Rolling Thunder High Performance Toys: Test Rides: Suzuki SV650

Past Months Archives:

		Honda RC-51
		Triumph Speed Triple
		The Harley's Buell Cyclone vs. Triumph Speed Triple
		Honda VFR 800 Interceptor
		Suzuki SV650

		Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter

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Spotlight This Month: Suzuki SV650

by Peter Ludwig

    Thanks to Suzuki/Honda of Salt Lake we recently had the opportunity to take the Suzuki SV650 for a ride in Utah's canyons. You know, the ones that take you to the Snowbird, Brighton, Powder Mountain and Park City ski resorts. I also rode it down I-80 after doing the 78 mile Uinta National Wilderness Highway 150 cruise from Kamas, Ut. to Evanston, Wy. Riding with a group on bigger bikes, I thought I'd be struggling to stay with them, but to everyone's surprise, in the twisties, the SV650 proved much nimbler and quicker than the heavier machines which packed a lot more horsepower and torque than the SV650.

    At the heart of the SV is Suzuki's 645cc, liquid cooled, 90 degree V-twin. My understanding is that it's a brand new motor designed to be compact and light enough to fit in a 600-size chassis. So what Suzuki has done with the SV650 is put together a nicely powered package in a bike that tips the scales at 379 pounds, wet. Though I kept hearing comments of horsepower in the 70's, I would estimate that the power put to the pavement is in the high 60's. Also, high 60's horsepower in a package under 400 pounds provides for plenty excitement and fun as long as you keep the revs between 7,500 and the 10,500 rev-limiter.

    The gearing was right for quick acceleration, but in the mid-range, the power band just isn't there. Keep it over 7,000 revs though and the bike rockets away with a twist of the throttle. To complement the engine, clutch and throttle action is light and positive. The minimal instrumentation is acceptable, but the size of the tach and the electronic speedo could be switched.

    The aluminum, truss-type frame has some resemblance to the TL1000S, but it is slimmer and shorter. According to Suzuki, the thin-wall aluminum tubes are responsible for the low weight and help maintain exceptional torsional rigidity. The seat, at a height of 30 inches, felt a little firm at first, but provides for an excellent riding position for either a lay-down or upright seating position. With a little time in the saddle, the seat began to feel quite comfortable and its shape was just right for good hang-off positions in the more aggressive cornering maneuvers - the ones I took when I wanted to see the bigger, more powerful bikes shrink in my mirrors.

    The triple brakes, two stainless 290 mm fronts and a stainless 240 mm rear, do a fantastic job in stopping the SV650. This braking system helps a lot in getting deeper into the turns before having to start the slowing process, and helped to keep the bigger bikes shrinking in my mirrors. The Metzler ME-Z4 radials also contributed to the overall nimble feel and great maneuverability of this bike.

    Considering the power output, the contribution of the rigid, lightweight aluminum frame, the firmly sprung suspension and the superb braking of the SV650, it is easily understood why this bike is such a great ride. My only complaint, if it's even worth mentioning, is that I felt a need to keep the revs in the high range even on the Interstate, kind of like with BMW's F650. But when you consider all the positives, this minor irritant is almost negligible and could be tied to my riding style.

    In summary, the Suzuki SV650 is an excellent choice for those coming back to cycling, as well as those who want a reasonably priced canyon carver as well to ride to and from work. This bike is nimble, quick and great through the canyons. You could spend a lot more than the suggested retail of $5,699, but why, why, why? Priced a paltry $5,699, Suzuki's SV650 is a bike that make a heck of a lot of sense for a lot of people.

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