Suzuki SV650 S (2003 - present)

jacpotsafc
Reviewed: 26 April 2013

Absolutely perfect first bike as very forgiving and looks like it goes much faster than it does

When you first get on this for your first ride following just just passing your test on one of the bike schools crappy uprights you feel like you've gettin a moto gp bike. It's fruity engine makes u feel like your on a rocket which is perfect for newbies. There very forgiving and handle well and are ideal for starting your biking experience. Cheap to buy, cheap to run and cheap to insure.

Once your used to it you realise how slow it is compared to bigger bikes, the brakes aren't great and if you can modify them I'd recommend that. There's millions around so selling them might mean loosing out a bit but I managed to get my money back.

Perky v twin that grows your confidence and abilities. Definitely recommend this for your first bike

Nhead
Reviewed: 30 July 2012

Good looking, cheap, not intimidating!!

Good looking, cheap to run, cheap to insure, good handling, a perfect first starter bike!!!!

Very nervous on bumpy roads, and at high speed cornering.

A good bike to look at and sounds good, but brakes are crap and suspension is to soft, many times when traffic lights would suddenly change red and I would have to suddenly brake, the bike just doesn't want to stop, better brakes and suspension would solve that straight away, but what you buy is what you get!!!!

Phil w 6
Reviewed: 16 December 2011

Great bike, all the bike you'll need for uk roads nowadays, and it sounds sooo nice!

Great handling, tho front suspension is a tad soft.
Brakes are good, consistant and reliable.
Low all-up weight means its so easy to chuck around, and manouvre when parking.
Gearbox when new was notchy but after 1200miles is super slick with no false neutrals(neutral is easy to find every time).
Uses no oil.
Headlight has a good beam pattern, not massively bright but makes the most of what its got very well.
Underseat storage is enought to fit disclock, puncture kit and thin w.proofs.
50-55mpg real world riding.
Comprehensive tool kit(pliers are made of cheese tho!)
Tank hinges up-good access!

Standard fitment Dunlop D220's are rubbish and should be swapped for either Bridgestone BT-023's or Michelin Pilot Road 2(or 3).
Has a restrictive fuel tank filler so needs care when filling tank to full as nozzle needs to be held 'in mid-air'.
Suzuki service prices for what is a simple 1st service@600miles oil/oil filter change-£130!
Independant will charge about £85-90.
Short service intervals of 4K.
Mirrors do not stick out far enough.
Not able to turn headlight off(EU regulations)
No alarm/immobiliser fitted as standard.
No centrestand

At £4465 OTR (£4325 price tag in the Suzuki dealer Sept 2011-£650 off list price) its an absolute bargain!
Sweet engine, low state of tune(only 70bhp) it's super reliable, loves to be revved, tho has a really flat torque curve from 3k thru to 10k(i sit between 3K and 9K never more), and the engine is so tractable and smooth for a vee it defies logic. I get zero vibes from mine, no blurred mirrors etc, i don't understand the other review saying 20miles and hands numb??? Not true.
Standard form its a beautifully balanced bike, i average 52-54mpg weekend rides and weekday commutes to work.
The perfect bike for commuting in the week and fun on the twisties come the weekend. It really is so much fun, without the temptation of 'licence losing land' like gsxr's/Ninja's/CBR's etc.
You appreciate it for what it does do, i used to own a 'Blade and a 1200 Bandit and many occasions i was using it to its full potential, it is the temptation to do it. The Sv tho lets you revel in its flat torque curve, so your not trying to reach the power at the top of the rev band. Instead you find yourself enjoying the low down pull out of corners, short shifting, listening to that glorious vee twin engine below you! So much charactor, its parts may not be cutting edge but they all work together very well.
Not many bikes have charactor nowadays, its all performance figures and too focused at being a race bike.
So to sum up, its a great bike, bagfulls of charactor and a great all-rounder!

SpikeTM
Reviewed: 31 October 2011

Cracking bike for newcomers to biking , has the oomf when needed not too fast but fast enough .

Great little bike especially on twisty roads , comfy and very easy to ride, works for the purpose intended , good size for staring off on and can easily have modifications done for a reasonable price.

A little poor on brakes but they do the job when needed , suspension a little soft but some tweaking and it's fine.

Gr8 bike that you can have loads of very cheap fun on

ghost R
Reviewed: 12 May 2009

I'VE HAD TWO IN A ROW, NUFF SAID!

you can really give it some stick and it'll just lap it up!

it's plenty fast enough for using on the road but not silly quick
(although it'll still get you into trouble with the law if you're not careful!)

not experienced nay of the braking issues others have mentioned, i can put it on it's nose or lock the wheel at will so my pilot Rd 2's seem the limiting factor!
if you ride as fast as i do then the minimul wind protection might bother you unless you're prepared to adopt the racing crouch all the time :(
the suspension is to soft and botoms out under hard braking too

lovely little bike that is all you'll ever need, that's why i've had two of them so far... sounds amazing with a pipe too- see my current one by visiting
www.youtube.com/user/henrymarkstewart10

having said that if you're a speed freak you'll inevitably have to upgrade like i plan on doing soon- 636 ninja for me next cos 147mph (indicated) for the SV650S just isn't enough for me! wtf!