![]() Suzuki differentiated itself by using a V-twin, also leaning forwards like Ducati’s, but not as much. Both of those are great bikes, but they’re a bit different in execution, being powered by slightly smaller parallel twin engines. Honda was making the earlier-generation CB500 (different from today’s one - that one was quicker), and Kawasaki made the ER-5 (an early predecessor to what we now know as the Z650). There were other middleweight motorcycles of the time, of course. (Want to just get a Monster? See my complete model history and buying guide.) This is where Suzuki could enter the fray with the SV650 - similar in style and concept as a middleweight sport-bike powered by a V-twin engine, but with lower-cost components, and a much more reliable engine. The Ducati is a Ducati, after all - gorgeous and characterful, yes, but also expensive to buy and maintain, and without the strongest reputation for reliability. The early Monster was an instant classic with its exposed trellis frame and lively but not overbearing V-twin engine, which Ducati calls an L-twin, because it’s leaning forwards.īut there was definitely room for competition. Naked bikes existed before the Ducati Monster, but the Monster helped the market become its own thing. They built it to capture what they perceived of an emerging market: Simple bikes powered by characterful V-twins.ĭucati owned the sporty “everyday V-twin” market in those days with the Ducati Monster, which in the 90s they sold in 900, 750, 600, and even 400 cc variants. Suzuki first introduced the SV650 in 1999. The Suzuki SV650 has been one of the most well-loved modern motorcycles over the last two decades. The only real question though is why, after 20 years of being on the market, is Suzuki just now considering such an addition to the SV650 family? That is perhaps an entirely different topic altogether.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form About the Suzuki SV650 - A Brief History ![]() ![]() It remains to be seen how quickly Suzuki can get its full-fairing response to the Yamaha R7 to market, though one would imagine that with the basics of the bike already in place, the development time could be quite short – maybe a year or two.Īs such, we could see hints of a full fairing Suzuki SV650 as soon as the 2022 model year (though we’d predict something closer to 2023, especially given the strain on motorcycle supply chains right now). One would expect that Suzuki would follow Yamaha’s playbook, finally putting upside down forks on the SV650, changing the riding position in the seat along with some clip-ons, and offering a parts catalog with track-focused pieces like a quickshifter. The formula would be simple, take the SV650 as it is now, put a full fairing on it, and upgrade its budget-spec pieces until the price tag goes too high. Seeing the reception of the Yamaha YZF-R7, and how the Iwata brand has been able to make the MT-07 into a more sport-focused machine, without breaking the bank, Suzuki is keen to get in on the action. The question then becomes: what is Suzuki going to do in order to keep the SV650 at the top of the pile? And the answer leads us to today’s rumor. Once the penthouse tenant of the establishment, bikes like the Aprilia RS 660 have moved in and begun taking up space. In broader strokes, the Suzuki SV650 finds that its home in the middleweight-twin category is becoming evermore crowded as well. The bike is an icon.Īnd yet, the venerable Suzuki SV650 finds itself under attack from all sides, no more so than by Suzuki’s Japanese rival Yamaha, which now has a two-pronged approach with its MT-07 and YZF-R7 offerings. The 650cc v-twin sport bike has been a mainstay for track enthusiasts and sport bikers alike for over two decades. Go to any motorcycle racing club, and you will surely see a fleet of Suzuki SV650 race bikes.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |