Suzuki SV650/S (1999-current)

Bought a K6 Sport for £4300 before going through DAS (the thought of it sitting in the showroom waiting for me was a pretty good incentive to pass) and haven't regretted it. After training on a CB500, the SV immediately felt comfortable, controllable and very balanced Despite limited revs during the break-in period, it still takes off from roundabouts and overtakes satisfyingly quickly in any gear thanks to the V-twin torque...also thanks to the V-twin torque, can't say I know much about the power of the brakes as engine braking does most of the work. Most miles done on a daily M4 commute, which is comfy and smooth, not too much windblast but wrists can get a bit sore from the clip-ons. Dark wintery nights not a problem too thanks to headlights better than my car. MCN review's mpg figure seems too low - so far had around 55mpg without riding like too much of a slouch. No real issues so far - discs already a bit rusty outside the contact area, Dunlop D220STs are on the durable rather than sticky side, and paint on the tank and seat cowl is thinner than Nicole Richie, but that would appear to be old news. Other than that, go and buy one - plenty fast enough for long-distance blasts and greenhorn shenanigans, corners and stops really well, and the full fairing does a fine job of hiding the crows feet of the slightly elderly naked underneath. NB: people talk about older versions misfiring in the wet due to raod spray getting in the front spark plug - looks like Suzuki have sorted this by hanging a square rubber flap off the bottom of the radiator, so no need to buy a fender extender.

I bought a new 2006 Sv650s sports, meaning it's got full fairing and a rear seat cover. I use it for for commuting to college and back every day in all weather, then used at weekends for fun. Although the bike is standard(apart from a Meta alarm, R&G crash bungs and bar ends), restricted to 33bhp and I have only 4 months experience on a big bike, when I took it to a track day it was very good and easy to ride. The suspension set up was perfect at standard (I weigh 9 stone)and it was easy to take into the corners. However, the restrictor meant I was being overtaken on every straight going flat out, and the standard tires failed to impress me, especially in the wet and under heavy braking. That said, the Sv is perfect for commuting, and in the 4800 miles I've done on it in 5 months, nothing has gone wrong. That is apart from soon after I had a Meta alarm fitted, the bike had starting difficulties to do with the elecrtronics and re-wiring which were soon fixed. Ride and handling: perfectly set up for my weight and riding style and versatile enough to accomodate my larger dad comfortably. Equipment: I agree with the MCN verdict; everything's there, and works fine, but suzuki haven't gone over the top where equipment is concerned. Quality and reliability: nothing has gone wrong with the standard bike, just the Meta alarm difficulties. Value: great value for money so far. Engine: restricted but enough for commuting and weekend riding. Strengths: Fun, good all round bike, comfy commuter, lots of good aftermarket parts, easy to ride even for a big bike noob like me. Weaknesses: standard tires aren't amazing, restrictor kills the top end power, standard brakes are good but not great, no off road capabilities ;) If you're thinking of buying an Sv, I hope this review was helpful, and I would definitely recommend it!

I purchased a SK5 Brand new to tackle my 100mile commute to work and back. 2 years on and its still going strong. Never even had a sniff of a problem. Its also very fun to ride around on twistys too! Only problem is that rust attacks this like termites munch on wood. Keep it clean and all will be good.

I purchased a SK5 Brand new to tackle my 100mile commute to work and back. 2 years on and its still going strong. Never even had a sniff of a problem. Its also very fun to ride around on twistys too! Only problem is that rust attacks this like termites munch on wood. Keep it clean and all will be good.

I plumped for the 03 SV650S on dealer recommendation. Its restricted through the ECU so doesnt get the cholking like you do with some of the carburetor models. Its sturdy as i have found out by sending it down the road on its own ahem twice. I have modified the exhaust system to high level Laser twin cans at a cost of £600 this system cost less than the Suzuki original exhaust and sounds beautiful. The Sv has helped to give me confidence and with some good tyres gives you the confidence to keep your speed up through the corners. Im not really in a position to comment on it fully as a restricted version gives you know where near the experience a fully powered one does. Its a great bike and i wouldnt part with it for the world now.

2005 K5 Got me back into biking after 17 year break. Suzuki sales service (thanks Single Tracker)was top drawer. The bike was just sublime... quick enough, forgiving enough, sporty, I could tour on it, cracking fuel economy. Sure, if you ride it throught the winter make sure you keep it regularly 'scott oiled'- that keeps it nice. Mine got wrote off by the old 'sorry mate, I didn't see you' scenario and I still miss it.

A very good cheap reliable bike. When I went into the bike shop where I bought it from it was one of the least bikes I would of chosen. I took a few bikes for a test ride and when I got to this one I couldn’t believe it. The handling was brilliant. So light and easy to flick about. That sold it to me. The only thing I wish it had more of was power, but I guess that’s what the SV1000 is for. Top bike.

test

I bought my SVS on U.S soil after owning one at home in Blighty and then selling her to move here. The bike has done absolutely everything. It started out as my daily commuter, then it became a weekend toy seeing 500 miles a weekend of hard riding, it saw a track school and a handful of track days, then it went across the U.S two up without any problems. Crashed it and then put it back together for it to be my commuter bike again. 34,000 miles and still going well, the rear shock needs replacing, but asides from that it's running strong. Strengths: Great bike for novice through to experienced track rider. It's a twin so it's great off of a turn,throw a pipe on it and it sounds magic. Budget biking at it's best. Economical to run. Weaknesses: Suspension is cheap, but it's a budget bike so you get what you pay for. Expect your front fairing stay to bend up in a spill. It's only a 650 so you will find it's performance limitations sooner rather than later.

I've recently come back to biking after a break of 6 years. I previously owned a cbr600. I was drawn to the sv650s due to low insurance and all the good reviews. I haven't been let down. It's a really good fun bike - very flickable and looks cool. It's much more fun to ride than the cbr6 - I love the engine braking on a twin. Not that comfortable for long periods on either wrist or bum (anything over an hour)so can't imagine it would be a great tourer. It's also pretty hard work at anything over 90 miles an hour - but if you are new to biking or have come back to it that's plenty to be going on with. Great bike - highly recommended. Strengths: Easy to ride, cheap insurance group, looks good, the feel of a twin. Weaknesses: No wind protection at speed, front fork corrosion and general lack of build quality, standard brakes are not great.