Suzuki SV650 Road Review | Challenge SV Part 1 

SV is getting a lot of press just now and deservedly so. They're simple, straight forward, good fun and bullet proof reliable if looked after. Look forward to this mini series 👍

The Legendary SV 650. Suzuki has been my favourite brand lately. From their little 125cc scooters to their 750 nakeds, and probably the rest of the line ups are never boring. Peppy engines and usually outperforms the other makers in their respective classes. Love Suzuki. Very reliable too

The sv will always have a place I'm my heart as my first "big" bike when I past my test was a 2000 sv650s. Rode that thing everywhere

I bought a MY2021 SV650 (Pearl Brilliant White / Red Frame) in February 2022, from a superb local dealership. It's a bit of a long story, but I got an excellent deal, and bought the bike for well less than the manufacturers £7,000 asking price. It was a bit of a bargain; I had a Ténéré 700 at the time, and I sold that a few weeks later. I ended up with cash to spare, so, I was quids in, and that certainly makes a change! I'm so happy with the SV650 - what a bike - it just brings a smile to my face every time I get on it and ride the thing. The engine is fantastic, it's nimble, it handles brilliantly, and it's deceptively quick. It's best described as a traffic light dragster! It's about as basic as a bike can get these days, but I think that's its endearing quality. There are no fancy electronics to worry about (or to go wrong), it's just you and the bike. The suspension, brakes and the tyres are okay, but I plan to upgrade them in the future. So far, I've just made some styling mods to my bike, and I must say, it's a very easy bike to work on. I fitted the obligatory tail tidy, an upgraded LED headlight, fancy sequential LED indicators with very bright DRLs, and some LED spots. The best mod through, was fitting a Yoshimura Alpha style slip-on, the bike now sounds epic! The SV went off my radar for some reason a few years ago, why, I couldn't really tell you. Maybe I thought the bike was too basic, how wrong I was. It's more than a sum of its parts. I had my Ténéré for a year, and it's a great bike, but wasn't the bike for me. I found it too top-heavy, and couldn't wait to get back on a sports bike, with 17" wheels. That's when I came across the SV650 again, and I haven't looked back! I've heard on the grapevine that Suzuki are working on a replacement SV650, but it will have a parallel twin engine, not an L-twin, so I can't see myself ever selling my SV650, it's a classic!

1998 - my first bike, a brand new, yellow, SV650. I absolutely loved it. It later got a few mm over-bored and became my track bike, then my V-twin series race bike for a few seasons! 24 years, and a lot of different bikes later, I still remember what it felt like to ring it out and get the absolute most out of it! -- EDIT: Also the first bike I broke a bone on!!!

My dad had an sv1000n and that's a bike I really wish they still made. The sound was just great!

First of all the presenter is underrated what a nice human! I Learned how to ride on one of these and still till this day after owning several bikes its just so damm good. I was disappointed when I bought my first bike after driving a 650 at the driving school for 2 months. Only bike that made me more fizzy inside was honda vtr firestorm 1000f. pretty much a big sv650 :) any else seems kinda dull I might just buy one cant beat it for how usefull it is :)

just bought a brand new one today. In NZ$ it cost £5400 - can't possibly go wrong. looking forward to following the series 😁

I did my lessons and test on a 2020 SV and it was so nice to ride. Admittedly I only had a Z650 to compare it to at the time, but my god it was 1000x better than the Kawasaki! I practically begged my instructor to make sure I had the SV for my test because it was just so much smoother and easier to ride. I think it was that Suzuki low rpm assist that really made the difference as a learner.

I like the sound of this. The SV has always been good and I rode a track prepped one a few years back which shocked me by being much better than I ever gave them credit for. I can't wait to see how it does and what state it ends up in.

Great review of a cult classic. Can't wait to see what ya have in store for SV shenanigans. Started riding late in life (54) and purchased a 17' non abs as my first bike. It was an absolute gem to ride. I commuted, toured, back road hooning and track days. Sold the bike to a friend of who was getting back into riding after a 10 year hiatus. 29K miles and the bike is still going strong. Ride safe! Cheers from the US!

Love it, a bike that's fun, simple and quick for reasonable dough. You do a great job.

In my not so humble experience, many road testers get blinded by the 180 hp+ bikes that normal people never really buy and if they do; they don't hunt laptimes or chuck wheelies. Add maintenance, insurance and reliability and none of it makes any sense to me. I love Neevesy's reviews but he gives off the impression that it's almost unthinkable to have fun on a track day on something that isn't a fucking V4S. It's refreshing to see someone who's a true Motorcyclist who understands the fun one can have on any bike, from a Honda 125 to whatever the fuck rich old men buy. So... Point being: Nice review as always Chris. Love what you do.

Really good review - love your passion for this Everyman bike! Love the channel!!

looking forward to seeing next episode. I would love to see what SV is capable of vs some fancy cars. I would rather real live but I don't thing I could afford to please my SV to this fascinating challenge ;) Thanks for making that happening for me!

Great honest review for a damn honest bike. Challenge SV …. brilliant

Superb, can't wait to see the up and coming videos on this little belter.

That is a spot on review. I had a gen 2, and now have a gen 3. As a heavier rider, I've put a Nitron shock on it, uprated fork springs and 15w oil. But I'd do that for virtually any bike. Only other addition is a Fuel road legal can. Needs nothing else. One of the best engines ever made in one of the best overall packages. I've had over 25 bikes including SP1, SP2, Fireblades, GSXRs etc. For pure riding fun, I'd take one of these anyday.

I'm certainly looking forward to this series! 👍

I purchased a 2016 sv650 last year (latest gen like yours) and have really enjoyed it. I’ve been touring around Southern Ireland, done a week at the tt and a few laps, took it through gravel roads watching the RAC rally with freezing roads riding on super corsa tyres😄, and have done Pembrey, llandow and brandshatch track days. Awesome bike! Look forward to watching your lastest vids. Cheers Kipsy from Caerphilly

Good one Chris looking forward to next in the series.

Loved this review! And you are such a fun character with a great sense of humour! Thanks! Looking into “beginner bikes” and the SV seems to be right at the top there, with the ninja 400 .. can’t wait for spring to come…

have the X version and totally love it. Glad to see the SV getting some love.

My first bike was an 05' SV. Such good memories, went thru all my bike firsts with that thing. Trips, twisties, modding, track days and crashing. It never let me down.

Really excited for this series, all of your videos are excellent but this reminds people that flash 30 k bikes aren't the be all and end all, riding a postie as a commuter now has reminded me it's more fun to go fast on a slow bike then to go slow on a fast bike

I own a 2018 sv and had it for 2 years. I love this machine, can’t wait to see the challenge.

I love my 2001 Sv, cams, full pipe, gsxr plastics, zx6 forks, TL 1000 carbs, oil changes and love keep her going

So cool hearing Chris with the SV stories. Back in 03 a 650s was my first big bike. I managed to snap that big beautiful aluminum frame being a bit too much of a hooligan, good times. I also picked up a few first injuries on my SV, good lessons

Looking forward to the series, bikes are getting so expensive these bikes will help motorcycling survive.

I've got the pointy nose 2004 one. Love the thing, and really happy to see what you get up to on the new one! I'm genuinely thinking maybe for my next I do just want the new model.

Honourable mention for the cagiva raptor 650. Bought one for £1500 .. as well as the excellent Suzuki engine( injected) mv agusta frame, brembos, usd forks.. came with twin cans also.. epic bike at a fraction the cost of a low CC monster. 👍

I think this is one of the best looking bikes, Italian design with japanese engineering I prefer the mk1 though, it had the perfect proportions imo. Bikes from that are were amazing, another one that I really love from that era is the Honda hornet 250 and 600cc

Brilliant video. It’s great to see you doing stuff with bread-and-butter bikes. It just goes to show 70 odd horsepower is still plenty for British roads

SV650 track days ! Incredible little bike, one of the all time greatest

Outstanding video. As a proud owner of a 2020 SV650, this made my day. Everything you mentioned about the SV is just so spot on. You mentioned Ducati's, which are obviously fantastic bikes as well. Perhaps the SV650 is the culmination of what the Monster always wanted to be: Affordable, reliable, smile-inducing fun that will do anything you ask of it.

Looking forward to the rest of this SV challenge

Awesome. Never has there been a more affordable & entertaining bike that you can make your own & do pretty much anything with.

Awesome, got the same bike colour Waiting for Part 2!!

Early 2000s insurance rate skyrocketed for young people, so I reluctantly sold the 929rr and jumped on a SV. Didn't really like it much at first, but a bunch of track days and few long trips later I learned to love it! It was the bike that taught me to ride fast through corners and to this day has a special place in my heart. Long live the SV

i have an identical sv just coming up to 3500 miles, just love that engine. Very looking forward to the next episode, great job. Personally i would like to see suzuki give the sv a minor upgrade, namely the seat! and led lights all round. great job!

Since i own the 2020 model,i can't wait for the next episode 💯🤩

One of the most underated, reliable excellent motorcycles !!

Yay! Thanks for throwing some light on fun, affordable, bikes. $20 grand bikes are cool, but you don't have to spend that much to get a kick out of riding a bike. 👍

At the moment I'm properly considering getting a new one of these as a daily for the next 10 years. I'm utterly over rusty cars, stupid tax and insurance. Used prices are rank too so a new one actually makes sense. For the price too you can't complain. It's reliable but not utterly boring like most in this category.

Through town in top, then effortlessly accelerate. That is so attractive.

Passed my test 7 weeks ago and bought this bike new , love it .. so pleased I went for it . Still learning the craft so,it’s just gonna get better .

Just awesome Love from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Look forward watching your SV videos! Have always wanted one of these, but somehow always ended up with something else. Especially interested in the bike's touring capabilities.

It’s the blue collar hero of the street bike world, love it. Personally I think the suspension and brakes are shocking and should be binned straightaway but that’s part of the fun.

Another awesome video Chris. Thank you. 👍😎🇦🇺

Hi team, can’t wait for the next segment covering the SV650 👍

I was just saying in the comments on another channel how I can’t understand some of the newer parallel twins specifically the r7 for around 10k+ when there is a late model sv650s sitting on sale for 3k in most localities that can do it all just as well. Great series idea! Looking forward to it.

Excellent bike and colour.... :D Great video too!

My Gf has an sv650 ! Absolutely beautiful machine. I love it so much, it's such a awesome bike

Miss the SV1000s. Had 2 of them and they were awesome!

First big bike was a 2012 sv650s, put 30k miles in it in 2 years and was ridden hard, never missed a beat, I’d still have the bike today as I adored it! Unfortunately the bike was stolen and I’m yet to find a bike I love as much! Fantastic idea with the series, subbed 👍

Great video. Want one!

are we going to see that challenging SV?? I can't wait mate!

After 30 years they must be doing something right. My first bike was an SV and I still miss it. Its fast (enough), it's forgiving in so many ways. It sounds great. Used to have a pal who insisted on following me every ride as he loved the noise it made.

Those are the roads I ride on, whether it's an SV or something else that's a bit analogue, you won't get a better, more invigorating experience. Love it.

Can't wait for the next video 🙂

it was this sv650 when they 1st came out that got me into Vtwins and i still have Vtwins to this day unfortunately not the sv im KTM superduke fanboy and iv had 4 but thanks to this suzuki Vtwin many years ago im still into big Vtwins there is no sound like a big Vtwin well apart from me 690smc r but thats another story, great review as always

Cool video Chris. The SV is what made me go do a DAS course and I bought one the very next day. A 2009 SV650 S in blue with the white go faster stripe down the middle. Fast forward 13 years I now have a Tuono V4 but will always have a soft spot for the SV.

I just bought a brand new SV650 this week. Looking forward to many more rides with my new bike. 😊

Follow up video please 🙂 Quite enjoyed this and look forward to seeing what you'll put it through

That sliver version @ 0:27 was my first bike ever. That picture brought back some good memories.

My recent purchase after being out of the saddle for 14 years. It’s a great bike, and has given me back my confidence. It’s easy to ride, but definitely not boring. It was interesting that you mentioned the steering lock - I am glad it’s not just me that noticed it struggles with tight u turns. 😬

Been on a lot of bikes and I still love wringing the neck of my 2006 thru the gears….such a fun motor

Had a 99 model and it was faultless ran it into the ground with 27,000 miles on it and never missed a beat loved it

I've got a 2009 SVs and it's been an absolute blast for the 6 years I've owned it. Bulletproof, cheap and easy to work on. Put a proper can on it (mine came with an M4), some decent tires and you're set. Bonus is I can sell it for what I paid for it after all this fun. Love these bikes.

This challenge is going to be great fun! I bought a 2019 SV650X about a year and a half ago, I love it. The only downside for me are the clip-ons, which of course is not a problem the standard model has. However, the dealership had an extraordinary discount on it, I really couldn't turn it down. It's a perfectly wonderful bike that does just about anything anyone could want. I can certainly see now why so many people like them. 😎

Just passed Mod1 with this bike, rides really nice. Bit jumpy on the revs and feels like an on/off switch but that's just probably my lack of exp. Good bike though. And good video :)

I remember these, I challenge you to ride one down to Faro to the Faro rally my miss's did with camping kit while I was on my V-Max with passenger and kit, hell of a laugh, I drag raced it and supermoto raced it a couple of times. Fun Fumn Fun.

Maaaan still waiting for the next episode!!!

SV650 ... I'd have another tomorrow... That engine though 😍👍

Loved the 30,000 miles that I did on my ‘99 with full Micron race system then my standard ‘02 that went to France, used the a686 ‘race track’ and would hit an indicated 147mph!! Never warmed them up and constant abuse and neither ever missed a beat. Just wish they had gsxr brakes and suspension and an extra 155cc and 30 extra bhp

I cant believe you didn't mention the TL1000 in the beginning ! Absolutely loved mine with some suspension mods.

Great review as always! When are you going to test the little Honda CMX500 Rebel? My wife has one and I can't stop pinching it 😃Awesome FUN bike 👌👊

Passed my full test on one !

Last December I ordered a blue frame SV. I waited 5 months, it never arrived. It was still cold in Idaho and the dealer had a black and blue new Z900 in the back. Couldn't wait any longer. Bought the Z and really am addicted to it. Still would have liked to experience the little Vtwin, before Suzuki reverts to parallel twin. They're like hens teeth . Suzuki doesn't ship many bikes here. Oh, well, maybe someday.

Good bikes with a bomb proof engine. They are not fancy, but they last and are fun. Even the Euro 5 versions have a nice sound to them.

Really looking forward to this series. I have a 2019 sv650x with a top yoke handlebar conversion. Please can you complete the series - BJ didn't.... Ride safe!

Good video :)

That's awesome that he got air under both tires. 😄

Love it Chris! Track days please! Would love to see what this can do on a track - guessing it will need rearsets….

I have one, love it. Lots of mods...I just keep it and whenever I sell a bike this one gets used. I suck at wheelies, lets see you do a stoppie challenge :)

Thanks for another great video. The SV650 is a fantastic bike and I’ve been riding them for years. I’d love to see you do a comparison episode between the 650 & the 1000. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Cheers. Stay upright. Peter👍👍

What about a Nurburgring leg? Kit it up, load it up and go play? Could get bike world fans involved..count me in 😁

Haha. I remember my '99 sv650 which was 'restricted' to 33hp, with carb slides I think I claimed. Great fun at 17 / 18 riding around on a proper bike. As long as you didn't crash it no police or any body were ever going to take it off you and dyno it or take the engine apart to check for slides. I can't wait to get another at some point.

Excited to see this series, but no wheelies! Anywhere I read says the oil pickup is not designed for it and you'll cook the front cylinder, so I never have on my Gladius and previously my gen 2

First bike 😊 new 2009 SV650 $4800 OTD I had the black one but got white plastics in tank n rear, duel white wheel strips. It was sweet looking n that V-twin sounds epic with full exhaust. 15 year 🐉Tail of the Dragon 🐉 👑local👑 FLAWLESS VICTORY 😎

I just got a 2017 sv with no abs and only 1.4k miles for 6k USD. I absolutely love it. It is a fantastic bike. Also my first so I know I don't know much about how different bikes ride lol

SV's are great. For me they bring the essence of a motorcyle. The Gladius was my first big bike. I had 2 and a SV650S. After owning many other bikes; last week I bought another SV650S as a commuting bike. I love the engine on these things.

It's that kind of bike that you only understand as good as it is after you've tried other. I had one between 1999 and 2005 and I regret selling it. Fun, fun and fun :)

Love mine 😍 it’s the same colour and the blue looks better irl.

Having ridden (and owned MAN many bikes), but not the SV lol, I CAN agree with the V-Twin approach to torque. Now, Yeah yeah I know, you shouldn't with the type of bike the Honda NTV650 is, but... Back on 2000, I worked for Daytone M/C in Ruislip, and, had use of a NTV650, and a mate on a '97 ZX6R, and we had loadsa fun through country lanes, tight turns and such, and even the heavy 'Courier' bike, the NTV pulled HARD out of corners and with right tyres leaned over and handled surprisingly well! I had some surprising times on that bike I can tell you, even Martin (ZX6 owner) raised an eyebrow at how much she could be 'Chucked about'. But either way, the sound of a V-Twin, the torque of the V-twin.. (and being a Kwak 4cyl lover).. IS addictive! 😏 😎🇬🇧

I am building a trackbike out of a 2007s.Comins from a ZX10 and R1,i am enjoying this a lot more,and they are extremely capable with the right mods

going from cruisers(largest one being a 1300cc), just picked up a 09 gladius 650, man what a quick little bike!!

It would be interesting to see how close to a (insert superbike name here) you could get, around the same track on this SV with a sticky set of tyres fitted.

Take it to Cadwell for a TD. it’d be great there. I’m watching with interest.