Motorcycles

More power, less weight for Suzuki’s fourth-generation SV650

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The fourth generation of the Suzuki SV650 returns to its roots with more power, less weight and the familiar sporty character
Spiros Tsantilas/Gizmag
The fourth generation of the Suzuki SV650 returns to its roots with more power, less weight and the familiar sporty character
Spiros Tsantilas/Gizmag
The Suzuki SV650 in Metallic Mat Black
Suzuki
The Suzuki SV650 in Metallic Mat Black
Suzuki
The Suzuki SV650 in Metallic Triton Blue
Suzuki
The Suzuki SV650 in Metallic Triton Blue
Suzuki
The Suzuki SV650 in Pearl Mira Red
Suzuki
The Suzuki SV650 in Pearl Mira Red
Suzuki
The Suzuki SV650 in Pearl Glacier White
Suzuki
The Suzuki SV650 in Pearl Glacier White
Suzuki
The Suzuki SV650 fuel tank is narrower, but retains the same 14.5 liter capacity (US-spec model). The Euro-spec tank holds 13.8 liters of fuel
Suzuki
The Suzuki SV650 fuel tank is narrower, but retains the same 14.5 liter capacity (US-spec model). The Euro-spec tank holds 13.8 liters of fuel
Suzuki
The Suzuki SV650 fuel tank is narrower, but retains the same 14.5 liter capacity (US-spec model). The Euro-spec tank holds 13.8 liters of fuel
Suzuki
The Suzuki SV650 fuel tank is narrower, but retains the same 14.5 liter capacity (US-spec model). The Euro-spec tank holds 13.8 liters of fuel
Suzuki
Slimmer silhouette, typical round headlight for the 2016 Suzuki SV650
Suzuki
LED rear lights for the 2016 Suzuki SV650
Suzuki
Slimmer silhouette for the 2016 Suzuki SV650
Suzuki
The new ABS control unit by Nissin is 830 g lighter in the 2016 Suzuki SV650
Suzuki
The air filter element of the 2016 Suzuki SV650 has been completely redesigned
Suzuki
View from the riding position of the 2016 Suzuki SV650
Suzuki
The 2016 Suzuki SV650 features dual spark technology
Suzuki
The 2016 Suzuki SV650 uses the same engine we've known since 1999, but it has gone through an extensive redesign and is coupled with a brand new exhaust system
Suzuki
The 2016 Suzuki SV650 features a simple round headlight
Suzuki
The 2016 Suzuki SV650 is fed via Suzuki's Dual Throttle Valve system, where a secondary valve is controlled by a servo mechanism to ensure linear power delivery
Suzuki
Completely new dashboard with adequate information, including basic trip computer functions such as consumption figures
Suzuki
The new exhaust of the 2016 Suzuki SV650 is lighter, Euro 4 compliant and expected to deliver an unmistakable V-twin rumble
Suzuki
The new pistons of the Suzuki SV650 were engineered with use of Finite Element Method analysis for optimal rigidity and weight
Suzuki
A new radiator is part of the revised cooling system that was necessary in order for the Suzuki SV650 to satisfy the new Euro 4 norms
Suzuki
The Suzuki SV650 has a new double seat that is slimmer in the front part to facilitate ground access to for shorter riders
Suzuki
A new Easy Start System that debuted last year on the GSX-S1000 has been applied to the Suzuki SV650. Just press on the button just once and the starter motor will work for a given amount of time until the engine fires up
Suzuki
LED rear lights for the 2016 Suzuki SV650
Suzuki
The Suzuki SV650 in action
Suzuki
The Suzuki SV650 in action
Suzuki
The Suzuki SV650 in action
Suzuki
The Suzuki SV650 in action
Suzuki
The Suzuki SV650 in action
Suzuki
Two of the four available color options of the Suzuki SV650
Suzuki
The Suzuki SV650 in action
Suzuki
Suzuki presented at EICMA a special scrambler edition of the new SV650 adorned with a host of goodies from SW Motech
Spiros Tsantilas/Gizmag
Another special edition in Suzuki's EICMA booth was an SV650 converted to Cafe Racer with several ergal parts from Gilles Tooling, such as clip-ons and rearsets
Spiros Tsantilas/Gizmag
The 2016 Suzuki SV650 is built around a brand new steel truss frame, cleverly painted black to minimize the perception of volume
Suzuki
View gallery - 40 images

Suzuki has unveiled an updated version of its venerable middleweight roadster at EICMA 2015. Featuring a new frame and a redesigned V-twin engine for more power and lower fuel consumption, the new SV650 is slimmer, lighter and sports a fresh, clean design.

The SV650 has been around since 1999, being the first motorcycle to introduce the 645 cc V-twin engine that was later also used to power the hugely successful DL650 V-Strom adventure bike. The second generation SV was introduced in 2003, with brand new looks, a new aluminum frame and fuel injection as its most important updates. Six years later Suzuki renamed it as SFV650 Gladius and offered a new, modern design to complement a proven package that could tackle a wide variety of roles, ranging from friendly entry level motorcycle to club racing legend.

For its fourth generation, Suzuki returns to the model's roots by reinstating the SV name and redesigning it with clean, simple lines.

The 2016 Suzuki SV650 is built around a brand new steel truss frame, cleverly painted black to minimize the perception of volume
Suzuki

The host of updates to the 90-degree V-twin engine include new pistons and rings, cooling system and exhaust, resulting in a gain of 4 hp in peak power, up to 75 at 8,500 rpm. Torque hasn't changed in terms of maximum value, but the 64 Nm (47.2 lb-ft) are now produced higher than ever, at 8,100 rpm.

Suzuki opted to keep the SV relatively free from the typical electronic gadgetry that has infested modern motorcycles, so no ride-by-wire throttle action, traction control or selectable ignition maps. Instead, the new SV650 debuts a new practical system called Low RPM Assist. Working in tandem with the Idle Speed Control (that has been around since the previous SFV model), this system activates the moment the rider releases the clutch to launch the motorcycle by raising the engine revolutions just enough to avoid accidental stalling.

Another prominent feature of the new SV650 is its frame. Suzuki steered clear of the aluminum designs of the past, redesigning the previous model's steel truss to a slimmer silhouette.

The Suzuki SV650 in Pearl Glacier White
Suzuki

Suspension and brake systems haven't changed, with the exception of a new ABS control unit by Nissin that's 830 g (1.8 lb) lighter. In all the SV650 weighs in at 195 kg (430 lb) in the non-ABS version and 197 kg (434 lb) with the ABS.

The new SV650 is expected to hit showrooms in the second quarter of 2016 at an as yet undisclosed price tag. It will be tasked with competing against Yamaha's MT-07 (FZ-07) – a motorcycle that has met considerable success with the combination of strong performance at an affordable price.

See the SV650 in action in Suzuki's new promo video.

Source: Suzuki

View gallery - 40 images
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3 comments
Mzungu_Mkubwa
I can't wait until it dawns on the designers that the flip-up duck tail everybody uses these days looks too much like the bike got rear-ended by a delivery truck in need of a brake job. Lose the up-curve and stick with the classic cafe look on the rear faring and you'll be turning heads, y'all.
chidrbmt
You're absolutely right MM. In allot of models,everyone copies the same styling. Resulting,like cages,in the same look. Many end up looking like bug eyed,alien insects from the front. Way too much space between the tire & fender/seat on this model. Some nice mechanical improvements without all the unneeded,expensive electronics. Keep it simple,light weight with a reasonable price. That's why the Ducati's Scrambler is such a hit.
toddzrx
"For its fourth generation, Suzuki returns to the model's roots by reinstating the SV name and redesigning it with clean, simple lines."
That's because the styling and sales of the 3rd gen Gladius were awful. At least Suzuki had the brains to get back to the original formula, although I agree with the previous poster that the current kicked-up tail look is silly.