Suzuki SV650/SV650S model history
1999—

I have tried to tell the SV 650 and SV 650 S model histories on this page as I know it. I would be grateful of any contributions — sales brochures, magazine ads, magazine articles, pictures, specs, facts, corrections etc. Please scan the material in JPEG format (large enough that all the details are visible) and send them to me. Please tell me the source and the publication date if possible. If you send me pictures of your own bike, please follow these instructions.

Although it's not incorrect to describe the SV650 as a naked, downscale TL1000S, it's not entirely accurate either. True, the 645cc liquid-cooled, 90° V-twin engine borrows more than a few bits and pieces from Suzuki's high-performance TL bikes such as lower exhaust cams and triangularly arranged crank and transmission shafts to reduce engine height and length, a rear cylinder head pipe that routes through the swingarm, an internal water pump, and all-electric instrument gauges. But the SV650 also receives a few new tweaks of its own, such as an oil guide that sprays oil directly on the gear faces. The SV650 also receives two 39mm Mikuni downdraft carburetors instead of fuel-injection, but considering the glitches we've experienced in the past with Suzuki's EFI, carburetion isn't that bad of an idea. The rear carb is fitted with a throttle position sensor that can be used to adjust ignition timing to suit riding conditions. An adequate space to smuggle, er, transport your valuables. Certain design elements were incorporated to make maintenance easier. The air filter can be removed with a Phillips screwdriver. The outer clutch cover is plastic, which also helps reduces noise. Another design trick to assist in simplified maintenance is a 4.2 gallon gas tank that, similar to the hood of an automobile, pivots up and stays put with the help of a small prop stand. And, as on many Suzuki motorcycles, the passenger seat is easily removed with a key and has enough room to fit a small tool kit and a U-lock. "This bike was designed to be an urban commuter that can do everything," the MO Editor remembered the Suzuki Press Rep saying. As a sporty urban commuter, the SV has little competition. With its less-than-intimidating styling and rider-friendly ergonomics (handlebars and relaxed footpeg position), the SV practically begs to be hopped on. Despite the relaxed riding position ground clearance was excellent. Unfortunately the suspension could be better. The front forks are old fashioned non-adjustable fork oil damper rod types. The rear shock is a single, link-type progressive linkage with seven-way adjustable spring pre-load. Clearly these were incorporated into the design in order to keep the cost down. Suzuki also didn't cut corners while developing a chassis to hold the excellent engine. Although the aluminum-truss style frame looks as thought it was borrowed from the TL1000S, it has been designed specifically for this bike. According to Suzuki, the truss-style frame, with its low weight and high torsional rigidity, takes better advantage of V-twin power delivery characteristics as opposed to the heavier twin-spar frames found on in-line fours. Although Suzuki wasn't confident enough in their design to incorporate it into the TL1000R, the truss frame is a great fit for the 650 engine. It's lighter and 20 millimeters shorter than the TL1000S frame, and it places the front wheel closer to the center of the motorcycle to produce quicker steering characteristics. folding, aluminum footpegs are mounted directly to the frame as well. The SV650 is quick turning, to say the least. Because it's so light, 395-pounds measured wet, and the chassis is so tight, the SV flicks into turns almost effortlessly and holds its line. Remember that this is an unfaired motorcycle and the front end will feel a little loose when compared to a fully-faired sportbike, but it's still very stable. The SV650 flicks over so easily that at times the MO Editor had to ease up after going too far inside during a few turns. Increasing radius turns are a breeze on the SV. However, the suspension begins to feel mushy and the bike tends to wallow as it's pushed closer to a ten-tenths pace. Even so, the progressive dual front and single disc brakes rule and they'll slow you down if you find yourself a little overwhelmed. Despite its entry-level price, the SV isn't necessarily a beginner's bike. It's an extremely light and quick turning motorcycle and throttle response is immediate and strong. But it's also forgiving and easy to ride. Here's more SV650 specifications.

1999 Suzuki year code: X

The SV650 was released in 1999, in North America it was available in two colors, red and blue, and only without the fairing, that will say without the ”S” after the model name. Both models were available in Europe. The naked version of the SV650 is also sometimes called SV650N.

SV 650 1999 Overall Length: 2,045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 760 mm (29.9 in) Overall Height: 1,060 mm (41.7 in) Seat height: 805 mm (31.7 in) Wheelbase: 1,420 mm (55.9 in) Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (364 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc V-twin, DOHC, 8 valves. 70 hp (51.1 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 62 Nm/ 7,500 rpm. Here's even larger picture.

SV 650 1999 Overall Length: 2,045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 760 mm (29.9 in) Overall Height: 1,060 mm (41.7 in) Seat height: 805 mm (31.7 in) Wheelbase: 1,420 mm (55.9 in) Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (364 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc V-twin, DOHC, 8 valves. 70 hp (51.1 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 62 Nm/ 7,500 rpm. Here's even larger picture.

SV 650 1999 Overall Length: 2,045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 760 mm (29.9 in) Overall Height: 1,060 mm (41.7 in) Seat height: 805 mm (31.7 in) Wheelbase: 1,420 mm (55.9 in) Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (364 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc V-twin, DOHC, 8 valves. 70 hp (51.1 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 62 Nm/ 7,500 rpm. Here's even larger picture.

SV 650 S 1999 Overall Length: 2,045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 760 mm (29.9 in) Overall Height: 1,060 mm (41.7 in) Seat height: 805 mm (31.7 in) Wheelbase: 1,420 mm (55.9 in) Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (364 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc V-twin, DOHC, 8 valves. 70 hp (51.1 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 62 Nm/ 7,500 rpm.

SV 650 S 1999 Overall Length: 2,045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 760 mm (29.9 in) Overall Height: 1,060 mm (41.7 in) Seat height: 805 mm (31.7 in) Wheelbase: 1,420 mm (55.9 in) Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (364 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc V-twin, DOHC, 8 valves. 70 hp (51.1 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 62 Nm/ 7,500 rpm. Here's even larger picture.

2000 Suzuki year code: Y

Black-coated wheels.

SV 650 2000 Overall Length: 2,045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 760 mm (29.9 in) Overall Height: 1,060 mm (41.7 in) Seat height: 805 mm (31.7 in) Wheelbase: 1,420 mm (55.9 in) Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (364 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc V-twin, DOHC, 8 valves. 70 hp (51.1 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 62 Nm/ 7,500 rpm. Here's even larger picture.

SV 650 2000 Overall Length: 2,045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 760 mm (29.9 in) Overall Height: 1,060 mm (41.7 in) Seat height: 805 mm (31.7 in) Wheelbase: 1,420 mm (55.9 in) Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (364 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc V-twin, DOHC, 8 valves. 70 hp (51.1 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 62 Nm/ 7,500 rpm. Here's even larger picture.

SV 650 2000 Overall Length: 2,045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 760 mm (29.9 in) Overall Height: 1,060 mm (41.7 in) Seat height: 805 mm (31.7 in) Wheelbase: 1,420 mm (55.9 in) Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (364 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc V-twin, DOHC, 8 valves. 70 hp (51.1 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 62 Nm/ 7,500 rpm.

2001 Suzuki year code: K1

SV 650 2001 Overall Length: 2,045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 760 mm (29.9 in) Overall Height: 1,060 mm (41.7 in) Seat height: 805 mm (31.7 in) Wheelbase: 1,420 mm (55.9 in) Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (364 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc V-twin, DOHC, 8 valves. 70 hp (51.1 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 62 Nm/ 7,500 rpm. Here's even larger picture.

SV 650 S 2001 Overall Length: 2,045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 760 mm (29.9 in) Overall Height: 1,060 mm (41.7 in) Seat height: 805 mm (31.7 in) Wheelbase: 1,420 mm (55.9 in) Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (364 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc V-twin, DOHC, 8 valves. 70 hp (51.1 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 62 Nm/ 7,500 rpm. Here's even larger picture.

2002 Suzuki year code: K2

SV 650 S 2002 Overall Length: 2,045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 760 mm (29.9 in) Overall Height: 1,060 mm (41.7 in) Seat height: 805 mm (31.7 in) Wheelbase: 1,420 mm (55.9 in) Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (364 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc V-twin, DOHC, 8 valves. 70 hp (51.1 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 62 Nm/ 7,400 rpm.

2003 Suzuki year code: K3

A totally redesigned SV650 was introduced for the 2003, simultaniously with its big brother, SV1000, the successor for the TL1000. The SV650 got a similar new alumium frame as the SV1000 and same design. The engine deliveres the same output as on earlier models, but the carburettors have now been replaced by electric fuel injection, featuring the Suzuki Dual Throttle valve System (SDTV) and Auto Fast Idle System (AFIS). Also the In spite of their identical appeance, the SV650 and 1000 have nevertheless each one a framework specific and dimensioned to accomodate engines necessarily more or less bulky and powerful. Another evolution of size, the SV650 has upgraded with electronic injection, coupled to an injection of air to the exhaust and with a catalysed silencer. One notices the rather massive head of fork of the SV650S and the curious bars of leds of the rear light. New is also the instrument panel with the central rev counter, the window with liquid crystals for speed, mileages, the temperature engine, the clock and the indicator of reserve. Apart from the new appearance, the SV650 remainder very close to the old model (only the footing increases by 15 mm) and quite as comparable with the SV1000.

SV 650 2003 Overall Length: 2,045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 790 mm (31.1 in) Overall Height: 1,030 mm (40.6 in) Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in) Wheelbase: 1,435 mm (56.5 in) Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (364 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc v-twin DOHC, 8 valves. 70 hp (51.5 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 61.7 Nm/ 7,400 rpm.

SV 650 2003 Overall Length: 2,045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 790 mm (31.1 in) Overall Height: 1,030 mm (40.6 in) Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in) Wheelbase: 1,435 mm (56.5 in) Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (364 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc v-twin DOHC, 8 valves. 70 hp (51.5 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 61.7 Nm/ 7,400 rpm. Here's even larger picture.

SV 650 S 2003 Overall Length: 2,045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 790 mm (31.1 in) Overall Height: 1,030 mm (40.6 in) Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in) Wheelbase: 1,435 mm (56.5 in) Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (364 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc v-twin DOHC, 8 valves. 70 hp (51.5 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 61.7 Nm/ 7,400 rpm. Here's even larger picture.

SV 650 S 2003 Overall Length: 2,045 mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 790 mm (31.1 in) Overall Height: 1,030 mm (40.6 in) Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in) Wheelbase: 1,435 mm (56.5 in) Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (364 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc v-twin DOHC, 8 valves. 70 hp (51.5 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 61.7 Nm/ 7,400 rpm. Here's even larger picture.

2004 Suzuki year code: K4

Subframe lowered 40mm for more comfortable passenger seating position, more compact rear fender. Like most of the '04 Suzukis, there's only the classic Suzuki "S" logo on the fuel tank, instead of the company name ”Suzuki”. Colors available: Blue, Black, Yellow.

SV 650 2004 Overall Length: 2,080 mm (81.9 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1,085 mm (42.7 in) Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in) Wheel Base: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (363 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc v-twin DOHC, 8 valves. 72 hp (53 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 84 Nm/ 7,200 rpm.

SV 650 2004 Overall Length: 2,080 mm (81.9 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1,085 mm (42.7 in) Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in) Wheel Base: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (363 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc v-twin DOHC, 8 valves. 72 hp (53 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 84 Nm/ 7,200 rpm.

SV 650 2004 Overall Length: 2,080 mm (81.9 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1,085 mm (42.7 in) Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in) Wheel Base: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (363 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc v-twin DOHC, 8 valves. 72 hp (53 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 84 Nm/ 7,200 rpm.

SV 650 S 2004 Overall Length: 2,080 mm (81.9 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1,085 mm (42.7 in) Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in) Wheel Base: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (363 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc v-twin DOHC, 8 valves. 72 hp (53 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 84 Nm/ 7,200 rpm.

SV 650 S 2004 Overall Length: 2,080 mm (81.9 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1,085 mm (42.7 in) Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in) Wheel Base: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (363 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc v-twin DOHC, 8 valves. 72 hp (53 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 84 Nm/ 7,200 rpm.

SV 650 S 2004 Overall Length: 2,080 mm (81.9 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1,085 mm (42.7 in) Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in) Wheel Base: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (363 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc v-twin DOHC, 8 valves. 72 hp (53 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 84 Nm/ 7,200 rpm.

2005 Suzuki year code: K5

The 2005 SV650 K5 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 of a smoke-cleared shield. It makes a new image of cockpit area. Also the front brake cylinder head (the liquid reservoir) got a new style. The radiator was redesigned, 40mm narrower than on earlier models. There were also some color changes: the main frame, the swinging arm and the wheel colors were changed from Silver to Black for sportier image. New colors: YU7, YEC. Colors available: Blue, Black, Yellow.

SV 650 2005 Overall Length: 2,080 mm (81.9 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1,085 mm (42.7 in) Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in) Wheel Base: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (363 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc v-twin DOHC, 8 valves. 72 hp (53 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 84 Nm/ 7,200 rpm. Here's even larger picture.

SV 650 2005 Overall Length: 2,080 mm (81.9 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1,085 mm (42.7 in) Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in) Wheel Base: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (363 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc v-twin DOHC, 8 valves. 72 hp (53 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 84 Nm/ 7,200 rpm. Here's even larger picture.

SV 650 2005 Overall Length: 2,080 mm (81.9 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1,085 mm (42.7 in) Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in) Wheel Base: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (363 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc v-twin DOHC, 8 valves. 72 hp (53 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 84 Nm/ 7,200 rpm.

SV 650 S 2005 Overall Length: 2,080 mm (81.9 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1,085 mm (42.7 in) Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in) Wheel Base: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (363 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc v-twin DOHC, 8 valves. 72 hp (53 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 84 Nm/ 7,200 rpm. Here's even larger picture.

SV 650 S 2005 Overall Length: 2,080 mm (81.9 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1,085 mm (42.7 in) Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in) Wheel Base: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (363 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc v-twin DOHC, 8 valves. 72 hp (53 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 84 Nm/ 7,200 rpm.

SV 650 S 2005 Overall Length: 2,080 mm (81.9 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1,085 mm (42.7 in) Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in) Wheel Base: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 165 kg (363 lbs) Engine type: Liquid-cooled 645 cc v-twin DOHC, 8 valves. 72 hp (53 kW)/ 9,000 rpm, 84 Nm/ 7,200 rpm.

2006 Suzuki year code: K6


2007 Suzuki year code: K7


More: Suzuki SV650 specifications

More: Suzuki SV series

More: All Suzuki models

Sources: Suzuki Motor Company, Motorcycle Online, Mineola Moto, Moto-Station, Allt om MC (Sweden), etc.

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