Motorsports Network Road Test

1999 Suzuki SV650

A fun and very capable 650 V-Twin for the masses
As motorcycle enthusiasts we are lucky in that motorcycle manufacturers are continuously experimenting with new models in an effort to provide us with the types of motorcycles we want to ride. This is an expensive yet necessary proposition for them, as many of these new models are disappointing sellers - especially in the entry level category. Granted, the OEMs are trying their best to determine what we want in order to drive their sales. The good in all of this is that we as the consumer are the clear winners - with a host of new and exciting products to choose from.

Case in point is Suzuki's new V-twin SV650 sportbike. Yes we call it a sportbike though it's just as adept as a standard or what many (not us) call an entry level bike. Suzuki is going out on a limb here to offer a bike of the type which, in the past, has met with mixed reactions from the US buying public. Most experienced riders don't want anything to do with a bike termed "entry level", "a great ladies bike", or "un-intemidating". But this is just what the new SV650 is, and a whole lot more. By more, we mean the SV650 is right at home with experienced riders aboard who want to push a bike to its limits. It also happens to be one of the most fun mounts you'll ever throw a leg over.

The heart of the SV is certainly it's 90 degree, double-overhead-cam, liquid-cooled, V-twin power plant carrying 4 valves per cylinder. The engine is impossible to miss as it's wrapped in an attractive lightweight aluminum truss-style frame uncluttered by bodywork. The 41mm conventional forks are non adjustable while the solo rear shock has a seven position preload adjuster. Brakes consist of dual discs up front and a single rear disc. The sticky radial tires are mounted to cast aluminum rims.

The resulting package is a very light feeling bike that's easy to touch the ground on, and it's totally un-intimidating to ride. In fact, most of our testers notes center around statements like "tight, light steering", "lots of confidence", "fun little tight canyon bike", "Can we just say fun?". An experienced rider can hop aboard and run at 9/10th pace within seconds, as all the components work in unison. The bike does what you expect it to - no surprises. Well there is one surprise, and that's how well the 645cc V-twin pulls when revved. Run the SV engine above 6 grand and you'll get an unexpected rush of power - this V-twin wants to rev.

It was extremely entertaining to watch two of our test riders get on both the R1 Yamaha and the SV for their first ride on each bike. While the rider on the R1 was afraid (rightfully so) to accelerate or brake too hard until he got to know the bike, the SV rider nailed it and stayed neck and neck with the R1 up a tight twisty backroad. While the R1  will walk, no run, away from the SV on backroads (or anywhere else) this just goes to show how rideable Suzuki's new SV650 is.

The SV is as civil as can be around town or commuting to work and is stingy with fuel. The seating position is straight up and the required steering input is light. Six footers will be pushing against the step in the rear portion of the seat though not uncomfortably so. The seat has a thick bouncy feel to it yet it's quite comfortable and allows for excellent movement when running through the canyons.

Shifting on the SV is very good though the throw is a tad long when compared to an inline-four sportbike. The predictable brakes offer a light one finger pull and do a fine job of hauling the bike down from speed, though most of your braking can be accomplished by letting off the throttle or downshifting a notch or two. There's plenty of engine braking available from the SV's engine.

The suspension on the SV is a mixed bag, it works good when the pace is quick but falls short for normal riding. The non-adjustable fork is soft enough to be compliant, but the rear shock simply doesn't move. This takes its toll on the rider when out on the highway where you can watch the front move while the rear stays put.

If the shock is a nuisance on the highway, then the straight up seating position, without any type of a windscreen, must be labeled as downright painful. We usually had three bikes on the road while testing the SV and any time spent on the highway our attention centered around watching the SV rider doing pull-ups against the bars and changing their seating position to compensate for the discomfort. If you plan to take trips on the SV a windscreen of some type will be mandatory. Unfortunately the US didn't get the sport faired version of the SV, nor is the hardware adaptable to this model.

Virtually everything else about the SV650 is to love. The seating position and seat are comfortable, the brakes are predictable and require only a light touch, the gauges though awkward looking are easy to read, and the engine puts out gobs of useable power especially above 6 grand. 

All in all the SV is an excellent heavy traffic commuter, a fun weekend bike and totally un-harmful to your ego since the bike is so rideable. Many riders will be able to ride the SV quicker than the current crop of incredibly high horsepower and very fast inline 600s, as the SV offers a  far more manageable package.

In our book the SV650 is an unqualified winner. 

MN

* Needs some sort of wind screen.

Ups Downs Fun, Fun, Fun! Mirrors should provide better view behind Takes a wrench, or two, to adjust on the road. Good Styling. Blinding low fuel light! We would unplug it. Responsive V-twin engine, loves to spin. Stiff rear shock, only preload adjuster. Light & flickable package. No windscreen Easy to ride. Slightly awkward peg position

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