Suzuki SV650/S (1999-current)

I have recently bought my first big bike, and having weighed up many contenders, I had it down to a Transalp and a SV650 - as second hand, I'd seen similar 6/7 year old examples for 2.5k. I had a Varadero 125, I thought the Transalp would be more of the same, and decided to go for the SV. I am DELIGHTED with my choice! The bike looks great, if you can get it with the optional full fairings - setting the look of a sports bike, without having to fork out the inevitable higher insurance premium. I picked up the bike it rotten weather, and with the potentially problematic new rubber on back & front. The bike did not miss a beat from slow tight corners, to long motorway sweeps - and all with loads of standing water. The bike has an engine that feels like it always has more should you need it, and on the public roads, you'll never be short on power and speed. The ride is comfortable, and I am planning long tours on the bike as the weather improves. I highly recommend this bike to anyone who has passed their test, and is looking for an all-round bike which will provide fun and practicality. You will struggle to find anyone who has rode this bike who does not think that this is an excellent way of getting into motorcycling!

I say perfect for new riders as its very forgiving but can also be 'twitchy' when it wants to, keeping you on your feet and steers you away from confident complacency. Its my first ever bike and I’ve very happily clocked up 8,000 miles on it, a track day and my first christening with the tarmac… and I also now have shares within the petroleum markets! Bad news first I’m afraid. The suspension and riding position are the downsides to this wonderful bike as it’s also split between a sports and a tourer. Despite it performing brilliantly on the track, (got my first knee down with it) and it also proving most efficient when touring over to Exmoor and Wales, it does give cramp on long treks, doesn’t soak up the typical British roads as well as you’d like and makes you feel like your really stretching over the tank after a while. I’m 6’2” and I personally wouldn’t want to be any less the 5’10” on it! The pegs are quite high, which is good for ground clearance and having the benefit of ‘clip-ons’ also helps with fast road riding and lean angles. I have also heard that the SV doesn’t have much to play with with regards to extras, though the only thing I’ve decided I need is the lower fairings, which I don’t need at all really?! Plenty adequate for a big bike newbie! Now for the good stuff! The handling and engine are superb which help you flow around roads and circuits as if you’re a natural. I’ve got Dunlop Qualifiers on at the moment and they are predictably grippy (not in the wet though!) and give confidence on the track. This along with the superb feel of the SV and you’ve got a perfect combination. A Yamaha Fazer 600 and a Suzuki Bandit 650 are the only other bikes I’ve ridden but the Suzuki tops them both with almost every aspect of biking apart from comfort. It has a better gear box, feels like it has a more torque ridden engine and therefore probably makes you seem like your quicker than you really are. It also gives better confidence when riding fast, sounds far better than the two, (good old V-Twin!), and to top it all off its cheaper on the insurance and I think cheaper to probably buy; especially now the new Gladius is out. All in all a brilliant bike for a big bike newbie who wants a go at track days and touring but also provides perfectly for weekend blasts! Recommend to anyone :)

I say perfect for new riders as its very forgiving but can also be 'twitchy' when it wants to, keeping you on your feet and steers you away from confident complacency. Its my first ever bike and I’ve very happily clocked up 8,000 miles on it, a track day and my first christening with the tarmac… and I also now have shares within the petroleum markets! Bad news first I’m afraid. The suspension and riding position are the downsides to this wonderful bike as it’s also split between a sports and a tourer. Despite it performing brilliantly on the track, (got my first knee down with it) and it also proving most efficient when touring over to Exmoor and Wales, it does give cramp on long treks, doesn’t soak up the typical British roads as well as you’d like and makes you feel like your really stretching over the tank after a while. I’m 6’2” and I personally wouldn’t want to be any less the 5’10” on it! The pegs are quite high, which is good for ground clearance and having the benefit of ‘clip-ons’ also helps with fast road riding and lean angles. I have also heard that the SV doesn’t have much to play with with regards to extras, though the only thing I’ve decided I need is the lower fairings, which I don’t need at all really?! Plenty adequate for a big bike newbie! Now for the good stuff! The handling and engine are superb which help you flow around roads and circuits as if you’re a natural. I’ve got Dunlop Qualifiers on at the moment and they are predictably grippy (not in the wet though!) and give confidence on the track. This along with the superb feel of the SV and you’ve got a perfect combination. A Yamaha Fazer 600 and a Suzuki Bandit 650 are the only other bikes I’ve ridden but the Suzuki tops them both with almost every aspect of biking apart from comfort. It has a better gear box, feels like it has a more torque ridden engine and therefore probably makes you seem like your quicker than you really are. It also gives better confidence when riding fast, sounds far better than the two, (good old V-Twin!), and to top it all off its cheaper on the insurance and I think cheaper to probably buy; especially now the new Gladius is out. All in all a brilliant bike for a big bike newbie who wants a go at track days and touring but also provides perfectly for weekend blasts! Recommend to anyone :)

I have had my SV650S for about 6 months now and i love it to bits, it looks amazing, sounds amazing and has plent of power and torque. You cant beat the noise of a VTWIN. It is my first big bike and i would recommend it to anyone looking for a decent first bike that is forgiving when you make a mistake. Good Points: Noise(i have Scorpion Cans), Torque, Handling and Looks. Bad Points: Corrosion, Standard Tyres aren't great, False Neutrals can be a problem. Overall 5*

Goes like s**t of a shovel, sticks to the roads like s**t to a blanket, BRILLIANT

I have got an SV650S and have been very happy with it for the last year. I am a new rider and this was my first "big bike" after mucking about on a 125 for a few months. i have the full fairing which really makes the difference in the looks department! I've now covered almost 10,000 miles on the SV and am looking into going across to France on it. I've made several trips from Surrey to Yorkshire on it and it does a fairly decent job of shielding you from the wind although not spectacular. I think this is the perfect first bike to get for anyone who has just passed and is still gaining confidence. I did A LOT of research into which bike to get and everything i read said this was and it really hasn't disappointed. The only thing i would say is that after a year i am looking for a bit more power. Perfect 1st bike, top marks

I have only been a qualified rider since November, but since then I have racked up nearly 2500 miles on my 1999 SV. It is a great bike to really learn to ride on. Loads of power when needed and I am now starting to build up my confidence. Most of my riding has been in the wet and cold of winter, but now the dry warmer days are starting, I am learning just how well the bike handles and corners. I recommend this bike highly, especially if like me, you are new to biking.

I had an SV650 Sport for nearly 2 years, this followed the GS500F I had for 6 months after passing my test. I commuted on the SV over 500 miles a week, every week, come rain or shine. The only modification to the supplied bike was a touring scottoiler. I can honestly say I never had a days trouble with it. It was serviced regularly and the consumables changed as necessary but even with the high milage the only parts needed were at the standard servie intervals. Most of my milage was carried out on the motorway where it was comfortable enough for the hour or so run in. In the city it was easy to nip in and out of traffic were required. A good all rounder which I'd certainly recommend for new riders or those more experienced wanting a bit of fun.

It's difficult to write a review when you're a beginner as I aint ridden many bikes, BUT i will say, compared to what i learnt on (a Suzuki GS500) this bike is fab!! It's very forgiving, and does exactly what you ask it. I took it out in the cold the other day and it was just fantastic!! corners where a breeze (despite my adrenaline pumping!) and when i saw some clear road, it was dying to just go for it!! A bike that you have complete control of all in your right hand. LOVE IT!!

My Fazer 600 got written off and the insurance company loaned me an SV650s for a few weeks. Going from a 4-cyl to a twin was great fun as the Sook has brilliant pick-up and grunt from the off. I learned on a CBF500 and while the SV shares characteristics with the Honda twin, it's more grunty and revs better too. Brakes, chassis, all of this is great, and the bike looks good too. However, I'm less impressed with the build quality and finish than my old Yamaha Fazer. Also, the ride position, while making for a supremely chuckable bike, but it didn't make me feel comfortable cornering as I'm not at that level as a rider yet. The hunkered-down riding position also made my wrists quite sore on long journeys, though the wind protection is great at 80mph+. I had a problem with the SV650s and they swapped it for a naked version. Wow! That was a revelation. I suddenly found that town riding was miles easier - I could see ahead easily and cornering was much more confidence-inspiring. The naked version is much easier to thread around town and the torque of the twin makes it a brilliant commuter. Shame about the loss of the fairing. All in all it was a great bike to build experience on. Forgiving, fun, light, good sound and look, with way more ability than I could exploit. However, the build quality and lack of centre stand are big flaws for me. If you garage your bike and don't ride in the winter you should be okay. Me; I got an FZ6 Fazer - centre stand, fairing, comfy riding position and good build quality.