I love everything about this soon to be discontinued machine, except the handlebars. Even the 4 pot front brakes are excellent. Very happy.
I bought a second hand 2017 SV650 a couple of years ago and am really enjoying it. This was my first bike for 40 years. My last bike was a Honda 400/4 that I bought new in 1976. It came with the “cafe sport pack” which includes a headlight cowl and more comfortable roll top seat. It also has heated grips, span adjustable levers, Evotec crash bungs, Delkevic can, tail tidy and fender extender. There are numerous after market bits available. Great do anything bike and other than ABS no electric wizardry such as riding modes, so similar to the analogue biking I am used to. The riding position is comfortable for two to three hours before I need to stop and stretch my legs. As to performance, 74 bhp is plenty for me. Also not too heavy at 200kg wet weight for an old geezer knocking 70!
Seems to be a lot of SV650 love about at the moment so I thought I would contribute my 2 cents. If you disagree please don't shout at me, we are all entitled to our opinions. ~25 years ago I passed CBT and bought an SV650 having never ridden anything at all before that date. After a year I sold it and bought a GSX-R600. Although I was happy I had not bought the GSX-R on day 1 (too much bike), I also thought I had waited too long before switching. The GSX was (at that time) a much more stable bike, with better front end, better brakes, better overall frame geometry and a better engine (duh) with much more consistent fuelling. Overall the GSX-R was a lot more predictable and handled London's rough roads better, making it much easier to ride and IMHO a much safer bike. I would not have been able to handle it on day 1 because the throttle was a lot more sensitive: it is a big jump from a lumpy twin whose power (at that time) comes on reluctantly to a smooth race-style 4 whose power is readily available almost everywhere. More than the stated HP difference alone would imply.
Good idea to present a review of a not too classic classic. I think Lana was spot on with the reservation of taking an older classic bike on a long trip. Surely it is something that can and has been done, but there is always that little bit of concern as to how the bike will fare when it is subjected to long days of riding far from home. Having a not too classic classic seems like a brilliant idea for those riders that can't tour with a support vehicle at the ready. I'm hopeful that a nice low mileage Honda ST or VFR finds it's way into my garage for this reason.
I bought the previous version,SV650S as a cheap winter hack a couple of years ago,I think it's the best value for money bike I've owned.It's a fun ride & after fitting a top yoke conversion & Renthal bars it'ss become my 'Go To' bike,I've took it to the Classic TT for the last 2 years,done a trip to Wales on it & I'm planning a Euro tour with it next year,not bad for a cheap winter hack bike!
@@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel If I didn't already own one I'd be buying new,at £6000 brand new they're an absolute bargain.I'm surprised Suzuki haven't made a modern classic version with spoked wheels etc
A great review and spot on I am on my 3rd SV had a gen 2 now a second gen 3 great all round bike for everyday use local use or long distance. Nice to see it on the classic channel, ride safe😊
I just bought a used SV650 from 2017 with a little windscreen and went to Harz and back in 10 days, 1350 miles on the bike (and 32 miles trekking on foot). I avoided motorways except for the last two days on my way home. I used a small top box for rain gear, straw hat, drinks and food, a roll back for my camping gear and two 17 l soft side bags for first aid kit, towels, toilet paper, spare clothes, small shovel and cooking gear. I used a tank bag for maps, guides, locks, phone and navigator. I'm 66 and have not been touring on a motorcycle since 1983 when I went to Milano and back to Denmark with my girlfriend as passenger. Back then we only took breaks when we filled up the tank. Now I take breaks between tanking, but the range of the SV650 is more than 250 miles and I mainly avoid motorways. I really like this motorcycle.
Good work Lana. A mate of mine bought a cheap 10 year old SV 650 for the sole purpose of taking it on a 6000 mile round trip on basically dead straight roads. The bike never missed a beat......
I think it is a classic, so excellent that you have featured it. Great bike. 1:57 Swing your leg over. Very impressive. I'd like one of these bikes instead of my rather weighty SCR950.
Awesome. I did a 5000 mile trip out of Iowa, all across the western states, 25 years ago on a '99. Totaled it out later on in a collision. My replacement SV650 had a big end bearing failure at 24,000 miles, I was hard on that one though.
I've an 03 SV 1000 love it and an 06 Gsxr 1000 k6 see my days out ,, great motorcycle,, like many now cult classic ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland
What a fantastic, right to the poiint video. I appreciate the comment about not leaving important personal stuff on the bike if you go in a store or such. Security on a bike requires involvement., The one time you think you can leave something out there,someone takes a knife, cuts the straps and its all gone. Great video. Subscribed..
Nice review. I’ve just bought myself an SV650 (great bike) and only just stumbled upon this channel while watching videos about RE interceptor 650s (I’d love one) but I think I actually went to Primary School school with Lana. If Lana has a brother called Ken then I definitely did!
I think that if you can ride a bike non stop for 3 hours then it’s comfortable enough to go touring on. Most people will want the toilet or a coffee break after that time anyway. I had a SV650 2020 model and really rated it. Simple but fun. Lovely throttle control and smoothness too. It is an excellent and capable bike. Went on holiday to Devon and back toon mine with roll bag and rucksack and it was great. Simplicity is appealing to many owners. 👍
I’ve got a 2017 SV650, just ticked over 45000km, still looks and goes like new. I’ve done some big rides here in the South Island of New Zealand, it does everything I want it to do. Only complaint is the seat! I replaced that with a better one very early on.
Love mine same model swapped the end can 😮 it now sounds like a hooligan bike. Got some m8 paddock thingymajigs to screw straight onto swing arm so I can use a stand for maintenance. Got my local bike shop to put on heated grips for winter but so far they’re great. Yes it’s naked so obviously you feel the wind. Could do with an upgrade on the seat but they’re about £200 so some padded cycle pants will do for now. I’m extremely happy with the bike and if you feel this bike may suit you and your budget which is understandable at the moment definitely get one. Suzuki simplicity but very well made and is no slouch.
Just gave one a test ride myself and agree with everything you said about tyres, ergonomics, dash etc. and the vibes - it surprised me how much there was at certain revs. If I relaxed my legs fully my knees would clatter against the tank due to the vibes. Salesman suggested a thicker seat but maybe, as you said, footpegs with rubber would help more. I am still tempted as it felt great otherwise, looks good to me and has been around ages so is proven and has plenty of spares/accessories and many happy owners.
I loved my SV650, had to put straight bars on to raise the riding position and a front engine guard to keep road crap off the radiator and front cylinder exhaust that had almost corroded away from said road crap. No reviews ever mention the purely cosmetic mudguards 😢 but a little ingenuity solves the issue easily enough. I should also say mine was bought well over 10 years old and hadn't been well maintained but the performance and rideability were excellent once I changed the fork springs and rear suspension unit. Only ever let me down once with the usual Suzuki voltage regulator fault so changed it for a a later model with better capacity. Had the bike for 10 years until ill health forced me to sell it but of all the 47 odd bikes I had it was probably the best all rounder. Shame Suzuki don't do mudguards and fully enclosed rear chains.
small nitpick, but that can't be a 2006 SV650 at 0:49, due to certain things like the tubular frame, seat, rear sticker, among a few other things. The bike had a refresh in 2003, going from the first generation to the second. Maybe I'm missing something here and the picture is meant to be irrelevant to the 2006 sticker, but just wanted to point that out. Fun fact: Although often called the Suzuki Gladius, it can also be referred to as the SFV650. It replaced the second generation, which technically makes the 2017+ model the 4th gen, even though it generally gets referred to as the 3rd gen.
what's the fuel consuption on this from your experience riding it ?Very good video short to the point and talking about all the essentials ,you might have earned a new sub!
Had all the different generations (except the Gladius) but since 2018 have had the latest generation. Valves might need adjusted for the vibes you mentioned. mines as smooth as butter. Fitted the Tokico 4 pots on the front as they now come with as standard. Lots of mods and 6 years later, I’ve had various other bikes at the same time, but will honestly have this forever. It’s just a great bike. It is a classic shape that ages well.That weird looking gsx8s wont age well and believe this was supposed to be the sv replacement. I wish Suzuki did something special for the 25th anniversary
I test rode one which had less tha 500 miles on but was still vibey for my legs - noticably so. Do you think it's get smoother with age? Would the 600 mile service hange anything? It was a main dealer demo bike and looked as if they looked after it. The guy kept telling me I would notice it was a lot smoother than the Kawasaki Z650 I learnt on but it really wasn't. I left a bit confused to be honest.
Love the SV650. I would like to see Suzuki increase the capacity and fit a more track focused suspension system. An SV850 perhaps? GSXR shocks, 120ish BHP. Oh boy what a machine that would be.
idk if i commented this before but tried to get the license on a sv650 i think but dang the gas was crazy light, 1-2mm and boom redlined :S didnt get it back then.
I am looking for a first bike myself and was looking at this bike. I am also looking at the Honda transalp , Suzuki 2024 v_strom 800DE or S2 Del Mar from LiveWire. Not sure which yet for my first bike.
Nice video!! One question I am considering on buying this bike, it will be for daily commute in city and also some trips with my girlfriend which one do you recommend? This or a Vstrom 650 cause I don't know if I want also traction control and more comfort .
Somebody should explain the masses that the faired S version is NOT a touring bike, and that it's very different from the N version in regards to riding position
think ducati, only valve adjustments dont cost 6 grand. thats why I bought mine. 2022 sv 650 abs model. love that v twin, no doubt suzuki copied ducatis homework and improved it in every way. water cooling instead of air cooled, 6 speed gearbox vs 5. 645cc vs 750cc no contest in power and quarter mile times. love that engine, full of usable power. my 2 cents. thanks for the video
Brilliant bikes. One of those bikes you choose when you've got nothing left to prove and you just want to enjoy motorcycling in it's purest form.
더할것도 없고 뺄것도 없는 순수한 수준에 이른 바이크 입니다.
totally underrated bike
I’ve got the 2022 sv650 and I think it’s a great bike and it makes me smile every time I ride it.
I have a 2020 and I fully agree! 👍👍
I put 80,000 klms on a 2002 SV650. Never let me down. Excellent bike.
One of my bikes is a 33 year old ST1100. Very well maintained and quit reliable. I ride and drive old vehicles all over Europe with very little problems... Oh and the ST is very, very comfortable with a lot of hard luggage capabilities. Well maintained older vehicles are quite reliable!
Nice that the SV650 is considered a classic!
I took my SV650S K8 round Europe in 2009 - 2,500 miles in 9 days. It was faultless.
Even did itself proud round the Nurburgring!
Hmmm; well classic is a used lightly here because it's a new bike. But it's been around for ages and the very first ones would be considered a modern classic in my books. Having said that a lot of our viewers like the idea of them for a cheap, reliable, modern bike so we thought it would be cool to do a review, Alex
I;ve never watched this channel, I like this lady.
Have the exact blue '23 SV650. Put a Cyclops brand H4 LED in front. Big improvement. Some Evotech parts and tail tidy. Taking it tomorrow with my brother to McCall Idaho, before the snowy season. Not quite as thrilling as my Z900, but I love everything about this soon to be discontinued machine, except the handlebars. Even the 4 pot front brakes are excellent. Very happy.
Renthall mediums are comfy,....
I bought a second hand 2017 SV650 a couple of years ago and am really enjoying it. This was my first bike for 40 years. My last bike was a Honda 400/4 that I bought new in 1976. It came with the “cafe sport pack” which includes a headlight cowl and more comfortable roll top seat. It also has heated grips, span adjustable levers, Evotec crash bungs, Delkevic can, tail tidy and fender extender. There are numerous after market bits available. Great do anything bike and other than ABS no electric wizardry such as riding modes, so similar to the analogue biking I am used to. The riding position is comfortable for two to three hours before I need to stop and stretch my legs. As to performance, 74 bhp is plenty for me. Also not too heavy at 200kg wet weight for an old geezer knocking 70!
I had it and I agree with your thoughts. Overall a "do it all machine". I filmed two long-term reviews that you can check. Just drop by bro.
Seems to be a lot of SV650 love about at the moment so I thought I would contribute my 2 cents. If you disagree please don't shout at me, we are all entitled to our opinions. ~25 years ago I passed CBT and bought an SV650 having never ridden anything at all before that date. After a year I sold it and bought a GSX-R600. Although I was happy I had not bought the GSX-R on day 1 (too much bike), I also thought I had waited too long before switching. The GSX was (at that time) a much more stable bike, with better front end, better brakes, better overall frame geometry and a better engine (duh) with much more consistent fuelling. Overall the GSX-R was a lot more predictable and handled London's rough roads better, making it much easier to ride and IMHO a much safer bike. I would not have been able to handle it on day 1 because the throttle was a lot more sensitive: it is a big jump from a lumpy twin whose power (at that time) comes on reluctantly to a smooth race-style 4 whose power is readily available almost everywhere. More than the stated HP difference alone would imply.
Good idea to present a review of a not too classic classic. I think Lana was spot on with the reservation of taking an older classic bike on a long trip. Surely it is something that can and has been done, but there is always that little bit of concern as to how the bike will fare when it is subjected to long days of riding far from home. Having a not too classic classic seems like a brilliant idea for those riders that can't tour with a support vehicle at the ready. I'm hopeful that a nice low mileage Honda ST or VFR finds it's way into my garage for this reason.
I bought the previous version,SV650S as a cheap winter hack a couple of years ago,I think it's the best value for money bike I've owned.It's a fun ride & after fitting a top yoke conversion & Renthal bars it'ss become my 'Go To' bike,I've took it to the Classic TT for the last 2 years,done a trip to Wales on it & I'm planning a Euro tour with it next year,not bad for a cheap winter hack bike!
This is really cool, yeah, it’s great value for money eh
@@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel If I didn't already own one I'd be buying new,at £6000 brand new they're an absolute bargain.I'm surprised Suzuki haven't made a modern classic version with spoked wheels etc
@@markfoster2033 Suzuki's moto always has been; If it isn't broken, don't fix it!
A great review and spot on I am on my 3rd SV had a gen 2 now a second gen 3 great all round bike for everyday use local use or long distance.
Nice to see it on the classic channel, ride safe😊
I just bought a used SV650 from 2017 with a little windscreen and went to Harz and back in 10 days, 1350 miles on the bike (and 32 miles trekking on foot). I avoided motorways except for the last two days on my way home.
I used a small top box for rain gear, straw hat, drinks and food, a roll back for my camping gear and two 17 l soft side bags for first aid kit, towels, toilet paper, spare clothes, small shovel and cooking gear. I used a tank bag for maps, guides, locks, phone and navigator.
I'm 66 and have not been touring on a motorcycle since 1983 when I went to Milano and back to Denmark with my girlfriend as passenger. Back then we only took breaks when we filled up the tank. Now I take breaks between tanking, but the range of the SV650 is more than 250 miles and I mainly avoid motorways. I really like this motorcycle.
Good work Lana. A mate of mine bought a cheap 10 year old SV 650 for the sole purpose of taking it on a 6000 mile round trip on basically dead straight roads. The bike never missed a beat......
I think it is a classic, so excellent that you have featured it. Great bike. 1:57 Swing your leg over. Very impressive. I'd like one of these bikes instead of my rather weighty SCR950.
Great little bike , been around for some time now , you can see why .
Awesome. I did a 5000 mile trip out of Iowa, all across the western states, 25 years ago on a '99. Totaled it out later on in a collision. My replacement SV650 had a big end bearing failure at 24,000 miles, I was hard on that one though.
I've an 03 SV 1000 love it and an 06 Gsxr 1000 k6 see my days out ,, great motorcycle,, like many now cult classic ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland
Corbin saddle, upgraded rear shock and Ohlins cartridges in the front, dirt bike handlebar = backroad bliss. That V Twin is a peach.
What a fantastic, right to the poiint video. I appreciate the comment about not leaving important personal stuff on the bike if you go in a store or such. Security on a bike requires involvement., The one time you think you can leave something out there,someone takes a knife, cuts the straps and its all gone. Great video. Subscribed..
I've got a 1998 s with the fairing removed and flat bars..I'm 66 now and its so much fun to ride. I love it..
This has sold me on an SV650
😃🙌🏼
1:17 👍 wish more bikers had that opinion too!
That leg throw though!
@@spring9603 Exactly what I was thinking! At my age/mobility, that would probably be terminal.
Yoga for the win
Thanks Lana… very interesting real world review. Cheers!
Nice review. I’ve just bought myself an SV650 (great bike) and only just stumbled upon this channel while watching videos about RE interceptor 650s (I’d love one) but I think I actually went to Primary School school with Lana. If Lana has a brother called Ken then I definitely did!
There is a brother named Ken in my world... 😉
@@mybikeside ha, small world!
I had it for 3 years and it performed very well. Can check my SV650 playlist. Just drop by. :)
I think that if you can ride a bike non stop for 3 hours then it’s comfortable enough to go touring on. Most people will want the toilet or a coffee break after that time anyway.
I had a SV650 2020 model and really rated it. Simple but fun. Lovely throttle control and smoothness too. It is an excellent and capable bike. Went on holiday to Devon and back toon mine with roll bag and rucksack and it was great. Simplicity is appealing to many owners. 👍
I’ve got a 2017 SV650, just ticked over 45000km, still looks and goes like new. I’ve done some big rides here in the South Island of New Zealand, it does everything I want it to do. Only complaint is the seat! I replaced that with a better one very early on.
Love mine same model swapped the end can 😮 it now sounds like a hooligan bike. Got some m8 paddock thingymajigs to screw straight onto swing arm so I can use a stand for maintenance. Got my local bike shop to put on heated grips for winter but so far they’re great. Yes it’s naked so obviously you feel the wind. Could do with an upgrade on the seat but they’re about £200 so some padded cycle pants will do for now. I’m extremely happy with the bike and if you feel this bike may suit you and your budget which is understandable at the moment definitely get one. Suzuki simplicity but very well made and is no slouch.
Just gave one a test ride myself and agree with everything you said about tyres, ergonomics, dash etc. and the vibes - it surprised me how much there was at certain revs. If I relaxed my legs fully my knees would clatter against the tank due to the vibes. Salesman suggested a thicker seat but maybe, as you said, footpegs with rubber would help more. I am still tempted as it felt great otherwise, looks good to me and has been around ages so is proven and has plenty of spares/accessories and many happy owners.
I loved my SV650, had to put straight bars on to raise the riding position and a front engine guard to keep road crap off the radiator and front cylinder exhaust that had almost corroded away from said road crap. No reviews ever mention the purely cosmetic mudguards 😢 but a little ingenuity solves the issue easily enough. I should also say mine was bought well over 10 years old and hadn't been well maintained but the performance and rideability were excellent once I changed the fork springs and rear suspension unit. Only ever let me down once with the usual Suzuki voltage regulator fault so changed it for a a later model with better capacity. Had the bike for 10 years until ill health forced me to sell it but of all the 47 odd bikes I had it was probably the best all rounder.
Shame Suzuki don't do mudguards and fully enclosed rear chains.
That was some karate kick, mounting your bike. Nice. Well done.😊
Good to see Lana back, very good review 👍
Thanks! 🙂
Love that colour, wish they had it in aus.
That leg throw was insane. lol wow
small nitpick, but that can't be a 2006 SV650 at 0:49, due to certain things like the tubular frame, seat, rear sticker, among a few other things. The bike had a refresh in 2003, going from the first generation to the second.
Maybe I'm missing something here and the picture is meant to be irrelevant to the 2006 sticker, but just wanted to point that out.
Fun fact: Although often called the Suzuki Gladius, it can also be referred to as the SFV650. It replaced the second generation, which technically makes the 2017+ model the 4th gen, even though it generally gets referred to as the 3rd gen.
Still have a 1999 sv650s that I love and ride most days…
what's the fuel consuption on this from your experience riding it ?Very good video short to the point and talking about all the essentials ,you might have earned a new sub!
I'd love to see a SV350 in the same configuration. I bet they would still boat loads.
It's more vibraty? because it's a twin. Is that a word? Rode an early carb version and I thought it was a great bike for it's size.
Had all the different generations (except the Gladius) but since 2018 have had the latest generation. Valves might need adjusted for the vibes you mentioned. mines as smooth as butter. Fitted the Tokico 4 pots on the front as they now come with as standard. Lots of mods and 6 years later, I’ve had various other bikes at the same time, but will honestly have this forever. It’s just a great bike. It is a classic shape that ages well.That weird looking gsx8s wont age well and believe this was supposed to be the sv replacement. I wish Suzuki did something special for the 25th anniversary
I test rode one which had less tha 500 miles on but was still vibey for my legs - noticably so. Do you think it's get smoother with age? Would the 600 mile service hange anything? It was a main dealer demo bike and looked as if they looked after it. The guy kept telling me I would notice it was a lot smoother than the Kawasaki Z650 I learnt on but it really wasn't. I left a bit confused to be honest.
@@thebrowns5337 I honestly don’t feel it’s vibey at all. Sounds like something wasn’t done up right…
good review
Love the SV650. I would like to see Suzuki increase the capacity and fit a more track focused suspension system. An SV850 perhaps? GSXR shocks, 120ish BHP. Oh boy what a machine that would be.
Sv1000 only just made about 120hp. Better off just buying a GSXR600.
Never tried an SV1000. Wish they would bring it back. I just love V twins.
This is such a popular bike it's a bit maddening the newer ones aren't offered with half fairing and lockable side case option :(
Hi, nice informative video! What aftermarket seat would you get if you were touring for 3 or 4 months?
idk if i commented this before but tried to get the license on a sv650 i think but dang the gas was crazy light, 1-2mm and boom redlined :S didnt get it back then.
2023 sv650 Is my first bike. This will be my second season.. 1,200 miles and counting
I am looking for a first bike myself and was looking at this bike. I am also looking at the Honda transalp , Suzuki 2024 v_strom 800DE or S2 Del Mar from LiveWire. Not sure which yet for my first bike.
thanks good review I like your style
I have some experience with SVs. I noticed they can be sensitive during riding in rain. Does it apply to new version as well?
Not the usual thing, but still cool....
Nice video!! One question I am considering on buying this bike, it will be for daily commute in city and also some trips with my girlfriend which one do you recommend? This or a Vstrom 650 cause I don't know if I want also traction control and more comfort .
this lady can sure swing a leg over baggage!
😂
How tall are u?is it a good fit?any shoulder , back pain etc?
Somebody should explain the masses that the faired S version is NOT a touring bike, and that it's very different from the N version in regards to riding position
You just vent through my area in Denmark twice. Sadly according to the map you didn't see much here.
Sv650 like base Miata or base wrx there a motor and shifter thats enjoy
Wouldn't a Vstrom be more suitable for touring ?
I want sell my SV 650...but,nobody is interested.. 😒
elon is that you?
You talk the same as Elon Musk
I dont like the styling am more of a retro fan/but thanks for the review..interesting...
think ducati,
only valve adjustments dont cost 6 grand.
thats why I bought mine.
2022 sv 650 abs model.
love that v twin, no doubt suzuki copied ducatis homework and improved it in every way.
water cooling instead of air cooled, 6 speed gearbox vs 5. 645cc vs 750cc no contest in power and quarter mile times.
love that engine, full of usable power.
my 2 cents.
thanks for the video
Dreadful bike. Weedy brakes, weedy headlight, poor suspension, seat like a plank. Lovely motor, I so wanted to like mine, but it had to go.