... For about a $1,000 more I wound up getting a deal on a pretty blue 2005 Suzuki SV650S (Canadian model) from my local dealership. The bike is far more modern than the Kawi and looks SO much sexier. In fact half the fun of owning one seems to be looking at it sitting in your driveway, or ... Read review
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Suzuki SV650
A middleweight V-twin bike, the Suzuki SV650 is nimble, versatile and incredibly popular ... more
with new riders. Maisto have introduced a highly detailed and officially licensed model of the Suzuki SV650. Featuring high detailing, full suspension, working kic...
A review by salamol0 on Suzuki SV650 June 5th, 2005
Author's product rating:
Comfort
Good
Handling
Excellent
Looks
Excellent
Features
Excellent
Fuel consumption
Excellent
Advantages:
Price, looks, power, easy to ride .
Disadvantages:
Speeding tickets, you'll want another one to park beside it !
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
After spending far too long admiring other peoples' motorcycles and wondering how great it would be to finally learn how to ride one myself, I decided this was the year I was finally going to learn to ride. Okay, seriously, I turned 30, almost had a nervous breakdown, and decided I needed a little more excitement in my life so I bought a bike. There, honesty works every time.
After passing the local motorcycle safety course and getting my licence, I decided to research everything I could on a good first bike. Initially deciding to go with a Kawasaki EX500 (good first bike, nice handling, brakes, suspension etc.) but it looked a little out-of-date looks-wise. For about a $1,000 more I wound up getting a deal on a pretty blue 2005 Suzuki SV650S (Canadian model) from my local dealership. The bike is far more modern than the Kawi and looks SO much sexier. In fact half the fun of owning one seems to be looking at it sitting in your driveway, or better yet, having your friends admire the rear LED tail lights as you blast past them on your way to the local twisty roads.
I was a little apprehensive with a new bike (as opposed to a used one) but I figured at least this way I knew the bike's history and I'd be less likely to do something stupid on a new machine before my riding skills are ready for stupid stuff. Are you ever really ready to do something stupid?
Considering this is a bike that can do 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds, 0-100 mph in about 9 seconds, the quarter mile in about 12, tops out at over 130 mph (215 km/h), and can do wheelies in 1st gear almost at will, I figured I was in way over my head. After assurances from the salesmam and after riding the bike it turns out I couldn't have been more wrong!
From the first time you let the clutch in and start off in first gear there seems to be an ever increasing confidence about being atop this fine Suzuki machine. Given the revs are to be kept under 5,000 for the first 500 miles (800 km) I decided this wasn't a bad idea and have kept to it...so far anyway. Not a problem noted at all. Nothing but predictable power delivery, smooth gear changes, and efficient braking.
After a few more starts the throttle hand starts to twist a bit quicker, the gears change faster, the speed increases, and still nothing to scare a beginning rider whatsoever. As your skills increase the bike is ready to be pushed harder and harder. Given the power and handling of this bike it could take me years to get to the limits and even then probably only on a track.
The bike seems to be willing to work with you and your riding skills. If you're a newbie then keep the revs down until you're ready and then start to pick up the pace. The bike is more than willing to oblige you when you want to (or are ready to) embarass your buddies at the local track day, BUT, it's also happy puttering around the neighbourhood at 35 mph.
As long as you're willing to use the throttle smartly there's no reason a beginning rider can't purchase this (or the slightly less sexy unfaired SV650) as their first bike.
It is a somewhat larger bike, more in terms of size and ride height than in weight so it still may not suit smaller riders. I'm 6 foot 3 and a little over 220 pounds so moving the bike around isn't a problem. The riding position is somewhat comfortable for a 'sporty' bike but not so annoyingly painful as a 600 sport machine. I've ridden this thing for 2 hours straight with only a brief rest to stretch the hands and fingers.
Given the comfort level for someone my size I'm sure more average-sized riders will have no problem. My only complaint thusfar has been in my wrists. Partly from the forward positioning of your pody on the clip-on handlebars (and my newness to riding) and partly from the positioning of the clutch and front brake levers. I've recently adjusted them down an inch or so to a more in-line position with my hands so hopefully this will alleviate some of the pain. A trip to the gym for some forearm training wouldn't hurt either.
So far I have nothing but good things to say about this machine. Closing in on 600 miles (1000 km) now and no complaints. I'll update this later if anything changes but so far all I can say is this is a well-priced bike that not only suits larger-bodied, mature, new riders, but is a blast for an experienced rider looking for a run ride for the weekends. The price seems too low for the amount of quality fun that can be had on this bike. Now, go out and get one already!
Advantages: Brilliant first / budget bike, sporty all rounder, mid-range grunt, cheap Disadvantages: Budget suspension, budget feel
...The logical choice was the Suzuki SV650. Dubbed by RiDE magazine as the best first bike ever, and lauded by many other mags as a great budget bike, I had to find out more. The bike is light 170kg, has 70bhp, and a good spread of torque from low down. It comes as a naked bike the SV650 and a half faired 's' version. These differ slightly in foot peg and handlebar positioning, the former having normal bars, the latter clip-ons and rear set pegs. Both ... ...is or replace with standard suzuki rubber hoses, or it will be too sharp. Locking rear tyre happens too easily otherwise. Also clean front pistons regularly to keep the braking performance good.
Exhaust
Everyone loves the sound of a v-twin, and this is one stock exhaust, which doesn’t shout about its self. I guess it’s a matter of choice, but if you are going to get a fruitier exhaust, can I suggest you buy a road legal one, not because ...
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Advantages: Light, economical, easy to ride and fun. Comfortable too. Disadvantages: Sound with standard can! Niggly quality issues..
...be sure to apply some Suzuki bond around the join to be sure it won't happen again, along with a new o-ring. Other than that it's a very durable engine and lasts forever, just keep it serviced ETC ETC. Practicality Fuel range is anything between 110 and 220 miles depending on how you ride it. I rode the bike back from Harrogate in Yorkshire to Thatcham in Berkshire and I was scared about my fuel. I had done 155 miles according to the trip computer, ... ...it's a bike that everyman can enjoy. From newbie to seasoned pro! Although in true Suzuki style, the laquer on the forks peels and then you have to spend 2 weekends with a scrounger and a polishing cloth/polish to fix it. Only for it to happen again next winter. ...
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Advantages: Fast and Furious meets MR smoothie Disadvantages: Not a lot
...the cleaning later on.
Suzuki do a lot of aftermarket spares for the bike but the prices are a little more expensive than other suppliers.It really does dont depend on whether you want genuine parts or patented parts and that depends on finances.
The Suzuki SV650 has been likened to the TL1000 so that is not a bad thing.Personally i think it is a CBR600 meets Fazer meets TL1000.
Overall the bike is great for those who want a first REAL bike after ...
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Advantages: Cheap, easy to ride, insurance friendly, great first bike Disadvantages: Build quality, when you park it next to a 900 or 1000cc, you'll want rid
As a 22 year old who has always been into biking i decided to do my full test last september. I passed 2nd time (had trouble with a u turn in the wet on 1st!) and set about looking for my first 'big' bike.
On a budget of about £2500 i had a fair few choices - the insurance companies managed to cut these choices down to 3 or 4 for me!
In the end it came down to a choice between a 51 reg SV650S for £2400 or a R reg Yamaha Thundercat for £2300. I ... ...- so i bought it!
As a first bike, you dont have to worry about squeezing the brakes too hard and locking wheels (although they are good enough to feel safe) as its a V twin. This was my first V twin and i was impressed how easy it was to ride, barely any power was needed to pull away and the low down torque was unbelievable! It was easy to throw around roundabouts and take tight junctions on too - handy when you are used to the big handlebars of ...
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Advantages: Performance, purchase price, cheap insurance, resale value. Disadvantages: May want a bigger bike after awhile. Cheesy-looking rear bumper.
...of a "middle-weight" bike. The Suzuki SV 650 is by far the greatest value on the market right now. For under $7,500 US you get a very sharp looking bike that performs well and does everything you ask of it. The SV 650 comes with fuel-injection, which may not seem like much, but once you get used to a fuel injected bike, starting up a bike without it will make you feel like you're in the stone age (you'd be amazed at how many "value bikes" that are ... ...the 90 degree v-twin. Almost every sport or "sportier" bike out there is an inline four (except Ducatis of course). The SV has a distinctive exhaust note that only a V-twin can give, and of course an after market exhaust pipe/system (and there are tons of options available) just compliments that sound. The SV 650 was originally dubbed as a "sport-standard" bike, which actually helped out significantly with insurance, due to not being categorized ...
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Advantages: Save your bike from expensive damage when it falls over. Disadvantages: None appreciably
...’t it?
I speak from experience having ‘tested’ these crash protectors on more than one occasion, and I can safely say they saved both my bike and me from serious damage. More importantly, my right leg would have probably been damaged had they not been in place. The bike they were mounted to was a Suzukisv650s. On the SV, they are mounted through the frame mounting bolts with spacers. On some bikes they are attached to the aluminium frame with clamps. You may think, ‘I don’t want great big bungs sticking out of my bike’. Well after a while you won’t even notice them, and neither will anyone else, but you will be grateful they’re there should the worst happen.
In my accident, a driver pulled out from a side road, I swerved to avoid him, and he stopped just too late. The crash protector...
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Advantages: Performance, Cost Disadvantages: Quality of finish disappointing, Falling Off
...I've wanted a bike for ages, used to ride scramblers as a teenager but never got around to getting one on the road till last year.
It was simple really, wife has a baby and I decide to get a bike (and rid myself of disappointing Golf GTi in the process - see separate opinion!).
I spent about 2 months doing my CBT then Direct Access training, all the while looking at the magazines and wandering around the local showrooms, my first intention was to get a SuzukiSV650S, great looking bike, but at just over 6ft tall maybe a little small for me.
It was the magazine reviews and the suggestion of my instructor that the Fazer would suit me best, and after a quick test ride I was sold.
Now, if you are reading this while doing or thing of doing your DAS training and in a similar predicament I cannot begin to explain how more...
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Advantages: Acceleration, reliability, all-round capability, V-twin character Disadvantages: Limited range, paint quality, rear suspension not brilliant
...My black Honda VTR-1000 Firestorm is my second motorcycle. My first was a (relatively) mild-mannered Kawasaki ER-5, in the opinion of many, a perfect "beginner's" machine.
I was about to buy a SuzukiSV650S, but Motorcycle City Greenford were doing a fantastic deal on pre-registered VTRs. I picked up mine for £5500 - a truly amazing price at the time, considering my bike, as it turned out, wasn't even pre-registered!
At first, I thought I'd made a big mistake. Like many, I bought my bike off the back of magazine reviews and without a road test. It's irritating that getting a test-ride of a new machine is so difficult, especially considering the size of the investment that a purchaser has to make. Why did I feel like I'd made a mistake? Well, compared to the easy, upright seating position of the ER-5 with its traffic-busting high...
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08.01.2003
08.08.2000
