2017 Suzuki SV650 | First Ride Review

While it may not stand out in any one way, the 2017 Suzuki SV650 is simply a great all-around bike. Whether grinding away at the ridiculously long peg feelers, or grinding your way through traffic, the SV650 is still the Little Bike That Could. (Photos: Adam Campbell)
While it may not stand out in any one way, the 2017 Suzuki SV650 is simply a great all-around bike. Whether grinding away at the ridiculously long peg feelers, or grinding your way through traffic, the SV650 is still the Little Bike That Could. (Photos: Adam Campbell)

Sixteen years ago I walked into a dealership ready to buy my first brand-new bike: a 2000 Suzuki SV650 in Candy Grand Blue. I’d done my homework; the SV650 had been released the year before and had already earned respect from riders both new and experienced. It was the rarest of creatures: inexpensive, fun and easy to ride for beginners, yet powerful and nimble enough to keep you interested after the learning stage…and possibly even flirt with racing.

The SV650 received various improvements over the years, some desirable (fuel injection and ABS), some not so desirable (2009’s ill-advised makeover as the Gladius), and the pre-Gladius models still enjoy a robust used and aftermarket parts market. With the launch of the 2017 SV650, Suzuki is clearly looking to evoke the spirit of the 1999 original, returning to what made it such a great bike in the first place. The trellis frame is back (steel though, rather than aluminum), as is the round headlight and minimalist styling. The year 1999 was a long time ago, however, and in the intervening 17 years several modern bikes have taken up residence in the middleweight naked fun-bike category, most recently the Ducati Scrambler and Yamaha’s outstanding FZ-07. A reboot of the ’99 model with just a facelift and BNG (Bold New Graphics) won’t cut it.

The SV offers a neutral, predictable ride that will inspire confidence in newbies, and won't get stale as the rider progresses in ability.
The SV offers a neutral, predictable ride that will inspire confidence in newbies, and won’t get stale as the rider progresses in ability.

Based on a day spent railing through twisting canyons, slabbing down the freeway and creeping through urban traffic during the U.S. launch in Pasadena, California, the new SV650 seems to embody everything I loved about my original, in a more refined package and with enough modern conveniences to make it feel fresh. Some riders will like its classic, understated styling, others may find it a bit plain compared to the competition, but once you’re on board you’ll be hard-pressed not to smile.

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The SV has always been approachable, and this new iteration is no different. With a low 30.9-inch seat height and a claimed curb weight of 430 pounds (15 pounds less than the 2015 Gladius but a whopping 33 more than the FZ-07), the SV is inviting to beginners and smaller-statured riders. One 5-foot, 2-inch tester with a 29-inch inseam was able to put the balls of both feet solidly on the ground. The gas tank is 2.5 inches narrower than the 2015 model, while maintaining the same fuel capacity (3.8 gallons, or 3.6 for the California model), and the area where the side panels, seat and gas tank meet is as slim as possible to help the rider reach the ground. The seat, however, seems to have been trimmed to the bare minimum. By the end of our 125-mile day, my bottom was telling me it wouldn’t be pleased with a longer ride.

Interestingly enough, while its design is clearly meant to appeal to smaller riders, the SV’s non-adjustable (except for 7-position rear preload) suspension is set up for a 165-to-175-pound rider. Perhaps a nod to its potential beyond just a “beginner bike?”

A low 30.9-inch seat height combined with foot pegs set high enough for spirited riding make for a sporty bend in the knees for this 5-foot, 9-inch tester. Otherwise, the seating position is comfortably upright and neutral, with a just slightly long reach to the bars.
A low 30.9-inch seat height combined with footpegs set high enough for spirited riding make for a sporty bend in the knees for this 5-foot, 9-inch tester. Otherwise, the seating position is comfortably upright and neutral, with a just slightly long reach to the bars.

Despite its low price point, the little SV features a few modern accouterments, such as available ABS, a digital instrument cluster that includes a gear indicator, fuel range remaining, fuel gauge and consumption data; and Suzuki’s one-touch Easy Start System. One feature that contributes to its beginner-friendly appeal is also the coolest: the Low RPM Assist. Activated by a switch on the clutch lever, the system raises engine speed during takeoff and low-speed operation, effectively preventing the rider from stalling. I had plenty of opportunities to test this feature in the stop-and-go Pasadena traffic, and am happy to report that it works pretty darn well! From a stop, simply release the clutch lever and the bike rolls gently forward—you don’t even need to touch the throttle until you’re ready to accelerate past walking speed.

Speaking of accelerating, the SV’s liquid-cooled 645cc, 90-degree V-twin is probably one of the smoothest twins I’ve ever ridden. With 75 horsepower and 47 lb-ft. of torque (claimed), it’s also not boring, with enough spunk to keep a brisk pace in the twisties and squirt through commuter traffic. Suzuki has continuously refined this powerplant since its introduction for the 1999 SV650, and this year it features more than 60 new parts such as new pistons with resin-coated skirts, L-shaped upper piston rings and revised 39mm throttle bodies with dual throttle valves, which Suzuki says combine to produce more power and better fuel economy than the 2015 model. Handling is brisk as well; the SV is easy to toss through corners and exhibited no skittish or unpredictable behavior, even when I made mid-corner adjustments. The brakes (I was on a non-ABS model) offered good feel and didn’t stand out in any way, which I consider a positive; if you aren’t thinking about how your brakes are working, they’re likely doing their job.

The SV650 wears sporty Dunlop Qualifiers, and the 160 rear (compared to the 180 on the competing Yamaha FZ-07) makes it easy to flick through corners.
The SV650 wears sporty Dunlop Qualifiers, and the 160 rear (compared to the 180 on the competing Yamaha FZ-07) makes it easy to flick through corners.

Suzuki appears to have succeeded in its mission to reincarnate the SV650, but the question remains: is it enough to stand out in an increasingly crowded mid-size naked bike market? We look forward to getting our hands on one for a longer look.

 

2017 Suzuki SV650
2017 Suzuki SV650

2017 Suzuki SV650/SV650A

Website: suzukicycles.com
Base Price: $6,999/$7,499 ABS
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, 90-degree V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cyl.
Bore x Stroke: 81.0 x 62.6mm
Displacement: 645cc
Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated wet clutch
Final Drive: O-ring chain
Wheelbase: 56.9 in.
Rake/Trail: 25 degrees/4.17 in.
Seat Height: 30.9 in.
Claimed Wet Weight: 430 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 3.8 gals. (3.6 gals. CA model)
MPG: 86 PON min. (high/avg/low) NA

The SV650's gas tank is 2.5 inches narrower than the 2015 model, contributing to its narrow and approachable feel.
The SV650’s gas tank is 2.5 inches narrower than the 2015 model, contributing to its narrow and approachable feel.
Full LCD instrument cluster is easy to read, and displays fuel level, range, time, gear position and odometer in addition to speed and RPM.
Full LCD instrument cluster is easy to read, and displays fuel level, range, time, gear position and odometer in addition to speed and RPM.
Suzuki refined the SV650's 645cc V-twin engine with over 60 new parts, including new pistons, piston skirts and rings. The new engine makes 4 more horsepower while delivering a claimed 61 MPG.
Suzuki refined the SV650’s 645cc V-twin engine with over 60 new parts, including new pistons, piston skirts and rings. The new engine makes four more horsepower while delivering a claimed 61 MPG.
Twin 290mm fully floating discs up front are clamped by two-piston Tokiko calipers, and single disc in back by a one-piston caliper. Nissin ABS is optional.
Twin 290mm fully floating discs up front are clamped by two-piston Tokico calipers, and the single disc in back by a one-piston caliper. Nissin ABS is optional.

8 COMMENTS

  1. Here’s what I’d like to know about the 2017 Suzuki SV650/SV650A – any info would be appreciated:

    1) How does this engine differ from the V-Strom 650?
    2) Does the Suzuki SV650/SV650A share the same suspension and brakes as the V-Strom?
    3) a. What is the Suzuki SV650/SV650A actually selling for now? b. Why is this bike (and the V-Strom) selling for much less in Canada?
    4) What is the warranty?

  2. “What is the SV650 actually selling for now?” It’s not even on sale yet.
    “Why is it selling for much less in Canada?” It’s NOT: The ABS version (the only model being sold in Canada) is listed as $7,799 – $300 more than the U.S. price.
    Suspension? Warranty? Why not try Suzuki’s website!

    • Why I asked the questions:

      1) The MSRP of $7,999 In Canadian dollars is $,6,008.01 in USA dollars, therefore not selling for $300 more, but substantially less.
      2) Canadian dealerships were selling V-Stroms with the same discount given the exchange rates, plus they were heavily discounted making them up to $2500 or more less expensive than in the USA.
      3) Warranty is a negotiable. Suzuki Canada added an extra two year extended warranty on the last Suzuki I purchased at “no cost”.
      3) As for the technical questions – sorry if they insulted your intelligence.

      • Yes, it’s interesting about the price difference between countries. It would seem, with the much-devalued Canadian dollar, the equivalent price should theoretically be higher than $7,999 (or lower than $7,499 in the U.S.). You should be happy (as a Canadian) about this.

        This is an American publication, however, and pricing and warranty info should be gained from a Canadian source for you, eh? And technical details would also be gained easily – as I’d hope you’ve already done, by now – by Suzuki Canada’s website, rather than readers, here.

        • ah, I’m just a lazy old man who finds it easier to ask questions than find answers. That said, I enjoy tossing the questions out to people who know much ore than myself in the hope that,min this wiki-world, better answers flow back.

          For example:

          It’s now reported that the 2017 SV650 motor has 60 “new” parts. Since the DL also has to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, is it the exact same engine as the ’12 – ’16 DL? If not, what are the differences? Specifically, do the SV650 and the DL650 share the same:
          1) air box,
          2) Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) fuel injection,
          3) 10-hole, long-nosed fuel injector throttle body,
          4) reworked combustion chamber,
          5) NGK MR8E-9 projection plugs,
          6) exhaust system with a mid-pipe catalytic converter,
          7) the same “automated” starting system,
          8) same ECM? And, as far as the ECM goes, does the the ECM on the DL also order the secondary throttle valve to open and raise the engine speed to prevent stalling? And, does the new DL have the 2017 Suzuki SV650’s Suzuki Diagnostic System (SDSII) that access data on the ECM to track errors found in 40 previous riding cycles?

          Finally, this question, which also doesn’t keep me up at night: Why doesn’t the DL have the same trellis frame?

          Sent from my iPad

  3. I’ve had an SV650S, a DL650 and am currently riding a Gladius 650. Think I like this bike/engine combo? You betcha. I’d probably buy the new SV650 if I was in the market. My only kick on the bike is its seat comfort after multiple hours in the saddle. It’s got tons of go and lots of whoa. I only ride sole so cruising all day at 120 kmh is no problem. I’ve been riding for 50 years and the bike I miss most is that SV650S but the girl I sold it to had it run over by a little old lady with a big car in a parking lot.

  4. I hate questions “why is it cheaper in the US by 300 USD ?”

    really ? 300 bucks at ~7500 thousand dollars makes you a difference ? pathetic. even more if you’re taking a loan.

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