2010 Suzuki SV650SA ABS Review

Introduction

Middleweight sport bikes are known for their responsive handling, and the SV650SA ABS is engineered to set the standards in its class. With its light and rigid aluminum-alloy truss frame and technically advanced suspension system, it invites you to carve up the canyon roads with complete confidence.

Starting with the 2007 model year, Suzuki considered that it would be more than appropriate for them to offer the middleweight standard style SV650S featuring an ABS system. The idea immediately became reality and the SV650ABS soon hit the streets.

Now, the 2010 Suzuki SV650SA ABS incorporates those same bulletproof features and offers that same equal balance between performance and handling, but in a safer way.

Speaking of performance, the bike relies on the now consecrated SV 645cc V-twin to make it competitive even in comparison with four-cylinder sport-tourers. Its engine develops 72.5 hp and 65 Nm.

History

1999 Suzuki SV650

Suzuki launched the first SV650 in 1999 as an entry-level naked motorcycle. For the retail price of $5,999, the bike offered great handling and sufficient power through the rpm range. It was the result of strong development concerning both chassis and engine borrowed from the TL1000S.

Combining light weight, rigid chassis, strong handling, and a 90-degree V-twin producing strong mid range torque, the SV650 addressed to beginners or experienced riders who needed a fast and cheap mean of transportation.

North America saw the first SV650 in two colors, red and blue but only without the fairing. The Suzuki SV650S, though, was present in Europe along with the naked version.

The new millennium caught the Suzuki SV650 basically unchanged, but Suzuki took care to black-coat the wheels and to add a new black paintjob to match with them.

In 2003, the Suzuki SV650 lined up with the SV1000, the bike’s bigger brother and successor of the TL1000, and was introduced as a new, totally redesigned naked bike. It featured a new aluminum frame, similar to the one found on the SV1000, and the engine delivered the same output even though the carburetors were replaced by an electronic fuel injection system implementing Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve system (SDTV) and Auto Fast Idle System (AFIS).

Also new, was the instrument panel with the central rev counter, the window with liquid crystals for speed, mileages, engine temperature, clock and the indicator of reserve.

The bike’s sharp new appearance really made it stand out but no matter what Suzuki had in mind, every model would have to remind of the old one and be similar to the bigger brother.

In 2004 the SV650’s passengers could enjoy the bike’s comfort increase, given by the lowered subframe. It also featured a more compact rear fender and, like most of the ’04 Suzuki models, the SV650 presented only the classic Suzuki “S” logo on the fuel tank. Paint options were Blue, Black, or Yellow.

The 2005 SV650 saw a couple of minor changes. It was equipped with a meter visor that was color matched with the body parts and its center part was composed from a smoke-cleared shield. This made a new cockpit area. Also the front brake cylinder head got a new style. The radiator was redesigned and it was now 40mm narrower than on earlier models.

Some color changes were also present as the main frame, swingarm and the wheels were changed from Silver to Black for a sportier image.

From 2007, both SV650 and SV650S models arrived with available ABS version and twin spark plugs for reduced emissions.

2008 brought the fully-faired SV650SF and SV650SF ABS. Blue and Gray are the color schemes that marked this model year although the ABS model only features the Gray scheme. Nothing changed in 2009.

Competition

From the CBF600, Honda derived the CBF600S model, which promises to be a very strong competitor for the new SV650SA ABS because it has an engine taken right off the CBR600RR. The Honda CBF600S has a lightened and reduced in size engine as a result of the 2007 revision of the Honda CBR600RR, which also reflected on the half-faired model. The difference is that this is tuned for stronger low and mid-range pull. The Hornet was the inspiration source for the chassis and the innovative Mono-backbone frame has been adapted to the more relaxed riding position of the new Honda CBF600S, Suzuki SV650SA’s strongest competitor. The half fairing is now sleeker and lighter.

Yamaha relies on its 2009 multipurpose, go-anywhere do-anything middleweight bike, the FZ6, a machine that is just as happy taking you to work, for a brisk sport ride or on a weekend tour. A strong competitor for the Honda and Suzuki alike, the new FZ6 is ready to test its abilities against the best in the business. Like the CBF600S and different from the SV650SF, the 2009 Yamaha FZ6 doesn’t feature a full fairing even though its bigger sibling, the FZ1, got one ever since 2007.

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Exterior

2010 Suzuki SV650SA ABS

The North American market saw a series of changes coming from the Suzuki SV650. It was first introduced as a naked bike, then there was the half fairing adding and for 2008 it featured a full fairing and it was named SV650SF. It’s like Suzuki anticipated what customers were expecting and delivered the ideal product dressed nicely and aggressively.

Now, the sleek fairing of the 2010 Suzuki SV650SA ABS features dual 60/55W headlights with running lights and folding mirrors while the frame, swingarm, and wheels are black-painted for a sportier look.

Suzuki made sure that their new SV would receive the proper final touch by offering the White or Black color options. This completes the overall visual aspect of this sport bike and creates a nice contrast (in the case of White) with the black-painted elements that I previously mentioned.

The fact that the SV650SA ABS isn’t inspired by the GSX-R series makes it unique in Suzuki’s lineup. This model is nothing about races and it will never be.

Test Drive

2010 Suzuki SV650SA ABS

Suzuki’s middleweight standard style motorcycle, the SV650SA ABS is destined for both beginning and experienced riders alike as it offers a great balance between power and handling, so I will test the bike considering myself in both of the given situations.

Once on what Suzuki claims to be their most versatile middleweight sportsbike, I noticed the seating position is upright with the narrow seat making the 31.5-inch height feel lower than it actually is. This is a plus for smaller-stature beginners who need to confidently put their feet on the ground when needed.

Weighing only 445 lbs, the SV650SA ABS isn’t that light, but that very same beginner should be able to balance the machine without any worries of falling over.

Other elements that determine the riding position are the handgrips, which are within reach and both clutch and brake levers don’t require a lot of strength to be maneuvered and this also makes for a great beginners bike. What makes it very cool is the fact that the brake lever position is adjustable so it can be brought in closer to the grip for those with shorter fingers. That wasn’t my case, so I left the lever as it was.

The elements that complete the position triangle are the footpegs, which given to the fact they are right below you, provide a comfortable riding position and can be easily abandoned for the more stable ground beneath them (at slow speeds, of course).

Being user-friendly and confidence-providing, the Suzuki SV650SA ABS turns easily and performs well at slow speeds, but when you really twist its throttle, the mighty V-twin shows you how things can become more than exciting on the new machine.

Acceleration is smooth without any jerking, but it can also be quite a torque releasing unit when needed. This is thanks to the bike’s V-twin engine that does its job spotless and, given to its construction specifications it revs high and also provides great amounts of torque. The cool thing is that the rider can establish the rhythm wanted without any racy sides involved.

Gearing is very forgiving and this makes it suitable for beginners, but once they’ve gotten used to it, changing gears starts being a children’s play.

A symbol of the SV650SA, the four-stroke 90-degree V-twin engine, which meanwhile became fuel injected, provides smooth acceleration over its wide powerband and an experienced rider could easily put those qualities at work in collaboration with the six-speed transmission that properly does its job and shifts smoothly, as expected.

The braking system implements dual hydraulic discs up front and a single rear disc. Both brakes perform exactly as they should and provide excellent stopping power anytime needed. The antilock system doesn’t intervene until just before grip would normally be lost, so you can really ride the thing to its limits and feel much safer than on a previous generation standard model.

My impressions about the SV are excellent. The bike not only looks excellent, but still retains the qualities that made it famous.

Conclusion

2010 Suzuki SV650SA ABS

The SV650SA ABS offers an equal measure of V-twin excitement starting with the liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine that boasts a wide powerband with crisp throttle response and strong acceleration in every gear. What’s more, its 90-degree V-twin design offers perfect primary balance, which results in smooth performance and comfortable open-road riding.

Everything is nicely dressed with a full-fairing and the bike does promise to sell given to its unique style. And with Antilock Braking System now standard, the 2010 Suzuki SV650SA ABS is a complete package for demanding riders to benefit of.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

2010 Suzuki SV650SA ABS

Type: 645 cc (39.4 cu. in), 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90-degree V-twin
Bore x Stroke: 81.0 mm (3.189 in) x 62.6 mm (2.465 in)
Compression Ratio: 11.5 : 1
Fuel System: Fuel injection
Ignition: Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Lubrication: Wet sump
Starter: Electric
Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh
Final Drive: DID525V8, 114 links

Chassis and Dimensions

2010 Suzuki SV650SA ABS

Suspension Front: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension Rear: Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Brakes Front: Disc brake, twin
Brakes Rear: Disc brake
Tires Front: 120/60ZR17M/C (55W), tubeless
Tires Rear: 160/60ZR17M/C (69W), tubeless
Wheelbase: 1470 mm (57.9 in)
Ground Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in)
Overall Length: 2120 mm (83.5 in)
Overall Width: 730 mm (28.7 in)
Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in)
Curb Weight: 203 kg (445 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.0 L (4.5/3.7 US/Imp gal)

Warranty

Warranty: 12 Month unlimited mileage limited warranty

Features & Benefits

Key Features

2010 Suzuki SV650SA ABS

2010 Suzuki SV650SA ABS