The Suzuki SV650 and its variants are street motorcycles manufactured since 1999 by Suzuki. In 2009, Suzuki replaced the standard SV650 with the SFV650 Gladius. In 2016, the Gladius name was discontinued and the 2017 model was reverted to SV650.
First generation (1999–2002)
Suzuki introduced the SV650 in 1999 as a budget entry in the emerging naked bike market and featured both naked and half faired versions. The bike provided a sporty though easily manageable ride. The combination of light weight, rigid chassis, strong handling, and the V-twin's strong mid-range torque appealed to beginner and experienced riders alike. The 2003 SV1000 was marketed as a bigger alternative to the second generation SV650.
The SV650 immediately became popular, but American buyers wanted the sportier 'S' version that featured lower handlebars, higher foot pegs and a bikini fairing and windscreen, available only in the European and Canadian markets. American magazines ran articles describing how to import it into the United States. In 2000, Suzuki began importing the SV650S to the USA.
The SV650 with its relatively low purchase price and excellent handling characteristics became popular with racers which prompted a rebirth of the "lightweight twins" racing classes across North America and the SV650 began outselling the Suzuki GS500, Honda NT650 and Kawasaki Ninja 500R, which previously populated the class.
Second generation (2003–2008)
In 2003, Suzuki redesigned the SV650 with a new pressure-cast aluminum truss frame, bodywork, swing-arm with revised rear brake caliper mounting, exhaust, digital speedometer display and electronic fuel injection/induction system to replace the carburetor.
The 2003 SV650s also supported some first generation parts (like the rearsets and radiator). The subframe is also angled up higher than 2004+ models. The different subframe has year-specific parts, such as the rider seat, plastic frame covers, exhaust hanger brackets and passenger pegs.
For 2004, Suzuki used a new, 40 mm lower subframe and a seat with a narrower design in the front. This made flat footing easier for shorter riders. The trail was raised by 2 mm, and the rear fender was restyled to clean up the area under the tail lights and provide more protection against flying debris.
In 2005, the color of the frame was changed from silver to a matte black finish and the radiator size was decreased from .
For 2007, both SV650 and SV650S added dual spark plugs per cylinder, and an exhaust gas oxygen sensor on California models for reduced emissions. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) was also added as an option.
For 2008, alongside the traditional SV650 and SV650S models, Suzuki offered a new SV650 Sport (UK) or SV650SF (US) model with a more traditional complete fairing. The SV650S was removed from the US market.
In September 2008, Suzuki Australia introduced the SV650SU, a de-tuned version of the SV650S, to augment their range of motorcycles that comply with the country's Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS).
Gladius (2009–2013)
The 2009 Suzuki SFV650 Gladius replaced the SV650 naked version in the USA; however, a naked 2009 SV650 was available in Canada. Although the naked version was superseded by the Gladius, the SV650S model remained in the UK and Australian line-up through to 2012.
Third generation (2017–2026)
The 2017 model released in 2016, SV650/A has returned to the more conventional styling of the pre-Gladius naked version. Suzuki claims the wet weight for the non-ABS model is 195 kg (430 lbs), and 197 kg (434 lbs) for the ABS model. Its engine develops an additional four-horsepower and features a low-speed stalling prevention system ("low RPM assist") to make the bike more suited to beginners and easier to ride in stop/go traffic.
It meets Euro 4 emission regulations and has a new slim steel frame. Seat height is 785 mm (30.9"). Fuel tank capacity is 13.8 litres, or 15.5 litres in the US market. It has twin front disc brakes and new 39 mm slimmer and lighter throttle bodies.Suzuki Motor Corporation, Hamamatsu City,Japan AO112-271 SV650A L7 product information. Nov 2015.
In November 2015 Suzuki announced at EICMA 2015 that the SV650 would return in 2016 as a 2017-model year product. Preload adjusters are fitted to 2018 models. A cafe-racer version of the SV650 was launched in 2019 with a front pre-load adjustment.
Fourth Generation (2027—Present) In 2025 Suzuki revealed at the SV-7GX at EICMA in Milan. The new model introduced ride-by-wire throttle bodies which enables a bi-directional quick shifter similar to the GSX-8R/8S models.
The new SV-7GX model is aimed at the lightweight sports-touring market with a larger fuel capacity, updated electronics, and a more upright seating position. It is also fully Euro5+ compliant.
In late 2026, California Air Resource Board filings revealed that Suzuki planned to release an updated SV650 base model will be returning to the line up.
Current market situation Other twin cylinder motorcycles in the class include the Yamaha MT07 / Yamaha XSR700 and Kawasaki Z650 / Kawasaki Ninja 650. The SV650 is more affordable than the likes of the Ducati Monster, Ducati Scrambler, and KTM 790 Duke, but has similar performance.
Specifications Model year 1999–2002 2003 2004–2006 2007 2008–2014 2017–presentSuzuki Year CodesX ('99), Y ('00), K1, K2K3K4, K5, K6K7K8, K9, L0, L1, L2, L3, L4Suzuki ModelsSV650 (naked) SV650S (half-fairing)SV650 (naked) SV650S (half-fairing)SV650 (naked) SV650S (half-fairing)SV650 (naked) SV650A (ABS)
SV650S (half-fairing)
SV650SA (half-fair'd+ABS)SV650 (naked) SV650A (ABS)
SV650SF (full-fairing)
SV650SA (full-fair'd+ABS)SV650 SV650 ABS
SV650X EngineEngine Type liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve DOHC 90° V-twinTSCC (Twin Swirl Combustion Chamber)Added twin spark plugs per cylinder and O2 sensor for improved emissions Bore x stroke Compression 11.5:111.2:1 Power @ 9000 rpm @ 8800 rpm (rear wheel) @ 8500 rpm (claimed) @ 8530 rpm (rear wheel) Torque @ 7200 rpm @ 7000 rpm (rear wheel) @ 8100 rpm (claimed)@ 8000 rpm (rear wheel) Fuel system Mikuni BDSR39 x2 Fuel injection Ignition Digital transistorized Chassis Frame Aluminium alloy oval tube trellis Pressure cast aluminium alloy diamond truss Steel trellis frame Front suspension Kayaba 41 mm telescopic fork, wheel travel.Non-adjustable (1999–2001).Adjustable pre-load (2002). 41 mm damping rod fork, travel.Adjustable pre-load. 41 mm telescopic fork, travel Rake 25° Trail (naked), 100mm (3.9 in) (S, SF, SA) Rear suspension Kayaba single shock, adjustable pre-load 127 mm (5.0 in) wheel travel
337 mm length. 9.1 kg/mm (510 lb/in) spring rate KYB (formally Kayaba) single shock, adjustable pre-load 330 mm bolt-to-bolt length. 7.7 kg/mm (430 lb/in) spring rateLink type single shock, 7-step adjustable pre-load, travel Front brakes Dual 290 mm floating discs Rear brakes Single 240 mm disc ABS colspan="3" Optional Front tire 120/60-ZR17 MC (55W), tubeless120/70ZR17M/C (58W), tubeless Rear tire 160/60-ZR17 MC (69W), tubeless Dimensions Length 2045 mm (80.5 in) 2125 mm (83.7 in)2130 mm (83.9 in) (S) 2080 mm (81.9 in)2085 mm (82.1 in) (S) 2080 mm (81.9 in)2085 mm (82.1 in) (S) 2120 mm (83.5 in) (A, SA)2080 mm (81.9 in)2085 mm (82.1 in) (SF) 2120 mm (83.5 in) (A, SA)2140 mm (84.2 in.) Width 740 mm (29.5 in) 745 mm (29.3 in)730 mm (28.7 in) (S) 745 mm (29.3 in)730 mm (28.7 in) (S) 745 mm (29.3 in) (naked, A)730 mm (28.7 in) (S, SA)745 mm (29.3 in) (naked, A)730 mm (28.7 in) (SF, SA)760 mm (29.9 in.) Height 1130 mm (44.5 in) 1085 mm (42.7 in)1175 mm (46.3 in) (S) 1085 mm (42.7 in)1170 mm (46.1 in) (S) 1085 mm (42.7 in) (naked, A)1170 mm (46.1 in) (S, SA)1085 mm (42.7 in) (naked, A)1170 mm (46.1 in) (SF, SA) Wheelbase 1420 mm (55.9 in) 1440 mm (56.7 in)1430 mm (56.3 in) (S) 1440 mm (56.7" in)1430 mm (56.3 in) (S) 1440 mm (56.7 in)1430 mm (56.1 in) (S)1470 mm (57.9 in) (A, SA)1440 mm (56.7 in)1430 mm (56.3 in) (S, SA)1470 mm (57.9 in) (SF)1445 mm (56.9 in.) Seat height 805 mm (31.7 in) 800 mm (31.5 in)785 mm (30.9in.) Ground clearance 155 mm (6.1 in) (S) 150 mm (5.9 in)155 mm (6.1 in) (S) 150 mm (5.9 in)155 mm (6.1 in) (S, SA, SF)150 mm (5.9 in)155 mm (6.1 in) (SA, SF)135 mm (5.3 in.)Dry weight165 kg (364 lbs) 169 kg (372 lbs) (S)167 kg (368 lbs) 171 kg (376 lbs) (S)165 kg (363 lbs) 169 kg (372 lbs) (S)168 kg (370 lbs) 171 kg (376 lbs) (A)
172 kg (379 lbs) (S)
175 kg (385 lbs) (SA)168 kg (370 lbs) 171 kg (376 lbs) (A)
[not confirmed] (SF)
[not confirmed] (SA) Wet weight 195 kg (429.9 lbs.) 197 kg (434.3 lbs.) (ABS) Fuel capacity (California) (California)3.8 US gal (14.5 L) / 3.6 US gal (13.8 L) CA model Oil capacity Without filter change: 2.3 L (2.4 US qt), With filter change: 2.7 L (2.9 US qt), Overhaul: 3.1 L (3.3 US qt)Engine coolant capacity1.6 L (1.7 US qt)1.7 L (1.8 US qt) Drive-train Primary reduction 34/71 (2.088) 1st gear 32/13 (2.461) 2nd gear 32/18 (1.777) 3rd gear 29/21 (1.380) 4th gear 27/24 (1.125) 5th gear 25/26 (0.961) 6th gear 23/27 (0.851) Final reduction 45/15 (3.000) 46/15 on later models Final drive #525 O-ring chain. 520 on later models Valve-train Valve angle 14° intake, 16° exhaust Intake valves 31 mm Intake valve stem 4.5 mm Intake valve lift 8.1 mm 8.7 mm Exhaust valves 25.5 mm Exhaust valve stem 4.5 mm Exhaust valve lift 6.1 mm 7.3 mm Performance 11.85 @ 3.20 sec 8.76 sec Roll on, Braking distancefrom Fuel economy Model year 1999–2002 2003 2004–2006 20072008-2009 2017–2023
See also Suzuki SV1000 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Suzuki V-Strom 1000
References
External links Suzuki SV650 (1999-on) review Suzuki Gladius 650 (2009-on) review Suzuki SV650 (2016-on) review 1999 Suzuki SV650 2000 Valuebike shootout