Suzuki SV650X-TER MY2018: the Japanese car dresses up as a café racer [ROAD TEST]

Suzuki SV650X-TER MY2018 – Clip-on handlebars, chrome, leather and metal clearly visible: Suzuki goes beyond its consolidated reputation for reliable motorbikes, unearthing a trendy, fashionable outfit from the good wardrobe which, however, will also be able to win over those who are looking first and foremost for a motorbike the substance. We will discover this Suzuki SV650X-TER a little at a time, but the thing we are in a hurry to tell you is that we find ourselves in front of, or rather in the saddle of, a successful vehicle, capable of combining performance and aesthetics, sportiness and elegance.

Compared to the SV650X that we tested previously (by clicking , here find our test) the SV650X-TER is a version that enhances the "hipster" character of the Suzuki café racer thanks to some stylistic details of quality and retro style: license plate holder and LED indicators, custom mirrors, thermal bandages and handcrafted exhaust double trumpet by Fresco. Whether you want to have fun on the bends of a mountain road or simply join friends for an aperitif in the centre, the "X-Ter" will never disappoint you. Powerful, but also intuitive and simple, agile in traffic. In short, suitable for every occasion. Now we will explain better why.

Aesthetics and finishes:

rating:  

Retro is beautiful (and trendy)

Launching a café racer on today's market means subjecting it to the crossfire of experts and non-experts, style purists and otherwise. This Suzuki SV650X-TER fears neither comparisons nor comparisons because behind its "tough" appearance hides all the solidity of Made in Japan motorcycles, but also a lot of research. The new vintage-style windshield, for example, frames the characteristic rounded headlight. The side profiles recall the lines of the racing bikes of the 70s, accentuating the personality of the SV650X-TER even further. The choice to adopt semi-handlebars not only has an aesthetic function, but also a very practical one, to make this beautiful two-wheeler even sportier while remaining anchored to tradition.

The two "cannons" that make up the exhaust are the perfect meeting point between aesthetics and functionality, they please the eye, but at the same time they allow you to have a full and round sound, which once the motorbike is turned on makes you want to engage. the first and leave.

Engine and performance:

rating:  

Power present and very manageable

The SV650X-TER is powered by a 645 cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine capable of delivering 76 HP at 8.500 rpm and a torque of 64 Nm at 8.100, Euro4 approved. The motorcycle is equipped with the exclusive Suzuki Easy Start System which allows the engine to start with just one touch of the starter button. The engine is very balanced, thanks to the excellent torque values ​​at low speeds but the simultaneous ability to push high, reaching a notable peak of power. The power is always well manageable, thanks above all to a gentle but present delivery throughout the entire range of use. This means that under the saddle you will always have the necessary horses available in every situation of city traffic, extra-urban roads and motorways. The “Low RPM Assist” system prevents the engine from suddenly stopping. The system automatically raises the idle as soon as the clutch lever is released, or when traveling at low speeds with intense use of the clutch, as in the case of traffic in large cities, preventing the engine from stalling.
The standard engine is accompanied by a depowered 35 kW version for A2 license holders.

Ride and handling:

rating:  

Cozy but never tiring position

We know what you're thinking: those half-dumbbells will get tired immediately. Wrong! The SV650X-TER pushes the rider to ride carefully, but never uncomfortable. The legs always have the right angle and the weight of the bike itself - as well as its distribution - leads to great balance. The position of the torso is slightly inclined forward but the forearms never suffer, even after a long time in the saddle and at high speeds, when the shoulders inevitably suffer more from the impact with the air. The neck doesn't get tired, the arms and legs don't even because the engine transmits few vibrations even during acceleration and you just need to "squeeze" slightly on the tank to not even feel too much pressure.

While riding you always have the feeling of having everything under control thanks to the LCD screen which provides all the necessary information: speed, engine rpm, fuel level, gear engaged, the range traveled and even the time. In short, nothing is missing. The front fork is adjustable in precariousness unlike the rear monoshock. Basically it seemed to be perfectly adjusted: the bumps in the city were absorbed well and even in the event of some particularly sharp braking the fork never sank too much, to the benefit of stability and feeling. Furthermore, the passenger travels comfortably because the legs are not excessively gathered and the beautiful saddle, characterized by a double stitching pattern, has the right padding.

Price and consumption:

rating:  

Quality for everyone's budget

The SV650X-TER is offered at a list price of 7.390 euros (VAT included) ex-dealership. A decidedly inviting price both for the expert motorcyclist who wants to switch to a motorbike with more character than the "usual" Japanese one, but also for those who are preparing to buy their first motorbike. Behind this price, in fact, there is all the safety and reliability that have always distinguished Suzuki motorbikes, a brand with an excellent quality/price ratio.

The average consumption is around 18/20 km/l, even more with careful use. Very good in daily use. By opening the throttle the values ​​drop, but never to worrying levels or ones that require frequent stops. The 14,5 liter tank allows you to travel while almost forgetting about refueling.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Engine performance and driving position much more comfortable than you might imagine.
We do not like it:
There are very few flaws with this bike, nothing particularly significant.

Suzuki SV650X-TER MY2018: the Motorionline Report Card

Motor:
Handling:
Gearbox and transmission:
Braking:
Suspensions:
Guide:
Pilot comfort:
Passenger comfort:
Equipment:
Quality price:
Line:
Consumption:

Matteo Pozzi collaborated

Tester clothing:
Gloves: Tucano Urbano Aero Touch
Jacket: Dainese Bryan Leather Jacket
Trousers: Tucano Urbano Genova Gag
Shoes: Stylmartin SNEAKER SUNSET
Helmet: Scorpion Exo-Combat