One of the greatest and most reliable motorcycle engines ever made, its one of the reasons one of my bikes is a V Strom 650. The SV has always been physically too small for me tho and i'm too cramped on it. Recently test rode the 8S and that fitted me much better, but i much prefer the old school looks of the SV.
Have a '23 blue SV650. Just got back from a 1K mile jaunt into Oregon ,US. Strapped on a 30 liter tail bag and headed out with my brother on a Z900RS. We found a 100 mile stretch of twisties- State highway 86. No one on it, blue skies, no wind and recently new pavement. The little SV was in it's realm. And anyone that says the newer 4 pot front brake doesn't cut it, is wrong. Don't like the looks of the new 800. Glad I bought one of the last of the iconic little VTwins.
Just love it 👍, I am a 52 years old beginner passing my licence on the first generation of the SV and just love it. I think it will be my first bike ✌️👍😎, excellent review, thank you and regard from Serbia 🇷🇸
I've already had 2 bikes over the years with that 650 twin (2000 SV650S, followed by a 2014 Weestrom), and it would have to be one of the motorcycling world's great engines, period. Bulletproof, economical, smooth and wide powerband and absolutely chock full of character. The 'bang for buck' is right up there. It is just a great all rounder. Sure the tech is nothing flash compared to the competition and it doesn't set the bar in anything chassis wise. But THAT engine. It is the spirit of the bike and at the end of the day many of us ride because of how it makes us 'feel' and that engine sure does make you smile. Plus being so simple means it'll go forever and it has proven it time and again. It'll be sad when they stop making that engine. 😪
@devilsadvocate2548 i think you nailed it with that comment. I have one of these now, the old school looks did for me. yes it's not going to win any modern tech prize but the weight and that engine. A Sunday morning on a country road...... man ... i am in another zone. Commonly quoted for being a great first big bike for a novice which i cannot disagree with but its a good bike for a seasoned rider too. I had a GSX1250 before this and that was a great bike, but this is just a different ride altogether. love it.
Completely agree had an SV650, now a street triple and even considering the downgrade, the striple is above it all, but the V twin feel and the overall feeling of ripping off the engine while keeping under "safe" street speeds makes the whole difference.
I’ve got one of these, actually on my 3rd one, that I use as my everyday commuter. I can safely say there is not a bigger bargain out there even given the recent price wise. I’ve not had one problem beyond normal maintenance with any of them and I really clock up the mileage.
Brilliant bike. Suzuki, once again doing what they do best; offering a product that's simple, no-nonsense and great value. Also powered by an engine that's had 25 odd years of tinkering and refinement. You simply can't go wrong. Indeed, it's a v-twin, not an l-twin; the best configuration that goes back to the dawn of motorcycling..... The two were made for each other...like strawberry jam and clotted cream on a scone! 😂 (I like howling inline-4s too). Excellent appraisal. 👍
Good bike review and also very nostalgic route out of Keighley for me as that is where I grew up. You even went past my granny's old house! I tried an SV when we were looking for a bike for my wife (ended up with a Bonnie) and my impression is it is bike that you need to spend time getting to know and then it will really reward you. Fab engine.
I took a 2013 DL650 Vstrom (same engine) to Alaska and the engine was brilliant. Smooth, stable and very tractable in all situations over the 20,000 miles I've owned her. Switchgear and controls left a bit to be desired though. I think I should look at this bike when time comes for a purchase. I do love the Hunter though. Then again us power hungry yanks need to feed our never ending need for speed on the unending super slabs..😉 m
I rode one of the first SV650’s way back in 1999 (I think), and thought it was a hoot through the twisties. As much as I enjoyed it, I bought the Honda Hornet 600 instead, and thoroughly enjoyed that, with no regrets. I will have to throw my leg over one again soon. Cheers
i paid £4600 for my 2019 sv 650 new. just shows you how much things have gone up. only problems ive had was seized front caliper pistons and the the gear indicator telling me im in 2nd or 3rd when in 1st. use mine everyday. watch out for poor typical suzuki paint finish on the wheels.
Is this the 3rd place Appleyards has had the shop? Now this is a proper bike. It could do with a coloured frame, in my opinion. Good, basic bike. Fatbars and a round dial would look better. Offset, preferably. The XSR just shades the SV650 for me, but mainly because I like its styling a little better, although I do like the look of the V-twin. I'd be proud to own an SV650. Nice jacket, Bingley.
17k quid for the tuono 14k for the trident 10k for the sv650 I live in israel and these are the prices for brand new ones here. Pretty substantial amount.
Great video. Yeah man, best bike I've owned! Does what it says on the tin. Bombproof motor. No frills but great fun to ride. As an ex-Stockport lad living in Christchurch, NZ, I loved watching the bike being ridden on UK roads. I bought a new M2 last year which, unfortunately, has been off the road since April this year after I got rear ended at a t-junction heading in to work. Well, this is Christchurch - worst drivers ever in my opinion. Totally clueless! Anyhow, definitely recommend the SV650 but you'll need to be quick, don't think they'll be making them much longer which is a huge shame.
The amazing thing is they sold boatloads, despite Suzuki's dreadful efforts. The Mk I curvy with that fab welded frame was both quite pretty on both guises (naked and faired). But the suspension was basic, the brakes ok. They could have done an R version, and sold loads more. Then they brought out the angular MkII which didn't look as nice - and again, deserved better suspension for the handling. That it was generally only sold semi faired also didn't help. Somehow the SV1000 was uninspiring, being neither the TL replacment (with proper suspension) nor as light and nimble as the 650. Then they gave us the ugly overstyled Gladius, with an even cheaper frame than the MkII, that no one bought. Then this one, which to be honest is probably great, but the stylings just a bit "unhappy". Why doesnt the tank meet the frame - all those plastic panels are just ugly. Yet a great first or second bike after passing test - easy to ride - plenty of torque so you never get bogged down, and its quite neutral to the newer, more ham fisted rider.
Dreadful effort?: For what you pay for an sv650 you get A LOT of bike. I think the new gen sv650's are beautiful. (Also the 1st gen). And: if the brakes and suspension had been higher spec'ed - so would the price. Brakes and suspension is doing its job just fine on any gen sv650, and can easily be upgraded for those that want more.
@@suprlite I think you misunderstood me. The Mk1 was a fab bike. I mean't Suzuki's dreadful marketing, with a limited range - no models with better brakes/suspension from factory - for a full fairing option - and then debatable "improvements" such as the mkII redesign - That original frame was beautiful. I mean, imagine if Ducati had done that with the Monster? Then there's the dubious Gladius restyle, and the current one with that awful tank not meeting the frame without that great chunk of plastic, spoiling the looks. It's a bike that was delivered almost perfect, and then just slowly ruined. Thats what I mean by "dreadful efforts".
@@jujuUK68 ah, ok. Seems we're agreeing a bit more then 😄 yeah, they could have offered an upgrade option i guess. The gladius: i dont think its that ugly, but it was an example of "if its not broken, dont fix it". The second gen should have kept the first gen's beautiful frame. The newest gen is quite close in looks to the ducati monster, so i dont think its ugly at all. But i can see what you mean: what are those lumps of plastic between the tank and the frame? Still the newest gen imho is a definite upgrade from gen2 and gladius. Anyway: the suzuki v-twins are my favourite engines. Hence i've owned a tl1000s and now own a '99 sv650s and a '08 vstrom 1000 (which is my favourite bike ever, so far).
@@suprlite imagine, in 1996 or whatever, or before the curvy went pointy, when it came out, there had been an N version, but with wire wheels, clip ons, and better suspension? Even a brake upgrade? That would have looked beautiful. Or a second version bored out to 800cc with a full fairing, and the suepension brake upgrades?
The seat put me off buying one a few years ago - how did you find it compared to the one on the 8S ? I also wonder if they have a demo GSX S125 you could try? They were also in the old shop just across the road when I walked past a couple of years ago, it is great to see them expand and hopefully be doing good business in the new unit.
A stock seat is something that many riders replace anyway after purchasing a bike because most are uncomfortable. I put a Corbin Gunfighter seat on my SV and it’s amazing. I can ride all day and not get sore. The seat was well worth the money.
Aaah, I see, that's how Suzuki do it ~ voodoo in the gubbins box. Dave, I'm in awe at your depth of technical knowledge, you ought to become a college professor 😉 😉 😂 😂 😂 As ever, an entertaining & enjoyable insight!
@@thebingleywheeler Absolutely! Matter of fact I could've done w/ one of them there doinses recently when the tamping wopple fell of my keeley trunnion wheel. 😂
Hi Dave, me again. How would you compare the SV650 to the Interceptor 650 when you throw your leg over and sit on it ? According to statistics, the SV is lower in the seat and overall height, narrower (can understand that with it being a v twin), and lighter. Yet in the pictures it looks a bigger bike 🤔. I will contact Appleyards at some point to have a go.
Hi Ian…..it didn’t feel much different in terms of measurable dimensions to the interceptor so any difference was too slight for me to notice. I know which I’d rather have though….the SV650 is an uber reliable do anything bike but it has neither the looks nor the personality of the interceptor…..get to Appys and see what you think buddy 😎👍🏻
@@thebingleywheeler will do. Appleyards are about 50 miles from me. A nice run out in the van, have a picnic, and demo a bike, what could be better 😎😁 cheers
Ι own the 2017 SV 650. It is raw motorcycle fun. No unnecessary electronics. A bike for everything . I am impressed of how unpopular it is where I live where everyone grabs the mt07. I really love her . Great review
I'd likethe 8s, but I want enough power to have sensible fun on Sussex roads, but with a 80mpg+ minimum. So I'd guess the 8s is a non starter. I'm wondering if the cb500f might be the one. I started as a Kawasaki triple owner and have owned a 74cb 500f . I pretty much ride all year round and when its to cold the bike lives in the dining room. I didn't comment on your 8s video, dodgy honda engine cbx 550, I had a gpz black and red 550, luckily because I almost went for the Honda
A very competent machine indeed and that engine; sounds like they made it even more tractable. The SV has been around a long time but that frame...it's a lot uglier now.
Depends on what you are looking for...different bikes with similar power. Reliability wise and maintnance, sv650 with eyes closed. Design? sv650. Modern tech and better suspension? trident 660. Engine character? like both of them but this v2 is music for my ears and grunty enough to accelerate from low revs like a train
One of the greatest and most reliable motorcycle engines ever made, its one of the reasons one of my bikes is a V Strom 650. The SV has always been physically too small for me tho and i'm too cramped on it. Recently test rode the 8S and that fitted me much better, but i much prefer the old school looks of the SV.
Yes I did find it too small for me were it to be used for touring
@@thebingleywheeler Also for me it is too small. Great bike, sounds really nice but I went with Honda CB650F for commuting as it is bigger
how big are you
I’m 6’3” and I fit on the SV650 no problem. Did a 6 hour ride last weekend and the only issue towards the end was the firm seat.
Have a '23 blue SV650. Just got back from a 1K mile jaunt into Oregon ,US. Strapped on a 30 liter tail bag and headed out with my brother on a Z900RS. We found a 100 mile stretch of twisties- State highway 86. No one on it, blue skies, no wind and recently new pavement. The little SV was in it's realm. And anyone that says the newer 4 pot front brake doesn't cut it, is wrong. Don't like the looks of the new 800. Glad I bought one of the last of the iconic little VTwins.
Far from the Last, the SV650 is going to continue for years!
Just love it 👍, I am a 52 years old beginner passing my licence on the first generation of the SV and just love it. I think it will be my first bike ✌️👍😎, excellent review, thank you and regard from Serbia 🇷🇸
I also have a first gen SV. Imho they're the best looking ones. At least the look way better than second gen. Awesome bikes. Enjoy 😊
I've already had 2 bikes over the years with that 650 twin (2000 SV650S, followed by a 2014 Weestrom), and it would have to be one of the motorcycling world's great engines, period. Bulletproof, economical, smooth and wide powerband and absolutely chock full of character. The 'bang for buck' is right up there. It is just a great all rounder. Sure the tech is nothing flash compared to the competition and it doesn't set the bar in anything chassis wise. But THAT engine. It is the spirit of the bike and at the end of the day many of us ride because of how it makes us 'feel' and that engine sure does make you smile. Plus being so simple means it'll go forever and it has proven it time and again. It'll be sad when they stop making that engine. 😪
I must admit the engine was the outstanding feature and great value and reliability as you say
@devilsadvocate2548 i think you nailed it with that comment. I have one of these now, the old school looks did for me. yes it's not going to win any modern tech prize but the weight and that engine. A Sunday morning on a country road...... man ... i am in another zone. Commonly quoted for being a great first big bike for a novice which i cannot disagree with but its a good bike for a seasoned rider too. I had a GSX1250 before this and that was a great bike, but this is just a different ride altogether. love it.
Completely agree had an SV650, now a street triple and even considering the downgrade, the striple is above it all, but the V twin feel and the overall feeling of ripping off the engine while keeping under "safe" street speeds makes the whole difference.
I bought the same exact SV650 as this a bit over a month ago, love it!
They’re a superb all round machine and Uber reliable 😁👍🏻
I’ve got one of these, actually on my 3rd one, that I use as my everyday commuter. I can safely say there is not a bigger bargain out there even given the recent price wise. I’ve not had one problem beyond normal maintenance with any of them and I really clock up the mileage.
They’re bullet proof Stuart 👍🏻
The Hornet is better value for the price range… TFT … LED lighting 🤷
And oh so ugly to behold 😂
Brilliant bike. Suzuki, once again doing what they do best; offering a product that's simple, no-nonsense and great value. Also powered by an engine that's had 25 odd years of tinkering and refinement. You simply can't go wrong.
Indeed, it's a v-twin, not an l-twin; the best configuration that goes back to the dawn of motorcycling..... The two were made for each other...like strawberry jam and clotted cream on a scone! 😂
(I like howling inline-4s too).
Excellent appraisal. 👍
Great bike for cornering and enjoy the ride. I 've chosen it because it is compact and never regret it. I am 1,72 m.
Good bike review and also very nostalgic route out of Keighley for me as that is where I grew up. You even went past my granny's old house! I tried an SV when we were looking for a bike for my wife (ended up with a Bonnie) and my impression is it is bike that you need to spend time getting to know and then it will really reward you. Fab engine.
Thank you Adrian and happy to deliver a trip down memory lane for you
I took a 2013 DL650 Vstrom (same engine) to Alaska and the engine was brilliant. Smooth, stable and very tractable in all situations over the 20,000 miles I've owned her. Switchgear and controls left a bit to be desired though.
I think I should look at this bike when time comes for a purchase. I do love the Hunter though. Then again us power hungry yanks need to feed our never ending need for speed on the unending super slabs..😉
m
Ah yes I forget just how long and straight your roads can be 👍🏻
I picked this up a couple of months ago and i really enjoy it.
Great news 👍🏻
I rode one of the first SV650’s way back in 1999 (I think), and thought it was a hoot through the twisties. As much as I enjoyed it, I bought the Honda Hornet 600 instead, and thoroughly enjoyed that, with no regrets. I will have to throw my leg over one again soon. Cheers
Cheers Ian it’s well worth a spin
@@thebingleywheeler lack of local dealerships, means I have to time them with going to Cheshire visiting family 🙄
i paid £4600 for my 2019 sv 650 new. just shows you how much things have gone up. only problems ive had was seized front caliper pistons and the the gear indicator telling me im in 2nd or 3rd when in 1st. use mine everyday. watch out for poor typical suzuki paint finish on the wheels.
Just bought one from appleyards gloss black with gold wheels and frame getting delivered next week cant wait
That’s the best colour!
A very good review Dave thank you for sharing your views , take care & ride safe
Thank you….most welcome
Competition could be the hornet maybe
Is this the 3rd place Appleyards has had the shop? Now this is a proper bike. It could do with a coloured frame, in my opinion. Good, basic bike. Fatbars and a round dial would look better. Offset, preferably. The XSR just shades the SV650 for me, but mainly because I like its styling a little better, although I do like the look of the V-twin. I'd be proud to own an SV650.
Nice jacket, Bingley.
Thank you it’s a new building near to the existing dealership so additional. Jacket is Merlin Edale…superb wax cotton retro jacket
Mine comes next Week 😊
17k quid for the tuono
14k for the trident
10k for the sv650
I live in israel and these are the prices for brand new ones here. Pretty substantial amount.
Great video. Yeah man, best bike I've owned! Does what it says on the tin. Bombproof motor. No frills but great fun to ride. As an ex-Stockport lad living in Christchurch, NZ, I loved watching the bike being ridden on UK roads. I bought a new M2 last year which, unfortunately, has been off the road since April this year after I got rear ended at a t-junction heading in to work. Well, this is Christchurch - worst drivers ever in my opinion. Totally clueless! Anyhow, definitely recommend the SV650 but you'll need to be quick, don't think they'll be making them much longer which is a huge shame.
They are a very underestimated bike for sure
Nice one TBW, the SV also has legendary reliability.....
Thank you yes it is bomb proof
The amazing thing is they sold boatloads, despite Suzuki's dreadful efforts.
The Mk I curvy with that fab welded frame was both quite pretty on both guises (naked and faired). But the suspension was basic, the brakes ok. They could have done an R version, and sold loads more. Then they brought out the angular MkII which didn't look as nice - and again, deserved better suspension for the handling. That it was generally only sold semi faired also didn't help. Somehow the SV1000 was uninspiring, being neither the TL replacment (with proper suspension) nor as light and nimble as the 650. Then they gave us the ugly overstyled Gladius, with an even cheaper frame than the MkII, that no one bought. Then this one, which to be honest is probably great, but the stylings just a bit "unhappy". Why doesnt the tank meet the frame - all those plastic panels are just ugly.
Yet a great first or second bike after passing test - easy to ride - plenty of torque so you never get bogged down, and its quite neutral to the newer, more ham fisted rider.
Dreadful effort?: For what you pay for an sv650 you get A LOT of bike.
I think the new gen sv650's are beautiful. (Also the 1st gen). And: if the brakes and suspension had been higher spec'ed - so would the price. Brakes and suspension is doing its job just fine on any gen sv650, and can easily be upgraded for those that want more.
@@suprlite I think you misunderstood me. The Mk1 was a fab bike. I mean't Suzuki's dreadful marketing, with a limited range - no models with better brakes/suspension from factory - for a full fairing option - and then debatable "improvements" such as the mkII redesign - That original frame was beautiful. I mean, imagine if Ducati had done that with the Monster? Then there's the dubious Gladius restyle, and the current one with that awful tank not meeting the frame without that great chunk of plastic, spoiling the looks. It's a bike that was delivered almost perfect, and then just slowly ruined. Thats what I mean by "dreadful efforts".
@@jujuUK68 ah, ok. Seems we're agreeing a bit more then 😄 yeah, they could have offered an upgrade option i guess. The gladius: i dont think its that ugly, but it was an example of "if its not broken, dont fix it". The second gen should have kept the first gen's beautiful frame. The newest gen is quite close in looks to the ducati monster, so i dont think its ugly at all. But i can see what you mean: what are those lumps of plastic between the tank and the frame? Still the newest gen imho is a definite upgrade from gen2 and gladius. Anyway: the suzuki v-twins are my favourite engines. Hence i've owned a tl1000s and now own a '99 sv650s and a '08 vstrom 1000 (which is my favourite bike ever, so far).
@@suprlite imagine, in 1996 or whatever, or before the curvy went pointy, when it came out, there had been an N version, but with wire wheels, clip ons, and better suspension? Even a brake upgrade? That would have looked beautiful. Or a second version bored out to 800cc with a full fairing, and the suepension brake upgrades?
WHY they don't give it inverted forks, LED headlight, and REALLLY sport it out, idk.
Bizarrely quite expensive to insure. I was debating having this or a Moto Guzzi stone as a first big bike, but the MG is a lot cheaper (50%) to insure
Got the same bike. I’d of gave that Porsche a go the Sv is no plodder 😂
Next time 😉
The seat put me off buying one a few years ago - how did you find it compared to the one on the 8S ? I also wonder if they have a demo GSX S125 you could try? They were also in the old shop just across the road when I walked past a couple of years ago, it is great to see them expand and hopefully be doing good business in the new unit.
Hi…seat definitely harder than 8S….I’ll ask about the 125
A stock seat is something that many riders replace anyway after purchasing a bike because most are uncomfortable. I put a Corbin Gunfighter seat on my SV and it’s amazing. I can ride all day and not get sore. The seat was well worth the money.
Is it worth springing for the ABS version? It likely is, but availability can be a problem, and what if you don't fancy the blue color?
Here in the uk you can only get the abs version
Always call them V twins dave ,it annoys the hell out of ducati snobs. lol
Too true!
What an excellent reason 😂👍🏻
Aaah, I see, that's how Suzuki do it ~ voodoo in the gubbins box. Dave, I'm in awe at your depth of technical knowledge, you ought to become a college professor 😉 😉 😂 😂 😂
As ever, an entertaining & enjoyable insight!
Thank you Dave….sometimes only gubbins, doinses and tranklements will do 😂
@@thebingleywheeler Absolutely! Matter of fact I could've done w/ one of them there doinses recently when the tamping wopple fell of my keeley trunnion wheel. 😂
Happens to me all the time !
Hi Dave, me again. How would you compare the SV650 to the Interceptor 650 when you throw your leg over and sit on it ? According to statistics, the SV is lower in the seat and overall height, narrower (can understand that with it being a v twin), and lighter. Yet in the pictures it looks a bigger bike 🤔. I will contact Appleyards at some point to have a go.
Hi Ian…..it didn’t feel much different in terms of measurable dimensions to the interceptor so any difference was too slight for me to notice. I know which I’d rather have though….the SV650 is an uber reliable do anything bike but it has neither the looks nor the personality of the interceptor…..get to Appys and see what you think buddy 😎👍🏻
@@thebingleywheeler will do. Appleyards are about 50 miles from me. A nice run out in the van, have a picnic, and demo a bike, what could be better 😎😁 cheers
Cool if it’s a Wednesday morning I’ll probably see you there….ask for Kieran or Mikey band be sure to mention me 👍🏻
@@thebingleywheeler will do 😎
MT07 definitely a competitor
If you can get the SV much cheaper than sure, otherwise the build quality is way different , as is the weight.
Being the same price as the new Honda hornet 750 I think I would go for the hornet
Did you prefer this over the gsx8s?
Not really
Which one would you buy with your own money?
Neither
Ok it seemed like you liked the sv650 you reviewed
Ι own the 2017 SV 650. It is raw motorcycle fun. No unnecessary electronics. A bike for everything . I am impressed of how unpopular it is where I live where everyone grabs the mt07. I really love her . Great review
I'd likethe 8s, but I want enough power to have sensible fun on Sussex roads, but with a 80mpg+ minimum.
So I'd guess the 8s is a non starter. I'm wondering if the cb500f might be the one. I started as a Kawasaki triple owner and have owned a 74cb 500f . I pretty much ride all year round and when its to cold the bike lives in the dining room.
I didn't comment on your 8s video, dodgy honda engine cbx 550, I had a gpz black and red 550, luckily because I almost went for the Honda
I know an old chap who says he gets 100 mpg from the CB500F, how about a CB300R ?
I don't think that the 300f does as much to the gallon, but I think I'd appreciate the low weight.
In the real world what more do you need?
So which is better Hunter or sv650 !
Neither one is better than the other it just depends on what you expect from your bike
Looks a great bike, lot of power for a 650. Dont like the look of the radiator and the pipe work, bit of a mess. Impressive bike though.
It’s not the best looker tbf
Poor mans Ducati and none the worse for it, excellent price because it's a Suzuki and they have been making it for years. Tempting at £6999
Tempting indeed 😊
A very competent machine indeed and that engine; sounds like they made it even more tractable. The SV has been around a long time but that frame...it's a lot uglier now.
The engine is it's strongest point
My '23 bronze frame is a tubular work of art. Look at it up close, it's massive and super cool looking.
Rather pay a bit more and get the Triumph Trident.
Me too
Depends on what you are looking for...different bikes with similar power. Reliability wise and maintnance, sv650 with eyes closed. Design? sv650. Modern tech and better suspension? trident 660. Engine character? like both of them but this v2 is music for my ears and grunty enough to accelerate from low revs like a train
Not a lot of sex appeal, I have to say. Although I wouldn’t mind the HP.
FootPounds?! -you live in europe. Please use newtonmeters.
I use what I’m given
better than a royal enfield ;;; ?? ho ho , seems a very good ride , but - the dame edna dash //// WHY ?