Suzuki SV650

I passed my Direct Access test in 2002, and was looking for a newbie friendly bike to get some miles under my belt, and do the commuting to work. Having no prior experience, I needed a user friendly bike with a bit of poke to keep me interested. 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 have good ground clearance.

I bought my SVs (half faired) used, a W plate with 8k on the clock. Over the next two years I put on 22k miles of commuting and general use. I found in general the bike to be an excellent all rounder, I took it on a track and embarrassed Fireblades, GSXRs and the like, and also did a spot of long distance work (including my daily 80 mile motorway munching). I performed all of the routine servicing myself without any real problems. It only went to the shop for carburettor balancing and shim adjusting. Four months ago, with the mileage at 30k, I decided to sell my beloved SV and get something a bit different (notice I say different and not better). Bought for £3200, used for nearly two years, and sold for £2050, I reckon I got my money’s worth out of the bike. The SV650, whether naked or half-faired, is well sought after and holds its value well.

I used to go out with a biker friend, him on his Fireblade, and me on my SV. If we’re being honest, keeping it legal, the SV will keep up with anything. Creep into treble figures and it starts to get overwhelmed. I was never too far behind my mate on his blade, and always having more fun (if feels like you’re pushing the bike. Rather than the bike being way better than you, you feel the bike is the limiting factor, which is nice).

I think it’s important in these reviews to use a benchmark, so I’ll tell you about my SV’s replacement. I bought a 2002 Honda CBR600f four months back. Now this is clearly a better engineered motorcycle full stop. But then it does cost 2 grand more. It’s better put together, and feels much more solid. The SV feels agricultural by comparison (but then it is a twin versus a four). But what the SV has in spades, and what the CBR cannot get even remotely close to is the mid range grunt; that instant poke that only a twin can provide. From about 4.5k upwards, the SV has loads of welly (enough to wheelie if you so desire), the CBR engine, being a four, is comparable to a turbine, which needs to be spun up to speed before it becomes effective (it does redline at 14,000rpm). When it does get going, boy there’s some real power there. But can you honestly use it? On a track? Yes, definitely. On the motorway? If you trust yourself, and there’s no-one about. Around town? No way. I wouldn’t say I’m unhappy with my new bike, but there was a big mid-range hole left behind when the SV left my garage (read lamp-post parking spot). The Honda really is gutless below 7k revs. Clearly not the ideal bike for my riding style at all.

My advice on this matter is, don’t believe the hype. If you’re unsure about whether a bike is good for you, make sure you take it for a good test ride, and by that I mean a good couple of hours riding the sort of riding you normally do, be it motorways, town riding, A roads…. If they don’t let you have a proper test, go elsewhere. As it turns out the SV was a better suited bike for me than the CBR600 will ever be.

Reliablilty
I used this bike daily for 2 years covering 22k miles. I only ever had one problem with the bike, and that was with the front spark plug getting wet in the rain, and misfiring (scary on wet roundabouts I'll tell you). I would suggest fitting a fender extender on the front mudguard; this is the only way of stopping this from happening. Other than that it was sweet, and never let me down.

Crash-ability
I never actually fell off this bike of my own making, but had two accident caused by, you guessed it, people pulling out in front of me. The bike was fitted with Motrax Top-Blocks, which limited the damage significantly. Not only did these protect my bike, but also stopped my legs from being crushed by said cars. Recommended.

Tyres
If you get an SV and it has the stock tyres on it (MEZ4), get rid of them ASAP, and fit some proper 21st century rubber. The OE tyres are like riding on hard plastic. Get some BT020s, or better still BT010s, which I found worked well for everything up to and including track days (get those edges melting). They are also infinitely better in the wet. Even if you already own one of these bikes, you have to try the difference between the stock rubbish and decent stuff. I can believe people think these tyres are any good! The first day I rode off on the BT010s was a revelation.

Brakes
I would recommend you fit braided stainless hoses to the front brakes to sharpen up the brakes, leave the rear as 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 of the plod, but just because an SV with an aftermarket race can is VERY VERY LOUD INDEED!!!!!!! I had a road legal one for a bit (Quill Powerflow, which was a poor fitting exhaust, but made a great sound), and a carbon can co Race can which was too loud for me and scared me into not using the throttle at all. It used to give me a headache with ear plugs in. It’s worth mentioning also that the original one needs cutting with a hacksaw if you’re just replacing the can. This is easily done, but it will never be the same again. I recommend you audition sounds before buying (whilst riding someone else’s bike). Oh, you’ll also need to get your carbs re-jetted if you buy a race can too, of risk damaging the engine.

Other Mods.
Hugger – this is basically a rear mudguard to prevent the shock getting covered in crud if you ride in wet weather. Recommended. I have one of these on my CBR, very good. Try Harris, NWS and Pyramid for starters.

Scottoiler – Twins wear through chains and sprocket more quickly than fours (something to do with the power pulses). If you do any kind of mileage on your bike, you have to get one of these. It runs off the vacuum line of the carbs or injectors and automatically drips the wonderful lubricant Scottoil (and it is wonderful) onto your chain. It’ll hardly ever need adjusting, which has to be a good thing. Also because the SV has no centre stand, you won’t need an assistant to oil the chain in the first place. If you’re DIY shy, get your local bike shop to install it when you buy the bike.

Summary

Advantages
Instant power in any gear (useful when you get caught out), sportier than you might think, can scratch with the big boys too, thrills happen at legal speed. Holds its value well. Cheap to insure (group 10),

Disadvantages
Corrosion of fork stantions, misfiring in wet (see reliability), Budget suspension, budget feel, Wind protection lacking for taller riders (over 6ft)

I’m now thinking of buying a VFR750, something with a bit more midrange (ccs). Gosh I miss my SV……..