Review Honda CB650R vs Suzuki SV650 2023 - future classics compared

[@grahamn311]

I was humming and hawing over these bikes last year. I ended up going with the SV, mainly because it's nearly $2000 cheaper in my region. While I love the looks of the CB compared to the SV, in terms of riding, I have zero regrets. The SV is quick and light and overall a blast to ride.

[@tammyoakes9351]

love love love my SV

[@aluisious]

The SV is actually kind of heavy for what it is. 430 pounds for a 650 twin roadster is not remarkable at all. But the engine is so classic it scarcely matters.

[@conolavicus3019]

Suzuki for me. What an engine!!

[@kermit8619]

I own a 2010 Honda VFR1200F , a 2023 Suzuki GSXS1000 and a 2021 Suzuki SV650X . The SV is the last bike I would sell .

[@richmorrow6618]

Had both SV and cb650r. SV brilliant easy to ride bike but CB far faster and love the high reving inline 4. Gearbox a lot smoother. Both great looks but for me CB a little nicer looking.

[@svaralen]

I love the SV, simple, reliable, enough power, keeper bike, good looking!! As a beginner I will hopefully take the SV as my first bike for A2 even though a lot of bikers say it is not beginner bike . ✌️

[@Jackal9405]

Restricted sv is as much beginner bike as any other, minę restricted was slower than a gs500e😂

[@exothermal.sprocket]

GSX-8S promises to offer 25% more of everything the SV was deficient on: power, torque, forks, brakes, chassis, electronics, LED's, tire width...

[@Jackal9405]

@@exothermal.sprocket actually 160 tire on an sv was always a bonus for me , makes the bike more flickable, electronics really does not make a difference, unless it's a cruise control, it's a naked sportu bike, no one really looks at them. Suspension power and torque are the real sellers on gsx8s.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@Jackal9405 I've owned both 160 and 180 tired bikes, I know the difference. I prefer 180 due to stability and traction, with no less maneuverability (talent can make up for any perceived mechanical shortcomings). Electronics are aids, not something constantly in one's face. If a rider knows they are there, they aren't doing their job well enough, like an ABS that kicks in way too soon. Throttle-by-wire technology is really more about appeasing the regulators with their noise and emissions requirements. As a result, a foundation of traction control, power modes, cruise control, and other features can spring off that because it's a connected technology in modern ECU's and canbus wiring. Whether we like it or not, the technology is going to find its way into the smallest of bikes as manufacturers are trying to comply with regulations. If you want to be politically active, get rid of the regulations!

[@snoopythedog3266]

biggest issue with the bike when you're trying to buy one 2nd hand is they're so reliable and loved they hold their price too well

[@ridzzy6969]

Good video. I was at weeks torn between the SV and the CB, but after test riding both i went with the SV. My smallish body frame just sat better on the SV

[@connormcguire6887]

I have a Suzuki sv650 in garage I rode last summer, and a cb650r I just purchased that I’ve rode about 100km on…. I’ve learned a few things. The Honda’s brakes are far far superior, stopping in a hurry provided such confidence you just don’t get on the SV! Secondly the engine is a lot more interesting, it’s more “mature” riding in its build quality and smoothness at low speeds, and it’s high rev engine allows for more playful riding. The gear box is so much smoother than the SV it’s fun deciding if you wanna take first all the way to 100 or short shift it to fourth for a silky smooth ride. All in all both are great, but If you have the means I highly recommend the Honda. It’s more interesting, sounds 150% better, and the build quality far exceeds the Suzuki. Found with the Suzuki I didn’t feel the need to wash it cause it felt cheap, the honda feels like a naked super sport even tho it isn’t. It’s something you can be proud to own, people get excited about it, and it’s honda it’ll hold its value better than the Suzuki.

[@GearShifter925]

You are so lucky to own a SUZUKI SV650... 😲 And Here I am still DREAMING it as my DREAMBIKE...😭

[@connormcguire6887]

@@GearShifter925I got mine for 4 grand second hand! Very obtainable machine

[@aluisious]

The problem is I already owned a CBR600F4 for ten years and the CB650R is just a worse version of that bike in every respect except the ergonomics. I could never buy one of those.

[@aluisious]

@@GearShifter925 It's a very attainable dream. I don't know if you have a license or money holding you up, but keep at it, you'll get there in a couple of years.

[@GearShifter925]

@@aluisious God bless you. For your kind words. 😢 🙏🏻

[@Toshi-rq6me]

I had the same dilemma a few months ago. I went with the SV due to a cheaper price, looks better in my opinion (pictures on the internet don't do justice for the SV). I've never ridden the CB but I am very much pleased with the SV's perfomance. There is also a calming vibes from the v-twin engine which I like more than the inline 4

[@kennygo8423]

And with better fuel economy.

[@jessietan5748]

Totally agree with you about the V-twin👍

[@dougsmith7580]

I’ve had three styles of the SV650 and I’d have another. Fantastic motor and a dream for a one up rider. Cruise all day at 115 kmh, sleep and repeat.

[@snoopythedog3266]

SV is already a classic, has been for years

[@lynnlittle8671]

I'm 5'9", about 30" inseam. I bought a 2023 SV650 (non ABS) a few days ago, and I am loving it!

[@aluisious]

I don't know why in 2024 you'd buy a bike without ABS.

[@rhemyis]

@aluisious Because it's cheaper and for some people their safety does not worth more than $500. Probably he lives in USA, in EU, ABS comes as standard.

[@garethhughes9125]

I live in the uk and looked at both these bikes and went with the sv650 last year as love the round head lights and retro look of the sv. People coment a lot on my bike when out got the matt black blue frame.

[@TheBezaleel]

Fantastic that you are producing English language tests !!

[@GearShifter925]

Great comparison video of motorcycles...!!!! Plus the beautiful scenery of nature and beautiful ROADS in the video is on another level...😲😲😲

[@Model192]

Had the CBR650F (the one with the engine revisions found in the new cb650/cbr650r and it was absolutely terrible. Countless people online and on reviews complain about the awkward vibration. I sold it and bought a new SV650. The SV650 is probably one of my favorite bikes in the last 15+ years of riding street. The 1000$ off the already lower msrp makes it feel like a steal.

[@60435]

no awkward vibrations here at all, a cb650r owner...

[@Model192]

@@60435 I'm not the only one with the complaint, it's all over forums and Google search.

[@aluisious]

@@60435 You probably ride it at 4-5k RPM all the time, don't you?

[@yanierolivera4678]

I owned a 2018 sv 650…same as a 2017 same as a 2024… love the motor and gear box! I actually now have a 2023 cb 650r. Love the bike! Yes you have to rev it higher, but most people exaggerate this concept. This is not a 600 super sport bike. This bike does quite well if you are on the right gear. It brakes much better than the sv, it is much more planted than the sv, looks way better than the sv, it is faster than the sv, the fit and finish is premium, unlike the sv, the seat is much better than the sv, it turns heads waaayyy more than the sv, it’s lighting is much better than the sv, the fueling is much more tractable in the city at slow speeds, for a bike that has a bigger rear tire and two more cylinders and its only 7 or 8 pounds heavier than the sv, it’s actually a lighter bike. It has 4 way hazards lights, switchable traction control. Sounds just sooo much more grown up than the sv… anyway…..did I mention its got more power than the sv? I think the honda is just a way superior motorcycle. My opinion though… my 2018 sv was a fun bike!!

[@M3atheadGaming]

I had to pick between these 2 as my 1st bike this summer. Everything in my head said cb650r before seeing the bikes, but afterwards I fell in love with the SV, although on paper, the honda is a much better bike. The Leo-Vince + straight pipe might have helped the SV to win me over though :D

[@xnihilo1044]

I'd have to go with the SV just on character alone.

[@studdg]

I've had 2 different generations of SV650, and currently have the SV650X. The current bike looks fine, but the X version looks much better. Most of that is attributable to the tank being painted in a way that accentuates the tank's curves.

[@sercio994]

SV > easily the winner, by a long shot...

[@Audfile]

Brand new SV650, tomorrow. I sat on the X as well, very pretty but extremely aggressive position. If I want to be seated that way I'd be on a GSXR. Been there, done that. So excited! Also the CB1000r was right next to it. Honestly its a bit of a pig. I ride a Harley so im used to weight but the CB is very compact and the weight is up high, not like a Harley. It looked like a recipe for a bad time at high speed. The SV is very attractive, i have the exact scheme as the one in this video and the video does it no justice, it pops in real life, and was very easy to sit on and throw side to side on the showroom floor. I prefer light sportbikes. Weight is evil.

[@richiedayrit2624]

Hard choice at first but I like the sound of inline 4 but I love the sound of a V twin engine!

[@Jackal9405]

Display funcional but not the xciting should be a pro not a con, that's exactly what's the gauges should be.

[@aluisious]

When I got a Multistrada it had an advanced display for the time. I really don't care, I don't ride bikes to look at the display.

[@Jackal9405]

@@aluisious same , everytime I ride a newer bike I wonder who tf needs all those screens? oil, fuel temps gauges + modes indicator is all I need. why would I need color LCD screen? it's not a car lol.

[@noobno.1106]

I choose for SV the lowprofile of the design the look the V engine the power the fusion of japan & europe,,ahhh my dream bike😍

[@elcookiemonsteru]

When in doubt, always go with the SV

[@aluisious]

The CB650R is a soulless bike. It's just a heavy version of the old CBR600F bikes with a handlebar. They were good, 20 years ago, and they had aluminum frames. The SV650 is always going to be a good bike because they have kept the original character.

[@GB-fo2ce]

Nice video! I wish i was riding on the super smooth winding roads where you live compared to the crappy ones we have on the east coast in the US.

[@greyback4204]

No fun factor on cb650 always need high reving whilst sv650 torque low to mid.

[@QuickshiftPH]

I went with the SV and never looked back. Imo, the v-twin grunt and rumble is much more pleasurable than a screaming inline 4.

[@jamievidd775]

SV hands down

[@k1mura92]

SV650 is a more sensible bike. However I think the CB650R is more interesting being a middle weight inline 4 machine, which as pointed out is getting very rare indeed.

[@aluisious]

As if dealerships aren't full of CBR600RRs, ZX6Rs, GSXR600Rs...there are tons of middleweight inline 4s. The CB650R is just a CBR600F4i with a stroked motor, a heavier steel frame for more profit, a budget suspension for more profit, and a handlebar. It's a parts bin bike, they only make it because they already had 99% of the stuff needed.

[@k1mura92]

@@aluisious I meant inline four 600cc naked / street figher style bike - you're correct that there are lots of supersport inline fours. I should also add that I live in Europe, where it seems sales numbers for supersports in general are very low compared to nakeds

[@myungseoul6570]

Hi! I am Korean. What mean “somewhat sluggish” ? Please explain easy!

[@TrustyZ900]

Lacking energy, slow to respond. I too don't know what he was referring to. I have a new SV650 and it is not sluggish in any way. Cheers Mr. Seoul.

[@asdfghjkl1755]

@@TrustyZ900 it was referring to the cb650r, not sv.

[@grahamn311]

낮은 회전수에서는 오토바이가 약간 느립니다.

[@dorayodora]

sv 타시나요?

[@myungseoul6570]

@@dorayodora 아뇨 다른거 타요

[@mikemph7779]

Starts @ 1:00

[@jhonbjornlodbrok7745]

Aesthetically I'd probably just end up spending that 2k price difference on improving the SV while only a tail tidy on the CB and I'm good.

[@JDeezle21]

Team Suzuki ❤

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

Great review and comparison of both great bikes. I personally own a cb650r and I love it and I agree with the drawbacks such as being sluggish compared to a v twin. I had an air cool ducati monster - it costed a lot more to maintain compared to the Honda but I do miss its pure ness and visceral feel, maybe I need this too. Should I try out an sv650?, what do you think? Will it scratch my itch?

[@eflanagan1921]

I think best of both , Ducati feel and Japanese reliability !(SV650)

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

@@eflanagan1921 my monster was reliable over the course of 7 years owning it to be fair… it was high maintenance in terms of ownership cost but it was reliable.

[@Xerdoz]

The SV wins. No stupid always-on indicators and the horn button is exactly where it should be unlike in the Honda.

[@elliottdyer8450]

wel-maintained, how many miles can an sv650 last?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

In this company, I'd go SV650. In the next company (with 750 Hornet), I'd go GSX-8S.

[@robygr]

If I buy my first bike at 40 years, which is better?

[@norhisamhisam9357]

Honda CB650R ok, SV650 pun ok juga👍

[@slipngrip]

Which one has taller, longer profile? I'm a relatively tall rider (6'1") and want something that will not look like a 125cc with me on the saddle.

[@quuuv]

Mate SV will fit you heaps better than the cb650 because of the way you legs wrap around the tank and the bikes looks even taller when you are in it.

[@shlingle]

Being 6'4, I can recommend the SV650. the narrow tank gives your legs and knees enough space to be comfortable. if you can, try it out at a dealership and have a friend or the salesman take a picture of you. also the low-end torque is really fun for the city, i think the CB650R is a bit tamer there

[@GB-fo2ce]

I am 6'2" and find the SV very comfortable and fits me well. Overall i couldn't be happier with the SV after three years now. It was so much cheaper here in the US than the Honda, i was able to make some upgrades such as the shock and a fly screen which made a noticeable difference.

[@mikemph7779]

Hard choice

[@neilfoster9517]

Agree is the CB650R worth $2000 more no it’s not. Same price gap in Canada

[@hristodimitrov6366]

Suzuki SV ❤

[@ktkace]

Easy suzuki for me as the honda has the horn button in the wrong place!!!

[@dorayodora]

내 sv650과 같은 색상이군요 너무좋습니다

[@MarkPhilly-tp2wq]

Honda all the way

[@garneauweld1100]

The German narrator needs to be informed that wealthy berliners only by KTMs...

[@nkolchenko]

six-fifty! :-)

[@Artus6114]

I want sell my SV 650.. . nobody is interested.. nobody! 😒

[@superleisie]

That was a close call: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKu4fXlojsqkoNE

[@airamdelvillar]

saw that too

[@dante-fc9se]

suzuki es muy fea

[@sidneyjr1560]

Bom assim, menos sujeita a roubos.