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Today we're reviewing a 2005 Suzuki SV650. This is a long video with lots of riding and good engine sound.
Keep checking the channel for at least one new motorcycle review per month for summer 2017.
REVIEW NOTES
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2005 SV650
V-twin entry level motorcycle
First launched as a carbed model in 1999 'ugly' (very very 90s)
Updated in 2003 with sharper looks and fuel injection
Stayed the same (barring colour changes & small things) and sold strongly right through to replacement
...including failed Gladius replacement
Much maligned by many forum heros as a girls bike
Basically dominated the mini-twin class when it debuted (still super common today in the class)
I've had extensive experience, bought the faired S in mid 2000s and owned it for 3 years. Now riding my girlfriends naked SV
I highly recommend this bike
Sharp looks, especially for a 14 year old design. Awesome tail lights, good looking frame.
Relatively comfortable in naked form. The seat could be less 'cornery'
Obviously not comfortable in S form. I found it bad for distance work.
Ergonomics are good, mirrors work well and the dash is good looking and simple/informative
Very light (much lighter than competition) easy to paddle around etc.
Easy to ride, fuels extremely well (take note GSR 600) despite
Engine is engaging and makes excellent use of it's 70hp
Perky and torquey with a moderate rush to the red line from 6500rpm or so
Not super fast but always enough power b-roads and great for cruising on motorways
Exhaust is absolutely essential. Sounds icredible! Proper V-twin
None of this parallel twin bullshit!
Feels nicer than ER-6, CB500, bandit etc
Fantastic wheelie bike
Handling is not bad, friendly and stable until pushed where front can get a bit flighty.
Nothing untorward or crashy but this is definitely budget suspension.
Heavier riders probably fair better with suspension due to lightness of the bike in general
Brakes are usable but less than spectacular. Again helped by lightness of bike
Ground clearance with original pegs exhaust can be limited but knee-down is a distinct possibility
Main advantage right now is price and availalbility.
Curvey ones easy to get for under £1000
Pointy anywhere between £1000 - 2500
Wouldn't pay more than £1500, so many examples available. Buy on condition/mileage not age.
Depreciation at that level is basically done with until 2016 model comes down in price in few years.
Generally reliable but some issues that appear on SV include:
Seal on front plug failing, allowing water to sometimes cause issues with front cylinder loss
Rust! Needs to be cleaned often as this is a cheap Suzuki!
Other than that generally reliable.
MODDING! SV is excellent for this.
Suspension and brakes easily upgradeable with re-spring or GSXR front end.
Excellent track bike with huge community able to make it destroy larger bikes on smaller tracks
Other bikes that are worth looking out for are the Honda Hornet (just as cheap) and Kawasaki Z750 more expensive but just as fun an more capable!