The Suzuki SV650 is a motorcycle that ticks a lot of boxes. Albeit coolness probably isn’t one of them.
The SV with its user-friendly 645cc, liquid-cooled 90-degree v-twin has blessed the streets since 1999, with Suzuki halting production in 2012 to reimagine the aesthetic of the bike and restart production in 2016.
From 1999 to 2002 SV650S models were known as the ‘Curvy’ (because of its rounded nose fairing) and it's this model SV that captured the imagination of a Romanian custom shop called Bandisca.
The shop is run by husband and wife team Alf and Mihaela Lopez, and together they set out to build and enter a motorcycle at the Bike Shed Show 2019. The 2001 SV650 (K1) was provided by Suzuki Moto Greece, and once the bike was at the Bandisca shop, the couple got to work.
Alf was initially unhappy using the first-generation SV650, despite the model's popularity amongst new and old riders alike. He had a disdain for the models looks, even calling the SV “soooo ugly.” Luckily his other half, Mihaela, provided inspiration by drawing a front end design which was influenced by the 1990 GSXR 750 - one of Alf’s favorite sports bikes.
Bandisca Suzuki SV650 specifications
To transform the bike from sketch to reality, Alf called GSXR replica fairing specialist Airtech Streamlining. And once the panels were ready he fashioned up a fairing bracket and mounts to link everything up to the SV frame. Alf also ordered a unique tail fairing which he mounted to a fabricated rear subframe.
The original uninspiring SV fuel tank was removed for a Honda NTV unit, then the bodywork was painted silver with a stellar blue bar gradient for that ultimate retro look.
Other modifications include:
High lift cams (for increased mid-end)
High flow custom exhaust manifold
Modified carb with Increased larger jets
A high flow water pump
Fully adjustable Showa front forks
YSS monoshock
This race and show ready GSX-SV 650 (?) is a real looker. How would you rate this SV? Does it now finally tick the cool box?
Let us know in the comments below.
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