UPDATE: Crash bars were low-speed crash tested. They are just as good as we had hoped. I'm now even confident in higher speed protection. Bike got mirror and brake lever scratch, but miner. Wife is fine.
How much are those crash bars? Bought my SV650 a year ago and I use it for my daily commute. I haven't done any mods yet, but I suspect that if I were going on a long ride then I might need to change the seat.
If it vibrates a lot that means you're lugging the engine. I ride a 1200 twin and the vibration is not a problem, anyone complaining about it on a 650 is doing it wrong. Low revs are OK for cruising on the highway, but if you're anywhere in town or a backroad, keep the revs at 4k at least. Ride a gear lower than you're used to.
At first I clicked on this thinking ok why does dude hate the bike? Then I got it. Thank you. I now respect your opinion. I'm new to the SV650. I've just bought it and in a way trying to validate my purchase as a new rider.
So true with reference to wind blast, I have sv650x and can ride at 120kph all day with no problem. All the bikes I tried with screens were noisy or would give a lot of buffeting from the wind. A great bike regardless of wether you are a beginner or an experienced rider.Thanks for the great reviews.
Tuck roll seat from the sv650x means you can ride for hours without discomfort. A GIVI screen takes away all the windblast issues. Cherish your sv ,they may not be around much longer.
We got the bagster seat (have a video of that). Was flater, more cushioned, and cheaper. Yes, the patent seems to have ended with this being the last. Next is seeming to be more like the mt07 (hopefully less plastic)
I bought my SV650S - Yellow all the way back in 1999, when it was new. It was an awesome bike back then, and from all the reviews I've seen over the years, Suzuki just made it better. If you hate a bike, then hating it because it makes other bikes seem worse... that's a good reason. I do wish that Suzuki made an SV750 or SV800, and it would be the perfect bike. The SV1000 with the old TL engine is still a lot of bike, maybe too much of a bike for most people.
Thanks for the great and honest review on that bike, i found myself laughing as soon as you mentioned your reason why you hate to ride it. I bought one myself and its arriving the upcoming friday. After your video i can't wait to get on the street with it. Was a nice time watching, thanks and stay safe.
I have a 24 sv650 and I agree. I put bar risers on it with a Vstrom 650 clutch cable. I had an Africa Twin with a very sensitive throttle and this isn't as bad as that. Like you said, 3rd gear cures it, and is doable at town speeds. I really like it. It's a road bike designed for the road. Great fun. I have to get used to the clutch throttle thing. But, I've never had a bike that absolutely spared me from the wind like this one. I think they nailed it. Zen and the art of motorcycle design.
I now have 43,000 KM on my 2021 . The bike run like a charm . The only little problem was a bad gear indicator module at the end of the shifter drum at around 25,000 KM . I would sell my 2023 GSXS1000 before my 2021 SV650X 🙂👍
I ride a SV1000. IMO, I think the SV1000 is the ultimate expression of the SV line. Especially once you dial in the low RPM throttle timing. I do love the SV650. I had a ‘99 model. It was great. I just think the torque of the 1000 is awesome to have. It’s the lower RPMs, not the higher although that amazing too.
Snatchy throttle ... Check the freeplay adjustment on the trottle cales and adjust them to the least free play possible , a slight ammount is required. Ensure that the revs don't climb when you turn the handlebars to full lock in either direction !.. This is why the free play is required.. You have a nice voice Sir.
I watched all the reviews on UA-cam before buying my 3rd gen sv650 and none, not one, noted the jerky throttle in 1st and 2nd, thank you for pointing that out! Like you said, it's not a deal-breaker, just wish I'd known about it.... really looking forward to this seat review! Sad to hear the SV won't be a regular on your channel.
I've seen four things recommended to fix the jerky throttle. 1. Have the throttle bodies synchronized. 2. Adjust the Throttle Position Sensor. 3. Get a Booster Plug (also reduces engine braking). 4. Get a Throttle Tamer. Hope that's helpful.
Agree with the comments in this video, I came back to riding and bought the 650X because I liked the paint better but didn't like the clip on's, swapped out for straight bars, I changed the springs in the forks and put a better shock on because I'm around fourteen stone in my gear and the country roads around where I ride can be a bit bumpy and it helped stop the suspension bottoming out, I've found it to be a great bike, enough torque to forgive poor gear choice, handles better than my skills and sounds great with a aftermarket exhaust. I've thought about upgrading to a CB1000R but keep talking myself out of it because the roads I ride seem similar to the ones you do and the SV is plenty quick enough.
My tracer 900 has never reached over 60% of it’s capacity while hitting my absolute limit as a rider. Sv650 is more than enough for everything paved shy of long motorway touring, but even that if you are willing. I’m just hoping a luxury 650 comes out of the big four so I can get cruise control with out manhandling over 100hp in Tokyo
Not sure what magic Suzuki uses with their transmissions but my '07 GS500f shifts up and down like butter without the clutch. Though you do have to wait for the revs to go down to down shift.
Biulding 1 bike fore 20 plus years and tweaking it rather than starting fresh will get a pretty good result. But over all, suzuki has the best clutch/gears of anything I've ridden
Almost got the 2021, however at the this writing I don't know if you color scheme is yet available in USA... The white SV became available only in June... Various Dealers were telling me that Suzuki was keeping very quiet on availability.... So, I ordered a 2020 SV650, all black, and had it delivered from California to NJ... It now serves as more agile twin brother to my 2017 Vstrom 650XT... two very different bikes... Not my first bike, but the most fun... been riding for almost 50 years...enjoyed your review...
Stock mirrors were completely useless... added mirror extenders to solve that problem...switched out the stock foot pegs to more useful and comfortable, thicker/wider Vstrom pegs...
I agree about the snatchy throttle, but it's pretty easy to fix that (booster plug). The next biggest issue for me was the seat, but that's also an easy fix (aftermarket). I didn't like the mirrors (too much shoulder), so swapped to bar end mirrors (which I like much better but may be worse for filtering). I really love the torque and V-twin sound. Overall I'd say its a very good bike that can be great if you don't mind spending a bit on mods.
It's so cheap that you'll have the money for the mods. I find bar ends are great for filtering if pointed inwards. Check out my tracer mods video if you wanna see what I mean
It's interesting that you say that 75 HP is not enough for going 120 km/h on the interstate. Back in 1978 I drove from Denmark to Monaco and back on my Suzuki GT550 with my girlfriend riding pillion. We had luggage too. Our average speed on the autobahn and the autoroutes was 140 km/h. The GT550 only had 50 HP, but that was more than sufficient. I didn't go faster because I didn't have the experience, but the bike certainly didn't lack power. Now I'm 66 and would like a SV400 because of the fuel economy. Unfortunately it is not manufactured anymore and I will probably go for a SV600. It seems to be a great bike.
We had a vstrom 650 and could cruise at 120 all day 2 up. But the lighter weight of the sv does make it a bit more effort on the highway and the physical side was tough. My smaller wife who owned it never has a single problem beyond the seat and hopes to get another sv when our kid is old enough to come with us.
1000cc bikes make sense on the interstate or in Germany, but the other 99% of the time I find them burdensome as you need to keep holding back rather than push on.
Hi there,I loved your video.It's great to be able to communicate with someone in Japan through UA-cam.I live in Northern Ireland.I totally agree with you about not always needing masses of power.Thanks for taking the time.
I bought a brand new one two weeks ago, mainly on the price [£5900], rode it home from dealers 2 miles, put it in garage, and then got it back out and traded in for tiger 800. Absolutely hated the SV, felt like a 125cc.
I've been considering bikes for months, now that my 02 shadow is out of commission. I was leaning toward this bike. Your two videos sold me on it. Thanks from a Canadian in Australia
H4 led is what fits the plug and voltage Make sure it’s not to long so it fits in the bulb Get a single bulb. if you get a set of 2, 1 point left, 1 points right. A single bulb will point center. Do it, you can get one for 20-40$ and it can only be better. I assume it won’t effect inspection but check local rules
22:20 Regarding Cruise Control. The new 2021 Aprilia RS660 comes with cruise control. In fact for such a low displacement bike it comes with a ton of features: Cruise control 6 Axis IMU TC ABS Quickshifter & More - ua-cam.com/video/sTRalW-tnno/v-deo.html&ab_channel=CaliMotoTV
Yes, I'm aware of that one, but the price is a lot (especially in japan) and the aprilia brand isn't known for reliability. This new 660 seems to be no exception. But I'm so happy it's here to shake up the market.
@@DragoniteMotoJP That's exactly my thinking as well bro, the fact they added all this high end tech to a low displacement bike means other manufacturers will need to up their game. My bet is in the next couple of years we'll see MT-07 / Triumph Trident even the SV650 come with some extra, more high end tech, if they want to stay relevant. I don't trust Italian bikes either, reliability has always been an issue and they are VERY expensive to get fixed because they are considered Italian Exotic bikes. And come with an all round price tag to match.
@@Dius765RS it seems like the sv has been discontinued and is getting a completely new and modern replacement, so let's hope the seize the moment. But last years vstrom1050xt is the first and only suzuki to see something like cruise,so I won't hold my breath
Thanks for the great review! What was a bad experience with Triumph? I am going to buy either the SV650 or the Triumph street twin and trying to compare them now. Please share your opinion :) Thanks you!
I have a street triple playlist you can check out. Beyond this, triumphs lawyers made sure I (and other UA-camrs I know) cannot share our honest experience. The ever age triumph owner has a trouble free experience and they are *usually* great bike. Trust your dealer and mechanic or find a better one. After that, follow your heart. Smile per mile is all that really matters.
I’m curious how much an SV 650 is in Japan. ABS versions in the UK vary from about £5600 on the road for a 21 model year to about another £600 or £700 for the 22 model year, which is basically the same bar the colours available. Best regards, David.
We paid exactly ¥800,000 on the road for a 2021 brand new. According to Google that's just shy of £5,000. You definitely pay more tax in the uk. And you have to ship it around the world. We just shipped it from the factory 2hr south-west.😅
Funny thing is just this year I was thinking I might sell my FJ-09 and get something like say... an SV650. This video is making me think I'm less crazy. I'm not really doing any big trips anymore and I think "less" can be more fun in the twisties / commuting.
Thanx for your excellent video!! As a 50 years old beginner passing from maxi scooter to a proper motorcycle. I really love the SV as a first bike for commuting and some small touring and you helps me to make the desicion 😉. Grettings from Serbia 🇷🇸✌️😎
Everything is linked in the description. The seat is not perfect but compared to the stock seat and for the price being half of other options, it’s well worth it. Maybe the best bike fire japan out of anything.
@@DragoniteMotoJP yep see the links now cheers. The meter visor for these looks good as well except they seem to be sold out everywhere and only available in white and red. I think I will definitely be getting a slip on exhaust the standard one sounds very corked.
Riding my Multistrada 1200 at its limit is something I can only do for about 5 seconds at a time. It's a craaazy 5 seconds but still, I just have to back it off all the time.
Interesting and good review. Im looking at the Vstrom 650 but im a new rider age 60 and am 6 feet 195 lbs with a 34 inseam. I need a decent rider triangle for comfort. I have a versys 300x that is great for backroads but stressed on highways above 65mph. Really like the tracer 900 but thats a big jump from the bike I have. Here in the states I havent been able to ride either bike.
I loved my vstrom and it could cruise at 70mph with me and my wife, no dramas. Tracer was a beast but not as comfortable. Going from vstrom650 to tracer did take some getting used to. But that's because of the small slow Japanese roads. You'll like both, but if you get a tracer for touring, get a Sargent seat and an mra windscreen. Vstrom 650, anything 2012 ND newer, it's set to go. I have a video on "Mc Cruise" that I put on my mt07. They make it for the vstrom 650 too.
I buy a new one last year and after 300 miles the check engine light is lit !!! I buy a diagnostic tool from e-bay and the diagnosis was C45 fuel trim bank 1, wtf??? I 've erased the memory with my tool but if i let the bike idling for a minute after a long ride, the check engine light lit again!!!!!
Can't give you an exact number but I'd put at around 3/5ths the size of a North American lane to generalize. But tokyo and old cities like kyoto are very tight, while interstates are about the same
@@DragoniteMotoJP yea it looks tight in the videos. thanks for the info. Oh i was also wondering if the CB400sf was one of the options when you got the SV650. Its a nice bike but for some reason its priced almost as much as a CB650. And the CB400sb variant is more expensive than the CB650
@@milch13 Japanese license if is split at 400cc so the cb400 is the high end of small bikes. But no, she wanted a “big bike” We have a video explaining the reasons we when with this bike. It’s in the Sv playlist
I've got a Yamaha Tenere 700 at the moment. I couldn't test ride the bike due to lockdown before I bought it, which in hindsight was a mistake, but I needed a bike quickly. It's a great bike, but various reasons it's just not the right bike for me. I wanted to get an Yamaha MT-09 SP, lightweight and very fast, but there were no demo bikes available, so I went out on a Yamaha Tracer 9 GT because it uses the same engine. Again, it wasn't the bike for me; I didn't the sound, and I couldn't get out of 2nd gear around town! I had a rethink, and decided that I only really need a small naked, with reasonable performance. The middleweight segment was the obvious choice, and at the moment the deals on the Suzuki SV650 here in the UK are very good, so I'll go and have a chat and a test ride. Everything you've said in your video is correct. I think the best advice when buying a bike is to actually ask yourself, where do you ride most often, and what do you need the bike for.
For sure, I have found my self looking hard at a crf300l (250 in japan). My tracer is a great touring bike, but if the same exact bike came out as a 600-700cc I'd be trading in real quick. Hope you get sorted out. The only thing to complain on an sv would be lack of features, but you coming off a t7, you should be fine😅
@@DragoniteMotoJP Yes, I hope so, I've been doing plenty of research. I was looking at a low mileage second hand Triumph Speed Twin, because it's a bike I've always coveted. But, after reading about Triumph reliability, and their woeful customer service, I'm not sure. I'm also worried about the weight, so I would definitely need to demo one, but it does look gorgeous. A new one is also rather expensive, especially when you compare it to something like a Yamaha MT-09 SP for instance. The Royal Enfield Interceptor is half the price, and gets rave reviews. I've also been looking at electric motorcycles, and the SuperSoco TC Max looked promising. It's very light, it's a good price, but, again, there have been reports of problems because it's built to a price, owners reporting they're not getting the acclaimed range, plus it's a bit small for me at 6' 2". Now, if someone could build an affordable hydrogen bike and I actually had somewhere to fill the thing up!
I agree with many things you said but i just can't see how is this bike any fun? I'm a 51yo "returning" biker looking for a nimble and fun bike as a daily 60km commuter, and the SV is in the same price category as the Duke 390 which is the main contestant for me so far. I have considered the MT-07 but there's a 3-4 months waiting list for it, the Trident which i didn't like the throttle response and feel, but i haven't given the SV a thought because it seems dull and anything but playful. So, what do you mean when you say fun? Can you explain please?
Corners great, awesome tourque for a 650. V twin feel. Solid suspension and breaking that will make sure you are holding on tight. I dont do wheelies, so if that's your think I can't say good or bad. But it never fails to make me smile
@@DragoniteMotoJP Thanks :-) No, it's not about wheelies, it's more about being nimble or "eager" to flip from side to side and change direction and about the feeling of stability it gives you in the corners. it's brakes have been often criticized in reviews for having a "wooden" feeling but haven't heard anything before on it's cornering ability. I think we (you and i) are probably very different as riders but if you see all these goods in it, then i have to take the time and test ride it. cheers! :-)
KR greetings to you,, I';m a vertically challenged pensioner that rides a 'bike just for pleasure in the country lanes of the UK. I currently have a Royal Enfield Meteor (350 cc) but have owned over the recent decade (+) 'bikes such a BMW F800 GT (belt drive so no chain to maintain !) and Moto Guzzi V7 (shaft drive) and a Suzuki V-Strom 650 ( a bit top-heavy for my height when pushing it around, but had that superb v-twin engine). I've been really impressed with my Meteor, solidly built, very comfortable, holds the twisties surprisingly well economical etc. The only reason I'm looking to change is that my dealership has ceased trading, so, for my needs there isn't an RE dealership close enough to consider (and very few m/cycle dealerships close to my home also). My problem = what do I get that can give me as much pleasure as my Meteor ? Your highly professional and 'real world' appraisal of the SV 650 may well have pointed me in the right direction. As I've discovered, the 20 (+) bhp of my Meteor hasn't left me wanting for my usual riding (not the case if I need to make a dealership trip on a motorway, fighting with rush-hour traffic travelling at 70 - 80 mph though , so a more powerful availability of BHP would sometimes be useful !!). Whilst there are other 'bikes in the 300+ cc bracket generally available with a good turn of speed if required, they get their power from high rpm , so not in the character I'm acclimatised too. Also those machines tend to have rather a lot of plastic on them ( many years ago I didn't keep a Yamaha 650 Diversion very long because the machine always seemed to convey an aura of cheapness about it whenever I rode it, albeit it was very functional ). Your excellent analysis of the SV 650's attributes makes me believe that I would actually enjoy ownership of an SV rather than come to regret the purchase, similar to my Diversion experience. (The name 'Diversion' was a name used by Yamaha for a much earlier and larger cc model, possibly shaft-drive if my memory isn't playing tricks on me). KR, I've viewed a lot of You-Tube 'bike reviews whilst carrying out my 'home research'. Your post is by far the most detailed and professional I've encountered by a country mile ; - } , including some done by professional reviewers (not being disrespectful to the other 'posters', it's just, having now read your sv-650 review it's shown how a comprehensive and meaningful review CAN be done. Thank you for your brilliant output and first-class presentation. I have a Suzuki dealership just over 30 miles from my home (further than I'd like if taking a bike for a service when it's raining, but a test-ride on an SV may well convince me that's a price worth paying) May you and your partner stay safe. Kind regards, Glynn.
No problems at all with throttle low speed control on my 2nd generation. Or new bikes are affected by emissions regulations or I have a very steady wrist...only complaint about seat is that on hot days I can feel the engine heat under my junk... Not good to make another child lol.
I owned a first gen SV (1991) and an '88 Honda Hawk GT at the same time and compared them. Both bikes were smooth, both fairly comfortable. The SV was a tab smoother than the Hawk(GT), but it wore me out quicker than the Hawk on a road trip. The SV was way more powerful than the Hawk. Both bikes were fun to ride, with the SV being slightly better in the twisties. But, I couldn't justify owning two very similar bikes, so because they made a ga-zillion SVs and that I could easily buy another if I wanted to, I sold the SV. I still own the Hawk. But, I'm seriously looking a new SV right now.
@@DragoniteMotoJP The stupid thing about it is the first gen SV came with a split seat and that was very comfortable. I had to put a Corbin seat on my Hawk GT and it still needed something more, so I added an Alaskan Butt pad sheepskin and that helps a lot.
I'm saying sv doesn't have traction control. When I talk about it people will say "no electronics is best" saying nobody needs abs or anything. Sorry for the confusion, yes there is abs (I've tested it😅)
@@dgphi more important for sure, but not unimportant on this. my wife slid the rear 2 time in the rain now refuses to ride in anything but a cloudless day
Also the 2021 mt09 that has 111 rwhp and 93nM of torque weighs the same as the 3rd gen SV650 but here in NZ, 75mph doesn't seem fast at all and having no wind protection is just something you adapt to and for any speed, if you ride without it for long enough (had the 2017 sv650 since 2017).
I live in a nice part of England BUT the roads near my house are bumpy and full of potholes! Until I get to a smooth road I need something that can cope with bumpy back roads - will this bike suit me do you think?
If you take it slow and easily in the bad bits should be fine. The suspension has no adjustment but it's a typical suzuki, not to hard for the ruff bits, but hard enough for the sport bits. If you could only have 1 setting, they got the perfect compromise. (I am 85kg before gear, wife is tall but low 60s and agrees) Ground clearance is I believe 15cm. When I lived in Pennsylvania USA we had potholes deeper that that😅 As far as 650 nakes I'm not away of anything with more than 15cm. Only better choice would be the ktm 7/890 duke with 18cm. Or an adv style bike. But these are not really close to this if you are looking at 650 naked. But I've never seen a paved road in the uk too bad for this bike. With the right tires and pulling the abs fuse I'd even green lane this bike. Really up to you and how slow you go on the potholes. And how deep they are. Assuming you know the roads I'm sure you'd know where to swerve around them.
Hey people who own this bike 🏍️, can you please comment on this videos accretion that the wind flow is extremely pleasant, to paraphrase. I saw any review on the sv in which the reviewer was astounded, he felt as if he was riding in a bubble 🫧, no noticeable wind until above hwy speeds. (I own a gen 1 VStrom and removed the windshield soon after buying it. Best thing I ever did. However the bike has a bulbous nose resulting in still air below mid chest and clean air above, which I love. I’m thinking of getting the sv for its lower seat height and weight).
Suzuki did some type of magic, there is no noteworthy wind on this bike at anything below 120km/h Even at 130 it's better than pretty much anything I've ever had or ridden. But there is still noise like any bike. I sill wear earplugs at 90 and above. But no physical strain from the wind.
I bought the SV 1000s in '05 as my first bike (I know 🙄) and absolutely loved it but it got stolen. When I got the insurance money, I was "forced" to by a cruiser because (according to her 🤦) I'm older now. I ended up with a V Star which was OK. I'm going down the rabbit hole now and found a 1000 used in Conn for $3900 w 28k miles. Full fairings which I love. Also, I HATE the round headlight on the new 650's. (Suzuki stopped making the 1000 in 07.) I'm 5' 10" 260lbs and the upward tank was fantastic for me. Thoughts? 3k more (I can afford) and I could go brand new 650.. What do you think?
Personally I thing the 650 is plenty of power assuming you don’t do too much two-up. And the new bike is much more updated. I picked Vstrom 650 over 1000, never looked back. But if 1000 is the truest dream bike, live the dream
@@DragoniteMotoJP I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I know you're looking to stay away from YT for a while.. Or at least English YT 😂. Maybe I'm just stuck in the last. When I had the 1000, it was stolen after about a year. As far as 2 up, I was teaching my wife how to ride the cruiser but then we had kids, the vstar has been in the garage for 10 yrs 😢. My kids are old enough to ride with us so I want to pursue it again. Maybe I will stick with the 650 and my 7 yr old and she can use the vstar (650) and my 9 yr old. I'm digging your videos BTW....I "vacation" with you since I can't go from NJ to Japan. 😂. You guys stay safe out there!
@@57kwest thanks, and thanks. The best answer is to go test ride some bikes. But I know NJ dealers don’t really let people do that. If you can find a bike in PA, they do test rides usually. Just not in Sunday for some reason😅
I have a '19 model and have loved it ever since I bought it. I rode all its competitors except cb650 and think SV is best... except for the bench (yes, bench, not seat, coz there is no seat)
@@ribbonrides886 I have a universal gel pad that I've now used on 5 bikes. It's about $80 (I'm sure there are cheaper) but you can use it for any future bike so if you are careful, it's a 1 time Ike that last multiple bikes
@@patrickdakis4437 depend on where you ride. If you spend enough time at speaks at or above 100km(62mph) you see the 500's limit, but not the SV. I've not riden the 500, but it does some like a bike that's easy to grow out of, this sis easy to to grow into. But I'm saying that as a 178cm(5ft10in) 85kg(187lbs) guy. If you are significantly smaller, the cb will be all you need for sure. The new update for Hondas 500 line make it better than the sv (depending how you feel on the engine). Me living here I japan where I Almost never go over 100km (62mph) I could see living happily with a honda 500 and definitely no reason to go over the SV except for feature that don't come on this sized bike or lots of 2-up riding.
The clutch is too hard on this bike, gave me a sore hand during my A license training but I did ride it for many hours so maybe it’s that but still clutch is hard and the bike is not smooth 1st 2nd gear
crash bars are kind-of debatable as far as "help vs hurt" in an off. they can transfer energy into weird places and/or dig in and cause tumbles. definitely useful for low speed drops, but in a longer slide can actually make things worse.
I've heard things about sliders dicking in and maybe causing the bike to trouble. But other than maybe putting extra stress on the bikes frame, I've never once heard crash bars, especially round ones like these, causing more harm than good. I'm not saying you are wrong, just never hard this arguement before. My personal experience with crash bars has been that they are litural life savers and always have helped, never once a negative. Shamefully I've tested a few...😅
@@DragoniteMotoJP on track we're allowed sliders but not allowed rails or cages. (even then, the fatter and rounder the slider and the less it sticks out the better) in the dirt on big bikes, the cages definitely save the bike. on asphalt... it will probably depend on the crash. what we try to avoid is turning a non-event sliding lowside into a tumble.
@@DragoniteMotoJP as far as sending energy into weird places, the slider usually goes on the main through-bolt. so it doesnt really have a tab on the motor or frame that it can break. with cages, that impact can go into the head, or bottom end, or other attachment points
Heyy, you may be my savior! I'm looking to buy a 2018 sv650, 10.000km, akrapovich, DYNOJET quickshifter and commander kit, at 5800€ with some other extras. Is it worth it? (kinda new rider, got a voge 300acx since October, and looking for an upgrade)
Quite interesting really, I do wonder how life would be if I downsized from my V-Strom to an SV650, but I think I'd suffer on longer rides from the lack of knee room and wind protection.
Having ha both. I dont mind the lef room on the sv for an 8 hour day not counting rests. You'd need a comfort seat more than anything but it would still not quite be the vstrom. The weight and power difference is significant despite the similar engine. Lots of good wind screens for the sv, but the wind is really clean and not to loud on the sv as is
Your tracers entire chassis is taller and heavier too, not to mention the suspension geometry, so it might be surprising how much that feeling remains if you put the same size tires on both, but still a valid point
We ended u0 trading my tracer for an mt07 and selling her sv to pay for our coming baby But part of me is from time to time wondering if I should have just kept her sv650. But she reminds me this was the only way to survive financially. She is debating a rebel 1100 or another sv next year🤣
no I live in tokyo, but have lived in rural areas. There are more people in your daily life in the cities so you notice more, but statistics say that it's actually worse farther from the cities. But it's hard to tell because the true hikikomori don't come out so it's like they aren't real. Just like the average person under 40 is a virgin here. But you wouldn't know because all the millions of people who go out to bars to meet up distract you from the millions at home that wouldn't cross your mind.
@@DragoniteMotoJP yea that’s fascinating. I had tried to start a program to help hikikomori but I had trouble recruiting more than a few of them. It blew my mind how many of them I spoke to said they would love to move to the USA, in their mind they felt like they were judged more in their home country, at least amongst the small sample size of people I was interacting with
@@Fee.1 Japan is very judgemental of people who don't follow exactly what's expected. Hence the high bullying and suicide. As a foreigner I get a pass, but also am not aloud to try and join the fold.
@@DragoniteMotoJP yea that alights with what I have heard. This is another reason I find the relationship dynamic between Japanese and American’s/Europeans to be intriguing. Especially in Japan. I feel like part of the issue is shame inflicted on themselves. Like they will be happy to exist as they are in another society but not in japan. That SHOULD make it click that they can do so in Japan too, and they should simply stand up to any of the negative experiences etc but they feel torn between two realities I guess. It’s very sad, I hope there continues to be more focus on improving life for them and for Japanese public as a whole. I believe there is a way to retain all the wonderful aspects of Japanese culture while also becoming a bit more willing to express oneself and show emotion etc without sacrificing any of the greatest attributes of Japanese culture. If life after WW2 didn’t show that then I’m not sure what can. Then again what do I know. My mother passed away in March. I was her caretaker for nearly a decade. I quit college, I derailed my career path and the computer business I started as a teenager but made offficial the day I turned 18, and just did my best to get her parkinsons and pain under control. But it quickly became a 24 hour job and her mind went as the parkinsons got worse and worse, somehow I still blame myself for her death taking place like it did. Anyway so I’m suddenly 30 years old and starting life from scratch basically. All my friends and my college girlfriend understandably faded apart as it became necessary for me to keep an eye on her literally 24 hours a day, so on the one hand I could just begin a boring life here but ….I also have literally nothing holding me back, I can do anything I want, within reason, although as far as careers I would need to improve my recent resume and education to get a truly solid career, but still, seems like a shame to not take the opportunity to do something out of the ordinary. Whether that’s Japan or not, I’m not sure, but at the very least I think I’ll have to visit. The hardest part is probably just the lack of friends, it’s easy to come across like someone who must have deep seated flaws that prevent them from having friends or something when in reality I just spent a decade or so unable to take any personal time. Anywayyyy sorry for the essay.
@@Fee.1 the amount of judgement and bullying here can be beyond anything you could imagine. Like they family will have a literal funeral for them while they are not dead and then act as if they are dead. They will be unemployable and probably not be able to rent a home. It can literally be A. Conform. B. Hide in your room. Or C. Lose everything and very possibly die. It's not an easy solution like they usa where individualism I selibrated and wierd is seen as good in some places. Even talking about your personal life can be looked down on if you are being unpositive. I talk about issues like racism in japan, that's why I keep my true identity private. It could cost me my job and even an end to my rent contract and visa. (But my boss and landlord are really cool, so I'm optimistic)
What's motorcycle theft like in japan? Here in the uk is a complete nightmare. Also do you think it would be better to ship my bike insted of getting a new one over there?
For the most put people give bikes the right of way. And police don't bother you unless you are being a true A-hole. Mistakes are usually let off with Avery educational warning. Speed cameras are usually off. If you love your bike on a personal level bring it, but shipping cost plus import tax maybe be more than the value of the bike.
With a better seat (corban, Sargent, or my universal gel pad) and maybe a detachable windscreen. Sure. I've used the gel pad and done a 10hr day which was fine. But though you can make it a touring bike, don't expect it to be a v-strom
Nothing wrong with you, I had the Tracer 900 GT (kept it stock) and it felt like a Chinese knock off bike. There was hardly anything of quality on it. The low down throttle jerkiness was horrendous I now own a Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX which is the complete opposite in build to the Yamaha. But I am very close to buying an SV650 as my little commuter, winter bike, runaround.
After 10.000km breaking in the bike is fine as far as jerky-ness, I only notice it in "A" mode, witch I only use when being a hooligan. But it is very obvious where Yamaha saves money, not so much on the sv. My wife helped me with the 1 year review video we just posted, ninja1000sx is top of her list if she upgraded from the sv, I definitely don't blame here. A ninja 600 sx WITH CRUISE CONTROL would be perfect for japan. I prefer a small bike run fast than a big bike at 20% of its limit I'd love a Honda adv 150 for commute. You really should test a scooter, they are silly fun and way easier for commuting
2nd gen is same ammount of money as Fazer 600 S1. Can't choose SV cuz Fazer is just much more of a bike for the money. Especially where I love - flat terrain, lot of straights etc...
10:26 False. A quickshifter is *not* better. The quickshifter is a solution searching for a problem. You do not need one. There is nothing a quickshifter can do, that you can't do manually with extreme ease. The constant mesh transmission does not care. If you're not cramming the forks and drum hither and thither with reckless abandon, you don't need the clutch at all, quickshifter or no.
@@DragoniteMotoJP Yup, just watched it. Awesome to see someone actually talking about useful daily details about this bike and not just stats and " saying: the seat is uncomfortable for like 10 times". Thanks for the video, I'm going to buy this bike and I was looking for videos like this. Thanks
changing that seat is a little bit silly... I have watched a video about the guy from Suzuki who designed those seats and believe me they made it hard on purpouse !!!!
What were your negative experiences with Triumph? Everyone else I've heard from that has ridden them seems to like them, so it would be nice to get a contrasting opinion.
Triumphs are the worst for reliability. Awful transmissions. Triumph does not stand behind their products. Are they great when they run? Among the best. Too much money to spend for a new motorcycle you can't trust to be reliable. There is so much quality control difference between Honda and Triumph that technically they can't both be motorcycles. Triumph is the worst and other than engines blowing up, transmission failures are one of the most expensive repairs on a motorcycles. Google it.
Nothing corners as fast as a well set up SV on a 160 rear tire, absolutely. Just go Dunlop Roadsmart III and ditch the Qualifiers (I guess your year ditched those already)
I wouldn't know. We just took it as it came and can't afford to toss tires before wearing them out I'm a fan of Michelin road 5. Last long and preform perfect everywhere but dirt😅
@@DragoniteMotoJP one of mine was so bad dealer gave me the number for a director at Hinckley factory. His advice was swap it for a Japanese bike I did. Kawasaki 😀
@martinlye7111 in Japan there typically are not big dealers, each dealer is 1 brand alone. So, not going to get that level of honesty. How long ago was your last triumph?
@@DragoniteMotoJP I’ve just sold my 1050 st sprint. Rock bottom price no one wanted it. Issues starting. Seized eccentric for chain. My 2000 Vfr. Only ever had on issue reg rec. mosfet sorted that still got Vfr 800. Versy 1000 no issues. Bandit 1250 no issues although it did have reg rec recall early on. All good 👍
I’m pretty sure Suzuki never put tc on any sv. Vstrom from 2017 does have it. My buddy works for Suzuki Tokyo, said no sv has had tc. Maybe you got one with a customer mod.
@@afonsoserro6834 I just looked it up. If you bought is used, some companies like “heal tech” make aftermarket TC. But no sv650 has ever had TC from Suzuki themselves. Abs, yes, but not TC. But it is cool to know there is after market tc for bikes like the sv
@@DragoniteMotoJP interesting, i remember mine had some extras and was pretty unique, i bought it new but i remember the dealer had some trouble finding one available, the suply was short after it got released here
@@afonsoserro6834 then you got a lucky mod. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, I’m sure when my wife gets back on the bike I now have to go find her tc😅
I would kill for a company to make an aftermarket turbo or supercharger add on for this bike, ideally a supercharger and one that can be turned on or off at will via a tune. This would be my for life bike if I could do that
@@Fee.1 true, so why do you do it? Anyone that knows anything about the SV650 knows that the engine cant handle beeing tuned to much more than about 80hp before breaking. So why would you add a supercharger or turbo? 🤣
The riding there looks great, and very similar to the east coast here in South Korea (Gangwon province). Just put a deposit on a 2022, so, thanks for affirming my choice hah
I've been to Seoul and a bit around. Definitely similar (though drivers are a bit more calm here😅) What color did you get? We will do our 1 year service this month, a video to follow, be sure to see it. But Spoiler, you'll love the bike!
@@DragoniteMotoJP I ended up getting the white with red frame. It was the only one they had, and even though I wanted the black/blue, I am glad I got what I did. Those colours pop! I'm loving it so far- really smooth power delivery, good brakes and a fantastic sound.
I love my 06 sv650s I don't even realize a snatchy throttle. Your wife is probably right she won't need a bigger bike lol. My biggest complaint about my particular sv is the seat, my buns start going numb after an hour or so.
Every one say that they're not paid off, means they are being paid off for promotional content... suspicious... ahahahaha, jokes aside good video. I love the SV650 i just wish they keept the aluminum frame and swingarm, or at least the swingarm.
UPDATE:
Crash bars were low-speed crash tested. They are just as good as we had hoped. I'm now even confident in higher speed protection.
Bike got mirror and brake lever scratch, but miner. Wife is fine.
How much are those crash bars? Bought my SV650 a year ago and I use it for my daily commute. I haven't done any mods yet, but I suspect that if I were going on a long ride then I might need to change the seat.
@@mhoeij between $200 and $250 🇺🇸 here in japan
Really glad to hear that she's OK. Is/will she be getting back on or is she done?
@@57kwest still riding. She got right bad on and rode home that day
@@DragoniteMotoJP great to hear. For some, it could be traumatizing. She's tough.
..... Vee-Twin doesn't vibrate, it just massages your crotch and that oscillation is bit like an ultrasound that clears your arteries of plaque.
lmfao
On-road stiffies can be distracting though...
Now we know why his wife likes the bike😂😂
If it vibrates a lot that means you're lugging the engine. I ride a 1200 twin and the vibration is not a problem, anyone complaining about it on a 650 is doing it wrong.
Low revs are OK for cruising on the highway, but if you're anywhere in town or a backroad, keep the revs at 4k at least. Ride a gear lower than you're used to.
At first I clicked on this thinking ok why does dude hate the bike? Then I got it. Thank you. I now respect your opinion. I'm new to the SV650. I've just bought it and in a way trying to validate my purchase as a new rider.
Definitely the right bike for a new rider
No need to validate your choice to anybody. You lucked out, and made a superb choice. Don't kill yourself, ride long and prosper.
So true with reference to wind blast, I have sv650x and can ride at 120kph all day with no problem. All the bikes I tried with screens were noisy or would give a lot of buffeting from the wind. A great bike regardless of wether you are a beginner or an experienced rider.Thanks for the great reviews.
Tuck roll seat from the sv650x means you can ride for hours without discomfort. A GIVI screen takes away all the windblast issues. Cherish your sv ,they may not be around much longer.
We got the bagster seat (have a video of that). Was flater, more cushioned, and cheaper.
Yes, the patent seems to have ended with this being the last.
Next is seeming to be more like the mt07 (hopefully less plastic)
I bought my SV650S - Yellow all the way back in 1999, when it was new. It was an awesome bike back then, and from all the reviews I've seen over the years, Suzuki just made it better.
If you hate a bike, then hating it because it makes other bikes seem worse... that's a good reason.
I do wish that Suzuki made an SV750 or SV800, and it would be the perfect bike. The SV1000 with the old TL engine is still a lot of bike, maybe too much of a bike for most people.
The current vstrom 1050 is a very reasonable bike. Great torque without being an obnoxious leter bike. And sv 1050 would be sweet!
sv750 with abs and tc would be really great, but I think they really wanted to make the 8s/8r fill this void, and yet everyone likes the vtwin so much
I just picked up a 2017 model with under 300 miles on it. It's my fourth bike and so far my favorite of the bunch for all the reasons you noted!
Really impressive and honest review. Very well articulated, subscribed.
Thanks for the great and honest review on that bike, i found myself laughing as soon as you mentioned your reason why you hate to ride it. I bought one myself and its arriving the upcoming friday. After your video i can't wait to get on the street with it. Was a nice time watching, thanks and stay safe.
You’ll have no regrets with it that can’t be easily be solved(seat) at its core it’s great
For just riding for fun this is the right bike even for a experienced rider 😊
I have a 24 sv650 and I agree. I put bar risers on it with a Vstrom 650 clutch cable. I had an Africa Twin with a very sensitive throttle and this isn't as bad as that. Like you said, 3rd gear cures it, and is doable at town speeds. I really like it. It's a road bike designed for the road. Great fun. I have to get used to the clutch throttle thing. But, I've never had a bike that absolutely spared me from the wind like this one. I think they nailed it. Zen and the art of motorcycle design.
I now have 43,000 KM on my 2021 .
The bike run like a charm .
The only little problem was a bad gear indicator module at the end of the shifter drum at around 25,000 KM .
I would sell my 2023 GSXS1000 before my 2021 SV650X 🙂👍
Sv is an amazing bike.
I ride a SV1000. IMO, I think the SV1000 is the ultimate expression of the SV line. Especially once you dial in the low RPM throttle timing. I do love the SV650. I had a ‘99 model. It was great. I just think the torque of the 1000 is awesome to have. It’s the lower RPMs, not the higher although that amazing too.
@TheSteveSteele absolutely.
If suzuki could bring that, or if honda could make a naked version of their 1100 twin
Ever since the first service i don't hear the low rpm assist anymore. B4 when i put it into 1st i used to get a 300-500 rpm increase. No longer.
Snatchy throttle ... Check the freeplay adjustment on the trottle cales and adjust them to the least free play possible , a slight ammount is required. Ensure that the revs don't climb when you turn the handlebars to full lock in either direction !.. This is why the free play is required.. You have a nice voice Sir.
That's what I did and I think it made it better.
@@mhoeij I think this is why it varies bike to bike .
I watched all the reviews on UA-cam before buying my 3rd gen sv650 and none, not one, noted the jerky throttle in 1st and 2nd, thank you for pointing that out! Like you said, it's not a deal-breaker, just wish I'd known about it.... really looking forward to this seat review! Sad to hear the SV won't be a regular on your channel.
Should be up in a week
I've seen four things recommended to fix the jerky throttle. 1. Have the throttle bodies synchronized. 2. Adjust the Throttle Position Sensor. 3. Get a Booster Plug (also reduces engine braking). 4. Get a Throttle Tamer. Hope that's helpful.
Snatchy throttle is gone after a quick ecu tune
@@bhok1971 How did you tune? Did you send your ECU to a flash tuner or did you buy a piggyback tuner?
Agree with the comments in this video, I came back to riding and bought the 650X because I liked the paint better but didn't like the clip on's, swapped out for straight bars, I changed the springs in the forks and put a better shock on because I'm around fourteen stone in my gear and the country roads around where I ride can be a bit bumpy and it helped stop the suspension bottoming out, I've found it to be a great bike, enough torque to forgive poor gear choice, handles better than my skills and sounds great with a aftermarket exhaust. I've thought about upgrading to a CB1000R but keep talking myself out of it because the roads I ride seem similar to the ones you do and the SV is plenty quick enough.
My tracer 900 has never reached over 60% of it’s capacity while hitting my absolute limit as a rider.
Sv650 is more than enough for everything paved shy of long motorway touring, but even that if you are willing.
I’m just hoping a luxury 650 comes out of the big four so I can get cruise control with out manhandling over 100hp in Tokyo
Would you sell the clip ons?
Not sure what magic Suzuki uses with their transmissions but my '07 GS500f shifts up and down like butter without the clutch. Though you do have to wait for the revs to go down to down shift.
Biulding 1 bike fore 20 plus years and tweaking it rather than starting fresh will get a pretty good result. But over all, suzuki has the best clutch/gears of anything I've ridden
Almost got the 2021, however at the this writing I don't know if you color scheme is yet available in USA... The white SV became available only in June... Various Dealers were telling me that Suzuki was keeping very quiet on availability.... So, I ordered a 2020 SV650, all black, and had it delivered from California to NJ... It now serves as more agile twin brother to my 2017 Vstrom 650XT... two very different bikes... Not my first bike, but the most fun... been riding for almost 50 years...enjoyed your review...
Stock mirrors were completely useless... added mirror extenders to solve that problem...switched out the stock foot pegs to more useful and comfortable, thicker/wider Vstrom pegs...
@@alpet1805 I feel like the 650 range is ideal at any level of experience.
Glad you're happy
I agree about the snatchy throttle, but it's pretty easy to fix that (booster plug). The next biggest issue for me was the seat, but that's also an easy fix (aftermarket). I didn't like the mirrors (too much shoulder), so swapped to bar end mirrors (which I like much better but may be worse for filtering). I really love the torque and V-twin sound. Overall I'd say its a very good bike that can be great if you don't mind spending a bit on mods.
It's so cheap that you'll have the money for the mods. I find bar ends are great for filtering if pointed inwards. Check out my tracer mods video if you wanna see what I mean
Perfect bike! 8700 km in 70 days. Can"t get enough. Fuel consumption 4.34 l/100 km racing bmws on country lanes.
On big con is the seat...but I travelled 700 to 800 km per day
@@mihaimarcu8261 I have a video on the bagste4 comfort seat, but if you can afford it, the Corbin seat will be much better
That particular tank/frame colour combo looks so nice.
She is very happy with it
It's interesting that you say that 75 HP is not enough for going 120 km/h on the interstate. Back in 1978 I drove from Denmark to Monaco and back on my Suzuki GT550 with my girlfriend riding pillion. We had luggage too. Our average speed on the autobahn and the autoroutes was 140 km/h. The GT550 only had 50 HP, but that was more than sufficient. I didn't go faster because I didn't have the experience, but the bike certainly didn't lack power. Now I'm 66 and would like a SV400 because of the fuel economy. Unfortunately it is not manufactured anymore and I will probably go for a SV600. It seems to be a great bike.
We had a vstrom 650 and could cruise at 120 all day 2 up. But the lighter weight of the sv does make it a bit more effort on the highway and the physical side was tough. My smaller wife who owned it never has a single problem beyond the seat and hopes to get another sv when our kid is old enough to come with us.
Have you explored the new Tracer 700 as an option? We do not get that bike in the US.
We do not get it in Japan.
ua-cam.com/video/U006KT_eZ_4/v-deo.html
really good phrasing with the "bikes are fun at their limits not at half their limits"
this is why i hated my s1000r
1000cc bikes make sense on the interstate or in Germany, but the other 99% of the time I find them burdensome as you need to keep holding back rather than push on.
@@DragoniteMotoJP absolutely. in order to challenge the 1000r id have to go at some kind of ludicrous speed that would probably get me dead or jailed.
Hi there,I loved your video.It's great to be able to communicate with someone in Japan through UA-cam.I live in Northern Ireland.I totally agree with you about not always needing masses of power.Thanks for taking the time.
I've been to the republic of Ireland and if the roads are atoll the same I'm sure you'd be very satisfied by the 650 class
I bought a brand new one two weeks ago, mainly on the price [£5900], rode it home from dealers 2 miles, put it in garage, and then got it back out and traded in for tiger 800. Absolutely hated the SV, felt like a 125cc.
Riding bike in Japan is one of my dream...this country is so beautiful!!
It's definitely special
I've been considering bikes for months, now that my 02 shadow is out of commission. I was leaning toward this bike. Your two videos sold me on it. Thanks from a Canadian in Australia
update: Checked 4 dealerships that were listed to have the sv650 - none in stock until early October :( Must be a good bike if sold out
@@vituperator9603 which state you in bro? We got few in Victoria
@@quuuv WA
I'm thinking about swapping out the ancient halogen headlight bulb for the LED. Any tips or things to keep in mind when buying/installing?
H4 led is what fits the plug and voltage
Make sure it’s not to long so it fits in the bulb
Get a single bulb. if you get a set of 2, 1 point left, 1 points right. A single bulb will point center.
Do it, you can get one for 20-40$ and it can only be better. I assume it won’t effect inspection but check local rules
@@DragoniteMotoJP Great advice man, thank you!
22:20 Regarding Cruise Control.
The new 2021 Aprilia RS660 comes with cruise control. In fact for such a low displacement bike it comes with a ton of features:
Cruise control
6 Axis IMU
TC
ABS
Quickshifter
& More - ua-cam.com/video/sTRalW-tnno/v-deo.html&ab_channel=CaliMotoTV
Yes, I'm aware of that one, but the price is a lot (especially in japan) and the aprilia brand isn't known for reliability. This new 660 seems to be no exception.
But I'm so happy it's here to shake up the market.
@@DragoniteMotoJP That's exactly my thinking as well bro, the fact they added all this high end tech to a low displacement bike means other manufacturers will need to up their game. My bet is in the next couple of years we'll see MT-07 / Triumph Trident even the SV650 come with some extra, more high end tech, if they want to stay relevant.
I don't trust Italian bikes either, reliability has always been an issue and they are VERY expensive to get fixed because they are considered Italian Exotic bikes. And come with an all round price tag to match.
@@Dius765RS it seems like the sv has been discontinued and is getting a completely new and modern replacement, so let's hope the seize the moment.
But last years vstrom1050xt is the first and only suzuki to see something like cruise,so I won't hold my breath
Thanks for the great review!
What was a bad experience with Triumph? I am going to buy either the SV650 or the Triumph street twin and trying to compare them now.
Please share your opinion :)
Thanks you!
I have a street triple playlist you can check out. Beyond this, triumphs lawyers made sure I (and other UA-camrs I know) cannot share our honest experience.
The ever age triumph owner has a trouble free experience and they are *usually* great bike. Trust your dealer and mechanic or find a better one. After that, follow your heart. Smile per mile is all that really matters.
@@olegk898 I’ve had 40 bikes in 50 years riding. Only ever had trouble with 3 bikes all triumph. No real help from anyone !!!!!
I am so glad I‘ve bought it two years ago!
I’m curious how much an SV 650 is in Japan.
ABS versions in the UK vary from about £5600 on the road for a 21 model year to about another £600 or £700 for the 22 model year, which is basically the same bar the colours available. Best regards, David.
We paid exactly ¥800,000 on the road for a 2021 brand new. According to Google that's just shy of £5,000. You definitely pay more tax in the uk. And you have to ship it around the world.
We just shipped it from the factory 2hr south-west.😅
Thank you, I kind of thought they’d be slightly cheaper in Japan. It’s a lot of motorbike for £5500 brand new 😊
@@mkdave1955 In Portugal even a cb300 costs more than 5000eur! You cant buy a new sv650 for less than 7400eur...
@@farmoboy83 similar to Australian prices.
Funny thing is just this year I was thinking I might sell my FJ-09 and get something like say... an SV650. This video is making me think I'm less crazy. I'm not really doing any big trips anymore and I think "less" can be more fun in the twisties / commuting.
I obviously can empathize with that
Did you get the sv?
Thanx for your excellent video!! As a 50 years old beginner passing from maxi scooter to a proper motorcycle. I really love the SV as a first bike for commuting and some small touring and you helps me to make the desicion 😉. Grettings from Serbia 🇷🇸✌️😎
Start slow, but you’ll love it
Hey mate, just wondering where you got the phone cradle and seat from? I will be buying a sv650 but am located in shikoku.
Everything is linked in the description. The seat is not perfect but compared to the stock seat and for the price being half of other options, it’s well worth it.
Maybe the best bike fire japan out of anything.
@@DragoniteMotoJP yep see the links now cheers.
The meter visor for these looks good as well except they seem to be sold out everywhere and only available in white and red. I think I will definitely be getting a slip on exhaust the standard one sounds very corked.
Riding my Multistrada 1200 at its limit is something I can only do for about 5 seconds at a time. It's a craaazy 5 seconds but still, I just have to back it off all the time.
Interesting and good review. Im looking at the Vstrom 650 but im a new rider age 60 and am 6 feet 195 lbs with a 34 inseam. I need a decent rider triangle for comfort. I have a versys 300x that is great for backroads but stressed on highways above 65mph. Really like the tracer 900 but thats a big jump from the bike I have. Here in the states I havent been able to ride either bike.
I loved my vstrom and it could cruise at 70mph with me and my wife, no dramas.
Tracer was a beast but not as comfortable.
Going from vstrom650 to tracer did take some getting used to. But that's because of the small slow Japanese roads.
You'll like both, but if you get a tracer for touring, get a Sargent seat and an mra windscreen.
Vstrom 650, anything 2012 ND newer, it's set to go.
I have a video on "Mc Cruise" that I put on my mt07. They make it for the vstrom 650 too.
I buy a new one last year and after 300 miles the check engine light is lit !!! I buy a diagnostic tool from e-bay and the diagnosis was C45 fuel trim bank 1, wtf??? I 've erased the memory with my tool but if i let the bike idling for a minute after a long ride, the check engine light lit again!!!!!
Have you brought it back to suzuki? If it's now it should be under warranty.
They were very face to fix our rust under warranty
Street lanes there look way narrower than north american lanes. Would you know the differences in average lane width of japanese and american roads?
Can't give you an exact number but I'd put at around 3/5ths the size of a North American lane to generalize. But tokyo and old cities like kyoto are very tight, while interstates are about the same
@@DragoniteMotoJP yea it looks tight in the videos. thanks for the info. Oh i was also wondering if the CB400sf was one of the options when you got the SV650. Its a nice bike but for some reason its priced almost as much as a CB650. And the CB400sb variant is more expensive than the CB650
@@milch13 Japanese license if is split at 400cc so the cb400 is the high end of small bikes. But no, she wanted a “big bike”
We have a video explaining the reasons we when with this bike. It’s in the Sv playlist
@@DragoniteMotoJP ok got it.. will check out the video. thanks!
Cheers, mate 🍻
You have just made a decision for me.
2023 SV650 it is 👍
Really informative video and presented in an intelligent manner. Thanks so much. Enjoyed listening to your thoughts.
Happy you enjoyed
I've got a Yamaha Tenere 700 at the moment. I couldn't test ride the bike due to lockdown before I bought it, which in hindsight was a mistake, but I needed a bike quickly. It's a great bike, but various reasons it's just not the right bike for me. I wanted to get an Yamaha MT-09 SP, lightweight and very fast, but there were no demo bikes available, so I went out on a Yamaha Tracer 9 GT because it uses the same engine. Again, it wasn't the bike for me; I didn't the sound, and I couldn't get out of 2nd gear around town! I had a rethink, and decided that I only really need a small naked, with reasonable performance. The middleweight segment was the obvious choice, and at the moment the deals on the Suzuki SV650 here in the UK are very good, so I'll go and have a chat and a test ride. Everything you've said in your video is correct. I think the best advice when buying a bike is to actually ask yourself, where do you ride most often, and what do you need the bike for.
For sure, I have found my self looking hard at a crf300l (250 in japan).
My tracer is a great touring bike, but if the same exact bike came out as a 600-700cc I'd be trading in real quick.
Hope you get sorted out. The only thing to complain on an sv would be lack of features, but you coming off a t7, you should be fine😅
@@DragoniteMotoJP Yes, I hope so, I've been doing plenty of research. I was looking at a low mileage second hand Triumph Speed Twin, because it's a bike I've always coveted. But, after reading about Triumph reliability, and their woeful customer service, I'm not sure. I'm also worried about the weight, so I would definitely need to demo one, but it does look gorgeous. A new one is also rather expensive, especially when you compare it to something like a Yamaha MT-09 SP for instance. The Royal Enfield Interceptor is half the price, and gets rave reviews. I've also been looking at electric motorcycles, and the SuperSoco TC Max looked promising. It's very light, it's a good price, but, again, there have been reports of problems because it's built to a price, owners reporting they're not getting the acclaimed range, plus it's a bit small for me at 6' 2". Now, if someone could build an affordable hydrogen bike and I actually had somewhere to fill the thing up!
I agree with many things you said but i just can't see how is this bike any fun?
I'm a 51yo "returning" biker looking for a nimble and fun bike as a daily 60km commuter, and the SV is in the same price category as the Duke 390 which is the main contestant for me so far.
I have considered the MT-07 but there's a 3-4 months waiting list for it, the Trident which i didn't like the throttle response and feel,
but i haven't given the SV a thought because it seems dull and anything but playful.
So, what do you mean when you say fun? Can you explain please?
Corners great, awesome tourque for a 650. V twin feel. Solid suspension and breaking that will make sure you are holding on tight.
I dont do wheelies, so if that's your think I can't say good or bad. But it never fails to make me smile
@@DragoniteMotoJP Thanks :-) No, it's not about wheelies, it's more about being nimble or "eager" to flip from side to side and change direction and about the feeling of stability it gives you in the corners.
it's brakes have been often criticized in reviews for having a "wooden" feeling but haven't heard anything before on it's cornering ability.
I think we (you and i) are probably very different as riders but if you see all these goods in it, then i have to take the time and test ride it.
cheers! :-)
KR greetings to you,, I';m a vertically challenged pensioner that rides a 'bike just for pleasure in the country lanes of the UK. I currently have a Royal Enfield Meteor (350 cc) but have owned over the recent decade (+) 'bikes such a BMW F800 GT (belt drive so no chain to maintain !) and Moto Guzzi V7 (shaft drive) and a Suzuki V-Strom 650 ( a bit top-heavy for my height when pushing it around, but had that superb v-twin engine). I've been really impressed with my Meteor, solidly built, very comfortable, holds the twisties surprisingly well economical etc. The only reason I'm looking to change is that my dealership has ceased trading, so, for my needs there isn't an RE dealership close enough to consider (and very few m/cycle dealerships close to my home also).
My problem = what do I get that can give me as much pleasure as my Meteor ? Your highly professional and 'real world' appraisal of the SV 650 may well have pointed me in the right direction. As I've discovered, the 20 (+) bhp of my Meteor hasn't left me wanting for my usual riding (not the case if I need to make a dealership trip on a motorway, fighting with rush-hour traffic travelling at 70 - 80 mph though , so a more powerful availability of BHP would sometimes be useful !!). Whilst there are other 'bikes in the 300+ cc bracket generally available with a good turn of speed if required, they get their power from high rpm , so not in the character I'm acclimatised too. Also those machines tend to have rather a lot of plastic on them ( many years ago I didn't keep a Yamaha 650 Diversion very long because the machine always seemed to convey an aura of cheapness about it whenever I rode it, albeit it was very functional ). Your excellent analysis of the SV 650's attributes makes me believe that I would actually enjoy ownership of an SV rather than come to regret the purchase, similar to my Diversion experience. (The name 'Diversion' was a name used by Yamaha for a much earlier and larger cc model, possibly shaft-drive if my memory isn't playing tricks on me).
KR, I've viewed a lot of You-Tube 'bike reviews whilst carrying out my 'home research'. Your post is by far the most detailed and professional I've encountered by a country mile ; - } , including some done by professional reviewers (not being disrespectful to the other 'posters', it's just, having now read your sv-650 review it's shown how a comprehensive and meaningful review CAN be done. Thank you for your brilliant output and first-class presentation. I have a Suzuki dealership just over 30 miles from my home (further than I'd like if taking a bike for a service when it's raining, but a test-ride on an SV may well convince me that's a price worth paying) May you and your partner stay safe. Kind regards, Glynn.
Thank you. I do my best and appreciate the praise.
You can't go wrong with an sv assuming you won't do 10hr days like I do😅
I have a gladius 400 and even though it “only” has 55 horsepower, I find it to be plenty for riding here in Japan…
Power is not everything
No problems at all with throttle low speed control on my 2nd generation. Or new bikes are affected by emissions regulations or I have a very steady wrist...only complaint about seat is that on hot days I can feel the engine heat under my junk... Not good to make another child lol.
Throttle isn't terrible, but it's noticeable. Easy to get used too.
No junk heat yet😅
What tailbag is it ? You said Kanyu ? Chinese ? Could you give same more details about model?
Kemimoto, I talk Abita more about it in the sv650 video
I owned a first gen SV (1991) and an '88 Honda Hawk GT at the same time and compared them. Both bikes were smooth, both fairly comfortable. The SV was a tab smoother than the Hawk(GT), but it wore me out quicker than the Hawk on a road trip. The SV was way more powerful than the Hawk. Both bikes were fun to ride, with the SV being slightly better in the twisties. But, I couldn't justify owning two very similar bikes, so because they made a ga-zillion SVs and that I could easily buy another if I wanted to, I sold the SV. I still own the Hawk. But, I'm seriously looking a new SV right now.
New one is great, just needs a new seat.
Just put up a video on the seat
@@DragoniteMotoJP The stupid thing about it is the first gen SV came with a split seat and that was very comfortable. I had to put a Corbin seat on my Hawk GT and it still needed something more, so I added an Alaskan Butt pad sheepskin and that helps a lot.
1999 was the year of manufacture of the 1st gen SV650.
@@SwampCityRadio1974 So...
20:55 You are saying that you don't have ABS. Are you sure? I can see a wheel speed sensor ring on the walk-around.
I'm saying sv doesn't have traction control.
When I talk about it people will say "no electronics is best" saying nobody needs abs or anything.
Sorry for the confusion, yes there is abs (I've tested it😅)
@@DragoniteMotoJP I think traction control would be more important on more powerful bikes. Totally agree on the importance of ABS.
@@dgphi more important for sure, but not unimportant on this. my wife slid the rear 2 time in the rain now refuses to ride in anything but a cloudless day
Also the 2021 mt09 that has 111 rwhp and 93nM of torque weighs the same as the 3rd gen SV650 but here in NZ, 75mph doesn't seem fast at all and having no wind protection is just something you adapt to and for any speed, if you ride without it for long enough (had the 2017 sv650 since 2017).
I live in a nice part of England BUT the roads near my house are bumpy and full of potholes! Until I get to a smooth road I need something that can cope with bumpy back roads - will this bike suit me do you think?
If you take it slow and easily in the bad bits should be fine.
The suspension has no adjustment but it's a typical suzuki, not to hard for the ruff bits, but hard enough for the sport bits. If you could only have 1 setting, they got the perfect compromise. (I am 85kg before gear, wife is tall but low 60s and agrees)
Ground clearance is I believe 15cm.
When I lived in Pennsylvania USA we had potholes deeper that that😅
As far as 650 nakes I'm not away of anything with more than 15cm. Only better choice would be the ktm 7/890 duke with 18cm. Or an adv style bike. But these are not really close to this if you are looking at 650 naked.
But I've never seen a paved road in the uk too bad for this bike. With the right tires and pulling the abs fuse I'd even green lane this bike.
Really up to you and how slow you go on the potholes. And how deep they are.
Assuming you know the roads I'm sure you'd know where to swerve around them.
Hey people who own this bike 🏍️, can you please comment on this videos accretion that the wind flow is extremely pleasant, to paraphrase. I saw any review on the sv in which the reviewer was astounded, he felt as if he was riding in a bubble 🫧, no noticeable wind until above hwy speeds. (I own a gen 1 VStrom and removed the windshield soon after buying it. Best thing I ever did. However the bike has a bulbous nose resulting in still air below mid chest and clean air above, which I love. I’m thinking of getting the sv for its lower seat height and weight).
Suzuki did some type of magic, there is no noteworthy wind on this bike at anything below 120km/h
Even at 130 it's better than pretty much anything I've ever had or ridden. But there is still noise like any bike. I sill wear earplugs at 90 and above. But no physical strain from the wind.
I bought the SV 1000s in '05 as my first bike (I know 🙄) and absolutely loved it but it got stolen. When I got the insurance money, I was "forced" to by a cruiser because (according to her 🤦) I'm older now. I ended up with a V Star which was OK. I'm going down the rabbit hole now and found a 1000 used in Conn for $3900 w 28k miles. Full fairings which I love. Also, I HATE the round headlight on the new 650's. (Suzuki stopped making the 1000 in 07.) I'm 5' 10" 260lbs and the upward tank was fantastic for me. Thoughts? 3k more (I can afford) and I could go brand new 650.. What do you think?
Personally I thing the 650 is plenty of power assuming you don’t do too much two-up. And the new bike is much more updated. I picked Vstrom 650 over 1000, never looked back.
But if 1000 is the truest dream bike, live the dream
@@DragoniteMotoJP I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I know you're looking to stay away from YT for a while.. Or at least English YT 😂. Maybe I'm just stuck in the last. When I had the 1000, it was stolen after about a year. As far as 2 up, I was teaching my wife how to ride the cruiser but then we had kids, the vstar has been in the garage for 10 yrs 😢. My kids are old enough to ride with us so I want to pursue it again. Maybe I will stick with the 650 and my 7 yr old and she can use the vstar (650) and my 9 yr old. I'm digging your videos BTW....I "vacation" with you since I can't go from NJ to Japan. 😂. You guys stay safe out there!
@@57kwest thanks, and thanks. The best answer is to go test ride some bikes. But I know NJ dealers don’t really let people do that. If you can find a bike in PA, they do test rides usually. Just not in Sunday for some reason😅
I get 15.5, im i driving it like an idiot? i cant stop reving it
I have a '19 model and have loved it ever since I bought it. I rode all its competitors except cb650 and think SV is best... except for the bench (yes, bench, not seat, coz there is no seat)
Check out my seat review
@@DragoniteMotoJP yes, I saw it and am considering buying that seat. but it's a lot of moneys for me :)
@@ribbonrides886 I have a universal gel pad that I've now used on 5 bikes. It's about $80 (I'm sure there are cheaper) but you can use it for any future bike so if you are careful, it's a 1 time Ike that last multiple bikes
@@DragoniteMotoJP Do you think that this would be good starter bike or CB500F?
@@patrickdakis4437 depend on where you ride. If you spend enough time at speaks at or above 100km(62mph) you see the 500's limit, but not the SV.
I've not riden the 500, but it does some like a bike that's easy to grow out of, this sis easy to to grow into. But I'm saying that as a 178cm(5ft10in) 85kg(187lbs) guy. If you are significantly smaller, the cb will be all you need for sure.
The new update for Hondas 500 line make it better than the sv (depending how you feel on the engine). Me living here I japan where I Almost never go over 100km (62mph) I could see living happily with a honda 500 and definitely no reason to go over the SV except for feature that don't come on this sized bike or lots of 2-up riding.
I have the 2017 model no complaints from me apart from the brakes
2019 fixed that
The clutch is too hard on this bike, gave me a sore hand during my A license training but I did ride it for many hours so maybe it’s that but still clutch is hard and the bike is not smooth 1st 2nd gear
crash bars are kind-of debatable as far as "help vs hurt" in an off. they can transfer energy into weird places and/or dig in and cause tumbles. definitely useful for low speed drops, but in a longer slide can actually make things worse.
I've heard things about sliders dicking in and maybe causing the bike to trouble. But other than maybe putting extra stress on the bikes frame, I've never once heard crash bars, especially round ones like these, causing more harm than good.
I'm not saying you are wrong, just never hard this arguement before.
My personal experience with crash bars has been that they are litural life savers and always have helped, never once a negative. Shamefully I've tested a few...😅
@@DragoniteMotoJP on track we're allowed sliders but not allowed rails or cages. (even then, the fatter and rounder the slider and the less it sticks out the better) in the dirt on big bikes, the cages definitely save the bike. on asphalt... it will probably depend on the crash. what we try to avoid is turning a non-event sliding lowside into a tumble.
@@DragoniteMotoJP as far as sending energy into weird places, the slider usually goes on the main through-bolt. so it doesnt really have a tab on the motor or frame that it can break. with cages, that impact can go into the head, or bottom end, or other attachment points
As an owner of a 2018 SV650, I totally agree with your comments on the bike.
Heyy, you may be my savior! I'm looking to buy a 2018 sv650, 10.000km, akrapovich, DYNOJET quickshifter and commander kit, at 5800€ with some other extras. Is it worth it? (kinda new rider, got a voge 300acx since October, and looking for an upgrade)
Careful with the double lamps, that can give the impression that you’re much farther away than You actually are to cars
good point
Quite interesting really, I do wonder how life would be if I downsized from my V-Strom to an SV650, but I think I'd suffer on longer rides from the lack of knee room and wind protection.
Having ha both. I dont mind the lef room on the sv for an 8 hour day not counting rests. You'd need a comfort seat more than anything but it would still not quite be the vstrom.
The weight and power difference is significant despite the similar engine.
Lots of good wind screens for the sv, but the wind is really clean and not to loud on the sv as is
Who makes the zippers on that bag
Your tracers entire chassis is taller and heavier too, not to mention the suspension geometry, so it might be surprising how much that feeling remains if you put the same size tires on both, but still a valid point
I appreciate your honest input. Thank you!
I had a honda CB650 and a Yamaha MT07, I can say SV650 is more fun than both of them!
We ended u0 trading my tracer for an mt07 and selling her sv to pay for our coming baby
But part of me is from time to time wondering if I should have just kept her sv650.
But she reminds me this was the only way to survive financially.
She is debating a rebel 1100 or another sv next year🤣
Ok last question. You live in a more rural area? Do you find Hikikomori are less prevalent outside of the cities ?
no I live in tokyo, but have lived in rural areas. There are more people in your daily life in the cities so you notice more, but statistics say that it's actually worse farther from the cities.
But it's hard to tell because the true hikikomori don't come out so it's like they aren't real.
Just like the average person under 40 is a virgin here. But you wouldn't know because all the millions of people who go out to bars to meet up distract you from the millions at home that wouldn't cross your mind.
@@DragoniteMotoJP yea that’s fascinating. I had tried to start a program to help hikikomori but I had trouble recruiting more than a few of them. It blew my mind how many of them I spoke to said they would love to move to the USA, in their mind they felt like they were judged more in their home country, at least amongst the small sample size of people I was interacting with
@@Fee.1 Japan is very judgemental of people who don't follow exactly what's expected. Hence the high bullying and suicide. As a foreigner I get a pass, but also am not aloud to try and join the fold.
@@DragoniteMotoJP yea that alights with what I have heard. This is another reason I find the relationship dynamic between Japanese and American’s/Europeans to be intriguing. Especially in Japan. I feel like part of the issue is shame inflicted on themselves. Like they will be happy to exist as they are in another society but not in japan. That SHOULD make it click that they can do so in Japan too, and they should simply stand up to any of the negative experiences etc but they feel torn between two realities I guess. It’s very sad, I hope there continues to be more focus on improving life for them and for Japanese public as a whole. I believe there is a way to retain all the wonderful aspects of Japanese culture while also becoming a bit more willing to express oneself and show emotion etc without sacrificing any of the greatest attributes of Japanese culture. If life after WW2 didn’t show that then I’m not sure what can.
Then again what do I know.
My mother passed away in March. I was her caretaker for nearly a decade. I quit college, I derailed my career path and the computer business I started as a teenager but made offficial the day I turned 18, and just did my best to get her parkinsons and pain under control. But it quickly became a 24 hour job and her mind went as the parkinsons got worse and worse, somehow I still blame myself for her death taking place like it did. Anyway so I’m suddenly 30 years old and starting life from scratch basically. All my friends and my college girlfriend understandably faded apart as it became necessary for me to keep an eye on her literally 24 hours a day, so on the one hand I could just begin a boring life here but ….I also have literally nothing holding me back, I can do anything I want, within reason, although as far as careers I would need to improve my recent resume and education to get a truly solid career, but still, seems like a shame to not take the opportunity to do something out of the ordinary. Whether that’s Japan or not, I’m not sure, but at the very least I think I’ll have to visit. The hardest part is probably just the lack of friends, it’s easy to come across like someone who must have deep seated flaws that prevent them from having friends or something when in reality I just spent a decade or so unable to take any personal time.
Anywayyyy sorry for the essay.
@@Fee.1 the amount of judgement and bullying here can be beyond anything you could imagine. Like they family will have a literal funeral for them while they are not dead and then act as if they are dead. They will be unemployable and probably not be able to rent a home. It can literally be A. Conform. B. Hide in your room. Or C. Lose everything and very possibly die.
It's not an easy solution like they usa where individualism I selibrated and wierd is seen as good in some places. Even talking about your personal life can be looked down on if you are being unpositive.
I talk about issues like racism in japan, that's why I keep my true identity private. It could cost me my job and even an end to my rent contract and visa. (But my boss and landlord are really cool, so I'm optimistic)
What's motorcycle theft like in japan? Here in the uk is a complete nightmare. Also do you think it would be better to ship my bike insted of getting a new one over there?
For the most put people give bikes the right of way. And police don't bother you unless you are being a true A-hole. Mistakes are usually let off with Avery educational warning. Speed cameras are usually off.
If you love your bike on a personal level bring it, but shipping cost plus import tax maybe be more than the value of the bike.
In this motors case the vibrations are considered secondary or tertiary vibrations iirc. Well damped regardless though so it doesn’t matter
Cruise control is more important to me than quick shift
Me too
Would you take it on a long trip?
With a better seat (corban, Sargent, or my universal gel pad) and maybe a detachable windscreen. Sure. I've used the gel pad and done a 10hr day which was fine.
But though you can make it a touring bike, don't expect it to be a v-strom
I'm in SW Pennsylvania and don't travel anymore. Thinking of trading my 2009 R1200R for a SV650.
Top video mate
Another great video. Information, quality of picture quality and the scenery wow!
Would love your wife to review it herself.
Cheers.
She doesn't want to be part of the channel. Privacy and staying out of the public eye, all that.
Nothing wrong with you, I had the Tracer 900 GT (kept it stock) and it felt like a Chinese knock off bike.
There was hardly anything of quality on it.
The low down throttle jerkiness was horrendous
I now own a Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX which is the complete opposite in build to the Yamaha. But I am very close to buying an SV650 as my little commuter, winter bike, runaround.
After 10.000km breaking in the bike is fine as far as jerky-ness, I only notice it in "A" mode, witch I only use when being a hooligan.
But it is very obvious where Yamaha saves money, not so much on the sv.
My wife helped me with the 1 year review video we just posted, ninja1000sx is top of her list if she upgraded from the sv, I definitely don't blame here.
A ninja 600 sx WITH CRUISE CONTROL would be perfect for japan.
I prefer a small bike run fast than a big bike at 20% of its limit
I'd love a Honda adv 150 for commute. You really should test a scooter, they are silly fun and way easier for commuting
2nd gen is same ammount of money as Fazer 600 S1. Can't choose SV cuz Fazer is just much more of a bike for the money. Especially where I love - flat terrain, lot of straights etc...
10:26
False. A quickshifter is *not* better. The quickshifter is a solution searching for a problem. You do not need one. There is nothing a quickshifter can do, that you can't do manually with extreme ease. The constant mesh transmission does not care. If you're not cramming the forks and drum hither and thither with reckless abandon, you don't need the clutch at all, quickshifter or no.
Well, just saw your firsts riding video saying you loved it, and now I see the title of this one. Let's see what you got
Still very happy with it.
@@DragoniteMotoJP Yup, just watched it. Awesome to see someone actually talking about useful daily details about this bike and not just stats and " saying: the seat is uncomfortable for like 10 times". Thanks for the video, I'm going to buy this bike and I was looking for videos like this. Thanks
At what rpm do you do the quick shift?
Doesn't have a quick shifter, I am throttle blipping. 2k and above
Same on my mt07
disappointing you didnt cover ergonomics. How tall are you for instance>
I covered them in the first review of the bike.
Wait are you speaking while riding or this is a voiceover with blended audio?
Speaking while riding
Your videos are interesting! I hope you could continue posting and make the channel bigger and bigger ☺️
ありがとう
changing that seat is a little bit silly... I have watched a video about the guy from Suzuki who designed those seats and believe me they made it hard on purpouse !!!!
If your ride is under 40min, sure, but the edge of the city being… 50min 1 way😅
What were your negative experiences with Triumph? Everyone else I've heard from that has ridden them seems to like them, so it would be nice to get a contrasting opinion.
I have a Playlist of my street triple ownership you can look at, and check the pinned comments.
@@DragoniteMotoJP cool, thanks!
Triumphs are the worst for reliability. Awful transmissions. Triumph does not stand behind their products. Are they great when they run? Among the best. Too much money to spend for a new motorcycle you can't trust to be reliable. There is so much quality control difference between Honda and Triumph that technically they can't both be motorcycles. Triumph is the worst and other than engines blowing up, transmission failures are one of the most expensive repairs on a motorcycles. Google it.
@@lukewalker1051 I ended up getting a Triumph. It's been treating me pretty nice.
Nothing corners as fast as a well set up SV on a 160 rear tire, absolutely. Just go Dunlop Roadsmart III and ditch the Qualifiers (I guess your year ditched those already)
I wouldn't know. We just took it as it came and can't afford to toss tires before wearing them out
I'm a fan of Michelin road 5. Last long and preform perfect everywhere but dirt😅
Duke 890R is better in the corners .
Which camera do you use?
Gopro hero 8
Great review.
Never had a sv too small for me if I was the right size I would have one. Love my 1250 bandit. I will never own a triumph again. Had 3 all rubbish.
@@martinlye7111 triumphs are lovely... when they work😅
But I guess that's most bikes🤔
@@DragoniteMotoJP one of mine was so bad dealer gave me the number for a director at Hinckley factory. His advice was swap it for a Japanese bike I did. Kawasaki 😀
@martinlye7111 in Japan there typically are not big dealers, each dealer is 1 brand alone. So, not going to get that level of honesty.
How long ago was your last triumph?
@@DragoniteMotoJP I’ve just sold my 1050 st sprint. Rock bottom price no one wanted it. Issues starting. Seized eccentric for chain. My 2000 Vfr. Only ever had on issue reg rec. mosfet sorted that still got Vfr 800. Versy 1000 no issues.
Bandit 1250 no issues although it did have reg rec recall early on. All good 👍
You have to try another Triumph at some point you realize that right? Confirm the rule or confirm the exception. Life is too short. Try it.
SVは日本の峠道を走るのには最高のバイクでしょ。アメリカ大陸横断には適してないけど。カブに乗ると日本の見え方がまた変わりますよ。
そうですね
ハンターカブに乗りたい‼️
Good video! Thanks!
i think my 2017 sv560 has traction control...
I’m pretty sure Suzuki never put tc on any sv.
Vstrom from 2017 does have it.
My buddy works for Suzuki Tokyo, said no sv has had tc. Maybe you got one with a customer mod.
@@DragoniteMotoJP it definitely has it, i feel it on rainy days and slippery cobblestone roads. Maybe its a EU thing
@@afonsoserro6834 I just looked it up. If you bought is used, some companies like “heal tech” make aftermarket TC. But no sv650 has ever had TC from Suzuki themselves. Abs, yes, but not TC.
But it is cool to know there is after market tc for bikes like the sv
@@DragoniteMotoJP interesting, i remember mine had some extras and was pretty unique, i bought it new but i remember the dealer had some trouble finding one available, the suply was short after it got released here
@@afonsoserro6834 then you got a lucky mod. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, I’m sure when my wife gets back on the bike I now have to go find her tc😅
Was expecting you to shit on the beloved SV and was pleasantly surprised!
Hahah, it’s so good it makes other bikes feel bad!
I would kill for a company to make an aftermarket turbo or supercharger add on for this bike, ideally a supercharger and one that can be turned on or off at will via a tune. This would be my for life bike if I could do that
You'd snap the crank on the first ride. If you want more power, buy a tl1000 or sv1000.
@@perarnewinge7123 ignorant comment is ignorant
@@Fee.1 true, so why do you do it? Anyone that knows anything about the SV650 knows that the engine cant handle beeing tuned to much more than about 80hp before breaking. So why would you add a supercharger or turbo? 🤣
That is something to remember: Bikes are fun AT their limits, not at HALF their limits. Love it !
cool vid very informative
Glad you liked it
The riding there looks great, and very similar to the east coast here in South Korea (Gangwon province). Just put a deposit on a 2022, so, thanks for affirming my choice hah
I've been to Seoul and a bit around. Definitely similar (though drivers are a bit more calm here😅)
What color did you get?
We will do our 1 year service this month, a video to follow, be sure to see it.
But Spoiler, you'll love the bike!
@@DragoniteMotoJP I ended up getting the white with red frame. It was the only one they had, and even though I wanted the black/blue, I am glad I got what I did. Those colours pop! I'm loving it so far- really smooth power delivery, good brakes and a fantastic sound.
@@grahamn311 the price and size, cant be beat. Was at suzuki today, saw the red and white, just had to stop and stare a few monutes
I love my 06 sv650s I don't even realize a snatchy throttle. Your wife is probably right she won't need a bigger bike lol. My biggest complaint about my particular sv is the seat, my buns start going numb after an hour or so.
Ya, the seat is amazingly bad, I don't know how this made it through RND to productions. But we have a seat video coming in a day or 2
Every one say that they're not paid off, means they are being paid off for promotional content... suspicious... ahahahaha, jokes aside good video.
I love the SV650 i just wish they keept the aluminum frame and swingarm, or at least the swingarm.