SECOND OPINION
At around 75hp the 90-degree, liquid cooled,
645cc, full-power V-twin is perky and linear in
delivery. It has the Suzuki dual spark system
achieving precise fuel burning and offers
fuel efficiency gains from the 14.5 litre tank.
Also, being a V-twin it’s somewhat of a rarity
in this engine capacity segment. It’s the last
of the small/medium sized V-twins with all
the opposition sized engines being parallel
twins, barring some European exotica.
And that 90-degree piston configuration
certainly lends some character to the Suzuki’s
performance that is genuinely appealing.
Below 5000 rpm the Suzuki is smooth and
exceptionally easy to ride. The 650 is fitted
with TI-ISC which is a low RPM throttle/
power assist system that raises the revs a
little automatically when very low to prevent
stalling. Obviously, this is a fantastic addition
for learner riders and because the function
works when trundling along in slow traffic it
has real benefits for all. It’s clever thinking
by Suzuki! Above 5000rpm the engine sings
along and is certainly quick enough for
spirited riding and endangering your licence.
The chassis is slim-looking and feeling with
very sensible ergonomics that comfortably
accommodate a wide range of humans
from short to tall. The frame is a light weight
steel trellis item and helps contribute to the
reasonable sub-200kg weight range. The
suspension is fairly basic technology wise
with a single shock that has stepped spring
preload adjustment out back. Conventional
forks are fitted up front holding capable twin
front disc brakes, the rear brake is a single
disc setup. The SV650X comes standard with
ABS. The suspension action for on road and
general riding work is good and comfortable,
but does show its modest build specification
when pushed hard.
The Suzuki SV650 is a very solid machine,
capable and versatile with no real faults – I
enjoyed my time riding it. This X-model is
certainly stylish with its cafe-racer design,
it’s well built, the engine has a reputation for
being ‘axe’ reliable and will happily take you
everywhere NZ tarmac roads go – what more
do you really need?
JOCK MCLAUCHLAN