@@doofino I've been riding for 11 years and I'll agree "the sv650 is not a beginner bike" taken guy that knows nothing and put him on that and he could easily end on his back it wants to stand up.
I got a 99 sv650 as my first bike, I love the low rpm rumbles and pops. Its torque AF, But!! It commands your respect immediately and in doing so your attention. Thing is therapy to me and im in Absolute L
I love my 2000 SV650 naked. Got it when I was 14 and still love it at 26. It's a great all around bike, not the fastest but not the slowest. I've taken it on some moderate dirt bike trails with pilot powers and around every twisty road near my house, she'll do whatever you want it to do. I think I'm gonna go for a ride because of this video. lol Y'all ride safe and keep at least one on the ground.
Great review, thank you 😊 I bought a new SV650 in 2017, and my wife bought a new Z650 at the same time. We have put tons of miles on both bikes including tours, and we are both of the same opinion that the SV is the better bike, despite being lower cost. We have had a few problems with the Z650, but the SV has not missed a beat, and is more fun to ride. Both are great bikes, but the SV is a friend for life!
I've got a 2G with a tail tidy and I can say I don't envy any other bike's rear end. Even the front end is very classy while not being too boring. I love it!
2008 SV650 is my first bike. The SV feels like an excellent starter bike. I have had zero issues and zero close calls in 2 years and 6k miles. Comes down to the rider. Works great for me, yet my buddy who started on a GSXR 1000 can still ride it enjoyably.
It probably shouldn't be the literal first motorcycle you ride. But after an hour of seat time you're probably good enough for it. Keep in mind, that's the same Mr. Regular who said the Busa would be perfectly fine for someone who's never ridden before.
Thanks Yam. New subscriber, new to riding, looking forward to my first bike. Doing all my research now and as a new viewer to this sport and genre of RU-vid, I really appreciate your reviews and quality of videos. Smart, no ANNOYING intros and patreon begging, just good info. Thanks!
The more I hear you talk about the SV650, the more I feel like I made the right decision in making it my first bike. Aside from some issues related to maintenance (or lack thereof done by previous owners) and general age-related issues, my 2001 SV650 has been an extremely rewarding experience as my first bike over the last year or so. Even the maintenance issues feel semi-rewarding because the bike is pretty easy to work on, so I get the experience from doing my own work to correct whatever needs it and keep that knowledge in my tool box, so to speak.
My first bike was a 2004 SV650s well over a decade ago. I've owned 600's and 1000's since then and I still miss SV. It wasn't the fastest bike but it could keep up with faster bikes outside of high speed interstate runs. But you could actually row through most the gears unlike a 1000 where you can bang two gears and then have to back off because you are over 100mph. I still recommend it to anyone who wants to get into riding as a first bike.
I have a 2019 with ABS. I think it is awesome and all the bike most people ever need. I am 6'2" and find it comfortable. Pure and simple motorcycling. Stay safe!
@@matecaljkusic480 I think it could very well be. It depends were you ride and what your riding style is. For me the power is more than enough but i am only 185 pounds. You can adjust the preload on the shock to adjust for weight differences. If you need more power in a similarly nimble package consider the MT09 from Yamaha. It is more expensive though. Ride safely!
I have an '02 SV 650 It is the first bike of this type I have ever had. You mentioned about the older rider, that's me. Still trying to hone my technique. Been riding since 1970. My SV is great for fun, even on the commute. Gotten a little saddle sore going from Houston to Austin a couple of times.
An SV650 is the bike you should buy after 2 months on a Rebel or ninja 250. You'll outgrow either of those pulling out of the driveway, but its good for learning the basics. Then buy an SV650 and be slightly disappointed by every other motorcycle you'll ever own.
I've owned several bikes over the years, going back to some old 250's in the 70's a Honda 550f2 ( My first big bike), a kawasaki gpz600r, two speed triples (love em!) a street triple R (beautiful bike) and an sv1000s but I have now had two sv650's.... a first gen and a second gen, and I have to say, they are probably the most fun with the Street triple, that I have had. The power is just right for me to get the most out of the bike, they handle great, and I love the slightly agricultural feel and torqueness of that V twin....ok, not as smooth as my Triples, but I just love these bikes. And you know what, I'm gonna get another one day ... ;0)
I owned a 2017 sv650 for about 2 years before it was totaled in a freeway accident. The only thing you forgot to mention is the one press start. You dont need to hold the starter button. Just press and forget
I am a new rider and got a 2018 sv650a in black and red about two months ago, got 2k miles on it now. The throttle doesn't feel snatchy to me at all, but responsive. I find this bike very easy to ride smoothly at low speeds and it's really fun between 5 and 9k rpm. Power wheelies in first and easy clutch ups in second. I did add a click of preload on mine and lowered the gear shifter and rear brake lever when I got it.
I currently own a 2017 Sv650, this review pretty much sums it up. if your going to mod it, a couple of qualitly of life mods should be first, windscreen it really helps, extention to front mud guard, it WILL throw shit all over the front of the bike and yourself especially in the wet. Other than that go nuts its a great bike
I have a 2008 naked SV, I bought it cash in 2011 with 59 kms on it. It does a good job as a touring bike and it still has so much to offer me. It is my second ever motorcycle, after spending 2 years on my little GS500.
75 HP for a beginner! Your beginners must be exceptional am hopping that I can pick my second bike tomorrow, and it's a 200cc and I still think that that's a lot. But about the sv, I think that I have told you how much I love naked bikes ( slightly more than I love naked women, wait that's list ) anyway I list the sv look and that 2018, looks even prettier than it's predecessor and so I know that the winner is really going to love it.
Goddamit, i need one! And i gotta say, up there you guys have a totally different idea of what biginner bike is haha, i own a gixxer 155 (gsx155) and i'm in love with it, maybe some day i'll get and sv...
I have an '04 SV650. Best bike I have ever owned. It's the kind of bike where if you think about selling it to "upgrade" don't. Just keep it, take a little time and save up the money you'd get from selling it and buy the new bike. You will always go back to the little SV eventually and you'll be glad you kept it.
@@ryanrake2714 The point is it's not a good beginner bike because of the power and torque it makes. I've owned both the carb and fi sv650 models and they are a blast to ride but again, not a beginner bike at all.
I considered an Sv650, xsr700, cb650r as my first big bike in the UK. In the end I got a Triumph Speed Twin ! (I am a sucker for classic looks, but then I am a middle aged old git)
Your city reminds me of the game Midtown Madness 😁 It looks really nice. Also, I own a 2002 1st gen SV650(naked) and I ride it every day to work and I love it.
Just got my first bike today. 2019 sv650. Throttle is nothing like I ever expected. Only ever rode my girls 300cc once around the block and it’s no where near as touchy (makes sense) Almost ate shit bumping a little to hard at 40mph but slowly getting the hand of it :))
@@chael9323 Cruiser Motorbikes aren't really my thing, although that Vulcan looks sick. Imo the Z650 is the type of mix between sport and relaxed i need.
I was wondering this too. Its not really fair to compare a sporty faired motorcycle to a bunch of naked bikes. I'm honestly surpirsed Papa Yams didn't see the Z650 in his research for competitive models.
@@DaBudaa1 For what it's worth I think the z650 is the best looking bike in the class, unless we are including the Honda, which I kinda don't, due to its high price.
@@kleinbottled79 I strongly agree with you. Thats why I purchased a Z650 instead of an MT-07. It was the Z650's gull wing swing arm that caught my eye at the dealer back in April; I was at the dealer looking to test ride a Z400, but they did not have any in stock.
I got a first gen sv as my first bike and I have to say I love it. Most "traditional" starter bikes like the gs500 , A 250 ninja, just lacks the responsiveness and flickability that makes riding fun. They ride like honda civics in comparison.
The CB650R makes just under 100HP in the UK so noticeably more than MT07, SV and Z650 but it's also slightly more expensive. The outgoing CB650F model made about 88HP. Suzuki made another variation I think it was called the SV650S also described as the pointy one which actually looked pretty good, especially when fully faired
I enjoyed your review of the Suzuki SV 650. I ride a 2007 plasma blue Kawasaki 650R Ninja in mint condition with 4,050 miles. I've never had the opportunity of riding a Suzuki SV650. Sometimes I feel like I would want to trade in my 650R for a Suzuki SV650 and experience that bike, but with the full fairing on my 650R it's really hard to beat it on the freeway, and that's where the 650R really shines.
I love my SVee, absolutely flawless. Bought the 2k19 model with the grey tank/back and red frame/rims. Everytime i look at her my knees start shaking and pure love is taking over. Thank You, Suzuki
Went on a motorcycle course/ group ride and was on my Ninja 400 for the day, at the end of the day I got to have a little ride on their sv650 (which they rent out) and boi it has got some great acceleration as well as sounding like a beast. I myself aren’t into the naked bike feel but loved the motor, would be cool if it was in a sportbike variant
The Gladius was statistically actually just an improvement over the SV650, actually. People just couldn't put their "MOOOOOOM I DON'T WANT A GIRLY BIIIIIIKE" behind them.
It was hideous and uncomfortable. That was the biggest beef with it. You can sit here and _"snort snort _*_ackshoouhllee,_*_ _chuckle snort fart"_ nonsense all you like. It had nothing to do with it being "a girly bike."
@@waddlesmcsqueezy Christ, do you practice top secret strategies on how to always be wrong? My '06 SV has about 35k on the clock. It's served me perfectly well. Wait, lemme rephrase that into terms you'll understand. *_Ackshoouhllee_*_ I have a 2006 SV650 in Candy Napoleon Blue._
So imma be real I didn't bother watching this vid Im only commenting bc it's most recent, in previous you have referred to twist of the wrist 2, which honestly is such a pure way to learn without actually getting on the bike and as a beginner street rider it was extremely helpful and I hope you see this comment because that really help me out alot, thx Yam master N
It’s the engine that’s brilliant; the rest of the package is obsolete. But, reasonably priced, reliable, aesthetically acceptable with extensive dealership “support” . . . not too shabby.
Great breakdown on the SV650 Vammie! A quick little backstory on me, I have never ridden bikes before and looking into starting. I am no longer a youngster, almost halfway through my life. But the call of the open road has been talking to me. I have really been thinking about the Kawasaki X-300 Versys, but now I am thinking maybe the SV650. I like the X-300 for the windscreen and the upright sitting position. I am not looking to be a racetrack rider, just looking to have something to get me back n forth to work in DFW. What do you think of the x-300?
I definitely would NOT recommend trying to put a 180 size rear tire on this, the wheel is too narrow and will really deform the profile the tire is supposed to have. A 160 is a common enough size, you can find that in pretty much every modern tire from a Dunlop Q3+ to a Michelin Road 5.
I had this bike as my first and then I got z900RS... the seat was too thin for me for long commute. 6’1”. But I miss sv650 sooooo much best bike ever!!!! Z900rs is great, but too much power for me to enjoy riding. Any thoughts on a trade? Looking at royal Enfield interceptor 650... maybe?
The SV is defianately a great bike , but for my height at 6 foot 2 it was a bit to small for longer rides. Now i have gotten a KTM 790 Duke as my first real (A2) bike.
Cheers dude, mind made up. Always loved Yamahas and owned a ton (250LC x 2, 350YPVS, SZR660, MT-03 660, TRX850 x2) and should buy an MT-07 but going back to my roots (GP100, SV1000) so goodbye BMW F650CS and hello another SV!
Thanks. Did you know Korean Hyosung GT650 is almost similar to this bike and having the beautiful fairing version? It's quite popular especially in India, Malaysia, even US i think. But still lack of good reviews. I hape you can make review on this bike too. Thanks Yammie!
You mentioned Bhp for all the bikes except for the CB650R for which you used the Whp. The CB has 95HP at the crank, making it the most powerful (and expensive) in this class, although being an inline 4 it makes its power higher in the rpm.
I bought my 25 year old son a 2017 SV650 with 963 miles with barend mirrors, Corbin custom leather seat, LED H4 headlight, & Hotbodies Racing Growler slip on for $5,500, I bought myself a 2018 brand new & added all the same above mods & have about $8,300 in mine, both are great bikes. I love Suzuki & also owned a new 2006 SV650s that I put over 55,000 miles on b4 my son blew the motor due to low oil, they are great dependable motorcycles, u could do way way worse, but couldn't do much better 👍👍
Awesome !!! I'm coming from a dirtbike and looking to make my first street bike purchase ever, thinking SV650. Have 5 years on your son, feel like I'm mature enough to handle it. Good to see you recommend the bike.
@@TopshelfJunior this is the second SV650 I've owned, I had a 2006 SV650s it had clip on handlebars with a half faring I put full fairings put got rearended at redlight & wound up turning it into a single seat Streetfighter
Hey, bro. I'm quite envy you cause you could ride big displacement bikes in your country (650cc is considered very big in my country), I could never enjoy riding big cc bikes more than 150cc here, so I don't have much choice, remembering the build of the bike itself not really good compared to european or US market. Cheers, bro!
Strangely, I find that upright/naked set-ups are only comfortable for around town (under 100k/60m speeds), where you're on and off the bike a lot, or off-road where you need to be out of the seat. With a tall torso the wind buffeting is insane in temperatures under 15c/60f (which is the average temperature year round in New Zealand where I live). You need to lean down or back, or maybe get a large wind shield to deal with it (which create it's own problems). For a ride of an hour plus, it needs to be a light sport bike for control on a fast ride or winding road. Otherwise I enjoy jumping on a laid back cruiser/chopper for a comfortable relaxed multiple hour A to B style ride, where the bike largely breaks the wind for you. And just for the record; ADV and Tourer bikes are a bit of an unknown quantity for me, but I don't think I would like the weight and upright posture combined generally speaking. I ride bicycles as well, and I am the same with them, I don't like the "normal' upright style. I love going for a long cruise on my custom Giant chopper on a warm day and either of my light bmx or downhill bike for tricks and off road or short distance. I used to love a race bike set up for training and going fast too, but am getting a bit old for that lark.
8:25 the naked variant was the ER6n which I had and it was awesome! but yeah engine sound is kind of boring, like a ninja300. The new version of that bike is called Z650 which (I think) looks much more smaller, like a 300-class. The previous ER6n/Ninja650 was big, fat and tall metallic gas tank, maybe the new version has nice aggressive lines but its so small it looks like a toy bike.
Yammy, my boy. I'm a Eurobro and in dire need of a death machine. Could you recommend anything similar to the sv 650 that would fit in the A1 catagory?
Dope to hear ! Coming from the dirtbike world, I have a Kawasaki KLX 300R, is the SV650 going to be too much for me ?! Looking to make my first street bike purchase ever..
In 99 they offered a naked, the 650n and a half faired version, the 650s. The 'full faired' was simply an S with optional fairing lowers. You also missed out the sv650 mk2, or as it was known, the pointy. This had a newly designed frame and cosmetics aswell as updating to fuel injection. I owned a 99 650s way back in 2000. The better looking version to the naked ;P Was an absolutely incredible machine, I owned it for 7 years and over 150k miles. It was one of those rare bikes that was capable of anything yet able to grow with you as your skills improve. When you find yourself to be pushing the bike to its limits just splash out on a few brake and suspension upgrades and it will be more than capable of embarassing larger capacity bikes. It's good to see that the bike is still in production near on twenty years later. It is however a shame to see that Suzuki are still penny pinching with the basic suspension and same brakes as used way back in 99....
I really hope I win the sv650 in the give away. I bought that sweet t-shirt to get them chances to win! PS editing to say hi to my twin in blue lol F5v
