2017 Suzuki SV650 Review | Ultimate Motorcycling 

Planned to buy myself one for the next riding season, can't wait until March! I love the SV!

Glad to hear it! Stay safe out there!

Hey Daniel, Thanks for the input! The SV650 V-twin does well when trolling around at low speeds. When dealing with traffic, we didn't experience any lurching or bogging down that you might experience with higher displacement power plants. The 649cc twin is a well sorted piece of equipment that doesn't require a lot of finesse to get the most out of, making it a good option for riders across the board, when it comes to experience levels. Additionally, the SV650 has great low-speed maneuverability, thanks to its shorter wheelbase and ample lock-to-lock steering capabilities. A bike like the SV650 really comes into its own in real world scenarios. Whether you're commuting or just out for a quick spin, that's where the SV650 and other middle-weights like the Kawasaki Z650 or Yamaha FZ-07, have the opportunity to outshine some of the higher priced and more powerful motorcycles on the market. These middle-weight machines are manageable, unimposing and extremely compliant, whether you're having some fun in the canyons or cruising home from work. Hope this helps and as always, stay safe out there!

Nice! Stay safe out there!

Hey Andrew, That comment about GSX-R swaps stems from the SV650's long history in club racing. To give the SV more performance chops, racers have replaced the entire fork assembly with what's found on a GSX-R 750. However, other GSX-R fork assemblies will work as well. That means you'll be removing the stock fork, triple clamps, etc. The benefits come in the form of greater chassis stiffness and greatly improved braking, since you'll now be using radial mounted calipers, as well as larger rotors from the GSX-R. You'll also need to swap out the shock when you perform this mod, and again, a GSX-R shock will work in its place. If you go that route, you'll have an SV with much beefier suspension and it'll be fully adjustable. It seems like a fairly daunting task, but there is a wealth of knowledge behind it, so, it's something that you could tackle with a bit of research. As far as brake pads go, I typically use any HH sintered brake pad. They'll deal with heat and heavy braking well. Hope this helps! - Nic

Thanks! We might be able to put that together in the future. Stay safe!

177.8 cm with a 81.28 cm inseam. Thanks!

Hi Jonathon, We appreciate the feedback. When it comes to the 2017 SV650, it's actually a difficult bike to harshly criticize beyond some of the more obvious points like suspension and brake components, which are adequate for the bike's class. Middle-weight motorcycles in this price-point tend to save by utilizing more basic suspension and braking components. That said, the suspension characteristics are well sorted and allow the SV maintain a high level of stability, while still being incredibly agile. In our comparison test with the SV650, we noticed that the SV's suspension was a bit stiffer than its middle-weight competition. While that does benefit things when it comes to handling, it does slightly detract from overall comfort over bumpy asphalt. The downside to these budget oriented suspension packages is that there is no room for adjustment, save for preload in the rear, which means the consumer will have to upgrade the suspension once their skill level and tastes begin to develop as their riding career goes on. Some of the same points stand for the braking. Again, the Tokiko braking components do their job adequately and satisfy the needs for the beginner/intermediate market. The initial bite isn't jarring and overly aggressive and they are well suited for average street use. Depending on the type of rider you are, this may never become a problem for you. If you're an advanced rider, there is a chance you'll desire more attack out of the brakes and decide to invest in high performance braking components. One point of contention that virtually anyone will feel, regardless of their skill level, is the firm seat. If you happen to be slogging down the freeway for long periods of time, the 2017 SV650's seat will take its toll. For sportier riding, it isn't something that becomes too much of a problem but those who commute on the SV will notice after a few longer rides. If you're really curious about how the SV650 stacks up against the competition, please check out our comparison review of the Suzuki SV650, Kawasaki Z650 and the Yamaha FZ-07 ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/06/06/2017-kawasaki-z650-vs-suzuki-sv650-vs-yamaha-fz-07-comparison-review/ We hope this helps, and as always, stay safe out there!

Ultimate Motorcycling Thanks for the detailed response. liked the video just wanted to give some feedback. I am looking for a friend who is comparing the FZ-07 and the Sv650 so I will direct him to your follow-up video.

SV650NYC the new SV650 has 76hp...so it say on my wifes bikes frame..l think the old one was 73.4hp. The new engien are so insane mutch better then the old l can say. My dl650 from 04 are not as smooth by a long shoot as the sv650 is. That 13.5 litre tank last for 240km before the reserve kick in...

Racer - High Speed ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/03/16/racer-high-speed-gloves-5000-miles-later-track-and-street-review/

But the latest model (2022) has the exact same 'circle headlight' as the one in the video. In fact it's hardly changed other than colours. Sure you're not confusing it with the older Gladius that this one replaced or the separate SV650X that has plastic around the same 'circle headlight'?

@@devilsadvocate2548 Yeah I was wrong. Thanks

Edit: Just had to watch the rest of the video to get my answer. Great review!

Paul Naxius It's a perfect beginner bike. It's real easy to ride and you won't get bored fast like a 250 or 300

Precisely! The SV650 is extremely accommodating to riders with little experience, and better yet, there is a lot of room for growth. Whether you want to commute, enjoy the weekends or have track riding aspirations, the SV650 can be quickly tailored for a wide variety of settings. And because of its time on the market, there is plenty of aftermarket support for the SV.

I had ridden a total of km on a motorbike before I test rode my 2017 SV650, and now have just over 7,000km. It was docile when while I was quite daunted by its performance and my absolute lack of skill at first, it has been something that has let me learn because you can just go at your own pace - it is happy going slow and steady, and when you get a bit more experience it has plenty of performance. I would not recommend you ride anything with more power than the SV for a first bike.

Its feels heavy at first...for beginning in my opinion..500lbs