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14-21 R Jun Suzuki SV650 cdp.indd 14 8/4/10 12:29:13

Three reASONS YOU WANT AN SV650

When Suzuki announced the SV to the world, no one was terribly excited. It was just going to be another commuter hack, with soft suspension and a wheezing, asthmatic motor. We should have known better – this was the firm that defined the

fun-loving budget middleweight with the Bandit 600 a few years before, and the SV650 followed it in confident style.

With its aluminium trellis frame and flowing styling both based on the flawed TL1000S, and Bandit-style non-adjustable suspension at both ends, the SV looked the part, but the real trump card was that engine – 70-odd bhp of proper V-twin thump in a compact package was a breath of fresh air in a market dominated by elderly fours and staid parallel twins.

New riders loved it from the start – it was easy to handle, cheap to run, easy to restrict if necessary and tough enough to stand the odd low-speed drop without falling apart. It also had the feel of a ‘proper’ bike. But unexpectedly, more experienced riders fell head over heels for it as well – like a Bandit it offered a tough core that could be used as the basis for an even better bike. With newly qualified riders assuring a ready supply of lightly crashed one-owner bikes, the modifying brigade quickly found you could bodge on GSX-R running gear to make yourself a poor man’s Ducati.

There was a complete update in 2003 after four years with virtually no change. Out with the rounded, organic look, in with an angular, edgy style (afficionados define the two as ‘curvy’ and ‘pointy’ models) and fuel injection to help get through emissions tests. Initially less popular, it eventually accounted for almost half of all the SVs sold in the UK (over 20,000).

Fundamentally reliable, the SV’s biggest problems are budget suspension and indifferent finish. The first’s easy to deal with, but the second means care’s needed both when buying, and in day-to-day use. Look after an SV and it’ll last well, but neglect it and it’ll end in tears. Turn over for more detail.

Words Kev Raymond Pictures Mark Manning

Like a V-twin Bandit, the SV attracts new riders and hooligans alike. Here’s why...

Light, cheap, reliable Easy to improve on a budget Authentic V-twin throb

JUNE 2010 Ride 15

buying & selling

SV650

HOW TO BUY A... 1999-2009

SUZUKI

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1 2 3

INTERACTIVE

JUNE 2010 Ride 99www.ride.co.uk

1: Spoilt for choice: a sidestand and a centrestand2: Funky dash is apparently inspired by modern sportscars3: Large lights can’t be missed – essential in London traffic

Pictures Dave Smith

“At A junction they swArm Around, crowding the box And

emAsculAting my getAwAy”

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118-119 R Jun Suzuki GSX1250FA cdp.indd 118 7/4/10 18:17:43

NEW BIKESM

any thanks to toM Partridge, Parts M

anager at C J Ball suzuki 01508 549300

JUNE 2010 Ride 119www.ride.co.uk

1: GSX-R-inspired fairing suits the bike, though the muted colour schemes seem a little restrained2: In true touring fashion, the centrestand comes as standard for easier loading and mid-trip maintenance3: ABS is also standard – a practical addition to a touring bike that’ll often be fully laden and two-up4: GSX-R-style clocks have two trips, gear indicator, adjustable shift light and fuel gauge5: Well-padded seat can be raised to 825mm from 805mm to suit most riders’ shapes and sizes

OptiOns and accessOries

Rear hugger £212Vario screen £106.70Top case £83.20Top case carrier £300.25Side cases and fittings £388.43Inner bags £52.55Decal £69.21Tank bag small £79.50Tank bag large £127.20

rUnninG cOsts

Servicing/warrantyFirst service is at 600 miles – £96.24, then 4000 miles – £156.51. then it’s at 7500, 11000 for £279.59 and valve clearances at 15000 miles cost £379.68

Spares pricesFront pads: £54.42 per side (£108.84 for set) rear pads: £56.45 Clutch lever: £46.17 Brake lever: £51.12 rear brake pedal: £80.97 gear pedal: £60.87 Mirror rh : £47.57 handlebar: £81.08 spark plugs (set): £33.48 oil filter: £11.92 Clutch cover: £173.37 Clutch cover gasket: £12.43

Price £6999 + otrEngine 1255cc inline four cylinderPower 97bhp @ 7500rpmTorque 79lb.ft @ 3750rpmWet weight 257kgsSeat height 805-825mmFuel capacity 19 litres

True all-rounder at a great price Adding luggage costs a lot

SPECIFICATION

VERDICT

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