Ten years is a long time. How have motorcycles changed in ten years? Today we have two popular cars as patients: the old model Suzuki SV 650 and the same, but new one.
Suzuki SV 650
I swing my leg over the seat of the Suzuki SV 650, which has not changed since 2007, take the steering wheel, start the engine and look at the clock. At that moment, I had the impression that the time machine had taken me back a good few years.
The recipe for the Suzuki SV, first revealed in 1999, was as simple as it was ingenious: a strong twin-cylinder engine accompanied by a timeless yet interesting design, without the bike's price being a drain on the wallet. This is how a very good universal naked bike was made. However, it had its drawbacks. For example, the Suzuki SV models of the first years of production had the same suspensions.
Suzuki engineers have spent years perfecting the SV 650 thanks to our riders, their pressure and changing regulations. In the first version, power supply was the task of classic carburetors. New regulations introduced in 2003 meant that the car received fuel injection, two flaps in each of the intake manifolds and a catalytic converter. The Suzuki St. 650 engine has lost a little of its sharp character, but its operating culture has improved significantly.
suzuki 650 motorcycle
Description
The Suzuki SV650 series of road motorcycles appeared on the market in 1999 and was aimed at export to Europe, North America and Australia. For the domestic Japanese market, a 400 cc modification was proposed - Suzuki SV400.
The introduction of the SV series was driven by Suzuki's desire to gain export market share by offering a cheaper competitor to Ducati motorcycles. Past experience of the TL1000 has shown that there is quite a high demand for such motorcycles and a certain “army” of fans. Thus, 2 modifications of the SV650 series were offered: naked and sport. Towards the end of production, a full-fledged sports modification appeared, distinguished by a full plastic body kit.
Suzuki SV650 is a regular naked version. Existed from 1999 to 2009. Suzuki SV650S is a sports modification. Existed from 1999 to 2012. Was in higher demand. It was distinguished by a plastic fairing, lower handlebars and high footpegs. Suzuki SV650SF (Sport) is a full-fledged sports modification. Existed from 2008 to 2009. inclusive in the US and UK markets. It is distinguished by the presence of a full plastic body kit. The Suzuki SV650 series was based on a 2-cylinder V-shaped (90°) liquid-cooled engine with a volume of 645 cm³, producing from 65 hp. (until 2003) up to 72 hp (since 2003). Due to the characteristic forward lean of the engine, it is visually reminiscent of Ducati engines, often referred to as L-shaped. Since 2003, the engine received an injection power system, and since 2007 - 2 spark plugs per cylinder.
Among the key features of the SV650, in addition to the engine, we can highlight an aluminum frame, a simple suspension in the form of a conventional telescopic fork at the front and a monoshock absorber at the rear, simple 2-piston front brakes (versions with ABS available since 2007), an injection power system (since 2003) with dual SDTV throttle valves, 17 liter fuel tank (since 2003), 6-speed gearbox and from 165 kg dry weight.
In 2003, the model underwent a major restyling, receiving a new frame, injector, dashboard, larger fuel tank and other suspension settings (+ the front fork received preload adjustment).
In 2007, the model receives 2 spark plugs per cylinder and modifications with ABS. In 2008, Suzuki offers a new version of the Suzuki SV650SF, which is sold in the UK market under the name Suzuki SV650 Sport.
In 2009, the regular version of the Suzuki SV650 is no longer offered, replaced by a new model - the Suzuki SFV650 Gladius. The SV650S version continues to exist on the market in parallel, up to 2012 inclusive, after which it finally leaves the assembly line.
In 2021, Suzuki decides to resurrect the SV650 model by launching the classic-style model of the same name - the Suzuki SV650 (2016+).
Engine Suzuki SV650
It must be said that Suzuki SV650 fans will be incredibly happy to hear that the manufacturer promises that the 2021 motorcycle will be lighter and more powerful. The 645 cc, V-twin engine with two cylinders positioned at an angle of 90 degrees was completely rebuilt and received 60 new parts. Suzuki used Finite Element Analysis to create the new pistons to achieve maximum stiffness without increasing weight. The piston skirts are made from a new composite material to reduce friction. Each cylinder has two spark plugs, Suzuki's dual spool system features 39mm throttle bodies and 10-hole injectors. The new 2 into 1 exhaust system is said to be lighter and also uses a catalytic converter to reduce emissions. The manufacturer claims that the new engine design provides more power to the Suzuki SV650, as well as more torque in the low and mid-range.
Engine Suzuki SV650
Brief history of the model
1999 - start of production and sales of Suzuki SV650 and Suzuki SV650S. First generation. Model: Suzuki SV650; Suzuki SV650S (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation: SV650X, SV650US; SV650SX, SV650SUX.
2000 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki SV650; Suzuki SV650S (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation: SV650Y, SV650UY; SV650SY, SV650SUY.
2001 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki SV650; Suzuki SV650S (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation: SV650K1, SV650UK1; SV650SK1, SV650SUK1.
2002 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki SV650; Suzuki SV650S (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation: SV650K2, SV650UK2; SV650SK2, SV650SUK2.
2003 - restyling of the model. Second generation. Suzuki SV650 and SV650S models receive updated exterior styling, a new instrument panel, cast aluminum frame (instead of tubular), fuel injector, 17L fuel tank (instead of 16L), retuned suspensions and front fork preload adjustment. Model: Suzuki SV650; Suzuki SV650S (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation: SV650K3, SV650UK3; SV650SK3, SV650SUK3.
2004 - The model receives a new subframe and a narrower front seat. The rear fender gets a more advanced design and better protects the rear of the motorcycle from dirt. Model: Suzuki SV650; Suzuki SV650S (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation: SV650K4, SV650UK4; SV650SK4, SV650SUK4.
2005 - Starting this year, models feature a matte black frame and a smaller radiator. Model: Suzuki SV650; Suzuki SV650S (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation: SV650K5, SV650UK5; SV650SK5, SV650SUK5.
2006 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki SV650; Suzuki SV650S (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation: SV650K6, SV650UK6; SV650SK6, SV650SUK6.
2007 - modifications with ABS appear, all models are equipped with 2 spark plugs per cylinder. Model: Suzuki SV650 + ABS; Suzuki SV650S + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation: SV650K7, SV650AK7, SV650UK7, SV650UAK7; SV650SK7, SV650SAK7, SV650SUK7, SV650SUAK7.
2008 - appearance of a modification with a full plastic body kit - Suzuki SV650SF (Sport). Model: Suzuki SV650 + ABS; Suzuki SV650S + ABS; Suzuki SV650SF (Sport) (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation: SV650K8, SV650AK8, SV650UK8, SV650UAK8; SV650SK8, SV650SAK8, SV650SUK8, SV650SUAK8; SV650SFK8.
2009 is the last year of production of the Suzuki SV650SF (Sport) modification. The regular SV650 in the US is being replaced by a new model, the Suzuki SFV650 Gladius. Model: Suzuki SV650 + ABS; Suzuki SV650S + ABS; Suzuki SV650SF (Sport) (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation: SV650K9, SV650AK9, SV650UK9, SV650UAK9; SV650SK9, SV650SAK9, SV650SUK9, SV650SUAK9; SV650SFK9.
2010 - only the SV650S version is available on the market. Model: Suzuki SV650S + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation: SV650SL0, SV650SAL0, SV650SUL0, SV650SUAL0.
2011 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki SV650S + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation: SV650SL1, SV650SAL1, SV650SUL1, SV650SUAL1.
2012 - the SV650 model is finally discontinued. Model: Suzuki SV650S + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia). Factory designation: SV650SL2, SV650SAL2, SV650SUL2, SV650SUAL2.
2016 - “reincarnation” of the SV650 model. Suzuki offers a completely updated classic version of the Suzuki SV650 (2016+).
Tuning Suzuki SV 650
However, the already invested funds had to be justified, and the Suzuki SV 650 underwent improvements in terms of streamlining, which made it possible to have multiple design options. The motorcycle's body kit was reduced; instead of the standard fairing, a minimized one was installed. The characteristics of the car immediately changed, but it was unclear in which direction. It was decided to keep the proven version in mass production and at the same time launch production of a new modification with a modified trellis aluminum frame. Thus, two models appeared on the market in 2003: a slightly “stripped” version of the Suzuki SV 650 and a “S” version with a streamlined body.
Specifications
| Model | Suzuki SV 650 |
| Motorcycle type | naked |
| Year of issue | 1999-2012 |
| Frame | aluminum tubular – SV650 / SV650S (1999-2002) aluminum cast – SV650 / SV650S (2003-2012) |
| engine's type | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V-shaped 90° (L-shaped) |
| Working volume | 645 cm³ |
| Bore/Stroke | 81.0 x 62.6 mm |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Cooling | liquid |
| Number of valves per cylinder | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Fuel supply system | Carburetor, 2x Mikuni BDSR39 – SV650 / SV650S (1999-2002) Injector with SDTV (Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve System), 2x – SV650 / SV650S (2003-2012) |
| Ignition type | transistor 1 spark plug per cylinder – SV650 / SV650S (1999-2006) 2 spark plugs per cylinder – SV650 / SV650S (2007-2012) |
| Maximum power | 65.0 hp (48.0 kW) at 9000 rpm - SV650 / SV650S (1999-2002) 72.0 hp (53.0 kW) at 9000 rpm – SV650 / SV650S (2003-2012) |
| Maximum torque | 57.4 Nm (4.5 kg*m) at 7200 rpm – SV650 / SV650S (1999-2002) 64.0 Nm (6.5 kg*m) at 7200 rpm – SV650 / SV650S (2003- 2012) |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| type of drive | chain |
| Front tire size | 120/60ZR17M/C (55W) |
| Rear tire size | 160/60ZR17M/C (69W) |
| Front brakes | 2 discs, 290 mm, 2-piston calipers (optional ABS from 2007) |
| Rear brakes | 1 disc, 240 mm, 1-piston caliper (optional ABS from 2007) |
| Front suspension | Telescopic fork 41 mm (non-adjustable), travel - 130 mm - SV650 / SV650S (1999-2002) 41mm telescopic fork (preload adjustable), 130mm travel – SV650 (2003-2009) 41mm telescopic fork (preload adjustable), 125mm travel – SV650S (2003-2012) |
| Rear suspension | Pendulum with monoshock absorber (preload adjustment), stroke - 125 mm - SV650 / SV650S (1999-2002) Pendulum with monoshock absorber (preload adjustment), stroke - 137 mm - SV650 (2003-2009) Pendulum with monoshock absorber (preload adjustment), stroke - 134 mm - SV650S (2003-2012) |
| Motorcycle length | 2070 mm – SV650 (1999-2002) 2045 mm – SV650S (1999-2002) 2080 mm – SV650 (2003-2009) 2085 mm – SV650S (2003-2012) |
| Motorcycle width | 750 mm – SV650 (1999-2002) 740 mm – SV650S (1999-2002) 745 mm – SV650 (2003-2009) 730 mm – SV650S (2003-2012) |
| Motorcycle height | 1060 mm – SV650 (1999-2002) 1130 mm – SV650S (1999-2002) 1085 mm – SV650 (2003-2009) 1170 mm – SV650S (2003-2012) |
| Wheelbase | 1430 mm – SV650 (1999-2002) 1420 mm – SV650S (1999-2002) 1440 mm – SV650 (2003-2009) 1425 mm – SV650S (2003-2012) |
| Seat height | 805 mm – SV650 / SV650S (1999-2002) 800 mm – SV650 / SV650S (2003-2012) |
| Minimum ground clearance (clearance) | 140 mm – SV650 / SV650S (1999-2002) 150 mm – SV650 (2003-2009) 155 mm – SV650S (2003-2012) |
| Acceleration to 100 km/h | 3.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 195 km/h - SV650 (1999-2002) 203 km/h - SV650 (2003-2009) 209 km/h - SV650S (2003-2012) |
| Gas tank capacity | 16.0 l – SV650 / SV650S (1999-2002) 15.0 L – SV650 / SV650S (1999-2002, California) 17.0 l – SV650 / SV650S (2003-2012) 16.0 L – SV650 / SV650S (2003-2012, California) |
| Motorcycle weight (dry) | 165 kg – SV650 (1999-2002) 169 kg – SV650S (1999-2002) 168 kg – SV650 (2003-2009) 172 kg – SV650S (2003-2012) |
How to improve perfection itself
However, the Suzuki SV 650, whose characteristics are in keeping with the best traditions of Japanese motorcycles, has been a cult machine since its introduction in 1999. Official representatives of the American branch of Suzuki, when asked about the reasons for the phenomenal popularity of the SV 650, just shrug their shoulders. The motorcycle has become a headache for the entire design corps, because restyling, and even more so creating modifications of a technically advanced device, is unwise, since there is a risk of not improving, but rather worsening its characteristics.
Minor changes
The front suspension of the Suzuki SV 650 was slightly modified. The stays with a diameter of 41 mm and the entire shock absorption system remained the same, perforations were added to the front brake discs for better ventilation, the caliper also remained unchanged - two-piston floating. The rear suspension has lengthened the pendulum, thereby increasing the lever travel by 30%. The Tokico brake caliper was eliminated and was replaced by a Nissin floating single-piston caliper.
