Suzuki SV650
2006 Suzuki SV650S
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| Manufacturer | Suzuki |
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| Production | 1999–2012, 2016 |
| Class | Standard (SV650), sport bike (SV650S) |
The Suzuki SV650 and variants are street motorcycles manufactured since 1999 for the international market by the Suzuki Motor Corporation, featuring a mid-sized V-twin engine and medium performance components. In 2009, Suzuki replaced the naked SV650 with the SFV650 Gladius. In 2016, the Gladius name was discontinued and the model was reverted to SV650.
Suzuki introduced the SV650 in 1999 as a budget entry in the emerging naked bike market and featured both naked and fully faired versions. 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. While Suzuki has clearly modeled the first generation of the bike's aesthetics after the Suzuki TL1000S, there is also a clear influence from the Ducati Monster. The TL is still considered the "big brother" of the SV650. The 2003 SV1000 replaced the TL Series (TL1000S and TL1000R) and Suzuki marketed it as a bigger alternative to the second generation SV650.
The SV650 immediately became popular, but American buyers wanted the sportier 'S' version that featured lower handlebars, higher foot pegs and a bikini fairing and windscreen, available only in the European and Canadian markets. American magazines ran articles describing how to import it into the United States. In 2000, Suzuki began importing the SV650S to the USA.
Because of the relatively low purchase price and excellent handling characteristics, the SV650 became popular with racers which prompted a rebirth of the "lightweight twins" racing classes across North America and the SV650 began winning against the aged Suzuki GS500, Honda NT650 and Kawasaki Ninja 500R, which previously populated the class.
In 2003, Suzuki redesigned the SV650 with a new pressure-cast aluminum truss frame, new bodywork, new swing-arm with revised rear brake caliper mounting, new exhaust, brand new digital speedometer display and a new electronic fuel injection/induction system to replace the carburetor.
The 2003 SV650s also supported some first generation parts (like the rearsets and radiator). The subframe is also angled up higher than 2004+ models. The different subframe has year-specific parts, such as the rider seat, plastic frame covers, exhaust hanger brackets and passenger pegs.
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