It is perhaps only correct to start talking about marvellous middleweight motorcycles by discussing the Suzuki SV-650. Arguably, the SV-650 was the bike that defined the modern middleweight market place and 22 years after its introduction in 1999; it is still going strong.
Thanks to Suzuki GB, I have the use of a brand new SV-650 for the next week to find out what has made the Suzuki SV-650 so popular.
History
Over the past twenty-two years, it hasn’t all been plain sailing for the SV-650. Perhaps I should just mention the Gladius only once and then pretend it never happened. Yet, the popularity of the SV-650 in the middleweight market place meant that Suzuki only needed to return to the more popular format for the SV-650 and carry on as if it never happened.
The other Albatross that occasionally hangs around is that the Suzuki SV-650 is just a small capacity TL/DL1000 without the bodywork, which isn’t correct. Of course, the SV-650 shares components with its bigger cousins, but there are fundamental differences.
When 2004 arrived, so did electronic fuel injection, auto fast idle and the catalytic converter. In 2007 the twin-plug cylinder heads were introduced, and the Suzuki SV-650 continues to evolve with the latest generation sporting 4-pot calipers and LED display.
The 2021 model develops 70BHP & 64 Nm (48 lb/ft) of torque from the 645cc, 90 degree V-twin while also claiming to slip fuel so gently it could transport you 68 miles for every imperial gallon.
I’m a fan of the DL-1000 V-Strom, having owned one for 40K miles, and every time I met an SV-650 or 650 V-Strom owner, they would playfully tell me I bought the wrong bike. It is about time to find out if that claim is.
Initial SV-650 Impressions
I’m in Milton Keynes. Home of concrete cows and oh so many roundabouts. The route I would like to take to return to the office, especially considering the nimbleness of the Suzuki SV-650, is cross-country. Sadly, I’m late, as normal, and so it is the M1 and the A46 for me.
Having enjoyed the consummate ease with which the SV-650 flicks left-right-left when navigating roundabouts, I eventually worked my way through the Milton Keynes traffic and on to the M1. Oh, the joy of three lanes of heavy traffic complete with 20 miles of a camera-infested average speed zone thanks to the roadworks.
Ploughing onwards in the traffic, I’m noticing how compact the SV-650 is. The riding position for my upper body is excellent. Even at a constant 70 mph, I’m pitched perfectly into the wind. My legs are a little cramped, but I’m sure I’ll adapt over the next week.
The two hours at motorway speeds pass without incident or discomfort, and once out of the heavy traffic I start to make a mental note on what I like about the SV-650.
The music playing through my Sena 50S is clearer on the SV-650 than it is behind the screen on my KTM. I’m confused about that, but I’ve got a week to work out why.
I wouldn’t have thought that Suzuki could do anything aerodynamically with a naked motorcycle. I’m a 6 foot 13 stone (1.8meter, 85Kgs) lump sitting in a 70MPH breeze, yet the SV-650 is a comfortable and relatively quiet place to sit.
The mirrors deserve a special mention. They are perfectly placed and vibration-free at all speeds. They actually show me what is behind me rather than providing an excellent view of my elbows. Perhaps other manufacturers would care to take note that it is possible to achieve this.
The V-twin motor is a delight, spinning happily in 5th or 6th at motorway speeds without struggling. If you need a little more, there is enough there. Just tickle the throttle, and the motor will immediately deliver.
The only problem with travelling at motorway speeds is that I can’t hear the exhaust note, a sound that makes me smile when I ride through town.
Back in the garage, I make the important modification of fitting a battery lead for my Keis heated jacket and admire the simplicity of the SV-650. There is no six-Axis IMU, traction control or a bunch of complicated wires running in all directions.
There is space under the seat, even with the Euro 5 “catcher can” installed.
Today’s ride established that the SV can tour, albeit one up. If it isn’t throwing it down with rain over the bank holiday weekend, then a trip to the coast for fish and chips is planned.
I have a feeling I’m going to enjoy this week.
And if you would like to skip ahead and read the Road Test Challenge result, click on the image below.
