Why Suzuki Are Ditching Their Most Popular Engine! (SV650 & V-Strom 650) 

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I bought my vstrom 1000 2003 because I fell in love with the engine, 14 years later and still loving it.

Suzuki is not ditching anything, it only added some bikes that were missing in their portfolio using the MotoGP championship money. Both new DL650 and SV650 are already up in the 2024 catalog, thus being Euro5, they always said these bikes would be kept along the 8S and DL800.

I had one and have to say the V twin was my favorite bike. A real motorcycle feel with great tech and amazing performance.

Oh my god - I had an SV650, exactly the same as that white 'S' version you've got there, with the "bikini faring", (except mine was a deep blue). I loved my bike - it was one of the best I've ever had. 100% bullet proof, honest fun work-horse. It took me everywhere, from the daily commute to touring the whole of the UK. It was so extremely thin, you could squeeze through the tightest gaps when filtering. :) It was my first big bike, sounded great with a scorpion pipe on, and took good care of me. Nothing but fond memories. RIP.

Well, just recently the new head of Suzuki Germany, Kazuyuki Yamashita, said in an interview to MOTORRAD Magazine that the 650 vtwin is going to around for a long time. The magazine then goes on to speculate the new, recently spied bikes, might be new Bandit/GSX-S/GSR and DR models, to be positioned between the 650cc and 1000cc+ models.

The problem for me is that I find 4 stroke parallel twins utterly boring. Give me a V Twin, inline 4,V4 or triple any day of the week.

Yep, currently on a SV650 as my commuter, they are bomb proof. I’m on my 3rd, a couple of Gen 2’s and now a new one. It will be a sad day when they get rid of the V twin.

V-twins are inherently more expensive than parallel twins. Two head castings, two cylinder castings vs one of each. Modern offset crank parallel twins have the same power in a smaller, cheaper package. Loved my naked 650. Sorry to see them go away.

I had an SV 650S and a DL 650 and now ride an FZ-07. The V-twins were smoother and could pull better from low rpms than this parallel twin and the chassis was more stable, also. I am riding the FZ-07 because now at 73 y.o. I wanted a lighter bike and so went from 485 # on the DL to about 440 # on the SV and now to about 400# on the FZ.

This is why I rushed out and picked up a brand new SV650 last year. I figured it was just a matter of time before they "fix" what isn't broken and ruin a great thing. Super fun bike with a price tag that feels like you stole it.

Watching from Germany and really like your videos. Very informative and well presented. Great job 👍🏻

if V-Strom 650 doesnt have V-twin... it will stop making sense 😣😣😣

It has nothing to do with emissions. It’s cheaper to make a parallel twin then a V-Twin. One cylinder head instead or two, one cylinder block instead of two, one timing chain instead of two. There’s a reason the other 3 Japanese middle weight twins use this design. Another advantage, the parallel twin is easier to service, as getting to all the valves is easier. You can use one throttle body for both cylinders much easier then you can with a V-Twin.

If Suzuki wanted to sell more of these super smooth naturally balanced and beautifully sounding bikes, they should have made an SV650-R version with fully adjustable suspension. Giving it GSXR like suspension, brakes, electronics, and TFT would make it the ultimate SV650. The V-Twin is also incredibly narrow, which makes it easy for shorter riders to get their feet down and allows more movement on the bike. Not sure if it's the extra structure of the V-Twin engine, but the SV feels much more stable at the limit compared to the MT-07 as well.

You know, it seems no matter how hard we try we just can't stop meddling with things. That old saying, "if it ain't broke don't fix it" just doesn't hold any sway over people who insist on making perfectly good things either worse or forgotten, and replaced with something the tinkerers think is a marvel of creation.

I own an SV1000 K3 and absolutely love that bike. The way it feels and looks is just great. I have the feeling it will become a rare classic.

Only Stevie Wonder would think the Gladius should have been built in the first place. The longevity of Suzuki models has really helped Suzuk'si pricing and reliability.

Absolutely love the stunning looks of the Gen2 SV650. Beautiful bike.

Yep the 650 V Twin is an excellent versatile engine, But I totally agree with all you said about Suzuki dropping it, It just makes sense. I used to own a TDM 900 one of the first to incorporate a 270 Degree Crank. Way above its time that bike and I loved it and have been riding Twins ever since. It’s great to see a RU-vidr keeping it real and buying 2nd hand bikes, because let’s be honest, That’s all most of us can afford, Please keep up the reviews of the 2nd hand Market Much Respect Tim Sapper 👍👍👍

I bought a 22' SV650 this year and couldn't be happier. I get the argument about the P-win vs. the V, but, am glad to have gotten in on the fun while I still could.

Great explaining, thank you. 😊

If Suzuki gets rid of the fantastic and different L twin... it is going to be a bad move. Differentiation is a key factor, and that feature made me choose the SV rather than the MT07. I would maintain that power plant forever with the needed tweaks. It could be fantastic for a scramber bike, or even a custom style bike. They both could have a more premium price... and that gem engine.

dude the production and stats of this vid prove you need a mil subs - kudos to being so thourough

One of the problems with the V twin is cat placement, when the T7 was updated for Euro 5 the cat had to be moved closer to the engine exhaust ports to get hot faster. Cats don't work as well on v twins.

Still planning to buy the new Vstrom 650xt. I think they will only phase it out in Europe because of the emission standards. But here in asia, it's still selling like hot cakes for both models.

im learning on one currently so looking at buying one to gain experience. or what would you suggest for first bike after passing A licence (not after speed)

Brilliant content mate 🤟

I had its big brother, the SV1000 naked, probably my favourite bike out of the dozen or so I've had. Fabulous engine: beautiful noise when it came on cam. I always recommend the SV650 to new riders who ask me what they should buy as their first bike. I'm sorry this engine is giving way to the parallel twin but I can see the cost benefits for the mid-market. Being an old dinosaur, I ride a flat-twin roadster now, you can guess the make. It's well-engineered and the layout has a low centre of gravity, but for excitement I prefer the SV1000.

I really like the Gen 2 SV650 - your new bike looks great 👍

I've had a bunch of vstroms over the years (6 or so) and own one now that I've racked up 120,000 miles on. I love the bike but parallel twins just make more sense. I had a ninja 650 I converted into a dirt bike and that engine is so sweet. I hope Suzuki employs the same cassette gear box.

They just should have made a proper SV1000 instead of mashing up another mediocre mid-weight.

My 2005 Gen2 SV650 is THE perfect motorcycle, and that exhaust note is like music to my ears!

It's sad it is going. However a new 750cc naked bike, from Suzuki with a parallel twin interests me. It's main competitor is going to be the new Honda Hornet with the parallel twin. The MT 07 has had a fantastic parallel twin engine, that sounds as good as a V twin. So I'm optimistic.

I sold my vstrom 650 for a dr650 and regret it every day because I've gotten to the point of riding where I took my vstrom through the same thing I do on my dr sure it was more rough offroad and did hut the skidplate quite often but on the street it's soooo much better I miss my vstrom soo much and planned on buying another one but I will be getting used one because that v twin is what made the bike

Nice work Rob. Totally understand. I’m sure you’ll. Have a lot of fun on this.

My first 'big' bike when I passed my test in 1999. Was a new carb version & was a great engine at the time

Great video. Great work.

I have a 2008 vstrom650 fun bike and good engine. Is my vstrom engine much different then sv650?👍

Awesome! Love those VTwins

After this news, i decided to keep my 2018 Vstrom 650 until it dies which i know will never happen. I’d replace mine with a new Vstrom only if they keep the v twin with some more power, add cruise control, heated grips. It’d be epic if they make this combo and offer Vstrom 750 or 850. Suzuki should take lesson from Yamaha and listen to their customers more

The only reason I got the SV was because of the V engine. Now it's basically the same as any other twin.

Yes bought a gladius for my missus, looks like a poorly assembled plastic model kit. But it rides sweet! Nicasil in the bore lining, gsxr injectors to fix the fuelling grabbiness issue, thing pulls better than my old Zephyr ZR750. More adjustable suspension and decent brakes. With 22K kilometers at just under 40% of current model cost, great value! Change the headlight, remove or modify the plastics, tail tidy & can would improve the hell out of the appearance. Will I get around to it? Who knows, it's fun to ride!

Another great vid! I had an 03' SV 650 standard. Bought it used back on 2015 for $1400. It needed some TLC but had the full Yoshi exhaust which sounded amazing and cost nearly as much as I paid for the entire bike. Had the bike for 4 years and sold it but I wish I never did. If you can find some larger headers I highly recommend it as it makes it sound even more bad ass.

Sv 1000 was one of my best bikes, now i have a gsx 8s and boy i love it as it takes me back to my sv 1000 ducati 748 ang my mt o07, and last but not least sp1 all rwins and a tracer 07 and my tracer 900 , all had feeling and sound to die for and my 8s now is fantastic

Could that naked bike prototype shot be for the new gsx s750 well due an update? The frontal looks like the gsx s1000...

Well produced by an intelligent and knowledgeable host, sad to lose the Suzuki V-twin from the market.

Ay! Glad to see some love for the NC750

How's vibration between a 90-degree twin vs parallel?

I used to own an SV1000s. Probably the only bike I wish I never sold. Awesome sound from its twin pipes too.

Suzuki missed a huge opportunity to jump on the retro market with a proper cafe racer version of the 650. Yes, I know they had a "cafe racer" but it was basically a naked bike with headlight fairings...

I had an SV1000s for years and loved it. Too bad the 1000cc version didn't last. Now I have a DR-Z400SM, which is likely in the same boat as the SV...where it is past dure to be replaced.

I had for a second bike ( after owning a ninja j2 ) the 2007 fully faired sv 650s. Done almost 70k for 3 years. Daily commuter, couple of track days , long distance, done across Europe twice... for my height, very uncomfortable, bad brakes, patchy throttle response, not best looking bike... however there was something in it... this V-twin, the whole package, such an unpretentious machine. Quite economical, reliable, cheep to run. I have embarrassed many 100ps bikes ( or riders) with it. Now riding gsxs1000f with a fantastically smooth inline 4, probably never going back to such a tractor, however as mention earlier, there was something in this motorcycle. Very good video!

I just bought a brand new 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT. Still the V Twin 650 engine. Can't wait to get it.

I raced a 650 in the mini twins and it was a fantastic motor loved this bike :)

I think the parallel twin that is coming out is going to be a 850-900cc and I think they are keeping the 650cc v twin because Suzuki likes saving money.

270-degree P-twins have taken over especially in the performance area lately. Look at the Aprilia Tuono/RSV660, the KTM Duke 790 and Duke 890. The KTM Duke 890R in particular is a seriously high performing P-twin. They are the best of both worlds in terms of cost and performance. Honestly looking at the dynos and doing "blind" hearing tests you would be HARD PRESSED to figure out the real world differences between a V-twin and 270-degree P-twin. I think its about time Suzuki do something fresh, I'm also excited to see how the Honda Hornet turns out. All these new middleweight twins are gonna make my MT07 feel very outdated :P

It is a shame and if manufacturers are going down the parallel twin road I can only hope they put some effort into the visuals. The Kawasaki 650 , for instance, looks like it could have come from an ATV or snow mobile. Looks count on motorcycle. That would explain why those that pay homage to the full retro look, are cleaning up.

It’s so annoying that ever middle weight bike is going to parallel twins.

2024 model year introduced! So still around and we are happy for that!

270°cranckshaft: first time done by Yamaha on the TDM and TRX 850. I miss my 1998 yellow-silver TDM, tweaked-dynorun to +- 100HP iso 77. Never have should have sold it. But my 2015 MTS1200S is awsome!

Got a tl1000r, fantastic ride.

i've got the sv650 and then more bikes in between before getting an Mt07 after that i choose the V-Strom 650xt .. great handling and running bike ... it's sad they decided to ditch this engine..

i droved the z650 two years, was a great bike fun light power was the key words. So, i looked at the picture from the prototype and i saw that the front mnaks is from the 1000/950 gsxs. The Suspension looks the same as from 950 gsxs. I think the front fork and brake caliper are maybe the same. Rims and wheel as the same and the oil cooler behind the oil filter are 1 to1 replace from the gsx 1000

Suzuki have missed the boat with the SV and sat on its laurels for years. By this stage they really should have been pushing 80 -85HP had a scrambler, naked, retro, adventurer and sports versions all utilizing an update SV656 or SV660 platform. Oh what could have been.

Everyone seems to be abandoning traditional V-Twins in favore of 270° parallels, I guess those just have too many advantages?

I have a '19 VStrom 650 and I like the engine, but I'm looking forward to seeing what they come out with next. I'm looking for a midsize street bike in the next year or so. I hope they go ahead and jump straight to having a decent electronics package including cruise control. I insist on that for my next bike as I plan to tour on it. If none of the big 4 have a bike with cruise on it < $10K I will probably wind up with a CXMoto, which delivers cruise on a mid-sized bike for < $7000.

Thank you!

To all: I have owned over 100 motorcycles and the SV650 is high on my most favorite list. Think when I jump on this one and leave my Hayabusa in the garage. Nuff said.

I’m getting a low km 2012 model. Happy days.

I hope Suzuki pulls a Yamaha and gives their new P-Twin a 270 degree crank. It won't sound as agricultural as the 180 degree P-Twin in the Kawasaki Z650. They would also do well to keep the low RPM throttle assist. A nice feature for a somewhat entry level bike.

So what happened to this? Did it turn out to be just a rumor? The 2024 SV650 seems to have a V-Twin. Can you clarify? Thanks!

I loved my DL650, but I dumped it for my second time around with a KLR650. THE ONLY BIKE I GONE FOR SECONDS. My complaint of the DL650 was even though the maintenance schedule was much lower than some areas like valves than the KL650 the headache of opening and closing the DL650 was significantly more and the electrical system was more prone to failure. That is definitely not something desireable on the road or in back country. Thankfully, the day I went into buy a Royal Enfield Himalayan the dealer had just taken in a 2018 KLR650 with about $3000 of upgrade parts, detailed maintenance journal, original parts, and 1.5 years left on a factory extended warranty. The bike in 8/2/22 only had 3403 miles and it was pristine. I had told myself no more KLR650 as at 5'8" my 08 was too tall. I dropped three times in two weeks when I first bought it. But, the 2018 was short enough for me to get onto the balls of my feet and it is the last year for carborated engines. It was exactly what I wanted in a KLR. The previous owner had been buying KLRs since 1987 and his hip had finally told him no more tall heavy bikes. My blessing it is.

Wished Suzuki kept 45% degree and increased HP to 85-90HP.Kind of let down to be honest.I bought 1st gen SV650 new.Loved it.

Same with the beautiful Spada / VTR 250 motor. I had the 1999 gen one SV560s and my step up from my VTR250. Sweet motor and agree with everything you said about . 66 hp at the rear wheel on the dyno. fantastic brakes and after a bit of suspension work it was a lovely bike.

I must admit, I look forward to the new Hornet! Thank you mr Bob!

I have a 2002 that I absolutely love, I can't recommend them enough

Suzuki went from a 4cylinder in line for the Bandits and GSXR to creating a v twin to be the "poor man's Ducati" - and massively succeeded with it. It doesn't matter whether it is a parallel twin or 4, or a v twin, you have the same emission issues that all combustion engines have, and they already added a 2nd spark plug to each cylinder for cleaner burn. As others posted, it's really about just doing what the competitors are doing and saving $$ with parallel twin manufacturing savings. The real news is rumors that Suzuki and Kawasaki are coming out with old-school style inline 4 cylinders with the high RPM redline in some smaller bikes - like my 93 Bandit 400. Which just shows you it isn't about emissions or they wouldn't be coming out with new versions of older designs. I have both a 93 Bandit 400 with the in-line 4 and carbs, and a 2nd gen 2004 SV650. I don't plan to ever sell either of them. Too much character and fun.

I currently own a KTM 990 SMT and a gen3 SV650. Previously I also had a Yamaha BT1100 bulldog. Guess what are the similarities with all these bikes? A V-twin.

Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

What is the point comparing Triumph with modified exhaust against other bike with stock exhaust ?

Suzuki, didn't have problems with the v twin engine meeting emissions, it was getting too expensive to manufacture. They need to go to the parallel twins which is more economical to produce. They came up with a brand new parallel to replace it and lost one major selling point, proven reliability.

the first gen frame was designed by bimota. and suzuki outsourced the engine manufacturing to china. the gladiolus also came with a big heap of engine updates so its probably the best one if you can hold back the barf when you look at it.

The Honda Hornet won’t be LAMS so won’t outsell the MT07 or Z650.

Suzuki nailed the retro katana throw back look. I hope Honda does a good job.

the only thing I like to this SV650 is the v-twin. there is a lot of parallel twin out there with advance feature that I will ditch for sv650 engine only.

Suzuki is not ditching the v twin! 650 and 1000 V Twins will continue for years to come!

The ergos never fit, but I LOVE this bike. A red framed, red wheels version a few years back was sweet looking. It’s like the ultimate play bike for seasoned riders, or a great entry bike for newbies. 👍👍🇨🇦🤪

It seems we will have only 270 degree parallel twins from now on, all bikes sounding very similar. I am starting to be glad that I have 180 degree parallel twin :-).

If new Parallel twin SV-650 or Para-650(As a joke) sounds like MT-07, I will buy it for sure. Because I am going to buy a new Bike next year and i'm going to buy a SV650 bacause of it sound, performance/Price, Reliable and maintenance cost.

That's why they released a new colour scheme version for 2023 so they could maximise the sale before they releases the new parallel twin version.

Had a mk1 and have a mk3, awesome little bike.

My girlfriend has this bike. Absolutely fantastic bike. Solid, reliable and great handling

Suzuki let slip that this was going to happen in late 2020, I've been waiting to see what they turn out. Still am. The Vtwin was a joint venture with a Chinese company (Think CF Moto) so they are prob Sharing Dev. costs with a Chinese manufacturer this time too🤔. Let's see.

for me no diffrenc v or i as long as power torque displacement stay similar 🤷🏻‍♂️

Equal cooling and breathing ,equal exhaust length and bend therefore flow.270 crank gives 90 % V twin firing order and sound. Parallel twin sets lower in the frame giving superior balance .Simple a 270 degree parallel is superior for most uses .

Would love to see Suzuki go to a larger mid size (750cc - 900cc) triple.

Yeah right, like we really need another parallel twin at this point.

Done my DAS on a SV 650. Def like the punchy engine! Fun to ride.

Great track bikes thank god the used market is flooded with them