Suzuki SV650 ABS MY2018: Timeless twin-cylinder within everyone's reach [ROAD TEST]

Suzuki SV650ABS MY2018 – Small dimensions, attractive look and color that recalls its big sister Gixxer: here is the right mix created by Suzuki to ensure that the small SV adapts to the needs of every motorcyclist looking for a simple but intriguing two-wheeler at the same time. We find ourselves in front of a comfortable and easy to handle vehicle, with a steering radius sufficient to guarantee correct maneuverability even in the traffic of the most chaotic cities. Precisely for those moments in which you "play" with the gas clutch, Suzuki has created the assisted management of low speeds called Low RPM Assist which uses the ISC system to increase the engine speed when starting and moving at high speeds. low speed, almost completely reducing those unpleasant unexpected shutdowns capable of transforming the motorbike into a heavy static object to keep upright.

If it is true that size and maneuverability make the SV650 MY2018 perfect for daily use, it is fair to say that it too - when the weekend arrives - is eager to be taken on a gallop. So put on the right clothing and head towards your favorite road, perhaps the one full of bends and turns that you used to travel at full throttle on your scooter as kids. You will immediately realize that the small 90° V-twin capable of developing 76 hp and 64 Nm at 8100 rpm, after 18 years and numerous updates, is still capable of giving satisfaction to its rider. The feeling is immediate and the reactions to driving are predictable, as long as you don't overdo it. If it is true that the steel trellis frame does its job well by working in harmony with the suspensions, the same cannot be said of the braking system: when you hold on to the brake lever trying to brake, the front does not transmit that bite that is expected and you have to apply a lot of pressure to stop in the desired spaces.

Aesthetics and finishes:

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Simple, clean lines: twenty years and not feeling it!

Having a logo – SV – on the fairings for almost two decades is certainly no small feat: a new, young and fresh look was needed, but which at the same time did not distort the original project. The classic round headlight contained within the chrome band is a distinctive element of the renewed Suzukina: designed to guarantee maximum visibility, it winks at the previous version guaranteeing infinite types of customisation. In fact, it is no secret that Suzuki has kept the number of sales high also thanks to the multiple transformation possibilities and after-market parts available for this model. It is not difficult to come across unique café racer-style examples or versions capable of transforming into track day weapons on small circuits where curves reign supreme.

Precisely in the wake of customizations, the Hamamatsu company addresses its customers with two further versions with a strong aesthetic characterisation: if the classic SV tends to go unnoticed among other nakeds, just aim for the more sophisticated X to stand out from the pack . Retro 80s style graphics, cannelloni seat, a fairing to protect the headlight unit and that's it. If, however, you are insatiable and your hobby is to attract attention, the X-TER will be right for you (these are the links to the two tests SV650X e SV650X-TER). The basic features are those of the to the beautiful double pipe exhaust by Fresco. 800 euros range between the entry-level and the most rebellious of the family: an amount that will make many hesitate. Do you know that feeling you get before entering the dealership after months spent reading comparisons violating Google in all its forms? Here you are. You will cross the threshold with the idea of ​​making the classic SV yours and then leave with the contract signed for the X-TER in hand. And once you get home, you will then sit for hours with a thoughtful expression and looking up trying to understand how this could have happened. To make a long story short: if you are already thinking about personalizing your little girl, also consider the two more equipped versions. With a minimal investment, you take home a pretty good package, especially in relation to the fact that you will be perfectly compliant with the CdS.

Since it is a naked bike, it is clear that the undisputed protagonist is always the engine block around which the plastic elements define its design. Suzuki has chosen simple, clean and streamlined lines, capable of enhancing the glorious V-twin that dominates the side view. The tail, slender upwards as required by the stylistic dictates that characterize all the latest Suzuki models, houses the double high intensity LED light; shame about the license plate holder which is oversized when compared to the silhouette of the tail but nothing that can't be remedied.

In recent years we have seen how, to comply with current anti-pollution regulations, manufacturers create exhaust pipes with the most disparate shapes: on the SV650, however, the technicians have done an excellent job creating an exhaust with an attractive and well-integrated look with the geometries of the motorbike. The aluminum heat sink contrasts with the black part, making its appearance slimmer.

Once seated in the saddle, you find yourself faced with simple, no-frills instruments that leave no room for doubt: all the most important indicators are within sight and it is not difficult to know how far you can travel with fuel in the tank given that a precise data (trip fuel) is constantly displayed in the lower part of the LCD panel. The gear position, digital speedometer, clock and water and oil temperatures are clearly distinguishable and the lighting is adjustable to six intensity levels.

Going around it to take the usual photos, I realized that the overall view is harmonious and well balanced; despite not having an unquestionably strong personality, her youthful traits make her a must have also for girls and two-wheel novices who can find in the Suzuki SV650ABS MY2018 a trusty adventure companion enclosed in a modern and slender design.

Engine and performance:

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Category benchmarks

Being a further evolution of an almost "legendary" engine, there have been no upheavals but only updates that make it even more usable than before. At bass it proves to be easily manageable and linear (but with sporadic episodes of on-off when you take hold of the throttle in certain situations), guaranteeing smooth and jerk-free starts; in the medium range, however, the music changes and the 90° V-twin begins to make its potential felt, reminding you why - after 19 years - it is still there to give its rivals a hard time. It stretches well but it is almost useless to take it to the limiter because the torque curve starts to go down and there would be a drop in thrust. By changing gear at the right time, however, the progression is felt and the little SV650 slings forward without too much hesitation.

The 90° V-Twin engine with double overhead camshaft is equipped with irregular burst ignition which guarantees a deep and exciting sound. Suzuki Dual Spark technology, on the other hand, provides two spark plugs per cylinder to improve injection precision; by using high-performance nickel-aluminium spark plugs, we have achieved more efficient combustion which guarantees smoother power delivery without sacrificing performance but with a significant reduction in replacement costs. We then find the S-DTV petrol injection system which has two butterfly valves for each cylinder and 10-hole injectors, a totally new radiator which is 20mm wider than the previous one combined with a larger cooling fan and, among the new features , a resin coating on the piston liners designed to reduce friction with the die-cast aluminum cylinders which are in turn equipped with the patented SCEM coating - Suzuki Composite Electrocemical Material - which guarantees better heat dissipation and greater resistance to wear. The technical data sheet it talks about 76hp at 8.500 rpm and a maximum torque of 64 Nm at 8.100. How do all these technicalities translate into road driving? All you have to do is jump on the saddle to understand that the good Japanese V-Twin adapted to Euro4 regulations has not lost the gritty character that has always distinguished it. Indeed, it increases reliability and decreases operating temperatures for an even more exciting driving experience. The trick is to always be aware of the gear engaged, especially when driving between curves of different radius connected to each other: if you know how to interpret the qualities of this engine, you will realize how easy it is to derive satisfaction from it.

Ride and handling:

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Give her curves and she will know how to reward you

The central area is modeled to fit the rider: once in the saddle you can fully appreciate the ergonomics of the seat and the position of the footrests which however are uncomfortable for people taller than 175cm. The handlebar setting is also excellent and allows for relaxed riding, without stress on the muscles. The only flaw is the width: a few centimeters more would have conveyed a greater sense of stability. The seat is comfortable and comfortable even for the passenger who can count on real padding and not on a folding seat disguised as a saddle!

The non-forward riding position makes everyday riding easier but requires more effort in managing the vehicle when the situation starts to get challenging and you decide to make the most of the almost perfect chassis of the small SV650. The steel trellis frame (initially it was aluminium) conveys confidence even when the bike starts to take curves one after the other, thanks to the 197 kg in running order, 8 less than the previous version. The front relies on a 41mm traditional fork with adjustable preload while, at the rear, we find a link suspension with 63mm shock absorber also adjustable in preload to 7 preset levels. By acting on these parameters, it is possible to "sew" the bike onto oneself, while being aware that - when the going gets tough - the standard equipment suffers. What is certain is that the SV650 was never designed for racing use, even if versions duly modified to be noticed on the circuit (medium-short, obviously) are certainly not difficult to find at track days!

The braking system with Nissin ABS system relies on two 290mm discs at the front combined with one 240mm at the rear: if it is true that in everyday driving and in slippery road conditions it proves to be modular, it is equally true that when riding requires frequent pinching, the system goes into crisis, revealing itself to be spongy and "extending" the braking distances in a way that is not suited to the type of motorcycle. A milestone in its sector which the SV650Abs MY2018 still proves to be today, it should be able to provide incisive braking that transmits control and safety to its rider. In some situations, however, one is afraid to dare precisely because the system does not prove to be as sincere as it should. By intervening on pipes, oil and pads, the situation could improve but those who buy such a renowned entry-level vehicle would perhaps expect expected quality at the perceived level. Contact with the ground occurs via 120/70 radial tires at the front and 160/60 at the rear which envelop the five-spoke aluminum rims with a classic but always current design. “Last but not least”, the saddle hides a storage compartment that is certainly not as spacious as the trunk of a minivan but is sufficient to contain documents and some other small personal objects that could be inconvenient or dangerous in your pocket while riding.

Price and consumption:

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Fun at a sale price and with the certainty of ABS by Nissin

Entering the Suzuki world has never been easier. With a list price of 6.590 euros fc, you take home a pretty good toy, an entry level motorbike designed with quality elements but with an eye towards the consumer. And it can be had with a depowered 35kw control unit: this is the message with which Suzuki makes its SV truly suitable for everyone.

You can choose the classic version with the official Suzuki colors like the one on test, or you can opt for the matte black version. If you want to dare, the most "rude" version in my opinion is undoubtedly the glossy black one with satin red rims and frame. A true midnight racer without compromises, with that vintage scent of the 80s Suzuki. As previously mentioned, the model is supported by the SV 650 Once in the saddle, the feeling is that of having a well-made two-wheeler between your legs and with everything you need to have fun and ride safely. Reliable chassis, run-in engine and ABS as standard. Add that Suzuki declares a consumption of 3,8 liters per 100km - during testing we fluctuated between 4 and 5 litres/100km - and it will be enough for you to understand that, with a full tank of petrol (14,5 litres), on the road you can do it. And a lot of it too.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
V-Twin delivery
Instrumentation Easy handling

We do not like it:
Narrow handlebars
Braking not very effective
Small for "tall" riders

SUZUKI SV650ABS MY2018: the Motorionline Report Card

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