COMMENTS AND INFO

"I am planning on buying an SV650 soon and would like to know how well it fits a rider my size. I am 6 feet 1 inch tall with 34 inch leg inseam and sleeve length and weigh 200 pounds. Anyone of similar size please give me your comments on how well it fits you.

Also any comments on passenger comfort (got keep the wife happy if ya want a new bike). Thanks..."

This is for the S model only...I can't comment of the unfaired bike...I'm 6 foot 1 inch and 210 pounds. the bike is slightly too small and would prefer it slightly larger, having said that the bike would lose much of it's character. It does not present a problem and it would not put me off getting another. The wind blast from the fairing hits me on my upper chest area and does not cause a problem with wind buffeting around my lid.

29/04/99 Also on the subject, from Criag (craigh@gate.net).....

"Help!
I'm in love with the sv650's looks, and the more I read about it in the magazines, the more I like it.
My problem is that I'm 6'3" and according to everything I've read, the sv650 is geared towards smaller riders, particularly women.
Can any tall riders who've ridden or purchased the sv650 reply with their feedback. I've yet to actually sit on the bike since my local dealer is currently out of stock, so all I have to go by are magazines and websites devoted to this awesome machine. I'd appreciate any feedback on this topic."

If you can comment and help out please do.....

UPDATE 04/05/99

Christopher (Christopher_Bibbs@compuware.com)...

"I haven't ridden on the back of the SV, but my wife swears by it. She likes it better than our old '75 CL375, '90 Magna, '96 GSXR-600, or '94 GSXR-750 (these weren't all my bikes, but she road as passenger on each one
extensively). The only complaint she's made so far is that on bumpy roads she gets nasty bruises on the inside of her thighs close to the knee. We're going to our first rally with the bike this Sunday (May 1st). Can't wait to
see what others think of it."

UPDATE 04/05/99

Maarten's (maarten@hekkelman.com ) changed his SV for something bigger, quite a bit biggger!!

"Read something about lengths and sv's. I just traded in my SV650 for an AfricaTwin because the SV is just too small for me (I'm 1,87m). When doing long trips of several hours I would end up with sleeping legs. Not funny.

Maybe good to put on your site. Longer people should ask themselves if they are planning to use the bike for long trips or just for fun. I hope to buy another SV in a couple of years as a second bike for the fun it gives. For the real work I needed something else."

"Yesterday I took delivery of a new SV650S in yellow. I also got a Kawasaki GPZ500s for the wife to ride.
Having looked at other bikes including the new CBR600 I decided to go for the SV. I managed to get a test ride at Alvins in Edinburgh ( very friendly people) who gave me a ride on an unfaired version. I was disappointed at other dealers who would not provide test rides. These include Honda and kawasaki dealers.

Having ridden the SV for 116 miles yesterday at 4500 rpm to run in and scrub the tyres I am very pleased at the handling and power to weight. I am 5ft 11 ins and 12.5 stone and used to ride a Honda ntv650 deauville
(which I sold recently), so I find the lean forward quite sore on my wrists and bum around 65 miles. (ouch).

I have sourced a manufacturer to make me two exhausts and pipework which will exit under the rear seat
aka Ducati style. He needs to see the bike and work out a template but he reckons a cost of around £500.00
I will also look at the possibility of a lower fairing so if anyone knows of a manufacturer please let me know.

By the way I had two false neutrals yesterday always in fifth gear going to sixth. Is this "normal??"
I`ll keep you informed as to what happens as I go on with the ownership."

I had false neutrals as you did but this has now cleared and I don't get them (1100 miles on clock).

If you know of a lower fairing for the S model then let us know although I expect a wait before we see anything...

"Kevin do I have good news for you !

The body work is by sharkskinz and it costs $810.00 for a full set. That includes mounting brackets and
instructions. The wind screen is being developed by zero gravity. The body work has the new belly pan and is ama legal. Call sharkskinz soon I am #15 on the waiting list. Approx time is 2 to 3 mos delivery time."

http://www.sharkskinz.com

Big thanks to 'brb' (buick@icx.net) for this information.

"Early next week (4/26-28/99) I'll be converting my US version SV650 to an SV650S. I was lucky enough to find that one of our bretheren was dismantling his Canadian purchased S version for racing use and no longer had use for the fairing kit and accessories.

I know that quite a few people have interest in this conversion and whatever potential difficulties may arise throughout the process. Stay tuned !!! "

"Yoshimura will have pipes available in two weeks, race and street. The street part number is SV 653-RRC (aluminum can) list price is $550 USD.

They will not sell a slip-on at this time. The prototype bike they received had a detachable muffler, the production units don't. Yosh will also have a race version available, same part number as above but just RR
on the end."

"This is a reply from Targa regarding their development of a fairing for the SV650. Just thought you might be interested.

-----Original Message-----
From: targa <targainfo@targa-acc.com>
To: Bill Ellis <bhellis@prodigy.net>
Date: Saturday, April 24, 1999 11:39 PM
Subject: Re:

>Thank you for your interest in a fairing for the SV650 Suzuki. We have >looked at the possibility of making a >small fork mounted fairing for this bike, but until we see that they are going to sell in reasonable
>numbers, we will hold off for now. Possibly in the future. You might check back with us periodically."

"The pics of your bike aren't bad at all. I've attached a couple of pics of mine for you to see."

See Tony's pics in the images section

"I just came across your site and was fascinated at all the information everyone has to share. I live in a small town 40miles outside of Omaha, Nebraska. Just the other day I went to the dealer in town that carries the SV650, they had the red and blue US model (non-fairing).

I read the Cycle World write up on the SV650 and they had a picture of the Euro version w/fairing. Upon asking the dealer about that coming to the states he said "he knew nothing about a different Euro version." I love the look of the fairing version but have no idea how to get one to the states legally.

One of the people that wrote to you said he was getting his shipped from a dealer in Canada, to him. How does this differ from trying to get a Euro spec. car to the states with all the EPA stuff etc.?

By the way the dealer in Omaha, Stevens Motorsports wants exact list on their bikes. $5699. Any help would be appreciated. I'm waiting to buy one till I can be certain a Euro version can be acquired. "

"Suzuki SV650 vs. Honda VFR750

I (to make a long story short) traded my VFR750 for a SV650 today. Here is my story:

THE RIDER: 35 year old safety weenie. 235 pounds, 6' tall, 2' wide, 30" inseem. (Picture a gorrilla wearing an Aerostitch suit.) 7 years of riding experience. Honda loyalist (has owned 3 Honda bikes, 2 Honda cars, 1 Honda hat). One bike man. Has previously owned (in reverse order) a Honda CBR600F2, a Honda CB1, and a Norton 850 Commando (when he was stupid).

THE BIKES:

96 Honda VFR750 with 12,000 miles. Yoshimura slip-on with quiet ZPS baffle. Heli Modified touring bars.

99 Suzuki SV650X with 8 miles.

THE RIDE: Our man's daily commute home from San Rafael, Marin County, California, to the Haight Ashbury district of San Francisco. 20 miles total. Weather is perfect.

THE STORY:

Getting from the parking lot to the freeway reveals that (surprise!) the SV650 is corners like a champ. The VFR750 insists on being thrown onto the on-ramp. The SV650 needs no such encouragement. Two other facts become apparent:

1) the gearbox is much smoother on the SV, and

2) the SV's breaks are nowhere near as good as the VFR's. I almost never use the rear break, but I need to on the SV when a quick stop is called for. I make a mental note to buy new brake pads at the earliest opportunity.

After zipping onto the freeway, it quickly becomes apparent that the (contraversial) mirrors on the SV don't cover a lot of real estate. I need to turn my head much more before changing lanes. But turning my head is much easier with the SV's upright riding position. The image in the mirrors is crystal clear, by the way, as the engine is smoother than I could have hoped for.

Ten miles later I find myself asking myself, "how come it's so quiet and peaceful here on the freeway traveling at 70mph on an unfaired bike?" No fairing means no fairing-created turbulence. My anxieties about not having a fairing are allayed -- this is much better. (Ask me again when it's raining.)

Another observation: my (kids: don't read the next two words!) prodigious buttox is not riding as comfortably as it was on the VFR. The seat, while well padded, is narrow (well, it is a narrow bike). My much-operated on knees are feeling just fine, as the leg room is slightly more generous than the VFR's. I take a vote: knees, "yea", wrists, "yea", back, "yea", butt, "nay". The "yeas" have it, three to one.

After about 15 miles, the real test is upon me: traffic slows to a crawl on the approach to the Golden Gate bridge. I must lane split on a curved uphill for about half a mile, through the narrow, pitted lanes of the Waldo tunnel, on a curved downhill for another half mile to the bridge, and then accross the majestic, narrow, and dangerous lanes of the Golden Gate Bridge, itself.

This is where the SV shines on like a crazy diamond. THIS THING SLICES, DICES, AND MAKES JULIENNE FRIES. The mirrors, while being less than ideal for normal freeway driving, are ideal for lane-splitting. Not only are they placed close in, but their height is perfectly between car mirror height and truck mirror height. I find myself riding between panel trucks that I would shudder to WALK between. Swerving through a gap to another lane is smooth and swift, whereas it used to be the scariest thing I would do on my 500 lb VFR.

It costs $3 to cross the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. This is the downside to relying on tourist attractions to serve as the infrastructure of your daily commute. Luckily, if you pass through the toll booths between the hours of 4 and 6, motorcycles cross for free. On the final approach to the bridge, I check the bike's dash clock to see how I'm doing for time. One problem: the SV has no dash clock. Or gas guage, for that matter. And, while we're at it, it has no center stand. (At least the Hawk 650 has a center stand to hang its hat on...)

The rest of the ride took my accoss 4 miles of city streets. Was traffic bad? I don't know; I frankly don't remember, even if it was only hours ago, because TRAFFIC WASN'T MY FRIGGIN' PROBLEM!!! On the SV, traffic is for the sorry bastards utilizing other, inferior forms of transportation.

THE CONCLUSION: The VFR is a great bike. It is, in my humble estimation, as good as to be ranked the second-best motorcycle in the world. The SV is a promise fulfilled after years of insane roving through the wilderness of sadistic race-bikes, bloated cruisers, retro-retread parts-bin crap, and monuments to bavarian marketing excess posing as motorcycles.

The SV is the Real Deal -- The Truth -- The Bomb -- the Platonic ideal of a motorcycle. If you're rationalizing owning anything else, then I just feel sorry for you."

You like it then?  Thanks for this Vonn.

UPDATE No. 1 .........

"Coincidentally enough, I ran into another "recovering" VFR rider today who had bought an SV from the same dealership. He, too, had worshiped the False V-4 God, but has seen The Truth. Hallelujah!!!"

UPDATE No. 2 .........

"As I noted in my rambling exposition, the seat is the weak point of this truly magnificent bike. I looked at the Corbin web site to see if they plan to make a saddle for it, but there is no evidence that they will. However, there is a form on the site to request they manufacture saddles for particular models. If you have a couple of seconds, please fill this out!

http://www.corbin.com/new/mrequest.htm

There you go, if you want the choice of an aftermarket seat then request it on the above URL.

"Hi there and thanks for maintaining such a useful site. I can't tell you how many people I have referred to your address when they asked  what bike I was getting.

I just picked up my new 650S (I live in Toronto) two days ago, and had a strange thing happen. The bike just died on the way home from the  dealership - seems the battery was dead. So I bought a trickle charger
and charged the thing for 10 hours and it worked fine for another 20 minute ride and then died again. What a pain! The second time I got  stranded and had to have my bike towed back to the shop to hopefully
get fixed before the weekend is over. I hope that this is not an indication of what Suzuki workmanship is like.

That said, though, the 30 minutes of riding that I did have were great. Lots of "Hey, Nice Bike!" comments, and I was impressed with the handling. I have to agree with others on the somewhat odd position of the shifter, but I'm already getting used to it. Can't wait till that first oil change is done!

Any word yet on what a good aftermarket pipe might be for this thing?"

UPDATE...see 06/05/99...

"I dont know of any SV clubs but if paul or anyone else feel like i ride up to Box Hill im on for it. I live fairly close and have just been waiting for some good wheather to try it out. Anyone who wants to come along
feel free to mail me"

OK Ian, stupid question but where is Box Hill, exactly?

I want brighter headlights. Phillips produce a Premium bulb (£9.99 each) that is claimed 30% brighter and also a Blue Vision bulb (£13.99 each) that has a blue filter and is more noticable, claimed brighter too, than standard.

Can I safely change the current two 45/45W headlight bulbs on the S model for two H4 type bulbs (60/55W)? I guess the wiring loom is the same as the unfaired model and that uses one H4 bulb as standard. I haven't yet chacked the current bulb fitting so don't know if a H4 type connector is the same.

Will the two higher wattage H4 bulbs fry my wiring/generator?

"Just a thought...

I'm new to biking (passed my test 3 weeks before getting my Sv650S) and wondered
if there was any sort of owners' club yet.

Would love to get together for a blast when the weather's good, maybe down to Box Hill en masse?

Trying to get my mates bitten by the bike bug but so far to no avail."

Here's some photo's of Paul's yellow S model http://www.plymouth-argyle.demon.co.uk

I haven't heard of a SV club yet, I'm not part of Suzuki owners club either. Anyone know if the Suzuki UK club would hear about an SV club first?

"Great website! Simple and effective.

I'm Jason from Vancouver, Canada. My brand new SV650S was delivered to me recently and my first impressions are really good. I've ridden only three times so far, so I think I'm still under 100kms.

I hear the clatter that Chris was mentioning in his comments of 1/4/99. For me it occurs between 4500-5000 rpm, but not very noticeable. Did Chris figure out the problem?

Chris - did you???

Pricewise, I won't mention names, but I've heard of more than one local dealership letting their bikes go
for $7300CDN (not incl. F&PDI or tax). Those dealerships also happen to be sold out currently."

"TO any Canadian --

I have heard that Targa is going to have a fairing on the market for the American SV650, which I assume will simply fit over the existing single headlight.

However, I really like the way the Canadian SV650S fairing looks. Could anyone give me an e-mail address for a Suzuki dealer in Canada who would sell me parts for an SV650S fairing? (I know I would need the dual headlight kit, etc, too, to make the conversion). "

"Not sure if this made it through. My SV650 is still in the shop, if you wreck one prepare for a long wait on parts. The gas tank is back-ordered until mid-May.

E-mail address is bsbullers@worldnet.att.net

I really really want to ride my bike."

"Using the information from Eric Stratten's page:

http://userdata.acd.net/stratten/sv_import.html I have finally gotten word that my SV650SX is en-route from Canada.

I live in Phoenix, Arizona and the only thing that differed from Mr. Stratten's instructions was taking delivery. Since I can't go to the dealer, I had to arrange a freight company. I originally called the dealership that Mr. Stratten purchased his SV from, and they had a red SV to sell me. Unfortunately, I had not gotten a broker or a shipping company in time and they sold it.

It quickly became apparent that it was going to be very difficult to find another red SV. I wound up calling several dealers in Ontario and British Columbia. I found a dealer in North Vancouver, BC that was willing to sell
me the bike for $7000 CANADIAN. When I wired the funds, $7000 Canadian equated to about $4600 US. The dealer in my area was asking $5500 for the unfared U.S. model!

I expect my crated bike next week. The broker wound up costing me $125, the freight cost with $5K insurance is $425 (which is actually a little high). Although it was somewhat of a time consuming event, I saved a bit of
money. Keep in mind, I didn't have to pay taxes either.

Here's a comparison:

Buying it locally in Arizona (Unfared U.S. Model):

BIKE $5,500.00
SALES TAX (7%) $ 385.00

TOTAL COST $5,885.00


Buying it in Canada and shipping it:
BIKE $4,600.00
FREIGHT $ 425.00
BROKER $ 125.00

TOTAL COST $5,150.00

As you can see, I saved $735. More importantly I got the bike I really wanted and I didn't settle. If anyone has specific questions on how I completed the process, email me and I'll be happy to share."

HUGGERS - No details displayed but the entry is listed.

TANK GUARDS (protect from scratches) -    No code listed - Price 16.99 UK Pounds.

YOKE PROTECTORS (carbon fibre) - No details displayed but the entry is listed  in two places.

HEEL PLATES (carbon fibre) - Code FL-Y8970 - Price 39.99 UK Pounds per pair.

HEADLIGHT COVERS (various colours) - No code listed - Price 19.99 UK Pounds each

WINDSCREENS FOR SV650S ONLY (various colours) - Code SN-S39 - No price listed

WINDSCREENS FOR SV650S ONLY (Double Bubble screens) - Code SN-S39DB - Price 39.99 UK Pounds for clear, 46.99 UK Pounds for various colours.

MPS have a web site but, as of today, it did not appear to be available:

http://www.thefastone.co.uk/

I'll post further modification information as and when I get it.

Kevin.

PS....running-in is now complete for me, just need some decent weather.......

"I have recently purchased a blue SV650, and love it! It's like my Hawk but with 10 years newer technology. The SV650 seems to be getting harder to find at dealerships here in Ohio, too.

Has anyone else heard rumblings about Suzuki coming out with a fairing for the American version of the SV650? If so, I hope that it is similar to the fairing on the Canadian SV650S. Anyone heard anything definite?

By the way-- nice website; very informative."

Thank you Virginia.

"I just picked up my new yellow SV650X last Friday. It's the first bike that I've ridden/owned for about 13 years, but I'm beginning to get the hang of it again :-). I've put some photos on my web page which might be of some  interest, mainly because it has crashbars fitted. I had no idea what the   crashbars would look like until I picked the bike up, but I'm reasonably happy with them."

http://www.robichaud.freeserve.co.uk

"Out her in California, my local dealership is selling the bike for the suggested retail of $5699. However they are becoming quite hard to find. The  dealer said he sold out of all of the bikes he ordered, and does not know
when he can get a new supply. "

"I picked up my SV650S on March 31 and have not found anything I don't like about it, except you can only use about half of the mirrors ( your arms take up the other half ). I am looking forward to the end of the break in period so I can see what kind of power the bike really has. So far it sure does look promising.

I live in Cottam Ontario, Canada and at the time I picked up my bike there were only twenty red SV's left, all the yellow one's are sold out. My dealer said they had no idea these bikes would be such a hot seller. I would also like to thank you for all the information your site has given me, it the best one I've found.
Please keep up the good work!
I'll try.

P.S. I have not been able to find a full road test on the SV650S could you let me know if there is one and how to find it."

The fullest road tests I've seen have been posted here, the general biking press has featured the bike quite a lot since it's launch so check out your local magazines and keep scouring the web too!

"For Ontario Buyers, there are two Sv650's available in northern ontario.

Both yellow, One is at the Sudbury Suzuki dealer one at the North Bay dealer But you better move quick. At the canadian price there a real bargin for Americans. I've got a Red one, beautiful bike does everything well.
A future classic. Love it. George Sudbury."

"Just had 1000km service on my SV650S. The freedom to rev to 8000rpm is a revelation! The rush when you hit about 6000rpm was a surprise, after having ridden Ducatis and Moto Guzzis which go flat at these revs. It's nice to have such good torque down low and still have oomph up top if you feel the urge. I unexpectedly discovered that if you hold it open in first up a gentle incline, the front wheel elevates at about 6000rpm and keeps on going up at a steadily increasing rate! Good thing I was ready to back off at 8000rpm. I guess the
naked SV is even more prone to hoist the front end. Fuel economy plummets with such foolishness, and my tank range (to flashing light) dropped from 230 to 190km.

I have a few questions:

Where can I get a high-resolution cut-away picture of the engine that I can stick on the wall?

Try Suzuki Austrialia HQ? I don't have number but you should have in your bike documentation.

Is the information that the press receives about the SV available to the "real world". The various magazine articles each have little snippets of info, but I suspect there is more out there.

Not sure I understand your question fully but each report will be different and the reporters naturally have their own likes and dislikes. The aim of this web, and others such as this, is to present all the information that I know of and then for you to make of it what you will.

What sort of life should I expect from the camchains? I guess it would be good practice to replace them every 50,000km. What would be involved in replacing them?

Don't know - any offers?

Has anyone discovered the real cause of the hunting at 3-4000rpm under light load? I suspect a lean mixture to get around noise tests. Has anyone found a cure? My dealer checked the mixture with his exhaust gas analyser, but reckoned it was spot on. He tried closing the spark plug gap to the minimum 0.028", but to no avail. If some countries don't have this problem, what's different with their bikes?

My problem with the hunting seems to be getting less the more miles I add, it isn't gone but it is less noticable, maybe I'm getting used to it? My dealer could find nothing wrong at first service.

Thanks"

UPDATE - SEE 22/04/99 !

"I was wondering if I could put a 55/100 Watts bulb in my SV650N in place of the stock 55/60. The fuse seems to be able to handle it (15 amps) but I don't know about the wiring and the battery."

"I live in the US (Kansas City, MO) and was wondering if your readers would share how much they paid for their bikes."

Here is the UK the offical on-the-road price is near enough £4600 (UK pounds). Buying from a parallel dealer can reduce this price by a few hundred pounds but the bike will not be offical UK import.

I guess you were after US prices specifically?

12/04/99 UPDATE from Christopher (Christopher_Bibbs@compuware.com) in the US......... 

"Just to give you an idea on pricing, I was quoted a range of prices (9 dealerships) from $6000 - $6300. I took it from one of the dealers that offered the even $6K and now he's kicking himself because he got 6 inquires
in the two weeks from when we agreed on the price to yesterday. Guess there aren't too many left in SE Michigan."

"I've recently purchased a sv650x and am interested in installing a windscreen. Does anyone make an aftermarket windscreen for this model yet, as far as you know?"

If you have any new information please send.

"I was looking through a Dennis Kirk catalog I just received in the mail and noticed that Yoshimura has a slip on muffler availible for the sv650. Part # 44-5356.

I didn't know if you were aware of this or not, but maybe you could pass it along to other SVaholics! The price
is listed at $275.99 here in the U.S."

There seems to be quite a bit of interest regarding end cans and complete systems. If you have any new information please send.

"Does anyone know the best route to go to convert a Canadian model SV650S speedometer to read in MPH? Is there a dual range speedo?"

If you can help.........

"I bought bought my SV in February. I put 250 miles on the the bike and then decided it was time to change the pipe. So I sawed the stock pipe off at the weld below the right rear set. I then welded on a Micron pipe I had, This was a high pipe that I had purchased for my Ducati.

I also did a before and after Dyno run...

The Dyno run before I modified the pipe was 66hp, the Dyno run after the modification was 68hp, with 49ft/lbs of torque. @ 9500rpm"

http://userdata.acd.net/stratten/sv_import.html

"I think I'm the first SV650 owner in Arkansas. I retired my 14 year old Honda VF500 and purchased the Suzuki on March 18. 30 miles later, on March 19, I laid it down in an unimpressive low-speed accident.

The bike drops nicely. Foot pegs snapped cleanly and the turn signal dangled yet remained attached. I recommend dumping it on the right side as the exhaust would have probably prevented the tank from getting caved in. The comfortably wide bars did prevent any damage to the frame and engine casings.

The bikes light weight enabled me to quickly pick it up and hobble off the road before being run over. A very useful accessory is USAA insurance, who didn't even blink at the $3000.00 repair bill, and replaced my helmet and jacket. I'm interested in other's impressions of wrecking the Suzuki SV650, it's a very new model to the U.S. so input on this subject has been hard to come by.
Bob"

Ouch..

If there is anyone out there who has first hand experience of crashing an SV, and the subsequent rebuild / replacement, let me know.

"1/4 mile: 11.85@110.17mph
0-60 3.20 sec.
0-100 8.76 sec.
Top gear time to speed: 45-60 mph 3.27 sec.
60-80 mph 3.90 sec.
Measured top speed: 128 mph (no fairing)
Engine speed at 60 mph: 4273 rpm
Fuel Mileage High/low/avg. 51/43/46
Avg. range inc. reserve: 193 mi.
Braking Distance: from 30 mph 27.16 ft.
from 60 mph 118.36 ft.
Weight: tank empty: 392 lb.
tank full: 417 lb.
Corrected rear wheel horsepower: 64.2 @ 9000 RPM
torque: 42.3 @ 7200 RPM"

"A question to the Collective Wisdom of this group. Does anyone know what the factory recommended fork oil weight and volume is for the SV650.

Before installing G/V Emulators and straight weight springs in the front forks, I'd like to play with the fork oil and spring pre-load first.
TIA"

Greg - I noted your comment regarding a FAQ page....I'll see what I can do.

"My SV650S (the first in Western Australia) came in on Tuesday 23rd (mybirthday!), and it was love at first sight! The blue just looks gorgeousin the flesh (the red's a bit bland). Photos definitely don't do it justice. Amongst the sea of boring red Ducatis at the bike shop, it certainly stood out from the crowd. It makes a 996 look outated! I was sold on looks alone, but I took it for a test just to be sure.......

First impressions:
Head down, bum up! The seat is quite high and the bars low, although compared to other sports bikes its not half as bad, but I'm just not used to it so my wrists and neck were suffering a little, but my body is adjusting well. The seat is shaped strangely, but is reasonably well padded. I'm 6 foot tall, but find it more comfortable around the city crammed against the tank (the shape doesn't tend to "strangle" certain areas like almost every other bike I've owned!). Sitting further back seems to lift the knees making me sit on the bones of my bum. I
actually wouldn't mind the footpegs back a tad so that I sit a bit on my legs as well. But, really, it is quite comfy.

The motor makes a surprising amount of clatter (my CX650 was much quieter). Under load, between about 3 and 4000rpm, there is quite a loud clatter, seemingly from the left of the front cylinder. At first I
thought it was detonation, but I'm now convinced it wasn't. I've run leaded fuel in it and that made no difference. It sounds a bit like the piston slap in my Dad's 1958 Matchless! Has anyone else experienced similar noises under load?

The exhaust note isn't as feeble as I thought it would be, so it could be quite easy to live with. It sounds great on the over-run and changing down. But a louder pipe is definitely next on the list. The motor is just what I've been looking for. It's very punchy from idle with good torque up to 5000rpm (the max until 800km), but just
before 5000rpm everything seems to smooth out and build up making it hard to hold it back. Rapid acceleration is easy even at such low revs, although only 105kph is the top speed for now! Cruising at about 70-80kph in top gear, it tends to hunt a little, so some fine tuning may be in order.

I've gone through one tank so far and got about 230km before the fuel light started flashing . When I filled it up it worked out to 20km/l, which is not bad considering my spasmodic use of the throttle as part of the running in procedure.

The gear lever seems a bit close to the footpeg and I sometimes have a little trouble getting my foot under it with steel-capped boots on. The rear brake lever is a bit too close to the centre of the bike and on a couple of occasions my foot has missed it completely! I'm sure I'll get used to it. The gearbox is quite good, but the lever action is a bit "notchier" than I expected. From what I've heard it should smooth out once run-in.

In all, I am very, very pleased with it. Thanks to all those people who replied to my previous queries.

Thanks"

Thanks to you...

Tank capacity = 16 litres

Full tank to flashing warning = 160 miles

Flashing warning to constant warning = 25 miles

14.5 litres to fill tank from constant warning (agrees with claim of 1.5 litres remaining from constant warning to empty tank)

The fuel consumtion must really take a hammering when on full power because the quoted tank range was 133 miles and yet I've had 185 miles (to constant warning) during running-in. Maybe it's more than 133 miles for normal full power riding and the magazine testers, as usual, were thrashing the bike and thus got a lower reading.

So that's 12.7 miles/litre meaning you've got about 15 miles (at sub 5000rpm) to find fuel once the constant light remains on.

If anyone can give more accurate figures and a figure for 'normal riding' tank range after running-in period please do. I use TRIP B as a sort of fuel gauge so any other figures to use as a comparison would be welcomed.

Thanks, Kevin.

PS...during first week of owning bike I had black paint chip of bottom of engine casing at front (below oil filter) where stone chippings would hit :-(

"As the owner of a HawkGT, amongst other bikes both current and previous, I think the new SV650 is right on the mark. It sounds as if it has all the right things that are too expensive to fix (wheels, frame, brakes,
rear shock, etc.) in the right amounts for most people, while only cutting corners on the things that can more easily be upgraded, such as the front fork(vis-a-vis different springs, spacers, fork oil weight, or cartridge fork adapters). With the exception of a centrestand, it sounds almost perfect, although I guess you could always buy a racestand....

One thing I am perplexed about, however, is many people in the motorcycling press who prefer the naked model over the half-faired version simply because of different gearing which gives the naked bike more oomph off the bottom end. Seems like a no-brainer to me - either change a $15 countershaft sprocket and get more zip from your SV650S, or shell out hundreds or more for a fairing and clipons for wind protection on your SV650.

The S model is only marginally heavier by a few measly kg, and if you want your SV to steer quicker, raise the fork tubes in the triple clamps a few mm or take a performance riding course and learn how to improve your own riding skills. Better yet, do both.

Have fun on your bikes but don't crash 'em as I WILL be looking for one on the used bike market....

Rick Maher, Canada Safety Council Instructor and general Motorcycle Nut, Edmonton AB"

"This looks just like my dream bike, but no one in Australia seems to know about it! Is there any source on your side of the world who can say if it is due for the shores down under??"

"Following test is copied and translated from the Danish paper DBA.

The writer was Motorcycle journalist Peter Rahbek. After the presentation he goes on.:

"We were not disappointed. Although The SV650S "only" has 71 bhp and belongs to the cheaper midrange market segment, it offers a lot of sporty driving pleasure".

"Personally I would much rather ride the SV650S than bikes like Suzukis own Bandit 600 or the GSX600F (which in comparison to the SV feels like a lame tour-bike) or Yamaha“s old best sellers 600 Diversion and FZR 600 US"!.

"Most of my excitement is based on the wonderful V-twin engine, which is a very brilliant machinery. Due to the modern construction (with features like digitally controlled ignition) the engine delivers a good pull from only 2.500 rpm up to well over 10.000 rpm. At 3.000 rpm the engine delivers 58 Nm of torque and continues up to over 9.000 rpms, with a peak of 62 Nm of torque at 7.400 rpm. This actually makes the SV somewhat stronger than a much more expensive 750 cc V-twin from Bologna Italy!"

"With its flexibility the SV is surprisingly fast although neither the acceleration or top speed feels brutal. The pull actually feels quite gentle, yet every throttle movement is immediately transformed into speed, giving the SV capability to leave several larger 4 cylinder motorcycles in the 100Bhp class behind".

"On the road the SV is easy to ride and it simply loves fast corners where it feels much more agile than most midrange bikes. On the freeway with march speeds up to around 160 Kph (100 Mph) the SV also performs well, if you go much faster (We had it up to 230 Kph/145Mph) it has a slight tendency to wobble, which probably is due to the very light weight of the bike".

Then he goes on with design features and driving experiences (not so interesting) and then concludes.: "The SV650S will never be a pure race bike, but it is faster and more sporty than the performance figures indicates and it is definitely fun enough to put an honest smile on a old motorcycle journalists face".

measured top speed: 121 mph
0-1/4 mile: 12.04 sec. @ 107.22
0-60 mph 3.76 sec.
0-100 mph 10.75
60-0 mph 108.8 feet
Power to weight ratio: 1:6.39
weight, wet: 417 lbs.

On a scale of one to five, five being perfect I guess:

Engine: 4 1/2
Transmission: 4
Suspension: 4
Brakes: 4 1/2
Handling: 4 1/2
Styling: 4 1/2 (no fairing)
Riding Impression: 4 1/2
Instruments/controls: 4
Attention to Detail: 4
Value: 5
Overall Rating: 4 1/2

Horsepower: 65.2 @ 9000 rpms (rear wheel horsepower)
Torque: 42.4 @ 7500rpm

They really liked the bike, but feel the faired version should be available in the states, since we have long freeways. They said to convert to the fairing would cost over $1000. Thanks Suzuki!

The test has their "Picks" and "Pans" part.

"Picks"
Flexible powerband is wide and strong
Comfortable ergonomics
Excellent handling
15,000-mile valve adjustment interval

"Pans"
The U.S. should have had the half-fairing version
Mediocre instrument panel

Here is a part of the test text: It's no Ducati, but this little V-twin creates a healthy rumble when getting on the gas out of corners-a sensation that resonates up into the rider's chest, resulting in an ear-to ear grin. And as long as we're comparing, performance numbers showed the SV to be quicker than the Bandit 600, Monster 750 and Katana 600, with acceleration in line with Ducati's 944cc ST2 and the Buell 1200cc M2 Cyclone-all from a 650cc twin!

Also: Light weight and a wide bar make steering a joy, inspiring one tester to describe handling as, "out-bloody-standing!"(must have been a British transplant riding?)

And this: Suspension is the weakest part of the whole SV package-the most obvious place where Suzuki cut corners to offer such an enticing price point.

Also: The SV is full of surprises. Perhaps the greatest is the virtually buzz-free nature of the pegs and grips. The wide, firm seat allows for nearly 200 miles of riding before making itself obvious. Still, discomfort is mild at that point.

The text ended by saying:
Suzuki has hit on something with SV650. The proof is in the riding, which plastered huge smiles onto the
faces of even jaded testers. "It's one of the most fun bikes I've ever ridden," one raved. No excuses. Oh, by the way, did we mention it's cheap?"

There's quie a bit there Michael, doesn't sound too bad does it! Thanks very much (hope you decide on the SV in the end..)

"The review compares the SV650, 600 Bandit, 600 Hornet and the Fazer.
At the end, both the conclusion and the "second opinion" rate the SV as being the best machine. A couple of quotes:

Conclusion;
"The Yamaha may well top just about every list of attributes, but the SV pulls all the right subjective strings. It is more than just an exercise in cost cutting. It is not just a bunch of numbers. It is a free bike. A bike to raise the spirits. And for that fact alone it gets my vote."

Second opinion:
"If it's a balance of everything - looks, performance and value for money, the new SV650 is the man. It's easiest to ride by far and really surprises with that thrummy lunge."

The dyno curves are amazing - the SV's power is higher than all of the other machines until about 8000 rpm, when the Fazer pulls ahead. At 7000 rpm, the SV has 20 BHP more than a Bandit! The story is similar on the torque curve, where the SV excels by a very long way between 3 - 7000 rpm. Of course the other machines still have some pull left at 11,000 when the SV is running out of steam, but still it is very impressive.

Loads more good stuff in the write up."

"I just pulled carefully on mine and damaged nothing. I pulled the 2 SV650's, the one on top of the gas tank (warnings tag) and had to remove some left-over glue with trichlorethylene, and also pulled the "don't drill" tag on the right side of the aluminium frame.

I could not remove the water radiator cork one...

I noticed a small oil leak in the gearbox area (spi joint I presume): I get the bike serviced (1000 kms) on the 25/03/99 (in 2 days). I'll let them know and about the valve noise at idle as well (it seems more noticable when hot, but maybe it's just me).

Best regards from France (yes, there is another frenchy in the group...)"