I thought it was about time that we had a model history of the SV650/s on this site. Don't know why it's taken me so long to realise this. I've got some of this info from 'googling' and my failing memory. Drop me a line if you spot any errors or omissions to john@sv650.org.
The outer clutch cover is plastic, which also helps reduces noise. Another design trick to assist in simplified maintenance is a 4.2 gallon gas tank that, similar to the hood of an automobile, pivots up and stays put with the help of a small prop stand. And, as on many Suzuki motorcycles, the passenger seat is easily removed with a key and has enough room to fit a small tool kit and a U-lock.
"This bike was designed to be an urban commuter that can do everything," the MO Editor remembered the Suzuki Press Rep saying. As a sporty urban commuter, the SV has little competition. With its less-than-intimidating styling and rider-friendly ergonomics (handlebars and relaxed footpeg position), the SV practically begs to be hopped on.
Despite the relaxed riding position ground clearance was excellent. Unfortunately the suspension could be better. The front forks are old fashioned non-adjustable fork oil damper rod types. The rear shock is a single, link-type progressive linkage with seven-way adjustable spring pre-load. Clearly these were incorporated into the design in order to keep the cost down.
Suzuki also didn't cut corners while developing a chassis to hold the excellent engine. Although the aluminum-truss style frame looks as thought it was borrowed from the TL1000S, it has been designed specifically for this bike. According to Suzuki, the truss-style frame, with its low weight and high torsional rigidity, takes better advantage of V-twin power delivery characteristics as opposed to the heavier twin-spar frames found on in-line fours. Although Suzuki wasn't confident enough in their design to incorporate it into the TL1000R, the truss frame is a great fit for the 650 engine. It's lighter and 20 millimeters shorter than the TL1000S frame, and it places the front wheel closer to the center of the motorcycle to produce quicker steering characteristics. folding, aluminum footpegs are mounted directly to the frame as well.
The SV650 is quick turning, to say the least. Because it's so light, 395-pounds measured wet, and the chassis is so tight, the SV flicks into turns almost effortlessly and holds its line. Remember that this is an unfaired motorcycle and the front end will feel a little loose when compared to a fully-faired sportbike, but it's still very stable. The SV650 flicks over so easily that at times the MO Editor had to ease up after going too far inside during a few turns. Increasing radius turns are a breeze on the SV. However, the suspension begins to feel mushy and the bike tends to wallow as it's pushed closer to a ten-tenths pace. Even so, the progressive dual front and single disc brakes rule and they'll slow you down if you find yourself a little overwhelmed.
Despite its entry-level price, the SV isn't necessarily a beginner's bike. It's an extremely light and quick turning motorcycle and throttle response is immediate and strong. But it's also forgiving and easy to ride.
The SV650 and SV650swas released in 1999 in Europe. The naked version of the SV650 is also sometimes called SV650N. I think Europe got Yellow, Red, Blue and Black. The blue was called Candy Blue Jay and only appeared for the 1999 models.
North America it was
available in two colours, red and blue, and only without the fairing.
The Canadians got lucky and also got the 'S' model. It was quite common
for US owners to buy their 'S' models north of the border and import
them back.
2000 Suzuki year code: Y
Suzuki made some modifications to the engine between the 1999 and 2000 model. An oil scraper plate in the earlier engine was originally cast into the casings but this was replaced in the 2000 model with a steel version that was bolted in place. During early production of the 2000 engine a number of bikes left the factory without the oil scraper and a recall was issued for those bikes to have them retro fitted. It was an odd change to make and it fuelled speculation that Suzuki were planning a 750cc version of the engine which required a bigger crank and therefore a smaller scraper. The only other changes I can think of are cosmetic. The light blue colour was replaced with a darker blue and the wheels got painted in graphite black.
2001 Suzuki year code: K1
From what I can remember, I think the only change to this year is the change of engine colour, silver casings with black outer covers. The red colour changed from flat red to a darker metallic shade.
2002 Suzuki year code: K2
Not aware of any major changes apart from the fork pre-load adjusters that we'd all been shouting for. Choice of colours extends to include silver. The yellow changed too.
2003 Suzuki year code: K3
A totally redesigned SV650 was introduced for the 2003,
simultaneously with its big brother, SV1000, the successor for the
TL1000. The SV650 got a similar new aluminium frame as the SV1000 and same
design. The engine delivers the same output as on earlier models, but
the carburettors have now been replaced by electric fuel injection,
featuring the Suzuki Dual Throttle valve System (SDTV) and Auto Fast
Idle System (AFIS). Also the
In spite of their identical appearance, the SV650 and 1000
have nevertheless each one a framework specific and dimensioned to
accomodate engines necessarily more or less bulky and powerful. Another
evolution of size, the SV650 has upgraded with electronic injection,
coupled to an injection of air to the exhaust and with a catalysed
silencer.
One notices the rather massive head of fork of the
SV650S and the curious bars of leds of the rear light. New is also the
instrument panel with the central rev counter, the window with liquid
crystals for speed, mileages, the temperature engine, the clock and the
indicator of reserve. Apart from the new appearance, the SV650 remains
very close to the old model (only the footing increases by 15 mm) and
quite as comparable with the SV1000
Engine type: Water-cooled 645 cc v-twin DOHC, 8 valves. 70 hp (51,5 kW)/ 9.000 rpm, 61,7 Nm/ 7.400 rpm
2004 Suzuki year code: K4
Changes for this year include Subframe lowered 40mm for more comfortable passenger seating position, more compact rear fender. The subframe also appears to be made of aluminium too. Toolkit under the battery box accessed from the outside. Like most of the '04 Suzukis, there's only the classic Suzuki "S" logo on the fuel tank, instead of the company name ”Suzuki”.Colors available: Blue, Black, Yellow. Slight increase in power.
Engine type: Water-cooled 645 cc v-twin DOHC, 8 valves. 72 hp (53 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 64 Nm/ 7,200 rpm.
2005 Suzuki year code: K5
Suzuki have followed the trend for matt black frames this year. Looks hideous to me, too much black. The small screen shown here may be standard in the US and yellow was not available in the UK.
2006 Suzuki year code: K6
Not much to say except just some colour changes until the next big makeover in 2007?
2007 Suzuki year code: K7
A lot of conjecture over this at the moment. There has been no announcement from Suzuki at the moment. The US version is reported to have inherited the same twin spark plug engine as fitted to the DL650. It also has an ABS option. No news of the GB version, except that the Suzuki GB website shows new colours and I can see an extra spark plug in the images. There is also a photo of the front wheel with ABS hardware fitted and a nice ABS sticker on the mudguard. So we'll just have to wait and see. John - November 2006.
2008 Suzuki year code:k8
Reading my comments above one 18 months on is interesting. The ABS and twin spark head never did appear and the model line up looked just like 2006. The only big announcement was for the special edition SV650s Sport. Basically the SV650s with a full fairing and tail cover. Perhaps a effort to give flagging sale a bit of a boost. It is a good value option though, as sourcing these parts separately would cost you more. The Sport model also appears in 2008 with some interesting colour options. John March 2008
2009 Suzuki year code:k9
I thought this year would see some major announcements as this is the SV's 10th Anniversary. The recent Paris bike show had Suzuki announce the Gladius which may or may not be the replacement of the SV650n. Suzuki US have announced that they will no longer list the SV650n, which makes sense as the two naked models are so similar. The only news I can see so far on the S is the photo shown below. Just another make over. The blue model has a nice white strip down the centre of the bodywork which should add another 10bhp. Note also the clear indicators. Have Suzuki have run out of ideas? Rumours are also circulating that the SV range will be dropped by Suzuki. I doubt they would do that, as it's always been a good seller. The SV range is not dissimilar to the Bandit. The Bandit has always been a good steady seller and has slowly evolved, I would have thought the SV would follow a similar path.
2010 Suzuki year code:k10
I'm not aware of any major changes from 2009. The only exception is that Suzuki reintroduce the semi faired SV650s
