The SV650 was a Motorcyclist staff favorite. More than half of us have owned SVs, and we’ve all recommended the bike to others. Repeatedly. So when the SV650 was replaced by the more expensive, heavier, and above all garish Gladius (later renamed the SFV650) in 2009, we were dismayed. With one misguided styling exercise Suzuki took the SV from being the tasty and wholesome snack that everyone loved, to being an over-seasoned dish that few could stomach.
But now, the SV650 is back for 2017 and it makes us as happy as seeing an old friend. Talk a walk around the new SV with Sernior Road Test Editor Ari Henning.
