BUYING GUIDE

A mainstay of motorcycling since the previous millennium, the SV650 is a brilliant used buy – especially in this third-generation guise

WORDS ALAN SEELEY PICTURES JASON CRITCHELL

2016-2025 | £2800-£6200 | 127MPH | 75BHP

CHARGING

The SV650 generally has a reputation for problems with charging. The third-generation bikes we’re talking about here seem to be less afflicted, but that might be because they aren’t old enough and haven’t covered the miles to make it a problem. The regulator/rectifier tends to be the culprit when the system goes down, and the stator, battery or wiring can sometimes go with it. Fit an aftermarket MOSFET reg/rec from the likes of Electrex World (www.electrexworld.co.uk).

Euro5 compliant, but Suzuki opted against Euro5+

SHOCK

The SV650 is a budget bike – and nowhere is this more evident than the shock. Even from new it lacks significant damping, and this is only likely to diminish as the bike gets older and covers more miles. Even by the time of the first MoT, it can feel like the rear end is riding the spring alone. Many aftermarket shocks are available that, even in the lower price range, offer significant improvement over the stock unit.

FLAT THROTTLE

The linkages for the fuel injection system’s secondary valves are prone to partially seize if they have had to endure an onslaught of moisture and road dirt. The problem becomes apparent when the throttle response becomes jerky at low revs, there is poor pickup when the throttle is opened quickly, or popping and banging as the throttle is closed. It’s a tank and airbox off job to get to them for a proper clean and lube.

ENGINE

The 645cc 90° V-twin has been around since 1999. In 2016 more than 60 claimed internal changes included new pistons and plated cylinders to comply with Euro4, which unlocked an extra 4bhp. Further changes to the ECU and injectors in 2021 met Euro5. It is generally bulletproof, but the front spark plug is prone to corrosion caused by road grime exposure (a longer mudguard helps; see overleaf). The issue can be exacerbated by a blocked cylinder drain hole.

Predates today’s colour TFTs, but that’s no bad thing

FINISH

Suzuki are not alone in a progressive downgrading of finish in terms of plating, paint and parts in recent years. Exhaust headers, particularly the front one on the SV650, can be quick to tarnish and corrode. Fasteners also oxidise and rust, especially if the bike is ridden through a British winter on salty roads. Cleaning and maintenance, especially if protective sprays are deployed, slow the process. Take a close look for degraded finish and fittings.

‘Very basic units’ – which means they need thorough maintenance

FRONT CALIPERS

Brake calipers are the venerable sliding-type Nissins. They’ve been around forever and do the job providing they are cleaned and maintained. The problem is, they often aren’t cleaned and maintained; at least not adequately. As well as the pistons, the sliding pins must be cleaned and lubricated so that the caliper can move as intended. Otherwise, the calipers start to bind and don’t retract properly from the disc, resulting in the latter warping.

X EDITION

The addition of clip-on handlebars, a fly screen headlight cowl and a brown-covered hipster style seat are the differentiators of the SV650X. The café racer edition might look like little more than a styling exercise that may or may not be to your taste. But despite being cheaper than both its main rivals – the Yamaha XSR700 and the entry-level Ducati Scrambler – the SV650X makes both work hard to keep up with it.

V-STROM 650XT

Further testament to the versatility of the SV650 platform, the V-Strom variant is a middleweight adventure edition. A cowl with a tall screen, wire-spoked spoked wheels, wide handlebars with handguards plus hard luggage all point to the V-Strom’s all-round intent. In this context, the bike’s soft suspension becomes something of a benefit although it is still a little lacking. It’s a good value option for riders wanting to add a little soft off-roading to their riding.

With a lineage stretching back more than a quarter of a century, it’s like the SV650 has always been part of our motorcycling lives. However, Suzuki’s decision not to update the SV to make it Euro5+ compliant means that 2025 was its final year of production.

Cheap and always cheerful, the SV650 always punched above its middleweight status and provided far more fun than the spec sheet alone promised. It made an ideal first big bike, a practical all-rounder for more experienced riders, and was the perfect tool for trackday forays.

The SV650 can, of course, still do all those things now. For its third-generation iteration, launched in 2016, the SV650 appeared as a naked roadster with a revamped engine and chassis, which was joined by the café racer-styled SV650X in 2018. The ‘Gladius’ name that the SV went under from 2009-2015 was dropped. Suzuki also squeezed maximum value out of the by now much-worked SV engine moulds with the third-gen V-Strom 650 adventure bike that appeared in 2017.

The SV650 was always great value, and by virtue of its modest price tag it remains a bargain now. Go get one.

THE FACTS

Suzuki SV650 2016-2025
Price £2800-£6200
Engine 645cc DOHC 8v V-twin, l/c
Power 72bhp @ 8500rpm
Torque 47lb·ft @ 8100rpm
Fuel capacity 13.8 litres (2018-on: 14.5 litres)
Seat height 785mm
Wheelbase 1445mm
Kerb weight 197kg
Rider aids ABS

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE TEST RIDE

It will show its fun side – and any issues with the brakes and throttle

One of the most appealing facets of the SV650’s character is its accessible power. Any rider will feel like they can access and harness all of the horses, which only adds to the fun the SV delivers in spades. Your test ride is likely to be a hoot. But there are a couple of issues to look out for.

First of these is any issue with the brakes. The SV650’s sliding calipers are basic but work well when properly maintained. If that maintenance has been neglected they can struggle to allow the pads to retract from the discs when the brakes are released, which in turn can lead to warped discs. Look for predictable, progressive braking, and any pulsing through the lever.

Look for bounciness or wallowing from a tired rear shock, check for bent bars or twisted yokes from a learner dropping the bike, and make sure you can’t hear the intermittent whumming of a tight spot on the chain. New riders don’t always use lube.

The secondary throttle valves can also be prone to partial seizure due to road dirt and moisture clagging up the linkages. Look out for jerkiness at low revs and popping and banging in the exhaust as the throttle closes.

THREE WAYS TO MAKE IT BETTER

Reduces the amount of road dirt and spray pounding the bottom of the engine. Also enhances the lines and styling. Made from ABS plastic and comes with all the necessary fittings. www.powerbronze.co.uk

The stock mudguard directs a relentless blast of filth at the radiator and front of the engine, particularly the exhaust downpipe. Move it elsewhere with a fender extender. www.powerbronze.co.uk

If the fully naked thing doesn’t work for you, mitigate the wind blast with a nose fairing. The screen is acrylic and the nose cone is matte black ABS plastic, but you could always have it painted. www.pyramidmoto.co.uk

THE RiDE VERDICT

The SV650 is one of the great feel-good middleweights and has kept riders grinning for more than 25 years. This third-generation bike is the ultimate iteration, and even though the tech is aged in a contemporary context, it still delivers the goods.

What’s good?

Eager, easy and accessible V-twin power; flickable, confident handling

Not so good...

Budget parts and finish, particularly the bargain-basement shock

THE BEST ALTERNATIVES

● 68bhp ● 49lb·ft ● 187kg

The Z650 received major upgrades in 2020. Styling of the parallel-twin-powered roadster is more modern than the SV650 and it offers strong all-round appeal.

● 72bhp ● 50lb·ft ● 184kg

Popular parallel twin that provides no-frills thrills despite its basic equipment level. Keenly priced when new, so it also offers great value used. Brakes are a step up over the SV.

● 90bhp ● 47lb·ft ● 202kg

An inline four contender in the sensibly priced naked middleweight class. Essentially an unfaired version of the sporty-looking CBR650R with its radial brakes and upside-down forks.