One of the greatest and most reliable motorcycle engines ever made, its one of the reasons one of my bikes is a V Strom 650. The SV has always been physically too small for me tho and i'm too cramped on it. Recently test rode the 8S and that fitted me much better, but i much prefer the old school looks of the SV.

Have a '23 blue SV650. Just got back from a 1K mile jaunt into Oregon ,US. Strapped on a 30 liter tail bag and headed out with my brother on a Z900RS. We found a 100 mile stretch of twisties- State highway 86. No one on it, blue skies, no wind and recently new pavement. The little SV was in it's realm. And anyone that says the newer 4 pot front brake doesn't cut it, is wrong. Don't like the looks of the new 800. Glad I bought one of the last of the iconic little VTwins.

I bought the exact same bike from Appleyard a few months ago. Love the SV650, fabulous bike to ride.

I bought the same exact SV650 as this a bit over a month ago, love it!

Just love it 👍, I am a 52 years old beginner passing my licence on the first generation of the SV and just love it. I think it will be my first bike ✌️👍😎, excellent review, thank you and regard from Serbia 🇷🇸

I've already had 2 bikes over the years with that 650 twin (2000 SV650S, followed by a 2014 Weestrom), and it would have to be one of the motorcycling world's great engines, period. Bulletproof, economical, smooth and wide powerband and absolutely chock full of character. The 'bang for buck' is right up there. It is just a great all rounder. Sure the tech is nothing flash compared to the competition and it doesn't set the bar in anything chassis wise. But THAT engine. It is the spirit of the bike and at the end of the day many of us ride because of how it makes us 'feel' and that engine sure does make you smile. Plus being so simple means it'll go forever and it has proven it time and again. It'll be sad when they stop making that engine. 😪

Good bike review and also very nostalgic route out of Keighley for me as that is where I grew up. You even went past my granny's old house! I tried an SV when we were looking for a bike for my wife (ended up with a Bonnie) and my impression is it is bike that you need to spend time getting to know and then it will really reward you. Fab engine.

I’ve got one of these, actually on my 3rd one, that I use as my everyday commuter. I can safely say there is not a bigger bargain out there even given the recent price wise. I’ve not had one problem beyond normal maintenance with any of them and I really clock up the mileage.

Brilliant bike. Suzuki, once again doing what they do best; offering a product that's simple, no-nonsense and great value. Also powered by an engine that's had 25 odd years of tinkering and refinement. You simply can't go wrong. Indeed, it's a v-twin, not an l-twin; the best configuration that goes back to the dawn of motorcycling..... The two were made for each other...like strawberry jam and clotted cream on a scone! 😂 (I like howling inline-4s too). Excellent appraisal. 👍

I picked this up a couple of months ago and i really enjoy it.

A very good review Dave thank you for sharing your views , take care & ride safe

I rode one of the first SV650’s way back in 1999 (I think), and thought it was a hoot through the twisties. As much as I enjoyed it, I bought the Honda Hornet 600 instead, and thoroughly enjoyed that, with no regrets. I will have to throw my leg over one again soon. Cheers

Great bike for cornering and enjoy the ride. I 've chosen it because it is compact and never regret it. I am 1,72 m.

I took a 2013 DL650 Vstrom (same engine) to Alaska and the engine was brilliant. Smooth, stable and very tractable in all situations over the 20,000 miles I've owned her. Switchgear and controls left a bit to be desired though. I think I should look at this bike when time comes for a purchase. I do love the Hunter though. Then again us power hungry yanks need to feed our never ending need for speed on the unending super slabs..😉 m

Just bought one from appleyards gloss black with gold wheels and frame getting delivered next week cant wait

i paid £4600 for my 2019 sv 650 new. just shows you how much things have gone up. only problems ive had was seized front caliper pistons and the the gear indicator telling me im in 2nd or 3rd when in 1st. use mine everyday. watch out for poor typical suzuki paint finish on the wheels.

Is this the 3rd place Appleyards has had the shop? Now this is a proper bike. It could do with a coloured frame, in my opinion. Good, basic bike. Fatbars and a round dial would look better. Offset, preferably. The XSR just shades the SV650 for me, but mainly because I like its styling a little better, although I do like the look of the V-twin. I'd be proud to own an SV650. Nice jacket, Bingley.

Is it worth springing for the ABS version? It likely is, but availability can be a problem, and what if you don't fancy the blue color?

Nice one TBW, the SV also has legendary reliability.....

Great video. Yeah man, best bike I've owned! Does what it says on the tin. Bombproof motor. No frills but great fun to ride. As an ex-Stockport lad living in Christchurch, NZ, I loved watching the bike being ridden on UK roads. I bought a new M2 last year which, unfortunately, has been off the road since April this year after I got rear ended at a t-junction heading in to work. Well, this is Christchurch - worst drivers ever in my opinion. Totally clueless! Anyhow, definitely recommend the SV650 but you'll need to be quick, don't think they'll be making them much longer which is a huge shame.

My new SV 650 (74 HP) runs max. 140/150 Kmh. is that normal? 🤔

17k quid for the tuono 14k for the trident 10k for the sv650 I live in israel and these are the prices for brand new ones here. Pretty substantial amount.

WHY they don't give it inverted forks, LED headlight, and REALLLY sport it out, idk.

The seat put me off buying one a few years ago - how did you find it compared to the one on the 8S ? I also wonder if they have a demo GSX S125 you could try? They were also in the old shop just across the road when I walked past a couple of years ago, it is great to see them expand and hopefully be doing good business in the new unit.

Hi Dave, me again. How would you compare the SV650 to the Interceptor 650 when you throw your leg over and sit on it ? According to statistics, the SV is lower in the seat and overall height, narrower (can understand that with it being a v twin), and lighter. Yet in the pictures it looks a bigger bike 🤔. I will contact Appleyards at some point to have a go.

In the real world what more do you need?

Competition could be the hornet maybe

I'd likethe 8s, but I want enough power to have sensible fun on Sussex roads, but with a 80mpg+ minimum. So I'd guess the 8s is a non starter. I'm wondering if the cb500f might be the one. I started as a Kawasaki triple owner and have owned a 74cb 500f . I pretty much ride all year round and when its to cold the bike lives in the dining room. I didn't comment on your 8s video, dodgy honda engine cbx 550, I had a gpz black and red 550, luckily because I almost went for the Honda

So which is better Hunter or sv650 !

Bizarrely quite expensive to insure. I was debating having this or a Moto Guzzi stone as a first big bike, but the MG is a lot cheaper (50%) to insure

Aaah, I see, that's how Suzuki do it ~ voodoo in the gubbins box. Dave, I'm in awe at your depth of technical knowledge, you ought to become a college professor 😉 😉 😂 😂 😂 As ever, an entertaining & enjoyable insight!

Being the same price as the new Honda hornet 750 I think I would go for the hornet

Got the same bike. I’d of gave that Porsche a go the Sv is no plodder 😂

Did you prefer this over the gsx8s?

The amazing thing is they sold boatloads, despite Suzuki's dreadful efforts. The Mk I curvy with that fab welded frame was both quite pretty on both guises (naked and faired). But the suspension was basic, the brakes ok. They could have done an R version, and sold loads more. Then they brought out the angular MkII which didn't look as nice - and again, deserved better suspension for the handling. That it was generally only sold semi faired also didn't help. Somehow the SV1000 was uninspiring, being neither the TL replacment (with proper suspension) nor as light and nimble as the 650. Then they gave us the ugly overstyled Gladius, with an even cheaper frame than the MkII, that no one bought. Then this one, which to be honest is probably great, but the stylings just a bit "unhappy". Why doesnt the tank meet the frame - all those plastic panels are just ugly. Yet a great first or second bike after passing test - easy to ride - plenty of torque so you never get bogged down, and its quite neutral to the newer, more ham fisted rider.

Looks a great bike, lot of power for a 650. Dont like the look of the radiator and the pipe work, bit of a mess. Impressive bike though.

Always call them V twins dave ,it annoys the hell out of ducati snobs. lol

MT07 definitely a competitor

A very competent machine indeed and that engine; sounds like they made it even more tractable. The SV has been around a long time but that frame...it's a lot uglier now.

Poor mans Ducati and none the worse for it, excellent price because it's a Suzuki and they have been making it for years. Tempting at £6999

Rather pay a bit more and get the Triumph Trident.

Not a lot of sex appeal, I have to say. Although I wouldn’t mind the HP.

FootPounds?! -you live in europe. Please use newtonmeters.

better than a royal enfield ;;; ?? ho ho , seems a very good ride , but - the dame edna dash //// WHY ?