Bike: Suzuki SV650 ABS
Does Suzuki’s SV offer enough to entice both novice and sporty riders?
Good value with a great, smooth V-twin engine Wilhelm Lutjeharms
Perfect next step once you graduate from a 125/300 cm3 Nicol Louw
THERE is an element to naked bikes with which modern cars can simply not compete: the appeal of seeing all the mechanical parts. Even more so with the naked Suzuki SV, originally launched in 1999 and currently in its third generation.
For the enthusiast, the view of the 90-degree, V-twin engine (tilted forward), with the exhaust manifold pipes running along and below it, it is a mechanical feast for the eyes.
To the SV, then. The white fuel tank stands out against the black of the bike, while the blue wheels add welcome contrast. Other tank colour options are red, blue and black, although all are paired with black wheels. It would have been perfect if the frame matched the tank or wheels, adding a little colour to the overall design.
Up front is a traditional round headlamp while the instrument cluster offers sufficient information: a horizontal rev indicator, speed, fuel range, average consumption and a trip computer. There is also a gearchange light.
Swing your leg over the seat and into a comfortable, upright position with a perfect view of the information screen. The pulsating sound from the engine and exhaust is immediately noticeable, while a few blips of the throttle confirms the powertrain’s free-revving nature.
Through traffic, the SV is a cinch to ride; the handlebars, and the bike as a whole, are narrow and the mirrors are mounted upwards. It is an easy bike to mount and dismount as the seat is low and it should therefore suit shorter riders at traffic lights.
At 197 kg fully fuelled, the SV is light, allowing for snappy direction changes, while the brakes are well modulated but not intensely sharp as with some performance bikes.
During an overcast, earlymorning ride over Franschhoek Pass, we could unleash the SV’S full potential. Although there is enough mid-range torque (maximum twist is already developed at 6 400 r/min), the engine revs with alacrity all the way past 10 000 r/min to just before 11 000 r/min when the rev limiter kicks in. As is sometimes the case with V-twins, you feel like you should shift earlier, but then you glance at the rev counter and realise there are still one or two thousand revs at your disposal. You also never have to worry about lifting the front wheel, as you can pin the throttle in any gear and it stays grounded … unless you deliberately provoke it.
TEST SUMMARY
We’ve ridden a number of Japanese motorcycles offering real value for money, and the SV is one of them. Although it doesn’t come with any high-end electronics (ABS is standard), it’s an attractive proposition at R99 500. It reminded us of our recent long-term (now discontinued) Kawasaki Z800 ABS. That bike cost R15 000 more but offered better performance from a four-cylinder engine. At the price of the SV, the Kawasaki Z650 ABS is currently a direct competitor.
Whether for commuting or spirited riding, this SV takes a great stab at fulfilling a variety of needs. Thanks to Madmacs Motorcycles (tel 021 852 4851) for this test unit.