20,000 mile review

I just hit the 20,000 mile mark and thought I'd give an update.

1.) The bike has never failed to start and run good.

2.) Changed oil and filter at every 3000 miles, using Rotella T syn.

3.) Just put on third rear tire, original Dunlop 220 lasted 11,000 miles, original front lasted 18,000 ...miles.
4.) Original chain and sprockets, lubed with Maxima Chain wax. Chain tension only needed adjusting 4 or 5 times.
5.) Extremely fun, fast, and flickable. V Twin, only way to go! Read Full Review

The Perfect Vehicle

The Suzuki SV650 [standard, not -S] is the perfect all-rounder. The 650cc 90deg V-twin has a generous powerband, with sufficient power to enjoy hooly-ing around, but forgiving enough for even a new rider. Handling is superb, without being the twitchy, razor-sharp handling of an all-out crotch rocket.... Compromises made by Suzuki in order to bring this bike in for a wallet-pleasing MSRP are all in the suspension, which permits the rider to make upgrades as finances allow. While the '99-'02 models are by FAR the better styled/more attractive, the upgrades to the '03 & later models aren't to be sniffed at: fuel injection allows for more power while still meeting smog reqs., and the new style frame while uglier than the original is 15% stiffer and a few pounds lighter [and lighter is always better, as long as reliability doesn't suffer!]

The resounding success of the SV650 on the market forced Ducati to upgrade their lackluster competition of the Monster 600/620 to compensate: the SV is just *that* good!

The only serious flaw with the SV is in the seating: it is well worth the money to get a Sergeant or other custom seat for it. Even Suzuki's own gel saddle is worthwhile; reasonably priced, but compromised by a non-waterproof cover and the gel gets too hot when parked in the sun. If you carry a pillion, be warned: the pillion seat is even *worse* than the pilot perch, so upgrade that FIRST if your gf doesn't have buns of steel! [And if she does, then you owe it to her to upgrade the pillion perch BEFORE first! ;)]

While I don't recommend the SV as a first bike only because first bikes should be a/c single cylinder beaters since they inevitably take more abuse than an experienced rider dishes out, it is easily good enough to be a 2nd & ever after bike! My only wish is that when Suzuki released the SV1000 they had done so in a version that preserved the smashing good lucks of the '99-'02 series 650s... Read Full Review

Rockin little bike with surprizing punch

I bought my SV650 from a friend this spring. I LOVE this bike. It is amazingly good at everything. I commute, tour, 2up riding, sport riding, and running around and getting things done riding (at 40mpg)



It has been extremely well behaved for me and builds confidence every time I ride. It does...n't cook you with engine heat, it handles great, everything always works, and it's stupidly cheap to run.

I've added numerous accessories this summer including my favorites; the heated grips and a top box to put all my crap in.

I love this bike and would recommend it to anyone. Read Full Review

Great bike

I have this bike for 3 years and i never had a problem with it. I Read Full Review