So good; it hurts
The SV650X has proved to be a welcoming first bike for RIDE’S newest licence holder
What’s the best thing about the Suzuki SV650X?
The engine, without a shadow of a doubt. The 645cc V-twin is a revelation; gutsy, with so much torque it makes day-to-day riding and cruising easy. But wind the revs up towards five figures and the induction howl raises the heckles. With the slick gearbox, it’s fantastic fun.
What’s the worst thing?
The riding position. My back isn’t great at the best of times but after a few days of commuting on it, it starts to grumble, then shout and I have to abort and use the car for a couple of days. Only a couple of days mind, before I doubledose ibuprofen and climb back on.
What was your defining moment?
My first ride home after it arrived. I went cross-country and the feeling of freedom, of excitement, of discovery was palpable. I was apprehensive — I had only passed my test a few weeks earlier, so it still felt like everything else on the road was trying to actively kill me — but I arrived home with a massive grin on my face and a huge yearning to turn around and go straight back out again.
What have you learned?
That I should have done this years ago. Despite the non-motorway friendly riding position, I still choose it over four wheels. Wifey always asks why I don’t take the car when it’s damp or cold. Because I enjoy riding it to work, even in the dark or rain. I arrive far more energised than
sitting in the car for the same amount of time. Bypassing traffic is a bonus too…
If you had £6342 to spend on a new bike, would you buy it?
Yes, but not as a first or only bike. If I could only buy one bike, then I’d have to have something more comfortable for commuting that allowed some fun as well. But if I could indulge myself in something purely for smiles, then definitely, the SV650X would sit in my garage very nicely.