I bought one in 2011 (650s) , sold in 2016 - then for 12 months I felt lost, so bought another in 17. I now sits in the stable with my 4 other bikes and gets the most miles :) - As for the seat, man up!
I recently got the 2018 cafe x model and its brilliant as well. I thought the semi racing position would hurt after a while (it didn't) and tuck and rolled seat is comfy enough. It also has a larger tank and slightly better fuel economy as the engine has some new 50 parts. The easy start great, the user assist clutch makes it nearly impossible to stall and abs (lacks bite), which means you just apply more pressure. A bike that has just got better and better since 1999. Thanks
Exactly, it's not intimidating, to start with. After a single cylinder 200cc as my first bike, I had serious concerns about a 650cc V-Twin but the power delivery is smooth and progressive. Although it's on the heavier side with almost 200 kg, it's pretty well balanced. The brakes need criticism, though. The front brake lacks the initial bite but once you're on the brakes, it's relatively progressive. A spirited rider might want to look at sintered brake pads and braided brake lines...
I took one out a couple of weeks ago (my vlog of that coming up in a couple of weeks). Amazing fun for £5.5k and loved the sound. All it needs is a decent end can! I think everyone who has tried one comes back saying exactly the same thing :-)
Good review, Phil, agree with everything you said. I've had mine a week - an air cushion seat arrives today! (That standard seat is murder and the only thing I don't like about it). Ride safe, mate.
Nice test ride & review Phil, I'm quite surprised about the seat, they must have changed it considering how many miles Keith covers on his SV650, RSM8.
They are nice little bikes, just joined the "v" and "twin" clubs myself after sadly having to say goodbye to the CBF600S but shit happens and at least the new one is all mine and paid for, not still owed for. Nice to see you 'nobbing or knobbing' .... (weaving) for a change, keep the video's coming buddy. Hope to meet you soon, RSM8
+Ian Collings (Devon biker66) Cheers Ian. A bit of knobbing has to be done on these test rides haha. I may be over Devon way in August some time. Not sure for definite yet.
Just watched this a second time. I am selling both my bikes in Portugal and want something below 750 for tax and insurance reasons as I'm only there three or four months a year and very low-tech. For my money, Suzuki's bikes are the most reliable there are. The seat is easily modified, although I've never had to modify or replace any bike seat, and I've owned several with 'uncomfortable' seats.
They are a lovely little bike, quite punchy as you said. I don't really like the look of the naked one either, I think they're called a "Gladius" or something here. I think also they have basically the same engine as the Strom - so it woukd just be the extra weight that would make the MPG figures. They definitely need a better exhaust - Learn2rides just sounded beautiful and deep when I rode it :) Nice test ride mate.
+CalmBiker With the lower seat I'm just about fine on the 650. If I owned one, I'd drop the suspension a bit. I think the 1000 is taller but haven't tried that out yet.
Phil480 maybe you are right but I feel it should have retained the old 16ltr fuel tank coz that helps in occasional touring . They should have instead reduced the weight of other body parts like chasis and engine etc.
1990 you are right in your own way and I am right in my own way . You see here in India we have hellish traffic conditions and fuel gets consumed real fast and prices of fuel are also rising unpredictably so Yess I like it when a bike has 15 litre or more to the tank . Helps in commuting and occasional touring.
Cheers. Big Sv fan here. Had 2 in the past. Fancy something with a bit more wind protection but don't know if I' get bored with the V. 60 miles to my nearest dealer.. :(
+Chris Curtis I've been thinking the same thing. The Vstrom is fun at least for a while, but I think it's likely I'd get bored after a few months. Otherwise, a great workhorse for eating up the miles.
+Chris Curtis I've been thinking the same thing. The Vstrom is fun at least for a while, but I think it's likely I'd get bored after a few months. Otherwise, a great workhorse for eating up the miles.
+Chris Curtis I've been thinking the same thing. The Vstrom is fun at least for a while, but I think it's likely I'd get bored after a few months. Otherwise, a great workhorse for eating up the miles.
"sporty roadster" it's in the street range so it needs to be comfortable, no excuses Suzuki the seat is not comfortable enough, don't make excuses for Suzuki, be critical.
I bought one in 2011 (650s) , sold in 2016 - then for 12 months I felt lost, so bought another in 17. I now sits in the stable with my 4 other bikes and gets the most miles :) - As for the seat, man up!
I recently got the 2018 cafe x model and its brilliant as well. I thought the semi racing position would hurt after a while (it didn't) and tuck and rolled seat is comfy enough. It also has a larger tank and slightly better fuel economy as the engine has some new 50 parts. The easy start great, the user assist clutch makes it nearly impossible to stall and abs (lacks bite), which means you just apply more pressure. A bike that has just got better and better since 1999. Thanks
seems like a good little bike
After 6 months of ownership, I can say I agree with almost every comment you made on this bike!
Good to know :) It's good fun isn't it.
Exactly, it's not intimidating, to start with. After a single cylinder 200cc as my first bike, I had serious concerns about a 650cc V-Twin but the power delivery is smooth and progressive. Although it's on the heavier side with almost 200 kg, it's pretty well balanced. The brakes need criticism, though. The front brake lacks the initial bite but once you're on the brakes, it's relatively progressive. A spirited rider might want to look at sintered brake pads and braided brake lines...
It sounds like a great all rounder 😉
I took one out a couple of weeks ago (my vlog of that coming up in a couple of weeks). Amazing fun for £5.5k and loved the sound. All it needs is a decent end can! I think everyone who has tried one comes back saying exactly the same thing :-)
+Dazzle Rebel Rides It's a good bike for the price tag, that's for sure.
There was one at a local bike night on Monday, it was painted in Texaco heron Suzuki colours, it looked great
+Womanwolfrider Ooh, retro!
Good review, Phil, agree with everything you said. I've had mine a week - an air cushion seat arrives today! (That standard seat is murder and the only thing I don't like about it). Ride safe, mate.
I love my SV 650 😊 it's my first bike 👍
Good choice for a 1st bike :)
Nice test ride & review Phil, I'm quite surprised about the seat, they must have changed it considering how many miles Keith covers on his SV650, RSM8.
+Skeggy Cruiser I think this new model is very different to Keith's and others. It does seem a lot smaller.
They are nice little bikes, just joined the "v" and "twin" clubs myself after sadly having to say goodbye to the CBF600S but shit happens and at least the new one is all mine and paid for, not still owed for. Nice to see you 'nobbing or knobbing' .... (weaving) for a change, keep the video's coming buddy. Hope to meet you soon, RSM8
+Ian Collings (Devon biker66) Cheers Ian. A bit of knobbing has to be done on these test rides haha.
I may be over Devon way in August some time. Not sure for definite yet.
Hell yeah! lol. Pics of stickers on new bike coming soon, just a warning hehehe
A warning eh? hahah
Lol no, just a heads up to expect it mate
Great review Phil.
Just watched this a second time. I am selling both my bikes in Portugal and want something below 750 for tax and insurance reasons as I'm only there three or four months a year and very low-tech. For my money, Suzuki's bikes are the most reliable there are. The seat is easily modified, although I've never had to modify or replace any bike seat, and I've owned several with 'uncomfortable' seats.
Those Suzuki guys sure picked some nice roads for the test rides. Sounds like a very fun bike except for the seat.
They are a lovely little bike, quite punchy as you said.
I don't really like the look of the naked one either, I think they're called a "Gladius" or something here.
I think also they have basically the same engine as the Strom - so it woukd just be the extra weight that would make the MPG figures.
They definitely need a better exhaust - Learn2rides just sounded beautiful and deep when I rode it :)
Nice test ride mate.
+CaptainCranky We have the Gladius over here too. Not sure what the difference is apart from looks. GingeRbiker82 has one.
Gladius is the model before this one. Since it didn't go well with the community they decided to revive the SV. GOOD CALL :)
mmdirtyworkz Agreed :)
Sounds like you enjoyed it!
Was considering one for a pillion bike but if the seats are hard, perhaps not ideal.
+CalmBiker Might be a bit small for pillion, not to mention the seat. V-strom all the way for pillion :)
I had a sit on a V-Strom but thought it too tall. Are you OK on one?
+CalmBiker With the lower seat I'm just about fine on the 650. If I owned one, I'd drop the suspension a bit. I think the 1000 is taller but haven't tried that out yet.
The fuel tank is 14.5ltr actually. They reduced it from 16.5 to 14.5 in order to bring the weight under 200kg . Now it weighs 198kg .
This was the 2016 model, the fuel tank size of 13.8 litres is correct. The current model specs show a 14.5 litre tank.
Phil480 maybe you are right but I feel it should have retained the old 16ltr fuel tank coz that helps in occasional touring . They should have instead reduced the weight of other body parts like chasis and engine etc.
@@aashutoshbhagat2677 But this bike does more miles per gallon, so range is still very good. Up to 73 mpg. Theoretically then 234 miles to a tank.
1990 you are right in your own way and I am right in my own way . You see here in India we have hellish traffic conditions and fuel gets consumed real fast and prices of fuel are also rising unpredictably so Yess I like it when a bike has 15 litre or more to the tank . Helps in commuting and occasional touring.
I passed my test on one last year ...looks great but don't fit me I'm 6.2 I now ride rocket 3 touring which fits 😊😊
+Con The weekend warrior I imagine it's not so good for tall people. Rocket 3, certainly is more suitable :)
Different classes of bike I know...but did you like this better or the Triumph Street Twin? Trying to decide between the two. Thx.
I definitely preferred the Street Twin over the SV
Thanks very much.
It is a Suzuki after all :)
Of course :) Hopefully taking the V-Strom out again at the weekend, maybe the 1000cc if available.
Better than the MT-07, Phil?
Not sure on that one, I've not ridden the MT07 yet (apart from on a wheelie machine)
+Phil480 nice, maybe you could ride mine sometime and compare the two.
+triple shift Might have to take you up on that offer. I'm sure there is quite a difference compared to this new one.
Phil480 feel free man, warning my seat will probably be the same as the new sv.
How does the power feel compared to the DL650? Does the V have enough grunt?
Plenty of grunt on the SV. The power is very different, the delivery is a lot quicker than the DL
Cheers. Big Sv fan here. Had 2 in the past. Fancy something with a bit more wind protection but don't know if I' get bored with the V. 60 miles to my nearest dealer.. :(
+Chris Curtis I've been thinking the same thing. The Vstrom is fun at least for a while, but I think it's likely I'd get bored after a few months. Otherwise, a great workhorse for eating up the miles.
+Chris Curtis I've been thinking the same thing. The Vstrom is fun at least for a while, but I think it's likely I'd get bored after a few months. Otherwise, a great workhorse for eating up the miles.
+Chris Curtis I've been thinking the same thing. The Vstrom is fun at least for a while, but I think it's likely I'd get bored after a few months. Otherwise, a great workhorse for eating up the miles.
"sporty roadster" it's in the street range so it needs to be comfortable, no excuses Suzuki the seat is not comfortable enough, don't make excuses for Suzuki, be critical.