2001 Suzuki SV650: Regular Car Reviews

[@noobasdfjkl]

Also, don’t wheelie these. You’ll starve the front cylinder for oil and end up with an SV325.

[@jonathangriffiths2499]

Can end in a " Conrod snapping like a carrot " scenario

[@Dirtboyindahouse]

close. if you ride in water, you still drown the front spark plug. if you wheelie it, you will starve the front cylinder of oil and BLOW THE MOTOR

[@loosenoose]

lil' wheelies are totally fine. it's riding a wheelie that will fuck your engine with the sv's

[@VasyaIvanovichPupkin]

@@Dirtboyindahouse Horror tales! Mostly about the 1-st gen too. The plug drowns only if the drain hole is plugged with larva shells and you are missing the plastic guard upfront. Wheelies are fine as long as you do not ride them in balance. But pulling off the line and bringing it down in 2'nd won't kill it.

[@Dirtboyindahouse]

@@VasyaIvanovichPupkin i've had 9 of them. its a problem up until 2007 when they went to the 2 plug model (my 03 did this a lot) its not a huge deal to fix. clean the drain hole, and a bit of dielectric grease on the spark plug boot. voila, fixxed

[@JunkyardDigs]

The best torque curve of any engine I've ever interacted with. Ever.

[@flavioantonino]

VTR1000 was similar in torque.

[@Supernova12034]

I know they are the same engine...but how different is the vstrom engine?

[@bbbb1989ful]

@@Supernova12034 I've owned an sv650, dad had a vstrom 650. The engines are very similar, but the weight differences make for very different rides. Both are great.

[@dizzywow]

@@Supernova12034 Vstrom is tuned for more torque down low, less HP on top.

[@bryandenmark4951]

Probably haven't ridden a first gen vmax.

[@flashindapan7965]

I have three question 1. Is this Matt Farrah’s million mile Lexus? 2. Is an Suzuki sv650 a suitable bike for beginners? 3. Why doesn’t she talk to me anymore?

[@charlieanddadreviewsandcha2243]

Flashindapan 😂

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

1 idk, 2 depends how tall you are, I’m 6’ 3” and don’t really fit on them properly, 3 your pipe game was weak

[@rangerdanger1922]

awnser to question 1: yes awnser to 2: yes awnser to 3: yes

[@thereve]

Flashindapan dicks n tiddies n dicks n tiddies

[@banban60000]

My sv650 was my first bike, yes its a beginner bike

[@durim187]

not a beginners bike, i’m gonna get an R6 then.

[@-lien8string541]

durim187 It’s the perfect bike to grow into.

[@bigbrolicblackdudenamedreq6234]

@@-lien8string541 never say that to an 18 year old

[@Evolution_Kills]

Hehehe, but I do agree with RCR. I can see it being an excellent intermediate bike, much like my second street bike, the CB750 Nighthawk.

[@pkaramer]

GET IT, AND GET RIPPED AT CANYONS KIDDO

[@enzofalone]

funny enough my friend started on an R6s and aside from slow maneuvers he learned quite fast and hasnt yeeted himself onto something

[@origanalone9379]

Words can’t express how hype I got seeing my bike finally being reviewed, I cried tears of joy

[@simbiote89]

I've got a gen-2 but everything else is perfectly valid. No traction control or ABS on the second gen either.

[@-ExperienceWithMe-]

Same lol

[@matthewmichael2348]

Love my SV. It’s my daily driver

[@marioc655]

Yea but now every time I go to ride I think, "Awwww little Suzuki. About to do a big put put."

[@ZachAndFriends1996]

@@simbiote89 actually they did offer abs on gen 2's, cuz I had one lol. And it absolutely fucking SUCKED. It activated with even the slightest bit of pressure, no matter the conditions.

[@martincoldwell1516]

“Sv650 is NOT for beginners” My instructor for my direct access course... “your on the sv650”

[@admiralrng6506]

Mr. R is exaggerating, the SV 650 is a great beginner bike although 650s will punch back if youre stupid *especially* this one

[@Krazie-Ivan]

@@admiralrng6506 ...all running gear on "S" models are identical to standard/nekkid --- exact same engine, gearbox, & final drive. 100% identical in performance. only differences are; bars vs clip-ons, instrumentation pods vs cluster, and single headlamp vs half-fairing w/twin light. these bikes are not the Daytona vs Street Triple, where engine/gearbox internals & suspension/brakes are changed. an SV650 is NOT a "beginner bike". it's a "now that i've dropped my Ninja 250 a bunch, control it as instinctively as i can walk, & put in a ton of seat-time to apply all the riding/awareness techniques i've read about, & can feel it wallow in corners..." upgrade bike.

[@c__walker__jr]

@@Krazie-Ivan at some point in the run, the pegs were higher on the S.

[@Krazie-Ivan]

@@c__walker__jr ...thx man, i had seen that but wasn't sure what market those were sold in, or what year, or if my memory was just off.

[@Krazie-Ivan]

@yadi ...you're welcome to start on a 'Busa if you like. just know you're making the learning curve worse for yourself, & could be a better rider sooner. GL.

[@HeroRR]

No real beginner bike has twin disk front brakes. :)

[@ralphlouismendoza1977]

The 2012 Panigale 1199 is not a beginners bike.

[@H34D5H07]

The post 98 XJ600 has.

[@levkranchevko1432]

Then, the Busa is the perfect beginner bike!

[@dm720dm]

Mine does :) -2002 SV650

[@hsxenon]

Should I get rid of one of the disks on my sv then?

[@TheSteveSteele]

I bought one in ‘99. Loved it. My favorite thing about the SV650 was, if you were at least moving, you could roll on the power in almost any gear and the V-Twin would pull and hum. You could come to a rolling stop and not have to downshift. However that same feeling that lulls you into complacency can bite you hard if a curve is approaching and you’re not paying attention or aiming way ahead. Related to that was the unexpected “oh shit” moment if a strong crosswind suddenly appeared. It was like a big giant hand pushed the bike from the side and said, “no, you’re going this way into the field.” That happened to me a few times. Once, on a really busy highway, I was going about 90 MPH, a strong crosswind just took the bike and sent me off into a field with grass that was four feet tall. I’m sure whoever was watching was wondering what the heck I was doing suddenly taking a left into an overgrown grassy area. That short wheel base, gotta watch out for that. The SV650 was like having a mostly chill girlfriend. I really liked her and we got along most of the time. But every once in awhile, she’d let me know that control was an illusion. Still, I’d buy another one.

[@EagleScoutmano]

I had that experience a few times on the SV650, where the wind pushed me halfway across the road suddenly. Also, on cold evenings, leaning too hard into the throttle while going around tight corners (i.e. turning onto roads) could and did cause wheel spin... XD learned that it was possible for me to successfully drift a bike that way. XD

[@roberthunter5059]

My friend's SV650 got impounded when he was caught doing 91 with a suspended license. I had to drive it back home for him. I had a GS500 at the time. I'm cruising along a 4 lane highway and I think, "the engine sounds like it's revving kinda' high." I look down and the speedo says 99. I was not trying to do anything close to 99. They're definitely not a GSXR1000, but I agree that it's not a beginner bike. I'd say that it's a good second bike.

[@IRLtrolls]

Every bike has a speedo, throttle and brakes. Just because you're an idiot and can't maintain your speed(Seriously how do you not notice the pavement going by at 99mph or the wind resistance. You must be brain dead) doesn't mean people can't start on 650 twins. Ninja 650, Sv650, Fz07...all great beginner bikes for athletic men with good hand eye coordination. I've been daily driving sportbikes in a major city for 8 years. I've taught many friends to ride on their first bikes. Some were 250s, some were 650s. Depends on the maturity level and athleticism of the rider.

[@roberthunter5059]

@@IRLtrolls By the time we'd bailed him out and picked up the bike, it was nighttime. The pavement wasn't exactly visible. This was a 650S, so it had the half-fairing. My GS500 did not. Plus I was wearing full gear, so the effects of wind resistance are less noticable. We had gotten separated, so I was a little irritated about that, and was just riding and watching the highway, not the speedo. I had just cranked on the throttle a little aggressively, which wouldn't have done much on the GS, but the SV is a lot more powerful. It's the same as when you put someone behind the wheel of a Corvette when all they've driven before is a Miata.

[@VasyaIvanovichPupkin]

​@@IRLtrolls While I agree with the second part of your comment, there is no place for the reaction you have in the first part of it, based on the information given by OP. I would argue it takes a dead brain to be responding so aggressively to a casual story. But I am here for a different argument. Anything can be a beginner bike, even an H2 if the rider has enough self-control. But the SV is still not the best option. It dares you with the way it responds to inputs and the noise it makes. It is a little too much fun for a start. Not the best option when your skills are low. This is what makes it a better "second bike."

[@IRLtrolls]

@@roberthunter5059 "I just cranked on the throttle a little too aggressively" Lol wow. The SV is not that fast dude. I have an MT09 and the difference between 70mph and 99mph is substantial more throttle input and much more wind resistance on the body. The way you describe the speed of the SV is like a Zx14 or Hyaabua. I've ridden a Busa and done 90mph in first gear. I stand by my orginal statement. To go 99mph on 70ish horsepower motorcycle and "not mean to" is brain dead stupid. This comment section oozes an r/motorcycles circle jerk. You limp wristed mommas boys talking about a 70 horsepower sv650 like it's a 200hp BMWs1000rr. No one should start on an inline 4 600cc but 650 twins are just fine for some beginners. Mr Regular is just kinda of a pussy on 2 wheels.

[@CardboardSliver]

@@IRLtrolls Bro. It's Hayabusa. I don't get why you felt the need to be so aggressive over a story. A rider has to stay alert on the highway. I'm always watching traffic, cause it seems I'm invisible on a bike.

[@hsxenon]

I got an SV as my first bike after a dirt bike. At first it seemed like the perfect beginner bike, but after a month, I get what he means that it's not. The last part about it being a bad influence is so true.

[@Johnnyreengo]

definitely have to control yourself on it

[@JeffManseau]

"Good luck chucklenuts!" Making a point to use that IRL today.

[@RegularCars]

Credit to Capt. Rock for that line!

[@Squirrelitis]

@@RegularCars That line made me smile. Thanks!

[@takl23]

I laughed out loud. Great line.

[@bobrowley4346]

I've owned an 05 since 2007, It's my favorite motorcycle and the one I've kept amongst all the others I've owned. The motor, the motor is phenomenal. The torque, the sound, it's beatiful. For the money, it's one of the best motorcycles ever! With a few modifications in suspension and brakes, she'll hold her own in twisties as well as any supersport. An after market exhaust system, such as an M4, makes this motor sing to you soul. These can also be modified to be a sport tourer or ADV-lite very easily. These are common on the track scene b/c of the low upfront cost, easy mods, and bullet proof motor. SV650 master race!

[@st_us]

a very close friend of mine bought this as a beginner's bike, and when I tried it, I was blown away with the power it had. we went HEAD ON and he kept pace with my honda blackbird!! I was never expecting this from his beginner's bike.

[@aviator2k9]

I went on the SV650 for my learner permit last year with a custom exhaust & sounded like a monster compared to the other bikes there. I also currently own the blackbird myself 🤣 but I absolutely LOVE the SV650. There's just something about this machine..

[@pratmak]

@@aviator2k9 Having a Blackbird and an SV650 has to be one of the best combination of bikes to own. I currently have both right now and on the road and track and everything in between, you can do a lot with these two bikes. Great contrast with the smooth, turbine like I4 of the blackbird and the rough jumpy V Twin of the SV.

[@PeterGriffin_2077]

Because of this review, I just bought one as my first bike

[@wangmoreno549]

Good..same here…she will want to move and shift at mid rpm’s..be respectful to her and she will treat u right

[@XYZCBA50]

Aye good shit man I’m looking to get one this week

[@PeterGriffin_2077]

@@XYZCBA50 RCR is bugging they are the best beginner bikes if you’re careful. get a delkevic exhaust for amazing sound

[@XYZCBA50]

@@PeterGriffin_2077 aye thank you I’ll look into tahtb

[@tmoney5468]

I’m getting one in a week!! Super excited

[@KenjiShinomori]

Yammie Noob is quivering in their sleep, ohno.

[@Pifferfish]

Oh no, not poor crusty pubes!

[@Motoboo_Marine]

not gummie cubes!

[@TheGrifCannon00]

Silly jammy lube...

[@Twinspinner]

You mean Granny Boob?

[@DirceuCorsetti]

He's probably dreaming about a Porsche bumper.

[@davewolf8869]

"The go-fog is sucked into the eager cylinder" Part porn... Part poetry

[@Zach_A]

My first bike was an sv650, I've owned two of them since then. I will sing their praises until my dying days.

[@wubbahead1820]

im looking at an sv650 for a first motorcycle. i’ve rode dirtbikes for years. if youve ever rode an mx is it similar to the torque of an mx or should i be looking for something different?

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

@@wubbahead1820 If you have dirt bike experience an SV is more than fine to start on. People who say otherwise are being too conservative. Too much for a total noob who is young? Yeah maybe, not for you tho go get one you'll have a good time.

[@Rattersar15]

I had a 2000 SV650 track bike with a gsxr front end and Penske shock and it was hands down the best bike I've owned. Handling was telepathic and it was fun passing people on liter bikes in the corners like they were standing still. You are correct, everyone should own one at least once.

[@lemonscented7703]

“FR-S of bikes?” I’m hearing MR-2 of bikes. I waount it.

[@davidstancu2963]

350z of bikes

[@davidstancu2963]

its totally not a frs, a frs would be a ninja 400.

[@nomadben]

I totally read that in Roman's voice haha

[@Marc-zi4vg]

im smelling the 930 of bikes

[@-lien8string541]

nomadben I read it in the “Schfifty Five” accent.

[@edwardkeeter762]

3 years ago, your Ninja 250 review was what pushed me over the edge and got me to get one as my first bike. Now, 3 years and 9,000 miles later, I'm on to bike #2....a 08 SV650S. And yes, this video played a big role in that decision. The part where the SV is always daring the rider to go faster and do more hooligan stuff? 100% true. It is always tempting me to be stupid.

[@sercio994]

Same, i was looking for a bike and purchased a '01 650 and later on a DL650 for touring. This guy literally sold me every Suzuki i can get my hands on lol

[@pratmak]

Me too, bought a Ninja 250 2007 and had it for 3 and a half years, to sell it for an SV650S. Bought a Honda Blackbird almost 3 years into owning the 250. The SV is definitely a bike every sport rider should have at some point. Honestly, my Honda feels more chill and relaxed to ride, even in slow speed, despite having almost 100 horsepower and over 100 pound of weight over the SV. The SV is very bucky like he said and urges you to push it at any speed with that torque. Very fun, but you have to focused and sharp at all times to ride.

[@tbone11x]

Now I know what Hank Hill sounds like when he nuts at 5:25

[@bennybop5387]

Lml....Jesus that sounds so accurate

[@askawhiteguy9822]

Its 5;28

[@thalliumrc3981]

I can't unhear that now LMAO

[@leonhill8447]

Accurate as fuck. Hahahaha

[@JohnDoe-rx3vn]

The craigslist ad said 'this is NOT a good bike for beginners' It was a good first bike

[@Novur]

I had a 1st Gen for my 2nd bike, and now have a 2nd Gen with a "NOT A CAR" tag on the key. This video made me absurdly happy 😁

[@kateapanovich5639]

This is the most entertaining bike review I've ever seen! I laughed way too hard!

[@jimbob7559]

Different strokes for different folks. I found the guy to be a pain in the butt. Shut the video off at 5.01.

[@kalle5218]

really? which parts of the video made you laugh?

[@kateapanovich5639]

@@kalle5218 his sarcasm comments overall

[@scrawnysaint1586]

this guy is funny!😂

[@Dirtboyindahouse]

having owned like 8 of these of various generations, and in various states of repair (from a rusty, beaten 1st gen to a AMA ready 2nd gen and everything in between) 1: 90 degree v-twin. not 60 2: yes, you can convert the carby to EFI. 3: if you want to ride it genuinly hard, you NEED to adress the suspension. 4: it can be a decent begginers bike IF: a: you've had some dirt bike experiance in the past b: have 1/2 a brain on your shoulders. hormonal 16 year old? nah. middle aged fat guy looking to put around? perf. everything else is spot on the money though.

[@JordanPeverelli]

Definitely like #4, I've ridden dirt bikes since I was 9, 70cc, 125cc and now a CRF 230cc, I'm 20 and looking to get my motorcycle license next summer and would like to get a new SV. More than enough power to have a lot of fun, but I think I got enough common sense and experience to not die haha.

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

This comment will be ignored I'm sure

[@noelebbert9322]

yep. plus the new miata is slightly faster than an FRS i din't like the comparison. Also, i've owned 250's and the comparison to speed is not remotely proportional, meaning, the sv 650 is infinitely faster than any 250. An frs is not if at all faster than a miata, if we're talking equivalent years. If not equivalent years, then ok. a 15 year older car is slower lol. dumb comparison imo. Ninja 250r is more like a stock honda civic from the 90's. Mine was a ninja 250r from o8 and was a blast, but not fast.

[@vtr0104]

@@iHaveTheDocuments This comment will NOT be ignored, actually.

[@22cj57]

im a cross breed of the two people what do i do (21 years old 255lbs rides moped )

[@nickhanscome]

Watched this before hopping on my 2002 first gen and going to work. I've had it for 5 years and 30,000 miles. I keep wanting to, and will get a newer, faster bike. But everytime I ride ole carby I'm suddenly breaking multiple traffic laws with bombastic glee and hitting redline at every shift before that V twin engine braking drags me back to legality. Upgrade the front and rear suspension and they become weapons in the corners. Zx6r in the rear and full race tech in the front will make absolute clowns of lesser Supersport riders in the mountains. It took me from Minnesota to Arizona, multiple trips to California, and daily joy. Can't wait to commute on it again tomorrow. Thanks Mr regular

[@RIDERsxv]

Passed a new r1 with full carbon bodywork around the outside while my carbs were partially clogged lol

[@markhamrick9078]

@@RIDERsxv 👊😎

[@Evolution_Kills]

I know what you mean. I myself daily a Honda 919 street fighter to work, and I love it.

[@joey69d]

People ballyhoo about growing out of bikes. Finding limits and being dissatisfied. I've owned my 02 nekkid sv for 13 years and I have never been bored. She is my first bike and likely my only bike. I learned on a '00 sv650s. The first, and I mean THE FIRST thing you learn on that bike is throttle mitigation. The second you learn is how flickable it is. STABLE is a great word to describe it. Center your balance and you are in absolute control of this machine. It then becomes an absolute joy to ride. Your thoughts are telegraphed to the road. POTHOLE! Flick* crisis averted. It's fantastic. But I advise strongly... Do not learn to ride on an SV. It will either room your perception for other bikes, or you will get hurt badly and quickly.

[@rezzpirelli4251]

What octane gas do you put in the tank? I read 91 octane is bad for lower compression bikes.

[@josevargas1820]

Dad, can I have an SV650? Dad: An SV650 is not a beginner bike....NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY BOY...Don't you understand?

[@asmcint]

This is no beginner bike boy, NO BEGINNER BIKE

[@Xboxliveyomomma127]

JOSE VARGAS they’re not trust me

[@gt3cupcar93]

I had an EFI SV as my first. It was not a wheelie Monster. Anybody that says it isn’t a beginner bike is a pucci.

[@grapefruiteyewash]

It's totally a great beginner bike though

[@hbsupermage]

@@asmcint is this a gundam reference?

[@Enakaji]

Funny thing is, back when I made my bike license in 2001, the driving scool I went to actually used the SV 650 as their learner bikes, one limited to 34 HP and one with the full 72 HP. Before that I had only ridden 125CC bikes and for my first time out I had to take the 72 HP Version as the 34HP one was in for service and to tell the truth, the first few KM where actually kinda scary even though my 125CC was a 2 Stroke KTM (a 1997 KTM Sting, basically a shrunk down first Gen Duke 640) with a racing exhaust and had about 22 HP, the SV was on a kompletely different Level. I still remember opening up on the throttle on the first straight, it was like putting a VCR on Fast Forward. My first own big bike that I bought after that was a 1988 GSX-R 750, that thing was insanely fun to ride. Nowadays I've quited down a bit and now mainly ride Choppers and cruisers.

[@NikoMag1k]

Made it 6 seconds before a Miata reference

[@pechio4567]

Suzuki in 1999: I like what Ducati did with the Monster, yeah let's do that It was a good call

[@giacomo2836]

Italian style with japanese engine, what else do you want

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

Cagiva Raptor is basically the same bike as the SV, and engine made by Suzuki, but the finish touches by Cagiva, I have one and it's great

[@osa7310]

Was really expecting this to get uploaded about three hours earlier

[@EvilishDem0nic8732WhatItDo]

Uploaded not in the middle of the night Pacific time here

[@PropaneTreeFiddy]

who the hell are you

[@ErzaRosenberg]

I ride the Gen 1 Year 2000 SV 650. Carbs. No abs. No ebd. No nothing. Pure analogue and I love every single second I’m on it :)

[@thereve]

These are fantastic machines. I wouldn’t recommend it to a 16 year old hormonal lunatic but honestly for a reasonably mature adult they are fine for beginners imho.

[@Adam-bb9rm]

I owned this exact year I would agree it is decent for a beginner rider only if the individual rides responsible. I dumped mine on a bike road having fun being foolish. Will buy another down the road.

[@vincentledesma6198]

I got the follow-up of this bike (SFV650) as my first bike and it served me perfectly for 4 years as a commuter until I got merged into by an older gentleman in a Ford Focus. I agree that this is a wonderful first bike if you're not an idiot. But then again, I was 34 years old when I bought it so I didn't have any invincible young moron left in me by that time.

[@Adam-bb9rm]

@@vincentledesma6198 well I'm 33 and rode it like a kid thinking I knew it all. Was a painful lesson. But I'll go the v strom next still same powertrain

[@thereve]

Adam yes I had the fat old man version (vstrom) for years. I loved that thing. Very comfortable with the gel seat. The power was entirely predictable and noob friendly but probably a little top heavy for a new rider. The best value going for a light touring machine. You can get one ready to go anywhere for 3k or so and they run forever

[@Adam-bb9rm]

@@thereve I'm just debating on which to get the 650 or 1000. And far as weight that does not bother me since I have a 2018 sporty 48

[@adventuresofasimpleton]

I’ve been a long time subscriber of this channel and from the first time you’ve uploaded a bike video I knew it was only a matter of time before you got to the sv650. What can I say, I’ve ridden this bike from coast to coast, hydroplaned at 100km/h, taken on track days, hard crashed it on the twisties and rode it home without a gear shift using only the 3rd gear and clutch. After more than 10 years, I never thought for a moment I outgrew this bike. The heart of the bike is that 645cc gem of an engine. And it just keeps on beating.

[@ljohnson9988]

So let me see if I've got this straight: The SV650 is a beginner's bike.

[@giacomo2836]

It actually is, as all naked/sportbike what you just need is 1/2 of a brain on your shoulders

[@karstonsteele4047]

Giacomo idk if i would consider a superduke r or an mt10 a beginner bike

[@giacomo2836]

@@karstonsteele4047 There are extremes obviously, I was talking about medium displacement bikes. The bikes you mentioned are hard to ride even for a seasoned rider.

[@ajorsomething4935]

As a beginner just try to keep yourself under 70hp

[@ethownzbh]

No, a turbo busa is a beginner bike.

[@krameohotman]

Just bought my first bike, a sv650. Definitely manageable for a cautious beginner. I do see what you mean about it making you want to go faster and faster though.

[@RudeXII]

RCR is actually a bike guy, and he becomes a completely different person when talking about bikes. Cars? We're on the same page. Bikes? Who are you?

[@RegularCars]

I am yea! I was into bikes before I was into cars.

[@TwinTalon01]

I’ve been riding 15yrs, probly 140k miles under my belt, I’m 38, and I still ride aggressively in the mtns. I’ve had over a dozen bikes and ridden dozens more. I’ve had 2 SV650’s, a first gen (the one from this video) and a fuel-injected second gen, and I can say without question, I’m GLAD it was my second bike, not my first. I absolutely would’ve crashed *several times* with my newbie mistakes on the open road if I were on an SV instead of the GS500 I started with. The GS absorbed my mistakes in a way the SV definitely wouldn’t have, and I would’ve paid for them on an SV with broken bones or worse. The video is absolutely right. The SV650, first gen or second, no matter how cheap, is Not a beginner bike. Neither Gladius nor the newest one either. This platform is not for beginners. Start with a 500 or less, leave it stock, put *at least* 4-5k miles on it, then sell it and move up to an SV. Fun fact: after all the riding I’ve done, one of my longtime stable favorites is my heavily modified Kawi EX500, specifically because it’s so *easy* to ride that it’s just pure Fun. It’s playful, it’s loose, it’s not all *serious* and ultra responsive like the Buell, it’s just easy. And that’s what makes it the right kinda thing to start on. The glory of this is that the SV, all the way back to the first gen, is a phenomenal value for performance, and we’re lucky to have such a marvelous second bike be so cheap. You can keep up with anything in the mtns, they’re efficient and reliable, they’re deeply modifiable, they’re just awesome machines for the money, once your skills reach the level where you can handle one. In summary: THE SV650 IS NOT A BEGINNER BIKE.

[@thefirkman7400]

Well now I'm expecting the price of these things to increase 110% on Craiglist now that RCR has touched it.

[@Agent_Clark]

That was his master plan

[@NONo443]

Thank you, now I can sell mine for top dollar. For Sale: 2001 SV650S, non running, 101k miles, $3000, faded plastics, gsxr suspension! NO LOW-BALLERS, I know what I got!

[@MangoVisionn]

NONo443 you got a piece of shit, I’ll give you $350

[@myes344]

This guy scotty is ruining my car collecting for cheap

[@rileybush6459]

I mean, there's really nowhere to go but up. Around here you can get them totally sorted with exhaust, suspension, and rearsets for around 2k.

[@FerrellJ]

Had a 2004 SV650 as my first bike and I can't recall ever having managed to lift the front tire. It certainly wasn't as unwieldy as this makes it sound. IMO it's just fine as a beginner bike if you have a reasonable amount of self control.

[@Johnnyreengo]

exactly! if youre not one to panic or whiskey throttle and you have some experience on 2 wheels its a great beginner bike

[@EagleScoutmano]

I had to Actually intend it, go actually lift the wheel... It would wheelie if you dumped the clutch @ 5,000+ RPM with medium to full throttle, but if you were just riding, never more than a little tiny bit of hop.

[@ryanm.191]

I’m gonna get this as my first bike It’s ok, I don’t value my life

[@ninjapro505]

you'll be fine, these bikes are great. mr regular is exaggerating.

[@d2hickmott]

Fuck it. I had an R6 for my first bike. Don’t be dumb, you’ll be fine

[@ryanm.191]

Duh Duh Duh that’s the problem, I am dumb

[@TannerOBrien]

I have an fz07 like the other dude with the mt. (Same bike really) excellent starter just be mentally prepared for it and take ur time

[@RuinedVoyage320]

This is my first bike, and to the Gent with the R6 as his first. Both or good options, but both are really quick ways to become patties on the roadside (any bike really depending on your level of "hold my beer"). No matter what poison you choose, respect the bike as if she were that one girl who finally showed you how to really have a good time. Respect the bike and you will be rewarded for it.

[@Jeranhound]

My first motorcycle when I graduated highschool was a Ninja 500 a year older than me. Rode it for 3 years before selling it and moving from sunny San Diego up to rainy Seattle. After 7 years, I bought what is likely to be my only factory-new vehicle ever, a 2020 SV650.

[@joseluiscampos7662]

After watching this I know I must start riding on a SV650

[@Rolo4733]

As a person that just bought an SV650 as their first bike this is amazing to re-watch.

[@petermuller161]

I talked with a bunch of dealer bike mechanics and they all clued me in to the badassery of the sv650. Later in life I had the pleasure of owning one and loved it. I thought it was incredibly quick and even wrecked it into a ditch. Badass.

[@chootybeeks1088]

This is exactly how I felt when I got my MT 07. Everyone said it’s a beginner bike, but I started on a CBR250R and if I had made the same mistakes I made on that bike on my MT, I’d have definitely crashed multiple times. Bike is RIDICULOUSLY fast.

[@FunniestFlicks]

I started on a ninja 250 now have a sv650s and I feel the same way.

[@piggymito]

Love the sv650! My mate had the s version and it was sooooo much fun. It did have a tendency to try and throw a tank slapper at medium lean angles at about 70-80 mph but it super entertaining just keeping it pinned and riding trough it. Really glad to hear your take on it and frankly I couldn't agree more! Keep up the good work dudes!

[@TheTyphoon365]

_Little Suzuki, do a big putt-putt!_ 😂

[@CHURCHISAWESUM]

"Awwww... Oh wait... *no.* "

[@lm_dccxl4078]

Suzuki SV650 the official bike of that "anime" dvd box that just shows a kid, but you know the bussines with that logo on the right-low corner.

[@djhero0071]

I don’t get it

[@LaughingCarrot]

@@djhero0071 hentai

[@djhero0071]

Shoulda known but the right corner thing threw me off as I am not one with the lewd

[@Mekaniac]

Jesus Christ

[@Jakesinmotion]

Just picked up an 01 yesterday, used this video to explain the bike to all my non rider friends, I got mine for $500 and it's been sitting for a while, I need to clean the carbs but I couldn't help myself from spraying some starter fluid in the plenum just to hear her choke to life for a few moments, definitely looking forward to this summer.

[@trikkinikki970]

Great review. I started with a 2007, still riding it. You're right, it is an intermediate to advanced bike to ride properly. Started hitting the track recently and it's begs for so much more. They carry corner speed like a 300. They're insane.

[@timotejlesko2387]

For a long time I wanted an SV1000, and this year I bought one (half-faired SV1000S) and I had mad respect for the bike prior to the deal (friend of mined worked with them for a considerable amount of his life and gave me some great advice on how to aproach that bike), but after 2 months I can say, I have it figured out... The bike wants to murder you, will constantly punish even the slightest mistake when rolling on throttle, but you will still love it... because after a while you learn how to tame it, how to make it obey your every input... and after that, you are experiencing the best ride of your life

[@brandona6231]

I love my second gen SV650S. Been riding it for six years and I never get tired of it. Pure fun!

[@fraghead9813]

I LOVE my second gen! 💙💙

[@BrettsGarage]

My buddy had an SV650 and it easily kept up with all of our 600cc sport bikes. The SV was probably quicker around town with all of the low end torque. It was a fun bike for the few times I rode it.

[@stevangucu522]

What ever your fathers, brothers, nephews, cousins former roommate tell you about the SV650 barely reaching ludicrous speed, an SV650 is not a beginner bike.

[@BenMcghie]

Haha, totally. Top speed... Some. 0-60mph? Damn zippy. Like beat your cbr600rr zippy. So good.

[@weasel2htm]

...Oh and no matter what a stripper tells you, there is no sex in the Champagne Room, NONE!

[@Xboxliveyomomma127]

Ben Mcghie that’s is facts seen it happen live

[@topgearownz]

@@weasel2htm False, it does. It's just stupidly expensive.

[@LuvzToLol21]

"it makes go fog" is now my favourite explanation of what a carburetor does.

[@indigokid3910]

Best SV650 Review dude, very emotional, just what i wanted to know! Going go buy a 2002 black naked version

[@TheNigelrojo]

I did a trackday on an SV650 at Jerez in Spain 15 years ago. What a blast. It was keeping up with much more powerful bikes. A genuine 130mph top speed with great handling, torque & brakes. The only bike I've ever ridden where I've ground away the footpegs so much.

[@vaati000]

Hey, I was planning on getting one of these after getting my motorcycle license! Then I crashed twice at the MSF course and failed. I have an NB Miata now.

[@Xboxliveyomomma127]

Lapbunny how do you fail? The course is easy as hell

[@vaati000]

@@Xboxliveyomomma127 When you're not used to braking evenly on both the front and rear and flip over the handlebars at 20 MPH in the county college parking lot you tend to fail.

[@B10401]

I have an sv and an NB miata

[@RawkFist357]

@@vaati000 haha that doesn't sound like not braking with both brakes, that sounds like grabbing a handful of front brake. Just give it some more practice and you'll get it! Nothing like riding a motorcycle!

[@joshhalterman5701]

I have an NB and REALLY want an SV

[@SuperSpruce]

This video drilled into my head that this bike is not a beginner bike, and that caused me to ignore a smoking deal for an SV650 and changed my motorcycle journey forever. I started on a Suzuki GZ250, and recently upgraded to a Triumph Street Triple R.

[@jamesdc9595]

Digging the Townes Van Zandt intro 👌

[@brotherbread6549]

I'm still in love with my sv. Other bikes have come and gone but not once have I ever thought about selling my sv. . For as long as I'm able to ride, there will always be an SV in my stable. Heck, it's so beautiful, even after I can't ride anymore it can stay in the garage for the kids to ride and I'll have the pleasure of detailing it.

[@pete9501]

Mine is an early 1999 model with clocks in Kmh. Used every day for the commute to work and not for sale. Going to be a classic in time. Keep hold of yours for the kids.

[@greendiabologuy]

"not a beginner bike" meanwhile you literally pass your license on them where I'm from lmaoo

[@xntumrfo9ivrnwf]

Same, but that's for an A license (vs. A1 or A2) in Europe, and I guess if you're in that power class, it is a decent starter bike.

[@RegularCars]

Where are you from?

[@Analconda98]

@@xntumrfo9ivrnwf Yup. It's either that, an older CB600F Hornet or a GSR600 if you're lucky - since they're all ranging from 2.000-3.000€

[@badatgaems]

@@RegularCars Sounds like England. Australia has a similar licensing scheme where you can only ride up to like 650cc's (the sv650 is too powerful for that class), the sv650 is a "beginner" bike on the second license. I did my license test on one too.

[@TheRazePlayz]

@@badatgaems aussie have the lams dont ya? power to weight ratio, cause theres a detuned sv650 that you can retune.

[@FullMetalGoat]

i love the sv650. i started out on one, did many mods to it, sold it. had other bikes but was never satisfied with others so i got another sv650. best bike ever.

[@Dr.Duck22]

Go Fog is my new favorite term

[@r1sabotage]

I subscribed just off this review. I love my 99 SV650. I have 6 bikes and thought about selling a few this coming spring. After watching this review, it reminded me of how much I love the bike. Put some Racetech springs, emulators, add a ZX6R shock, some SS brake lines, lithium battery, proper brake pads, and you take away all the weakness the bike has. That' what I did and instantly fell in love...

[@poorlittlebiker6476]

It was my second bike, I had the S version with the top fairings only on it. I was still new to riding but would like to think I took time to get use to how the bike delivered power, how it leaned, overall just how it functioned and didn't have a problem with it. It's a good bike to learn on ( I did), but it's also a bike you can continue to ride without feeling the need to upgrade. Would say it's honestly better then the 600cc supersports for the streets due to speed limits and where the powerband lies. Also, as far as wheelies go, it won't hurt to do a couple of bunny hops here and there but don't hold a wheelie, you'll move all the oil from one side of the engine to the other and can experience the thrill of a single cylinder 325 cc suzuki sv650 lol

[@Lukeisreallycool]

07’ SV650 was my first bike. Got it about 3 years ago now. It was pretty intimidating to start on and I dropped it a handful of times and crashed (only a couple months after buying it) going about 25mph around a turn and broke off the hand brake off. Managed to ride it home, got 3 stitches in my leg, replaced the hand brake, and kept practicing. Now I’m incredibly comfortable on it but at the same time I know it’s still got a lot to offer! :)

[@dexterhochstetler3727]

Do a VMAX next, those bikes are awesome, that V4 makes so much power. We've got one, but I live all the way over in Indiana.

[@TheTheeggmann]

But first there was Magna. Otherwise, Yamaha wouldn't have been butthurt....and there would be no Vmax.

[@duncandmcgrath6290]

Dexter Hochstetler I’d enjoy that review.... growl voice would prevail

[@dexterhochstetler3727]

@@TheTheeggmann My dad owned both almost back to back.

[@bryandenmark4951]

@@TheTheeggmann I am so thankful for Yamaha's butt hurt. They made one hell of a bike in 1984

[@vintagebikes4215]

Probably some of the wisest commentary I've heard on motorcycles. The SV650 is not a beginner bike, as you say.

[@austinwalker7439]

"The go fog" is now my favorite name for fuel-air mixture lmaoo.

[@loganhuntervagle]

I got one when I was 15 after learning how to RIDE on an XT350 when I was 14. This is the best beginner bike ever freakin made. They’re amazing. This gave me great memories...👌♥️

[@MantasMotoMan]

SV650 Gang, where you at? 💪

[@dannyeverette4551]

I stood mine up all the time , and still do , and I didn't starve it for oil , it is fine

[@flyingdutchy01]

This was my first motorcycle!! awesome

[@Oddman1980]

I've always wanted one of these bikes just because they look so *bare*. It's like there's two wheels attached to this engine, here's the absolute bare minimum of lighting and guages, hang on and try not to die. I really enjoy minimalist vehicles (I drove a DR650 everywhere for years) and this one looks perfect. The 90 degree V-twin, the 270 parallel twin, and whatever the hell was going on inside my 1400 Intruder's engine make the best motorcycle engine noises.

[@jimjam87599]

I have an 02 sv with 50k miles it's been bored and jetted and I love it. But it is a tiring ride it will wear you out not for long rides

[@collumjiggas]

My first bike, and my first 25k miles and 4 seasons of riding. Commuting, touring, knee dragging in the mountains, and spanking liter bikes on my local surface streets. My fondest memories of riding by far.

[@thesherpa]

R E G U L A R N O T A C A R R E V I E W S

[@TheSignatureK]

M O T O R C Y C L E A E S T H E T I C

[@TopshelfJunior]

First bike I ever purchased, 2018 SV650 !!! Still have it and absolutely love it ! No issues. Get looks + comments on it every day, especially about how it sounds.

[@PiperFishing]

First bike? No. Second bike? Yes.

[@-lien8string541]

bdpa kaknox What about a CBR919RR? I got one as my first bike for $500, and it even included a full Yoshimura exhaust system with it. Quite a steal.

[@-lien8string541]

It has carburetors, and is from the 90’s, so it can’t be too fast...

[@hooligan8595]

@@-lien8string541 I'd still rip myself a new one to get a 90's carburated bike, especially the Ninja ZXR 250, it's an old version of the ninja that revs until 18k, it sounds like a Formula 1 and looks sick, not powerful but that's what I'd be looking for in a first bike

[@sponge920]

Exactly what I did. Ninja 250, sv650, zx6r (636), r1.

[@RefriedVirus]

I got an 03 sv650 givin to me from a friend for my first bike a week ago, guess it was nice knowing everyone

[@samuelculver1414]

I've had my sv 650 for years and never want to sell it.

[@ch1kenmeister103]

Okay so I just bought my first bike and it's an SV650 from 2002. (passed my license on a 2023 cb650 hornet (if im not mistaken) a month ago, living in germany) Hearing everything you said from 5:48 and onwards gave me goosebumps because of the joy I will get to experience this bike, knowing it will all be just me and the bike - only rudimentary electronics, no helpers. Monday I will have all the paperwork done and am legally allowed to ride it on the streets :D

[@hhs_leviathan]

So this Suzuki is like the Flurry Heart of bikes? *_AWW YOU'RE SO CUTE..._* BREAKS YOUR SPINE

[@bavarianbanshee]

Accurate

[@dcavalli93]

This video is one of the main reasons I decided to get an SV650, couldn't be happier with my 06 "pointy" that i found for cheap with only 4000 km on the clock. These bikes are truly underrated.

[@caseylopez7152]

I'd like some more bike reviews. I love the sv650, but i decides to go with a z650 since the dealer has one a little more than a grand off msrp, and and the way you sit in it is quite unique

[@compgeke]

tbh I'd love to see a California Motorcycle trip. There's quite a few of us who commute year round since it doesn't really snow. Get a good look at the bikes setup for daily commuting rather than just weekend fun.

[@c__walker__jr]

Part of the SVs long time appeal is that there was really nothing else like it for the price during most of its run. Now there are several legitimate competitors. I only have experience with the ER650, but likely didn't make a bad choice. There are enough good bikes in this segment now to fit a few different tastes.

[@caseylopez7152]

@@c__walker__jr exactly, i never really liked the er650 since it was atrocious looking compared to the sv. But then the Fz came along, and Cb650r but lets be honest its out of the price range that made the sv so good, but i do love the 4 cyl a little more. The Z650 has a REALLY good riding position though, at least for my height, im in love with it honeslty. Kawasaki could have made it easeir to put a slip on though, as the stock exhaust sounds like a vacume until 5k, and after that you still hear more intake and valvetrain. And all the full exhausts sound droany after a long time. Though im still getting a yoshimura cause of the actual power gains

[@UR-manden]

Had my SV 650 for 21 years, and loved it!... ;-) Just sold it this year to try something new here in 2021... thx for the vid.

[@ubertalldude]

I love Regular Bike Reviews NOT-A-CAR FOREVER

[@DGonzRobotics]

This exact model and color SV650 was my beginner bike! A later year S model is still my bike. Love it so much.

[@caseylopez7152]

Oh btw put gsxr suspension on one of these and you have a good track bike which you may also daily

[@mvonsmallhausen3221]

And GSXR brakes while you're at it. Basically all the mods you need to make it damn near perfect.

[@Real_MisterSir]

@@mvonsmallhausen3221 tbh with labor costs etc you might as well just buy a complete used gsxr for the track instead lol. Tho the idea is nice, for something as cheap as the 650 it makes little sense unless you get the extra parts dirt cheap. used gsxr bikes are not expensive anyways

[@mvonsmallhausen3221]

@@Real_MisterSir no argument there, you'd probably have to source the frontend off of a wrecked one and make the mod yourself for this to make any sense money wise. Though if it's wrecked the frontend is the first to go 99% of the time. I can see it happening if you absolutely love the thing but for most people selling it and moving on to something better is the way to go.

[@Real_MisterSir]

@@mvonsmallhausen3221 exactly. I think you can be lucky to find a bike that has lowsided heavily or was rear ended by a car causing a bent frame or something else that's written off the bike, without directly impacting the front end - but as you say in most cases the front is the first to go. If you really like the style of the SV and want to do an upgrade and personalize your bike then a new frontend is feasible. Personally, I'd try to seek out an SV1000 instead, as these can aslo be found for relatively cheap prices and come with beefed up components and an even better engine.

[@caseylopez7152]

@@Real_MisterSir i mean the person whos more likely to do this is probably going to do this themselves, so labor costs are moot. But actually finding the parts are somewhat hard? You could always get a $400 gsxr parts bike and strip it for this. Most of the time theyre being parted out because of blown motors or like you said, broken frames. Also another reason to do this would be because of actual classes in racing. I know the local track has something like a v-twin class? Brings out a bunch of different bikes like buells and such.

[@samhutton8889]

Man I’ve been a car guy my whole life and now mr regular is getting me into bikes

[@Lieutenant_Dude]

Lol, the power's already here. Good luck, chucklenuts.

[@SuperLiconic]

Just to proof that 1 st gen SV 650 is still alive . I bought mine 99' from a highschool friend who lost her for 5 years in a basement. It cost me very cheap but double the price to make it run. After 2 yrs on 125 cc its my first "real" bike and I love it . Happy to ride engine with great V-twin sound , not too heavy and tone of fun ! Thanks guys for great review and cool comments which I found as well funny as the review itself.

[@benjamingaray5660]

Thank you for giving this bike the respect it deserves.

[@juicebomb]

this was my beginner bike. So light, so flickable, so easy to lean over. GO FASTER is spot-on. This conflicted with the tendency to lock up the rear brake (don't mind me, skidding through the red light). Also, light + naked on the highway does not for a pleasant cruise make. Great video. Consider reviewing the bike I moved onto... vtec (ahem) interceptor 800.

[@xXxDurandalxXx]

NOT A CAAAAAAAR actually god review a scooter at some point, i wanna see that

[@misterthegeoff9767]

By the way if you are a beginner give the Gladius a try. If you can get over the styling they took the sv650 and made it a bit easier to handle but kept that fantastic engine. My first big bike was a Gladius and it was a great all rounder.

[@ThisIsInput]

"Handcuff yourself to a bed. Just once. Just to see what it's like to be in submission." Lol, that made my day

[@DanielPearson1]

I've had my '03 SV650 for a few years and it's my first street bike. I added better headlights, replaced almost all the wiring harness got flat bars and a GSX-R front end (it was trashed from a few crashes when I bought it) and tons of other stuff. It's a perfect first bike. Easy to work on, and its so barky and torquey you actually learn throttle control like a good biker. Not like starting on something 400cc or less where the throttle is just on/off. This thing is a track killer. It will give you more than you want every time. Drag that knee. Double downshift and spit flames, flick through those nasty S-turns, pick up the front wheel whenever you breathe on the throttle. I swapped lighter sprockets and chain (525>520) and +2 teeth in the rear after getting an $1150 ticket for passing tons of slow cars at 6th gear redline. Now it's buzzy on the highway and giggle-inducing stoplight to stoplight. Third gear clutchups? Sure!