Suzuki SV650S reviews

I have had this bike since Late 2002..I have have put this bike through everything...I have drag raced it, and stunted it...as well as hard road racing and it has stood up to all that as well as basic every day riding....This bike is well worth it... Show less

This is a great bike for someone wanting a sport bike but doesn't want to pay the price. This bike runs good. It's pretty quick for a V-twin. It handles great. The only problem I notice is there a lot of bottom end vibration and a clunky transmission. After a few miles, I got used to it. I would recommend this bike. Show less

I reviewed this bike in the spring (2005). I was new to the riding community but since then have put 8,300 thrilling miles on her. This bike has performed flawlessly for 7 months now. I have pushed this bike to its limits and it begs for more. The power band is phenomenal, the acceleration is a rush, and the top-end can still get you into plenty trouble. I would make only minor changes to this already stellar performer. At 72 horsepower, it is a bit anemic when riding with inline-4's. I would love to see an 80hp 650cc. My only other complaint is the large side-mounted exhaust can is a bit outdated. I am seeing a trend towards under tail and Moto-GP inspired exhaust. I hope the SV will follow suit. Overall, a great bike: fast, forgiving, aesthetically pleasing and loads of fun. Show less

I have had my SV for about 2 years now. I bought it from my brother for a steal with 6000 miles on it. I ride it year round, except when it is raining or snowing. I have had the spark short on the front cylinder before, but after some research, found that the drain hole usually is plugged, which allows the spark plug well to drain (it is on the right side of the front cylinder). After clearing it out, the problem hasn't returned. I commute about 60-70 miles a day on my SV to and from school and all of the little errands I run throughout the day. I put some Nelson-Rigg saddlebags on it about a year ago, and they really help with cargo carrying. The only (minor) complaints I have are a lack of power above 95MPH (only used when passing multiple vehicles) and how my wrists carry most of the weight (they get sore after about an hour of riding), however, some convertibars should fix this. Lastly, since it is a CA bike, it runs extremely lean, resulting in some bucking at inopportune times. This will be fixed soon with a rejet. Overall, one of the best bikes out there, especially when you factor in the price. Show less

I bought my new '04 SVS this March. I got a great deal with '05's rolling out. I've been riding with other GSXRs, Ninjas, Harleys and everything in between. I am always complimented on the great looks of my yellow friend. It is a great bike for those that want to enjoy the local twisties. It is not the most comfortable of rides on trips exceeding 100 miles. I did 500+ this Independence Day on a run from Sacramento to Hollister (I got quite sore), but had a blast getting there and back in one piece. My cruiser buddies are now talking about a second bike... mine! Show less

After moving 35 miles away from where I work, I thought about buying a motorcycle. The last bike I owned was a Suzuki RM370, a dirt bike which I sold 18 years ago, so it's been a long time. I was definitely nervous about riding on the street. I took the DMV safety course first and got my License. Good Idea. I did a lot of research on different bikes and ended undecided on two, Sv650s and the Yamaha fz6. I was ready to buy a new bike but found a 2001 SV650s for 3500 less. The bike is incredible! My commute is all highway, it just purrs at 70-80 mph only 6000rpm in 5th gear it is really easy to ride, I do find my hand gets buzzy after 35 minutes but the reliability and performance at this price is unmatched. I now commute with a smile on my face the whole way and don't want to stop. Bottom line is: if you're not sure which bike to get and the SV650s is one of your choices - just do it! Show less

So far it's been a fun experience riding my 05 Blue SV650S and also a learning experience. Based on the positive reviews on this SV650S was one of the main reasons I went with this bike and with no regrets. Show less

ride comfort appears to be the only thing that lets it down. a change of seat may be the answer. other than that it performs superbly. a decent rider would stick with the inline 4s on the bends but obviously not on the straights. very good bike before stepping up to the real quicks. Show less

I was looking at getting a bike for my daily commute ( mainly because of gas prices, wear and tear on my 1993 truck) and after talking to my brother he convinced me to start with the SV650S. He has owned busa's, and 3 GSXR's and said that he would rather RIDE an SV650 any day when it comes to comfort! He races a 2004 Sv650S at the track because with it he waxes the inline 4 cyl's with it (gets them in the twisties every time!). So I bought a 2005 SV650S a month ago and being my first bike this thing is a blast. Plenty of power for a newbie yet plenty to have fun with too, easily does wheelies in 1st and 2nd gear! The V-twin torque is awesome to say the least and if you are keeping it legal, it will hang with all your friends until you guys get past the 130's (mph). So if you are looking for a first bike or just want a good riding, fun sport bike, try this on eout!!!!! Show less

I began looking into 600's as soon as I got the sportbike bug. I looked at the Gixers and the CBR's, the Ninja's and the R6's. They were so much money and had the reputation of widow-makers. Just by chance I was browsing the Suzuki site in the sportbike category and happened upon the SV650S. It looked awseome so I read up on it. It said it had it all - power, maneuverability, and comfort. So I went to my local dealer and sat on it. I fell in love with it. So, I finally bought it. I got on it not expecting too much, after all it was a V-twin only making around 73 horse. I did a roll on in 2nd gear and the minute it got above 7000rpm I thought I was being pulled off the bike. The speedometer began displaying numbers faster and faster and before I knew it I was shifting into 3rd at 69mph. I'm no stranger to speed, I drive a Subaru WRX STi with 320 horsepower, but now, the Subaru feels like a Kia, and if I feel the need for speed, only the SV650S will do. Show less