Where Have You Been Hiding? Suzuki SV650 Motorcycle Test Demo Review Ride 

It's a Ducati monster that's made in japan... total win.

Nice review of the SV650, IMO one of the most under rated little do it all bikes.

I have a 2019 ABS that has the upgraded brakes that Suzuki introduced that model year (or 2018?). Having ridding many bikes, including much more expensive ones, i always end up liking this the most. Looks great, not trying too hard to be retro, nimble but stable, fantastic engine, super reliable. I like the SV design because it does not look like an angry insect like bikes from some other makes. I love it every time i ride it. All the bike one ever needs. Add a fly screen if you are going for longer trips (recommend MRA). I dont know why not everyone is riding one : )

Now ride one with an after-market exhaust and upgraded suspension on curvy roads, and it'll show its true character. I've ridden it for 3 years and 15k miles, and am still in love with it.

It's a beautiful, proper motorcycle, with some retro flair!

Hey it's not ugly! :) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder right? I love this bike, I have 17 one. Using it for commuting and touring. About to start a 5200km round trip, can't wait! As one said SV650 is a Swiss army knife of motorcycles :)

I have the 2020 model and boy I love this bike. It’s truly a jack of all trades. Just rode it the other day and first time playing with a ninja 1000. It actually caught up to it rather quickly.

Had one for two years now, 30k km, love it as much as the first day, amazing bike ! Funny though, the looks are what pulled me towards this one. Loved the round headlight. Mine looks totally different now though, quite a bit of customization in two years haha

I,v had quite a few of these sv,s.got a 03 model tucked away in back of my garage with 4,000 miles on it!all the bike you,ll ever need really!

I enjoyed your vid...your 'pleasantly surprised' and enthusiastic reaction to the SV650 is very typical as so many people simply dismiss this gem of a road bike due to it's modest cost and displacement. I've yet to see anyone without an ear to ear grin after riding one for the first time. Iconic bike, really.

I was looking into the CB650R because I believe it's the best lookign of the 650s, but, ended up buying a new SV because of budgetary reasons (i.e CB is about 1200 more in my country). Man, am I ever glad I got the SV. It may look a little dated, and other bikes in the segment look better on paper, but the power and sound of that v-twin puts a smile on my face everytime I get in the saddle. Who knew, eh? Sleeper bike for sure.

Auto-generated actually shows MUSIC when the rider twists the throttle... Great job, Suzuki.

Shouldn't you be in the left hand lane if you're not overtaking ? So compared to your old Monster ? Thank you. I prefer the Susuki's looks.

Lane discipline, dude. You’re making our country look bad 😅

Great review, thank you. I’ve had one of these for a couple of years as my run around do it all bike, and it is truly bullet proof. A really great little bike, and a lot of fun. Interestingly, my wife bought a Z650 shortly after I got the SV, and the SV is definitely more characterful and reliable despite being cheaper. They are both good bikes, but the SV shades it. Thanks for sharing

Hogging the middle lane, isn't very observant either. Great review mate. 👍

I have a V-Strom 650. Essentially the same bike just taller and with a slightly tweaked engine for more low down torque. The engine is fantastic. Buttery smooth and refined. The SV650, like the V-Strom 650, is kind of like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord of bikes. Not great at anything but very good at everything. All the bike most people would ever need. (Edit- just got to the v-Strom bit!)

It's trying to be what the Bandits have always been: The dirt cheap Stoner Community College Student's best friend. The bike that always runs, does everything but nothing too well, the cheap to insure and feed bike that you could score on Craig's for half a pack of smokes and a $20 spot

I own a K6 GSXR-1000, a 1200 Bandit an Aprilia Tuono 1000 (if I ever buy a boat the Aprilia will make a great anchor...) and a "Gladius" 650. I'm actually embarrassed to state the name Gladius when I go-down to the local dealership and order parts. Great job Suzuki marketing WTF were you thinking?!?!? The bike has weak brakes, cheesy chrome handlebars and the motor feels like one notch above a Briggs motor. ......BUT.... every time I get on the bike; it's one of the most comfortable (from a rider's standpoint) bikes I've ever ridden. The bike is my daily commuter. It's never let me down. It's light. The motor works. The transmission is like butter. And it's fun to ride. One of my all-time favorites.....

thanks for reviewing this bike!!!

They do actually have the sv650x which is a cafe neo retro racer thingy, so I guess they cave in the peer pressure

Great review. Very informative and fun. You crack me up. Test ride a Kawasaki Z650 as a comparison to this. Love to hear your impressions.

I've had a number of bikes but must say the SV650 is one of if not the best I've ever owned and it really sounds good with aftermarket exhaust. Thanks for the review.

I really love how much you seem to love this bike. I had the Gladius, which was part of the SV family, although many would like to ignore or deny that, and it was great fun. They are just great motorcycles. If it doesn’t have it, you don’t need it!

Something I didn't catch was apparently Suzuki upgraded the front brakes and changed the position of the exhaust a bit for the 2019 model. Also, how dare you say it's not pretty to look at, I think it looks great. (as someone who used to own a '99 SV650)

They've just brought back the all black colour. I might consider one now - couldn't live with those red or blue wheels.

You've said it all, I would still buy this bike even after owning a VFR800 VTEC. Though you can't compare the two the fun I had on my SV650 will remain with me for a very long time, as you say the SV 65O is for the discerning. Miss my SV. For the record Suzuki is the pinnacle of technological simplicity concerning maintenence, accessibility and extreme reliability. Good show 👏🏼👏🏼

I love my 18 SV650... bike is good on everything... super reliable and CHEAP to maintain!

Thanks as always for the honest review. The best SV650 review I've seen. Of course, I've got to say, I love my Suzuki TU250X :-)

i own a yellow 2018 v strom....... the quite exact same engine........i m 50 and this suzuki is by far the best bike i have ever owned.......truly a joy to ride............i m in love with my v strom ...... i m sure the sv gives you the same kind of feelings

You just drove the entire highway in 4th and 5th gear. Am I missing something? Why?

Great review, I’ve been thinking about buying one for a while, but was always concerned about air buffeting as I mainly do long journeys, but was very surprised that a no visor bike has this mystical air pocket! Time to trade the old bike in.

I like the SV650. It's got a great engine. However it needs quite a bit of work to make it a practical all weathers bike. That seat would definitely have to go. The older model was better in that respect. Front mud guard is way too short to actually stop any road crap from being throw at the engine and there's no back one at all! That's one of my pet hates with most motorcycle manufactures. Does that radiator cap have a lock on it? Some spotty brat is going to walk off with it otherwise. Ideal styling, from a personal looks point of view, it would be late 1970s Ducati 900SS retro, though obviously not comfortable. Maybe the V-Strom would be a better bet.

This review is making me want to trade in my cb500x for the Sv...

If I was to get the red frame, it would be with this silver/grey model... although I reckon it might date with time. Prefer black frames with these sort of bikes, and a nice metalic paint on the body and tank. I also prefer the headlight cowl from the SV650X, looks cooler, and less like Bumble Bee in transformers.

The SV650 is like the wonderful woman you married that you want to raise your children compare to the super model girl next door you only want a one night stand with.

What did you think about the brakes? I think they are updated for 2019 with 4-pot Tokico’s.

I've owned that same bike for about 6 months. I agree with your almost your entire review. I can tell you that the clutch lever loosens up a bit with time, I remember in the beginning my left hand would be get really cramped after an hour but not anymore. The seat however has not gotten any better with time. The low rpm assist was ok in the beginning but I ended up disconnecting it after a few months. I found that it interfered too much with low speed maneuvers that it hurt more than it helped.

Good to see Dick have the classic SV650 “Ah ha!!!” experience. My 2005 Gen 2, with it’s short carbon exhaust, is a proper musical instrument.

You have a very down to earth style that I really like. I can tell that you were really having a blast on the bike. My first bike was a 2001 Suzuki SV650 S. I've ridden many different bikes since, my last being a Yamaha Raider S, but my heart has always belonged to that SV. I'm in the market for a bike again, and am strongly considering getting an SV. Thanks for the great review. Be safe out there and keep them coming. You've got a new subscriber.

Hands down the best value for money bike available today.... In every measurable motorcycle metric in makes the RE650 look stupid . Compared to the SV the Honda 500 series are bland characterless modes of transport .

Great video! I own the TL1000R, big brother to the SV line. There is nothing quite like the Suzuki V-Twin. Low end grunt, pulls like a freight train. Good stuff. Glad you got to ride one finally!!!! Keep up the good work!

It's that kind of bike that you only realize how good it is if you ride another one! I miss a lot my 1999 SV650 :)

I own it..and did r and g tail tidy...yoshimura...micro led indicators.......r and g crash knobs.....special Japanese edition roll tuck seat.....side frames... Small meter fairing.. ..tyre hugger......nice and love it...plus I also got given the original seat back by the dealer....the original indicators and the rear guard too....

Yeah but it might be adjustable, the clutch, to be a little more comfortable

great video and one of my favorite bikes of all time! just a no nonsense riders bike, glad you enjoyed the ride mate!

Thanks for the review. I've been interested in a SV650 for over a decade, but have never ridden one. I've only heard good things about them. I'm glad they're back.

I love the design because it does not look like an insect and unlike other bikes that look like transformers. It’s simple design and the design is functional, therefore you do not need wind screen. it has less electronics that tend to bog down overtime anyway. you want a simple life and very low maintenance costs? get a SV650

awesom bike

Honest review

Recently bought sv650x. The swan song to cafe bikes from Suzuki. I have a hard time getting off of it. I'm always disappointed that the ride is over. Like, I WANT to ride more, every time. I will say your point on the seat is very very valid. On the X it's not sticky, but it is still uncomfortable.

I've had a SV650S, a 650 V Strom and a 650 Gladius. I really like this bike and if I ever sell my Bonneville another SV would be on my short list. My only complaint was the Gladius seat was uncomfortable. I only ride solo so, for me, the 650cc engine is great for city or highway riding.

Love the review Dick, hey not sure if it's possible for you to get your hands on one of these, but it be great to see a review on a cfmoto 650nk. Not sure if that's there name in the u.k but there ment to be a really surprising bike out of China!

I've always liked the SV650, I could definitely see having one as a commuter. Aside from the exhaust you pointed out, the only styling complaint I really have is that they went away from the two piece seat. Either way, it'll absolutely be in the running for if/when I'm in the market for a middleweight naked bike.

I have always been attracted to this bike for the long history and the engine character. Another Suzuki I am drawn to is the van van 200 as well as the katana 1000. I know that sounds weird since they are complete opposites. Thanks for the great review.

This is a good looking bike , especially in blue and white

Red frame is gorgeous. I’ve had several Suzuki’s - T250,GT550,GS750,GS1000.

hey, you don't sound like someone who drives on the wrong side of the road

My riding buddy has a 2004 with 70k. Nothing but routine maintenance

Now ride the HONDA CB500X.

Never rode a Hayabusa? Oh man. You have to experience that Suzuki.

Thought it was a Ducati at first glance...

I had a '00 SV650 for a few years- loved it, crashed it, rode it some more. Then I got a '03 SV1000S. Modded it a bunch, added a top yoke and Renthal ultra low bars... and I STILL have it! 45K mi and still awesome.

Please ride Yamaha MT-07 and give your impressions and compare to Enfield Twins and SV650 and comment on which is more fun?

Never bored bike. Fantastic maschine for city and traffic roads giving lot of fun . Love My sv650s from 2004. Foxy red color and yoshimura rs3 make beatyfull job. Seven years with her and still is not to sold. Amaizing Overtimer.

I would love to see you get the X model. It would be interesting to see what the change to clip on bars has in the overall experience. Plus it's prettier.

Sounds very much like its sister, the DL650 V-Strom.

I got my Suzuki SV 650x ( 2019 with high handlebars), love the V90 Sound ( grrrrownd..) so nice, superb handling and 100% fun to ride to anywhere. Now after more than 11'000 km , still love at first ride❤

I don't agree this bike look awesome!

So much fun!!! Best Motorcycle in it’s class for the money...IMHO. I have a 2017 Suzuki SV650 and my son loved mine so much he bought a 2018 SV650. Only complaint is the seat. They have a tuck and roll seat that’s softer with a 5mm raise in seat height. May be a good idea to invest in one if you buy this motorcycle. Great review by the way!

great review, that engine is a real gem. Love it on my v-strom.

This bike with the color option tank/frame/rims is beautiful to my eye. Wow are those handle bars narrow. Is there a discernible excitement factor with the Ducati monster that the SV does not offer in your opinion. TY

funny how bike taste works...I've always been kawasaki, honda, suzuki and yamaha last!!! Suzuki has always been about functionallity.

Really did like my sv650. There is a semi cafe racer version, the sv650x?

As an owner of one, I can assure you that the seat isn't particularly prone to punctures and tears or wearing, beyond reasonable lengths. It is however a very uncomfortable seat (he mentions it near the end). For anyone new to riding, I'd strongly recommend this bike. "Coming out of warp"; exactly what I think of when riding

sadly suzuki stops painting white/red ... only blue gray/gold frame.

I test rode a 2018 sv yesterday and I really liked it. Only downside for me coming from my BMW was the very poor brakes, is this normal? I was coming from Brembo four pot and I saw the sv had 2 pot tokicos.

Great review, driving etiquette needs work.

Comic book store guy: Since my breakfast burrito is quickly congealing i'll get straight to the point. NO, this is nothing like coming out of warp as in said Star Trek universe.

(first time I've watched you) Really love your review. I want one of these before, but I really want one now. I know these roads well, by the way. Terrible choice of roads, but soooo much more interesting because of it. Thanks!

My F800 can run on the clutch with no throttle, I love twins. I'd love to pick an old SV1000, I think the older cast aluminium frame looks better on a Suzuki.

Hello Dick, the trellis frame was first brought out by Honda with their VTR250, then copied by Ducati.

Good review, you may have changed my ideas. I've been looking at the Honda CB650F, and the thing is the seating position with regards to the knees and wrists. Once Suz took the SV650 and moved the pegs back I lost interest although I thought the concept was good, but if it's comfortable I'll give it another looking at.

HMMMMMMMM. very interesting. because as I slowly let go the clutch on my 99' carb Monster400 its also "just pulls" from idle. I bet it have the same technology.

lmao from pov it literally looks like hes riding a huge American Chopper custom motorcycle the way that those handlebars extend so wide and high for a sporty bike :,) thats so weird but damn Sv650 seems to be the most reliable nifty bikes on the market.

I have one of these as my first big bike, had a 125 Yamaha for a few years to gain experiance on first. I love my SV its a delight to ride, great pull, good speed and a decent sound on a stock exhaust (though will be changing that as soon as i can afford it). First thing im doing though will be a custom seat, nice and padded as the one it has is rather hard.

this is the cleanest under skirt area of a bike I have ever seen. So do you ride this bike at all?

I just bought a 2024 sv650 and I notice I am not getting hammered by much wind either. Do you think that plastic fairing between the tach and the headlight (with "Suzuki" printed on it) acts as, or is, a meter visor and pushes the wind up? Let me know.

I knew i wanted a sv650 before watching this review, but now i just need it!

My first bike was a 2004 SV650s back in 2007. It was a great bike, and though ive had 600's and 1000's since then, its still one of my all time favorite bikes.

V-Strom 650 is the most underrated bike you can buy. The engine is a peach in both bikes.

A warm thank you from Chicago, kind sir. I really enjoy your evaluations and thoughts. I'm currently on a 77 BMW R100S, but boy some of these middle-weight twins and triples are really making a case to become its relation of some sort.

Suzuki have made some great bikes. I had the original TL1000S, a fantastic v-twin engine with so much character. I like this SV650 and its a good price, only £200 more than the RE Interceptor 650!

Great bikes, had a 2001 S model. My only gripe was the rider triangle, has that typical Japanese short seat to peg ratio. Brilliant engines!

I had a 2000 model SV 650 from new. I should have kept it, but I had the urge to get a Kawasaki ZRX 1200, so the Suzuki had to go. The ZRX was a great bike that I also should have kept. I also had a Kawasaki Z650. A few years passed between owning it and the Suzuki, but given the choice, I’d go with the SV. The v twin just has a better feel than the parallel twin in the Kawasaki. Both are fine bikes, it just depends on which engine design and feel you prefer.

Not trying to be anything else. Introduced in 1999 ,new frame and F.I. 2003 .

Personally? I just can NOT get past the econo lame suspension.....deal killer if you ask me. To win me over Suzuki would have to offer an up sell variant....maybe $2k more? Fully adjustable suspension and Brembos ....maybe a small fairing and just more premium controls etc...but as is? They can KEEP IT...

I bought a 2000 model SV650S after owning a GSXR750. At first I felt like I had traded a Ferrari on a family sedan but I soon learned to appreciate the sweet handling and that thumping mid range power. I did a ride day at Phillip Island and the only change I would like is a slipper clutch for low speed corners. I did over 200,000 km on that bike. It was completely trouble free. When I came to buying another bike recently I couldn’t go past another SV.

I bought the sv650 4 days ago the 2020 edition. l have allreadyy hit the 1000 km on the clock on Highway, curvy mounten roads and stop and go City traffic. She is my first bike ever and it feels amazing. I am 26yo about 1.95 big and about 100 kilos... and it just makes fun. pulls good and its pretty nimble. Of course i never driven a real fast bike lile a 1000cc or bigger but for me the sv650 is a good Balance for evrything amd for a good price ( atleast here in Austria) U can lanesplit easy, it pulls away from evry sporti car i met so far the look is just sexy in Black and Red. Only minor fault is the sound but that is a easy fix. i also have a civic fk8 2019 with somewhat around 320 hp and some tweaks. and yeah top speed is better u got an Radio and a waterproof roof but the bike is still more fun and nobody realy nobody wants to get in or on the bike like its with cars and those places for other humans how just fuck with the music or close the Windows onna hot day or give u tipps u realy dont care about.... u know what i mean. .... the bike even made me thinking about selling the civic cause that little piece of engineering gave me more love and excitmemt in the past 4 days than evry woman or car i had combind. Sorry for bad Englisch. Greetz from Salzburg

Some track riders I have great respect for, ride the SV650. I've always been curious to try one, but I love riding my 82 Suzuki GS1100G on public roads.