2017 Suzuki SV650 | First Look Review

The early-release 2017 Suzuki SV650 gets more power, less weight, an updated chassis and more.

The original Suzuki SV650, introduced for 1999, was an unexpected hit. It was an affordable, lightweight standard powered by a liquid-cooled, 645cc, 90-degree V-twin possessed of unique personality and character, an entry-level bike so fun to ride that experienced riders couldn’t get enough of it. After a successful 10-year run, including naked and half-faired versions, and launching countless club racing careers, the SV650 was replaced in 2009 by the SFV650 Gladius, which inspired much less excitement.

Suzuki hopes to reinvent its “V-twin fun machine” concept with the 2017 SV650.

Recreating a hit from the past is never easy. Tastes change, time and technology move on, and what lit the spark back then may fizzle today. But affordable middleweight standards have made a comeback in recent years, so Suzuki is bringing the SV650 back as an early-release 2017 model.

The original engine has been updated with more than 60 new parts to create more horsepower (75, up from 71), stronger low-to-midrange torque, improved fuel economy and better emissions. It gets new pistons with low-friction skirts, two spark plugs per cylinder, the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve fuel-injection system and a lighter-weight exhaust system.

Also new is Suzuki’s one-push Easy Start system, which debuted on the 2016 GSX-S1000, and a low-rpm assist feature that complements the throttle-body integrated idle speed control for a more consistent and powerful launch from a stop.

The 2017 Suzuki SV650 has slimmer bodywork and is 15 pounds lighter than its predecessor.

The SV650’s chassis has been updated with more than 70 new parts and components, its bodywork is slimmer and it weighs 15 pounds less than the previous SFV650. A new lightweight steel truss frame showcases the V-twin and is said to provide a more responsive ride. Dual front caliper brakes squeeze 290mm discs, a single rear caliper squeezes a 240mm disc and an ABS model will be offered. A 41mm telescopic fork and link-type rear shock will handle suspension, with seven-level rear spring preload being the only adjustment. Radial tires run on lightweight 17-inch five-spoke cast aluminum wheels. A multifunction LCD instrument panel displays gear position, digital speedometer, tachometer, and includes odometer, tripmeter, average/instantaneous fuel consumption, range, clock, water temperature and fuel gauge functions.

Price, color and availability for the SV650/A are TBD, but Suzuki says the bike should be available in late spring/early summer 2016.