Suzuki SV650
Suzuki introduced the SV650 in 1999 as a budget entry in the emerging naked bike market and, as of 2008, offered both naked and fully faired. With a MSRP of $5999 in the US, the bike provided a sporty though easily manageable ride. The combination of light weight, rigid chassis, strong handling, and the V-twin's strong mid-range torque appealed to beginner and experienced riders alike. The first generation of the bikes aesthetics were modeled after the Suzuki TL1000S and that bike is still considered to be the "big brother" of the SV650. Currently Suzuki markets the SV1000 as the bigger alternative to the second generation SV650. First generation SV650's are sometimes called "curvies" to differentiate them from the more angular second generation SV650's, which are often referred to as "pointies".
The SV650 immediately became wildly popular, but American buyers desperately wanted to be able to purchase the sportier S-version that featured lower handlebars, higher footpegs and a small fairing/windscreen. The sportier version was only available in European and Canadian markets. The S-model was so desirable that American magazines had articles explaining how to import the S-version to the United States. In 2000, Suzuki began importing the S-model to the U.S.
Because of the relatively low purchase price and excellent handling characteristics, the SV650 became popular with racers and "lightweight twins" racing classes were reborn across North America when SV650's began winning against aging Suzuki GS500, Honda NT650 and the Kawasaki Ninja 500Rs that previously populated the class.
The SV650 was made profitable by Suzuki by scrimping on suspension and brake components. Racers and experienced riders frequently replace the undersprung and underdamped forks with inverted forks cannibalized from Suzuki GSX-R750's and newer Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6 636's. The fork upgrade also replaces the SV's two-piston calipers with more robust four piston calipers - some being radially mounted. Rear shock upgrades are also popular whether they are replaced with specific aftermarket replacements or rear shocks pulled from newer Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6 636's.
Second Generation (2003 - Present)
In 2003, Suzuki redesigned the SV650 with a new pressure-cast aluminium truss frame, new bodywork, new swing-arm with revised rear brake caliper mounting, new exhaust, digital instrumentation and a new electronic fuel injection/induction system to replace the carburettor. The new model failed to gain initial acceptance by new riders, largely because the new angular aesthetic looked more aggressive and visually larger than the "curvy" first generation SV650. First model first iterations also had a problem with cranks failing when raced or ridden excessively hard.[citation needed]
For 2004, Suzuki used a new, 40 mm lower subframe and a seat with a narrower design in the front. The trail was raised by 2 mm, and the rear fender was restyled to clean up the area under the tail lights and provide more protection against flying debris.
In 2005, the frame was changed from silver to a matte black finish.
From 2007, both SV650 and SV650S models offered ABS and twin spark plugs for reduced emissions.
As of 2008, alongside the traditional SV650 and SV650S models, Suzuki offer a new SV650Sport (UK) or SV650SF (US) model with a more traditional complete fairing. The SV650S has been removed from the US market.
Specifications[1]
| 1999-2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | |||||||
| Engine Type | 645 cc, four-stroke, liquid cooled, 90° V-twin, DOHC, 8-valves, TSCC | ||||||
| Bore x Stroke | 81.0 x 62.6 mm | ||||||
| Compression | 11.5:1 | ||||||
| Power | 71 hp (53 kW) @ 9,000 rpm | 70 hp | 72.5 hp (54 kW) | ||||
| Torque | 46.8 ft·lbf (62 Nm) @7400 rpm | 47.2 ft·lbf (65 Nm) @7500 rpm | |||||
| Fuel system | Mikuni BDSR39 x2 | Fuel injection | |||||
| Ignition | Digital / transistorized | ||||||
| 1999-2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | |
| CHASSIS | |||||||
| Frame | Aluminium alloy Oval tube trellis (silver) |
Aluminium alloy Truss (silver) |
Aluminium alloy Truss (matte black) | ||||
| Front Suspension | ? | 41 mm telescopic fork, 130 mm (5.1 in.) travel | |||||
| Rear Suspension | ? | Link-type single-shock with 7-way adjustable preload | |||||
| Front Brakes | Dual 290 mm floating disc | Dual 290 mm floating disc Optional ABS | |||||
| Rear Brakes | Single 240 mm floating disc | Single 240 mm floating disc Optional ABS | |||||
| Front Tire | 120/60-ZR17 | ||||||
| Rear Tire | 160/60-ZR17 | ||||||
| 1999-2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | |
| DIMENSIONS | |||||||
| Length | 2045 mm (80.5 in.) | ? | 2,080 mm (81.9 in.) 2,085 mm (82.1 in.) (S) |
2,080 mm (81.9 in.) 2,085 mm (82.1 in.) (A, S) 2120 mm (83.5 in) (SA, SF) | |||
| Width | 740 mm (29.5 in.) | 790 mm (31.1 in.) | 745 mm (29.3 in.) 730 mm (28.7 in) (S) |
745 mm (29.3 in.) 730 mm (28.7 in) (S, SA, SF) | |||
| Height | 1130 mm (44.5 in.) | 1060 mm (41.7 in.) | 1,085 mm (42.7 in.) 1,170 mm (46.1 in) (S) |
1,085 mm (42.7 in.) 1,170 mm (46.1 in) (S, SA, SF) | |||
| Wheelbase | 1420 mm (55.9 in.) | 1430 mm (56.3 in.) | 1,440 mm (56.7 in.) 1,430 mm (56.3 in.) (S) |
1,440 mm (56.7 in.) 1,430 mm (56.3 in.) (S, SA) 1,470 mm (57.9 in) (SF) | |||
| Seat Height | 805 mm (31.7 in.) | 800 mm (31.5 in.) | |||||
| Ground Clearance | ? | 150 mm (5.9 in.) 155 mm (6.1 in.) (S) |
150 mm (5.9 in.) 155 mm (6.1 in.) (S, SA, SF) | ||||
| Dry Weight | 165 kg (363 lb) | 169 kg (372 lb) | 165 kg (363 lb) | ||||
| - | 168 kg (370 lb) (A) | ||||||
| ? (S) | ? (S) | 172 kg (379 lb) (S, SF) | |||||
| - | 175 kg (386 lb) (SA, SFA) | ||||||
| Fuel Capacity | 16 L (4.2 gal.) 4.0 gal. CA. model |
17 L (4.5 gal.) 16 L (4.2 gal.) CA. model | |||||
| Oil Capacity | 2,365 ml (2.5 qt) | 2,365 ml (2.5 qt) | |||||
| Rake | 25° | ||||||
| Trail | 100 mm | 102 mm | |||||
| 1999-2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | |
| DRIVETRAIN | |||||||
| Primary Reduction | 34/71 (2.088) | ||||||
| Final Reduction | 15/45 (3.000) | ||||||
| 1st Gear | 32/13 (2.461) | ||||||
| 2nd Gear | 32/18 (1.777) | ||||||
| 3rd Gear | 29/21 (1.380) | ||||||
| 4th Gear | 27/24 (1.125) | ||||||
| 5th Gear | 25/26 (0.961) | ||||||
| 6th Gear | 23/27 (0.851) | ||||||
| Final Drive | #525 O-ring Chain | ||||||
| 1999-2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | |
| VALVETRAIN | |||||||
| Valve Angle | 14° Intake, 16° Exhaust | ? | |||||
| Intake Valves | 31 mm | ||||||
| Intake Valve Stem | 4.5 mm | ? | |||||
| Intake Valve Lift | 8.1 mm | ? | |||||
| Exhaust Valves | 25.5 mm | ||||||
| Exhaust Valve Stem | 4.5 mm | ? | |||||
| Exhaust Valve Lift | 6.1 mm | ? | |||||
Performance
| Model | 1999-2002 | 2003-2006 |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 Mile | 12.04 sec @ 107.22 mph | 11.82 sec @ 106.02 mph |
| 0-60 mph | 3.76 sec | 3.65 sec |
| 0-100 mph | 9.94 sec | |
| Roll-On, 60-80 mph | 4.44 sec | |
| Fuel Mileage | 45-55 mpg | 38-50 mpg |
| Range (exc. Reserve) | ~130 mi |
References
See also
External links
- Suzuki SV650S review Road test of the Suzuki SV650 and SV650S
- SV650 Forum
- Motorcycle.com 1999 Suzuki SV650
- Motorcycle.com 2000 Valuebike Shootout
- Suzuki SV400 and SV400S model history
- SVRider Internet Community
- Southern California SV Riders
- United Kingdom SV650 Resource
- Australian SV650 Resource
- SV 650 Site
- SV 650 Italian Blog
- Wiki SV, a French Wiki made for SV 650 and SV 1000