Suzuki’s friendly and affordable SV650 returns for the 2023 model year.
Suzuki’s SV650 will carry forward into 2023 unchanged, though there will be some new color options for riders in ABS and non-ABS trims. Those in the market for ABS will get a Metallic Reflective Blue color scheme with dark gold frame and wheels for $7,849. The non-ABS SV650 will be dressed in Glass Sparkle Black and Solid Iron Gray, with a dark gray frame and red wheels for $7,399. Both bikes are $100 more, respectively, than their 2022 predecessors.
That machine includes a spritely 90-degree 645cc V-twin with enjoyable power output, particularly in the low- and midrange. The svelte, simple design aesthetic remains eye-catching and the nimble machine will still provide a memorable ride in the twisties. It held its own against the FZ-07 [now MT-07] not long after its debut and would likely do as well today, even though it’s overdue for an update.
The bottom line is the SV650 has been and remains a compelling choice for riders on a budget who want a really easy-handling bike that’s fun to ride, nice to look at, relatively simple to maintain, and capable of performing well in a variety of different ride situations.
2023 Suzuki SV650 Technical Specifications and Price
Engine: | 645cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled V-twin |
Bore x Stroke: | 81.0 x 62.6mm |
Compression Ratio: | 11.2:1 |
Fuel Delivery: | Fuel injection w/ SDTV, 39mm throttle bodies |
Clutch: | Wet, multiplate |
Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
Frame: | Steel trellis |
Front Suspension: | 41mm fork; 4.9 in. travel |
Rear Suspension: | Link-type shock, spring preload adjustable; 5.1 in. travel |
Front Brake: | 4-piston Tokico calipers, dual floating 290mm discs |
Rear Brake: | 1-piston Nissin caliper, 240mm disc |
Wheels, Front/Rear: | Five-spoke aluminum; 17 in. |
Tires, Front/Rear: | Dunlop Roadsmart III; 120/70-17 / 160/60-17 |
Rake/Trail: | 25.0°/4.2 in. |
Wheelbase: | 56.9 in. |
Seat Height: | 30.9 in. |
Fuel Capacity: | 3.8 gal. |
Claimed Curb Weight: | 432 lb. |
Available: | 2023 |
Contact: | suzukicycles.com |
Some more spy photos of Suzuki’s new mid-size adventure bike with a new parallel-twin engine have surfaced. The spy images show two new motorcycles, an adventure bike, as well as a naked model, which appear to be successors to the Suzuki V-Strom 650 and the Suzuki SV650 [not sold in India, but quite a popular model in Europe]. Unlike the v-twin engine of the two 650s, the two new bikes will come with Suzuki’s new middleweight parallel-twin engine, believed to have a displacement bump to around 700 cc.
Also Read: Suzuki V-Strom 700 With Parallel-Twin Engine Spotted On Test
The next-generation replacement for the Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT will get a parallel-twin engine, and a larger 21-inch front wheel.
The idea behind replacing Suzuki’s 650 cc v-twin is necessitated by the fact that the unit has seen a few years in service, and with growing competition, particularly from Yamaha 689 cc CP2 engine, used in the Tenere 700 and MT-07, KTM 790 and 890 twins, Aprilia 660 twin, as well as Triumph’s 660 triple may have hastened Suzuki’s plans to develop the new 700 cc parallel-twin. And going by recent spate of spy shots, production models of both the adventure and the naked roadster are already in advanced stages of development.
The next-generation Suzuki middleweight adventure bike is expected to be launched in production form in 2023.
Also Read: 2023 Suzuki V-Strom
1050DE Unveiled With More Off-Road Capability
The latest spy shots seem to suggest that the two new models are still advanced prototypes and full-production models are only likely to be introduced in 2024. The adventure model looks unmistakably V-Strom, although the test mule is the spy shots sports a 21-inch spoked front wheel, as compared to the 19-inch set-up of the current V-Strom 650. And up front is an inverted fork, unlike the V-Strom 650’s regular
fork.
Also Read: Suzuki Katana Review
Suzuki also seems to be testing a new middleweight naked. based on the same parallel-twin engine. The new bike, expected to be a replacement for the Suzuki SV650 in Europe, will also likely be launched at around the same time. Considering Suzuki India did offer the Suzuki GSX-S750 on sale for sometime, we cannot entirely rule out the second prototype to make its way to India. The fact though is that so far, Suzuki didn't seem too keen on introducing the SV650 in India, although in recent years, the middleweight naked segment seems to be showing some movement in India. The new Suzuki middleweight will rival the likes of the Triumph Trident 660.
The second prototype will likely be based on the same 700 cc parallel-twin engine, and expected to be a replacement for the Suzuki SV650.
Also Read: Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT Review
Suzuki has already unveiled the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 in two flavours, so it would seem that the next generation model with the 700 cc engine will likely get a new name, considering it makes a transition in engine architecture from v-twin to parallel-twin. So, logic states that the V-Strom name may be changed with something new in the smaller middleweight adventure model from Suzuki. More details are awaited in the weeks and months to come. The current Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT is on sale in India, and once its replacement is launched in production form, we expect Suzuki Motorcycle India to introduce it in India as well.