Suzuki "Sleeper"

[redbirds_imp]

Suzuki's makeover of the SV650 could be one of motorcycling's best deals. The original SV650 was a great bike that proved popular as an inexpensive track-day scooter because of it's reliable motor, light weight and good handling. The two DL650's we've had that use this same basic motor have been reliable machines, easy to maintain, good fuel mileage (up to 67 mpg on Pam's V-strom) and great fun for the buck. This 2017 version has a boost in power, an all new steel frame and a low seat height. I could even see it equipped with a screen, bags, a better seat and making a good light touring bike. A change to dual purpose tires and a skid plate, a scrambler.

http://www.cycleworld.com/2015/11/27/201...icma-2015/

[Cormanus]

You don't hear many bad things about V-Stroms.

[Papa Weeley_imp]

Nice.
I wonder if they'll do one with a small fairing or windscreen.

[the_undecider_imp]

I am happy to see Suzuki bring the SV650 back to its roots. It kind of never went away since the SFV650/Gladius was meant to be a replacement for the SV, but it was too heavy to truly live up to the original SV's mission. One good thing the Gladius did was provide some nice refinements to the V-strom's powerplant.

It will be interesting to see if any of the new SV's engine refinements that add power and fuel economy will make it into the V-strom 650. That would make a bike that already punches way above its weight class that much more impressive.

Suzuki has also filed patents for a 1000cc v-twin with variable valve timing which many speculate is destined for a revised V-strom 1000. Might be cool to see another SV1000.

[LongRanger_imp]

I was "this close" to buying a leftover SFV650 (Gladius) at a dealership last month. There are quite a few still available and they're marked way down (sound familiar?). But now I think I'll wait to see this new SV.

I once had a '99 SV650 and a '00 SV650S. Really fun and capable bikes, but after moving to Colorado, I found them to perform poorly at altitude (carburetors). I would expect the current fuel injected bikes to not suffer the same malady.

[Pterodactyl_imp]

You don't hear many bad things about V-Stroms.

It has earned a reputation as being one of the "ugly bikes". Apart from that it is a very useful motorcycle. Of course the exception to the ugly rule is Sparky's bike. That brilliant bronze is beautiful and elevates it to be the Venus of V-Stroms. I was looking at it only a few hours ago while reviewing some CB rally photographs.

Cheers.

[redbirds_imp]

Sparky says you have impeccable tastes Ptero.

[Jim21680_imp]

My first bike was an 03 SV-650S. Being 23 years old, of course I wanted a crotch-rocket, but this was significantly more affordable (though the Big 4 600's were only about $8,000 bucks at the time). It had all the power I'd ever need, even by modern standards, and I still consider it to be the best-sounding bike I've ever owned. The one thing that led me to sell it was the ergonomics...I remember one reviewer saying it was excessively long across the top; comparable to an RC-51. It was a great bike though; if I had bought the standard unfaired version like I should've done, I'd probably still own it today. With that great-looking aluminum frame on the SV, I always thought the Gladius was a major step backwards.

[redbirds_imp]

My first bike was an 03 SV-650S. Being 23 years old, of course I wanted a crotch-rocket, but this was significantly more affordable (though the Big 4 600's were only about $8,000 bucks at the time). It had all the power I'd ever need, even by modern standards, and I still consider it to be the best-sounding bike I've ever owned. The one thing that led me to sell it was the ergonomics...I remember one reviewer saying it was excessively long across the top; comparable to an RC-51. It was a great bike though; if I had bought the standard unfaired version like I should've done, I'd probably still own it today. With that great-looking aluminum frame on the SV, I always thought the Gladius was a major step backwards.

Gorgeous bike. I nearly bought one in 2003 also but knew the ergos would not work for me.

[CB4ME_imp]

This would have to go: