Suzuki SV-7S revealed as SV650 gets another new lease of life
Just when you thought the SV650 had shuffled off this mortal coil, Suzuki has dragged it back for another go. Meet the SV-7S, the latest incarnation of a V-twin that simply refuses to die.
The Suzuki SV650 really doesn't want to retire, does it? Having already been given a new lease of life in the shape of the SV-7GX, the Japanese manufacturer has now introduced another motorcycle built around its long-serving 645cc V-twin, this time in the form of the new SV-7S.
While the SV-7GX takes the familiar SV formula in a more commuting and touring-focused direction, the SV-7S sticks much closer to the traditional naked roadster recipe.
Think of it as the spiritual successor to the SV650, albeit one that has finally been dragged, somewhat reluctantly perhaps, into the modern electronic age.
The engine is the same familiar liquid-cooled, 90-degree V-twin that has been at the heart of the SV family since 1999. Suzuki says more than 500,000 examples of the engine have been produced, and while it has undergone plenty of revisions over the years, the basic 645cc configuration remains.
For the SV-7S, it produces 72bhp at 8,500rpm and 47.2lb-ft of torque at 6,800rpm, putting it on broadly the same performance footing as the SV-7GX.
The engine has been updated with electronic throttle bodies, a revised airbox and a new 2-into-1 exhaust system, with the changes also helping it meet Euro 5+ regulations.
There are some more substantial changes beneath the familiar mechanical foundations, though, with the introduction of Suzuki's ride-by-wire throttle system opening the door to a more comprehensive electronics package.
SV-7S gets riding modes and quickshifter
The SV-7S comes equipped with Suzuki's Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.), which includes three selectable riding modes, traction control with three intervention settings and an off option, and a bi-directional quickshifter.
The riding modes are split into A, B and C settings, with the first offering the sharpest throttle response, B providing a more balanced delivery for everyday use, and C softening things off for improved controllability. Interestingly, the C setting also limits maximum power to 45kW, making it suitable for A2 riders, although not in the legal sense, as the bike can return to full power at the flick of a switch.
The quickshifter allows clutchless upshifts above 2,000rpm and downshifts above 1,700rpm, while Suzuki's Low RPM Assist and Easy Start systems are also fitted.
There's a new 4.2-inch colour TFT display, too, which provides smartphone connectivity through Suzuki Ride Connect+. This brings turn-by-turn navigation, call and message notifications, weather information and traffic alerts to the instrument panel, alongside the usual riding information.
Traditional SV650 proportions remain
Where the SV-7GX adopts a crossover-style silhouette, the SV-7S goes back to the traditional naked roadster look, complete with a new round LED headlight, exposed trellis frame and relatively slim bodywork.
The chassis is based around a tubular steel trellis frame, with a 41mm telescopic fork offering 125mm of travel and a rear monoshock providing 129mm. The latter features seven-step preload adjustment, while braking comes courtesy of twin 290mm front discs with four-piston calipers and a single 240mm rear disc, supported by two-channel ABS.
The bike runs on 17-inch cast aluminium wheels, wrapped in Dunlop Roadsmart III tyres measuring 120/70ZR17 at the front and 160/60ZR17 at the rear.
Interestingly, the SV-7S is a little more compact than its crossover sibling. It has a 785mm seat height, compared with the SV-7GX's 795mm, while kerb weight is quoted at 200kg, some 11kg less than the GX. The fuel tank is also smaller, holding 14 litres rather than the crossover's 17.4 litres.
The wheelbase remains the same at 1,445mm, as does the 25-degree rake and 106mm trail, suggesting the two machines share much of their underlying chassis architecture.
Suzuki SV-7S colours and specifications
Suzuki will offer the SV-7S in three colour combinations: Pearl Suzuki Deep Blue No.4 with a silver frame, Glass Sparkle Black with a grey frame, and Mat Sword Silver with black body panels.
The headline figures include a claimed fuel consumption of 4.1 litres per 100km, equivalent to around 68.9mpg and giving the bike a usable tank range of around 100 miles.
At this stage, UK pricing and availability have not been confirmed; we’ll update this page when that happens.
The arrival of the SV-7S gives Suzuki another way of keeping its long-running V-twin relevant, and one that arguably makes more sense for traditional SV650 fans than the more touring-oriented SV-7GX. With the familiar engine, conventional naked styling and a much-needed injection of electronic assistance, the SV650's retirement plans appear to have been postponed once again.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
