Suzuki SV650: The Best Starter/Lifetime/Race/Touring Motorcycle Ever Built

Way back in the late 1980s, Honda introduced the Hawk GT. A fabulous, lightweight motorcycle, with a beautiful aluminum frame and single-sided swingarm. Honda used the 647cc 3-valve V-twin powerplant from the cruiser line, with a modest 40-something horsepower that had no trouble motivating the 400-pound machine. It was a light, nimble motorcycle that made the rider look good.

It quickly became a favorite base for road racers. They commonly modified it by installing the same motor from the Honda adventure bike of the era, the Africa Twin, which came with a 750cc version of the same motor. Race motors made 60-ish horsepower but developed reliability issues when horsepower was pushed to 70 as the crankshafts would develop wobble problems from asymmetrical rod/piston loads at the extreme horsepower and RPM levels.

Then in 1999, Suzuki stopped the Honda show when they released the Suzuki SV650 that came with a V-twin that made horsepower levels from the factory that equaled the Hawk GT power levels with a full race motor. The introduction of the Suzuki SV650 marked a turning point in the mid-sized motorcycle market.

In stock form, it was a wonderful, all-around motorcycle. Novice riders found the motor pleasant to use and it was good enough to tour, use as a runabout and race for the more experienced riders. It had a budget suspension so the suspension aftermarket quickly filled the market vacuum. Racers needed horsepower and the motor gurus started building motors and related equipment. There were rumors of 80 or 90 horsepower motors out there.

The SV650 is still a wonderful motorcycle. In my job as a motorcycle safety instructor, I have enthusiastically recommended the venerable SV650. Many riders have fond memories of their first experience with the Suzuki SV650.

But this weekend I served as an escort rider for a Suzuki Demo Days event. What's not to like about this job? Along with an SV650, I got paid to ride any of the new Suzuki motorcycles, from the GSXR family, to cruisers, to street motorcycles and dual-purpose machines. What a great way to spend a couple of days.

So, if I were in the market for a midsized street motorcycle or if a student asked me if I recommended the SV650, would I still recommend it?

Probably not. A used one for a modest budget maybe but not a new one. From the boring digital dash to the rough ride, the SV650 is showing its age. Regardless, the Suzuki SV650 still holds a special place in the hearts of many riders.

Look Out, Suzuki SV650 (New Kid on the Block)

A 776cc DOHC parallel twin engine powers the Suzuki GSX-8S, making a little more than 80 horsepower. The Suzuki GSX-8S weight and dimensions are similar to the SV650. It weighs around 445 lbs (202 kg) and has a seat height of 31.9 inches (810 mm).

The GSX-8S is a modern design compared to the decades-old SV650 design.

What does the GSX-8S have that is absent on the SV650? For starters, consider LED lighting, a full-color TFT instrument panel, the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System with a three-mode Suzuki Drive Mode Selector and the four-mode Advanced Traction Control System plus the Easy Start & Low RPM Assist systems and a bidirectional quick shifter.

All Of That For Just $1050 More

When I rode it for the first time, I was fully prepared to be unimpressed with the GSX-8S. A parallel twin (blah) and a non-adjustable suspension in a midsized motorcycle generally make for a boring ride. But I was surprised. Suzuki tuned the motor for midrange power and it feels like it. In comparison, the SV650 felt underpowered, rough and cumbersome. The GSX-8S suspension was much smoother and composed over the rough areas of our demo route and the difference in power was noticeable when hopping on the freeway.

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If you want even more, consider the GSX-8R, which is an extra $700. It comes with a full fairing that looks like a sportbike that Suzuki claims was "wind-tunnel tested and aerodynamically sculpted" and has "The Showa(r) SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork - Big Piston) inverted fork."

Could a rider be happy with an SV650? Yes. It's still a competent motorcycle that will do just about anything you want to do on a mid-sized motorcycle. But it doesn't compare back-to-back with the modern GSX-8S. For those who appreciate classic designs, however the Suzuki SV650 remains a viable option.

Maybe The Suzuki SV650 Is The Better Choice?

For some, the simple nature of these bike is in fact the draw. Do you prefer modern tech or analog basics? Your input is invited. Leave a comment and/or write an article!