Excellent review. I’ve owned an SV650 for 2 1/2 years and 16,000 miles and I would have little to add to what you have said, except perhaps to point out that I am a rider with over 30 years of experience and I nonetheless love this bike and find it offers absolutely everything I need and want. The problem with the mainstream motorcycle enthusiast community (where I live in the US; I cannot speak for other places) is that bikes such as this are shunned as “beginner bikes” when in fact they’re better engineered machines, far easier to care for, and way more fun to ride than the bikes that ignite the passion of the motorcycle fashionistas.
This was my question. I wanted to know if this bike is good for someone who's been riding for 15 years. I mean, I want something with enough power that I won't get bored quickly. I'm also 6'2" 80kg so curious if this would be comfortable.
ky7114, I totally agree with you! I too live in the US and middleweight bikes are shunned by many in the US bike world, particularly the people that love to ride road pigs (HD's), and the super sport crowd (I used to be one of them in my much younger days). What many people are missing about middleweight naked bikes is the value one receives for the dollars spent. That "value" includes: The low cost of purchase, the excellent power to weight ratio and wide power band, the outstanding reliability, the excellent handling, the low insurance cost, the low maintenance cost and the fun factor, which I think is highly underrated. I've ridden many a Harley's and they are hideous overweight pigs on a twisty road. I rode sport bikes for 20 years (in my younger days), but they have peaky power bands that are not as usable on the street as the naked middleweights and the ergonomics are awful! At 60 years old, I could not ride a sport bike today for more than 30 minutes without my back screaming at me to stop. Ha ha! The middleweight naked class of bikes are the true gems of the motorcycle world when one factors in all parameters.
@@paulb6295 Yes I'd have to agree with that as well. Having personally had "issues" with the Harley Davidson crowd (dickheads). I think the naked bikes are the best way to go after (16 years riding) I'd say I've found the cruiser bikes are just too heavy in tight slow moving situations, and the supersports bikes are just geared and make power for the high speed side of things. Around rural areas, and open country roads they don't feel at home unlike say an MV 800 dragster or something similar would feel perfectly at home. I even had a Triumph 995i Speed Triple at one point. Naked bikes are awesome!
'Beginner' bike term really annoys me. I've know guys with 1000cc bikes that had no right to be on one, all they could do way squirt and go. I've ridden a fair few bikes and with less than 100hp and anything but a road with loads of very long straights you should never get left behind if you can ride. Current bike power for the big stuff is needless really but it is what is it. My favourite bike was a VFR400 with 60hp, if that. I could hang onto most things with that and literally ground the pegs away.
This comment was a gold mine for me to see right now, amazing !!! Heavily looking into the SV650 as my FIRST street bike purchase. Coming off a 300cc dirt bike and just passed my MSF course test so, I think I'm ready..
This has to be the best review of this bike ever. No senseless rambling, no rubbish uncopyrighted techno music, no cheesy pan-shots, and quality audio all around. Cheers mate 👌
What's it like in town: 1:07 Night riding: 2:15 Lugging bike around: 4:35 In the rain: 5:36 Cost of ownership: 7:33 Touring on the bike: 9:43 Cleaning: 12:10 Pros and cons: 12:51
I have owned over 70 motorcycles, and every time I ride it, it puts a big smile on my face. I love these things and there's a lot you can do with them if you so choose.
Hi I am a Japanese and living in Hamamatsu City Shinohara, Just 2 mile distance from Suzuki Main Office and Engine Factory. My neighbor is mostly Suzuki Related People. We can see so many SV650 and V stream 650 at their parking space, this means employee using them for commuting , as their cost performance is outstanding.
I just bought a 2003 gsxr 750 in rizla spec... It woulda been made right near u? Is that right.. Im in canada.. I pick bike up tommorrow. I really excited!!!!!!
Update since my last comment from a year ago. I have a 2019 SV650ABS and love it. It is nimble but also feels planted in turns. The other day I was accelerating relatively hard from around 55 mph and I noticed the bike fishtailing left and right several times. At first it seemed like a tank slapper, something I had never experienced before. However, it turned out to be some kind of oil slick on the road causing the rear wheel to lose traction. I later saw the culprit, a vintage Ferrari spraying, not dripping, some fuel/oil/water mixture from the exhaust. I am not a racer and had never experienced anything like it. I do remember not cutting the throttle abruptly and let the bike move. Remarkably, it straightened itself out and I did not have to put my Tech-Air 5 vest to the test. I think that the bike’s stability was aided by its overall well sorted chassis and geometry. I am left terrified but also have gained some confidence in the rider friendliness of the SV650. I’ll keep riding and will pay even more attention to road conditions. I thought I’ll share this with the hope that someone may also learn from it and also consider the SV650 as a super fun bike that handles well even in tricky situations. I’ll post this on other sites as well and am curious what people think.
If this was badged as an entry BMW or Ducati, it would get a lot more enthusiasm from riders and the media. As its badged Suzuki, its not seen as sexy, is totally ignored by the media and overlooked by the vast majority of riders. Pity - theyre a damn good bike. I have a friend who rode a second hand one on the pan American on one all the way to Ushuaia from Canada. It was dropped, ridden without any more than chain maintenance and new tyres, and it made it through on bad fuel, poor roads and operator neglect, much to the chagrin of accompanying GS and KLR who had all sorts of issues. As an entry level bike, I think it is a splendid example of what a real world bike can be at a bargain price it is worthy of bike of the year!
Thank you so very much for this review. I’m a Melbourne based rider and about to come off my Learner approved motorbike. I’ve been racking my brain as to which Non-Learner bike to get. I’d heard of a few different bikes but this Suzuki SV650 kept popping up….but YOUR review was by far the best & instilled the most confidence to purchase this bike. Reason being, you specifically showed it on the freeways and the wet, which were my two main concerns. Once again, thank you very much for taking the time to help me make my decision. Genuinely appreciative🙏🏼
I was really thinking about getting the 2019 SV650for my first bike. I've been riding my brothers 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan and I really enjoy it but I don't want to get the same bike as him. I was looking for a good 650cc bike and this is the one I've been stuck one and this review really helps.
I had an SV650 (2005) as my first bike after passing my test and did over 25000 Miles on her before it got written off, along with my forearm on a dark commute in a December. It was a terrific, forgiving and plenty powerful roadster, with a peppy v twin lump. Never regretted buying her and it looks a good solid budget buy even now. They need some pampering, as the fittings would rust if neglected, but mine always looked mint. Paint quality was superb. It was my only transport and regular maintenance and cleaning kept her reliable every day. Never had any problems and she was five years old when I got her. Ten or so years ago , the SV, Honda Hornet, Kawasaki ER6, the Fazer and Suzuki’s own Bandit were king of the middleweight hill. Now, however, the big four’s current ranges are joined by other ubiquitous players and trends have changed, so competition is both wider in scope and tougher now. Suzuki has barely moved on at all. Which begs the question, is the little SV still relevant in today’s market?
Great review again! Can I make a suggestion? The font or black and white combo on the font for the questions is not great to read the questions your asking. Solid white text and a bit larger would help I think. Just something I've noticed when secretly watching in work and the phone down at key board level ha. Thanks
Kind of reminds me of the 600 Bandit which I had a few years ago. Cheap to buy, cheap to insure and maintain and a whole lot of fun to ride. Nice video and great to see your not drawn in by exclusively reviewing the exotic machines that most of us can,t afford.
TheMissendenFlyer Hi Mr Flyer, I currently own an SV 2017 version. I love the bike but the seat and seating position cause me proper discomfort to be honest. I find my hands and fingers go numb and the seat is really uncomfortable, the god awful uneven and bumpy Kent roads do the rest making the bike struggle to cope with my 15 stone. I am wondering if the GSXS 750 would be a good replacement and step up in comfort. I have a test ride booked but would be interested in your view having ridden both. Ta in advance and also for the excellent reviews. Steve.
@@stevebrown2646 I had a similar issue. Liked the 650 twin, didn't get on with the ergos and wanted to ride bumpy roads. I got a 650 V-strom and couldn't be happier.
The gsxs 750 wouldn't be a good replacement in terms of comfort, if you want great comfort & the same engine as the SV650, the Vstrom 650 is the right bike for you, of course, if you like the way it looks...
Had a 2nd gen SV I rode coast to coast(USA) bike was bulletproof. Sounds amazing! suspension leaves a bit to be desired, but a traxxion dynamics cartridge emulator for the forks and a gsxr shock transformed her. I'm on a monster now, and kinda miss the the no worries, runs perfect every time of the SV. You really cant go wrong buying this bike.
I would try covering/blacking out my dash if I were trying to demonstrate the head light's effectiveness. I think your Go Pro is using your dash lights to set exposure, which leaves your head light coverage under-exposed.
Great review! I have a 2019 and love it. I am 6'2", 185 pounds and it fits me very well. A small point as to the headlights. They can be easily adjusted to point higher or lower with a screw underneath the light fixture. It is explained in the user manual. Safe riding!
Glad that you finally mentioned the worst part of the bike, it's seat. Not only is it hard, but the high rise in the back absolutely locks you forward and prevents shifting one's butt towards the rear. And I did notice the date of your post, but a butt knows no time.
Neat and classy review. You covered all the points that a potential owner could worry about and in the process you cleared couple of mine as well, :) Guess this could be a great bike for me to graduate from my RE(Hope they release it soon in my country). Thank you TMF, subscribed your channel. Cheers, stay safe!
My first 'big' bike was an early 2000's yellow SV650S. Fantastic bike! Had a Staintune exhaust - got loads of compliments on the V Twin sound. If I had to commute again I'd definitely get another one!
I commute 2000 miles a month on a V Strom 650. I had an sv in my 20s. Now that I'm in my 30s I wanted something a little more comfortable. All and all that power plant is amazing. Plenty of torque, great gas mileage, and dead nuts reliable. I loved my sv, but my Vstrom could definitely be my "forever bike"
That is a pretty nice looking bike, much nicer than previous SV models - that res is gorgeous. Great price too for a naked. The thing that I don't like is that single header, which can probably be improved somewhat by a belly pan, but also the way it looks underneath, I could probably live with it. Of course the can is a bit ugly, although not as bad as some I've seen, but this can also be replaced. In fact with a nice can I bet this V-twin sounds lovely. Radiator isn't too bad but I'd probably get a nice cover and replace the filler cap. Bikes with no clutch reservoir (cable operated) always look a bit odd to me cos they're not symmetrical. I'd also get a hugger, a tail tidy and a cover for the rear brake reservoir too. I bet its lovely in those hot hot summer days we've had with no fairing. Bit too small for me, I'd prefer it in 1000cc.
I'm loving mine. I have to say though, you absolutely must replace the exhaust and a tail tidy if you like them. The weight difference between the Black Widow I got compared to the stock one is huge not to mention the sound is much better ;)
To be fair, it's longer term than all those first ride first impression reviews from all the other motorbike channels out there. But definitely in depth! I really appreciate this from TheMyissendenFlyer
@Jimmy Sakura Gakuin Fan I don't see any promotion for sales happening here. It's more a case of all the major manufacturers producing very good bikes at all price points. Hence, there's really not much to be critical of.
Bs. Trust me %90 of motovloggers get on the bike for 2 hour, just for having some camera shots then they copy paste other vloggers opinion about bike. This guy at least drives for 2 week and that is enough for having a proper personal opinion. I am livin in turkey, not a fan but like this channel and thas is my 2 cents.
Best looking color you got there... Solution on rain riding and touring we mounted a Givi screen and some small handguards. The seat are hard, but that can be an easy fix for touring...great review Mr.
Jme Be I’ve got one of those currently. Bloody fantastic bikes, no wonder the engine has remained almost unchanged because it’s a stonking engine In my opinion it’s a shame Suzuki haven’t got a faired or even half faired version of the new SV in their lineup because the gen 1 and gen 2 still look really good today, and that added wind protection is nice
Love my 2007 SV 650S. I run down from Surrey to the sunny South of France every year for hols. Relatively comfy, the full fairing keeps the wind/weather off you then of course country twisties and mountain roads are a blast. Has the added bonus of sounding great (the Yoshi can helps!) Pretty good as a commuter as you state with this one. Love the reviews. Keep up the good work!
It’s a damn shame Suzuki aren’t offering a faired or even half faired version. The added wind protection and sportier riding position would be attractive to new riders who don’t want to start on a full on 600cc super sport, but still want that sports bike feel with comfort I mean Suzuki pulled it off in the past, I don’t see why they haven’t tried it again
Owned both a ybr and an sv650. Quite similar bikes other than the power. I found the ybr very fun to flick around. More. Fun than a cbr125 or any of the other 125s. The sv in my opinion is the ybr of the 600+ bikes
Did Mod1/Mod2 on this bike - passed 1st time - cracking bike to learn the trade on but characterful engine, great style and value for money make this a fine choice for anyone after a fun, no frills naked bike imo. Top review as always btw 👍
Top class review. Your presentation and production values are first rate; plus what I like best about your reviews is that they address the way most people will use a bike.
A Great review but I have disagree with your regarding the side stand when I look at my other bikes the foot is much larger than them! That was one of the first things I noticed when I put the stand down a decent size for a change😊
I do like that v twin 650, that's on the older SV's and the v stroms. My 09 gladius has it too. The thing I like about naked sport bikes is that bare bones, budget feeling. I also have an f800gs, but something about the light weight, mid displacement, naked sport bikes just hits the spot.
TheMissendenFlyer I think it the perfect second bike/ new rider bike. Not complicated, not over powered, cheap. I started on a ZX-6R and this bike is more fun to ride, definitely not as fast, but more fun.
In that colour scheme, and despite the mention of the rad and std exhaust, this does look better than any of the other 650/700s you listed. Shame Suzuki have majored with just grey, white and their suzi off-blue (sorry!) in the previous 20 years.
@Michael Moretti I've ridden all three and they all feel good butthe Mt and the sv650 are a lot more powerful than the z650. Z650 has nice linear power, but just not the torque that the Mt or sv has
I'm looking at getting a bike again, been 18 years since I've owned one. I'm 47 now and don't need a racer but still would like a little power when needed for fun. Everywhere I turn this bike has gotten awesome reviews. Everyone who owns or has owned one has nothing but positive reviews. Thanks for your review!
Great review TMF. You must stay up really late to test the headlight in the dark this time of year. I like the lug around test. This is something to consider if like me you're not as strong as you used to be and are frightened of dropping a heavy bike just moving it around.
poisonmans I,m looking at putting my 1250 bandit in px for the Sv as i,ve lost a lot of strength in my arms and pushing it around is difficult,need a lighter bike and I do like this one
44Teeth has a great article about this bike being a 'cult' bike, like the naked version of the KLR 650. Huge aftermarket of parts, multiple forums with plenty of mods that are well-tested, indestructible.
Great review, thanks 👍 I’m just coming up to a year on my 2017 SV, and I agree with pretty much everything you have said here, the things I love the most are the fact that it’s lightweight, easily manoeuvrable, and a delight to filter on. Only regret I have now is the dealer offered me the addition of the cafe racer version for £850, and I declined because I’d already asked for the tracker to be added on - wish I’d gone with it now, if you think the seat you have got is a bit hard, you want to try the basic vanilla one on mine!! Very happy with the bike though, great fun to ride, which is what it’s all about, have done 7k in the last 10 months, mine came with dunlop sport max qualifiers fitted as standard, bit skittish in wet and didn’t last very long! Using Bridgestone 023s now, handling much better 👍 Also swapped the exhaust out, good thing about the SV is that monstrosity on the back is a separate Can, so you can just bolt on an aftermarket end can, no need for any pipes
I own a 2017 model, and as you, I found the suspention to soft for hard cornering, but stiffening up the rear suspention 3 clicks, made a huge improvement in handeling. Cheers, Erik Geeraerts.
I am a beginner with a 2020 sv 650a, its limited to 48bhp yet doesnt feel like its lacking power. I am in love with this beast. I ussualy ride it without a baffle and the sound is amazing!
TMF, at 14:00 ish, my harping on about crappy mudguards is illustrated perfectly. If I am not mistaken there seems to be damage to the fins on the radiator. (When that fails, its ride over and Mr. AA) Up here in Scotland useless, hapless, hopeless council use chips to resurface our roads. (In the mistaken belief it saves money😤😤😤😤, shower of numpties). That radiator would not last 5 mins if you hit such a road up to a month after resurfacing. On a very positive note agree bike looks great and really love the candy finish on the frame, it looks awesome. I can see you are looking after the machine and that, my friend, is nothing less than I would expect from you! (OCD aside. Thanks for sharing. A82 Joe.
Nicholas Crocker Yep virtually every 'sporty' type bike leaves a load of road filth up the back of your jacket when ridden in the rain. Then folks compound the problem by fitting tail tidys, must be dry weather only riders.
I'm a bit late with my comment on this bike, but I'm currently riding one so I thought I'd add a few views of my own. I've recently had the misfortune to have a (white!) van reverse into (and over) my brand new (one month OLD) Honda X-ADV and the driver's insurance company have provided me with an SV650 as a loan bike whilst mine is being repaired...so I've been able to do my own long term test. My initial impressions weren't good...unlike you I think it's a pretty ugly bike, especially the exhaust, the radiator and the instrumentation. The one I'm riding has obviously had a bit of a hard life, being a loan bike, but even though it was still quite low mileage, it was looking pretty ratty with lots of wear, tear and corrosion...I know it's a budget bike but the long term build quality would definitely concern me. Riding it is a different story, it's surprisingly quick, light and handles really well. The engine sounds lovely and the gear box is nice and slick. The brakes aren't brilliant but their perfectly adequate considering the size and weight of the bike. The riding position is quite comfortable, although I would imagine the seat could become uncomfortable after a while. I didn't like the instrumentation at all, it looks cheap and carelessly designed, but that was the only negative in terms of riding the bike. All in all it was real pleasure to ride... just simple, fun, biking in a way we don't get very much of nowadays.
With regards to build quality; i have done 51,000 Kilometres, and the only problem was some rust on the front forks near the top. Some WD40 after cleaning has made it go away. If i give it a good clean it still come up looking like new.
Fantastic review and video. Can't go wrong with a Suzuki twin. I rode a V-Strom 650 for a while during the Gladius years and always wanted an SV. Loved the engine as you said. Great points all around, well done video.
Seems like it rains just about as much over there as it does here in the middle of Norway (I have seen a lot of these reviews, so this is not based off of this video alone). If I decided never to ride in the wet, my bike would be parked for about half of the riding season (which is already short at around 6 months, maybe 7 with luck). I don't even bother cleaning the bike properly anymore, since it rains so much, even though it's a brand new 2020 bike. I just hose it off with water and call it a day. Anyway, this is a fairly interesting bike. Was interested in this for my first bike, but thought they were too expensive at the time (wanted a cheap used bike for my first one). A pretty good beginner bike I think, as a more exciting alternative to the countless boring inline 4's. Always liked V-twins, particularly when used unconventionally, such as in a small naked bike, or the big KTM 1290 Super Adventure like I have now.
I hope these new SVs get the same following as the early 2000s ones did, and still has. Suzuki lost it there for a while (09-13) when there was the Gladius/SFV650 (my bike lol). It was pretty much the same bike but just a little uglier.
I don't mind the Gladius. They are so ugly that people pretty much give them away on the used market. If i can convince myself I need a small bike to compliment the bandit in the garage im going to get a used Gladius. U can get. Super low miles one for under 3k
160GBP for first 600 miles service? WOW, you guys are getting robbed! I paid 65euro on my 2017 SV650 (Serbia). Is labor price that different? I believe material is more expensive as well, the difference cannot be in manhours price alone. Jesus, just listened to the rest of the service prices...you guys are really getting robbed! I'm out of warranty so oil/oil filter/air filter I do by myself as the rest of the smaller tasks. I'll go in service for valve clearance check and it will not cost me more than 120GBP. Oil & oil filter change with my hands costs me about 45euro for the oil and the filter.
I’ve had the sv650 for about a month and I’m a 16 year old male in California. Coming from a dirt bike background I do wish I had a little more torque but I’ve barely had to maintenance it just make sure I whatch the oil and lube my chain and tighten bolts
Would be wonderful if Suzuki would offer a SV650 R upmarket version with better suspension, and perhaps a more comfortable seat. The bike looks much like the Ducati Monster, which is a good thing, and it has a wonderful engine and frame...
My biggest gripe with my SV650 (admittedly 03, but let’s be honest, they’ve not changed much) is the rate at which it eats rear tyres and drive chains. I was doing 130 miles a day admittedly but it needed a chain every 3 months. Rear tyres, at about the same interval. After it decided to undo its front sprocket nut at 80mph, I picked up a Fazer 600 to replace it. Same mileage daily for safely over 3 months, still chain and rear tyre still have many miles left in them. Can’t say my riding style whilst commuting has changed so... something to do with power delivery from the V-twin vs the much smoother inline 4?
heard that the a lot less powerful nc750 also has the tendency to chew rear tires. Something must be related with low rev torq probably. Still, 200km/day makes 1000km every week and 12000km every 3 months so a rear tire every 12000km is not unusual at all with this type of bike but chain should last at least double that.
Night riding is really disaster. Maybe you should replace the headlight with a good 7 inches round led aftermarket headlamp. Trucklite is a good option.
Good video as always. Any chance of a long term review of the updated 2018 MT07? Also if that can be done then comparing the two. Sorry if I'm asking for too much!
I have since put a scorpion taper on my Sv , if anyone had a Sv 2018 go get one sounds amazing and half the weight of the original can . Also put a puig screen on the front take the wind right off you . Two cheep enough changes made a huge difference to the bike .
As A semi retired 650 BANDIT, Banditeer, now a cold turkey Banditaholic. Heard the SV650, was mental with torque, ie front wheel up, Big, big fan of torque, Heck I've got a PhD, Masters with Honours, in Bandit torque ENJOYMENT, only, nothing technical. Both wheels always on ground, and performs like a unarmed sidewinder EXORCET missile. A biking BLESSING, having just over 80mph, 2nd gear, before the red-line at 12,000 rpm, , at your fingertips. Never needed it, much, much quicker 3rd gear, perfect storm, up a steep, steep hill, 40,50 yards, about 7,000 rpm, fast forward, YEAH, but x4, a bigger biking BUZZ than 84 GPZ750TURBO, first production bike any size, to do standing quarter mile 10 seconds, 161MPH, much rather play with 3rd gear, on a 650 Bandit, not, I repeat not a Bandit S. March 85, Glasgow to Leeds, on a Kawa GT750 shaft drive, petrol station near Carlisle, police We've been chasing you for 30 miles doing over 120mph, God knows what you were doing??, Dumfries Sheriff Court said 138mph, fined 50 pounds, banned 3 months, 30 miles over 135 mph, buzz???, MUCH better a buzz,!!!, 3rd gear, Bandit Time. and I'm not even lying. Professor Bandit 650 B.T.E.out, nothing technical, just torque Enjoyment, classes were a treat, exams an out and out pleasure!!!.
@@ronwhite8503 My late Beloved fuel inj. Bandit 650, Was 60 times more biking joy than in 84, my nearly new Kawasaki 750 turbo that I Couriered on and thrashed it daily, Countless times it was SUPERB, but 650 inj. Bandit? Very very Comfortable Time Capsule. And I'm not even lying.
@@ronwhite8503 Read the 1250 was a Refined 1200, Heard 1200 had more mid range Torque, read t250 wasn't a Real Bandit. A very very healthy 1200 with fuel inj.? Agh to Dream.
Great value for money bike!!! Please Suzuki, offer us a same colour minimal alternative SV650 Katana Kit and/or an FTR650 (Indian FTR1200 like, 19"front/18"rear cast wheels). Is it realy that difficult, for the firm to produce???
“My goodness me he’s in a hurry” The Missenden Flyer This needs to go on a t-shirt hahaha. It seems like you’re channel pops up everytime I look at videos on different bikes so I may as well just start at the beginning and work my way through all the videos you’ve made!! As always another brilliant and informative video for both riders and those looking to get into riding. Thanks as always for taking the time and trouble to make these vids. I for one, find it helpful…..a lot!
When I was 45 I bought myself a Kawasaki ZZR1100, at that time it was one of the fastest production bikes on the road. No ABS, no traction control and when the rear wheel spun up in the wet, it was like riding a wild horse. The younger guys where I worked were riding similar large capacity bikes and were paying thousands in insurance. At 45, with my no claims, £120. I felt embarrassed to talk about it.
Good content and clear presentation. It would have been good to add a pillion and their view, as it looks better than a lot of bikes in regard to seat and pegs.
