Suzuki's SV650 Takes on the Competition

Here's the test you've been wanting to see: the new 2017 Suzuki SV650 vs. Yamaha's FZ-07. Both are $7000, have twin-cylinder engines, and cheap suspension and brakes. They're both bare, essential motorcycles that pack a lot of fun into an affordable package. For kicks, however, we brought along the KTM 690 Duke and a special guest - a 1999 Suzuki SV650. How do they stack up? You'll have to watch the video to see.
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Established in 1994, Motorcycle.com is the premiere online resource for motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts. With hundreds of high quality, detailed video reviews on bikes from Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and just about everybody else, it's the best place to go to learn about the latest and greatest two-wheeled creations. There's simply no better resource if you're planning on buying or if you just want to check out some awesome machines.

[@patrickbasani7967]

"The bike is not balanced" > he weighs more than the bike itself.

[@Jb-qx7mj]

Sold my 2004 sv650 got a Zx10r which is beyond fast but I regret selling my 650 it was so much more fun to drive in now selling my ninja to get another 650 bike screw top speed and all that I want something fun

[@Nerezza1]

What a pointless video. Talk about the bikes and then point us to the article on their website to get the final verdict and a more in-depth review.

[@Zack1421x20s]

Moriquende Right if i wanted to read a news article i wouldn't be on a KZbin channel

[@timothy680921]

The website link doesnt even take you to the review. You have to search for the article yourself.

[@ElationProductions]

Thanks! You saved 7 minutes of my life.

[@1990-t1j]

I agree. I am going to unsubscribe. This is about the worst 'professional' KZbin motorcycling channel.

[@ws8080]

@@1990-t1j Agree - their format is way off and they keep doing it. No one wants to watch a bunch of guys stand around and talk. Show us video of the bikes in action with the voice over the top! and give us actual graphics of the score cards in the video, and the critical stats for each bike. There are amateurs on KZbin with better vids.

[@Lindsay.Harrison]

Why is Hodor so negative about everything? they are all great bikes.

[@digi63]

Results should be in the video.

[@RaymarnGaming]

sv650 is the best, no resulst needed to know the answer :D

[@dmvlad]

A shootout without a conclusion, thumbs down for this.

[@simplefact4u]

I'm 6'2 and around 85kg and rode the SV650 today, I was very comfortable and in full control

[@okm88]

6ft 2" and 130kg? obviously you'd complain.

[@bmlewis5117]

Agreed

[@surg23]

Indeed. It also appeared as if all of these riders were enveloping the bikes. I never considered that the capacity of the engine should dictate it's dimensions, but all of those bikes seem cramped. Of course I'm comparing this to my own selection of bikes that just happened to be spacious. I'm not a big guy- just 6 ft with shoes and I found the FZ/MT 09 very cramped. Would I be correct to assume that's something inherent with this class of motorcycle ?

[@Bradistan1979]

I'm 6ft2" and 100kg and bought the SV650 3 months ago, having specifically gone to the showroom to buy the MT07, when I test rode it I had to change my mind, the standover height felt small and the front end feels like it drops away from you. Considering how much cheaper the SV was with ABS as standard (UK) when compared to the standard MT07 the two didnt compete on price either. As a comute bike the SV feels handles very well through UK country roads and busy town centres. My only gripe would be the gear shifters which are fairly small when wearing waterproof/winter bike boots. Fuel economy is good too, living in Yorkshire with big hills everywhere I still get 55-60 mpg week in week out even when opening the throttle. tl;dr Test ride them both you wont be disapointed.

[@garethreece]

At 6'2 and about 75kgs I've had a quick go on an MT07 and currently own an '05 SV650. Neither of which felt/feel cramped to me. Loved my brief go on the MT but the price on the SV was just too good to pass up and I am NOT disappointed in it ...apart from the first tank of fuel worked out around 38mpg, sure that will improve once I stop playing so hard (aftermarket can sounds fantastic so any excuse to boot it!)

[@surg23]

garethreece I don't think rider height is as relevant as rider proportions in this instance. My waste to toe length is quite long compared to others, so the lack of space between the pegs and seat would be more pronounced for people like me. When I jumped on the MT10 my feet actually got wedged between the peg and pillion pegs. So maybe it's just my proportions.

[@nero91]

Test rode the SV and the FZ07 (or MT07 as it's called here) and I went with the SV650. I prefer the classical styling and the feeling, but they are very close. Did prefer the FZ's Seat tho.

[@needler117]

I love my 2017 SV650!

[@KingCast65]

It is just me or does the old roundie look about, say, 10x better than the newbie.

[@kaloyanerusalimov]

I prefer all older bikes to the new ones 😄👌

[@LIGHTNING351]

The 1999 SV650 looks better than all of them...Of course I am biased since I own a 2001 SV650..

[@Q.Q.]

Why does Burns get the short shrift wherever he goes? He is ten times the writer any one of these other pedestrian personalities are. He may not be the fastest, but he has far more interesting things to say than most bike journos will ever hope to be able to. I don't get it.

[@rhmxman20]

The generation 2 SV650 is by far the best looking sv.

[@ws8080]

Just bought one myself - bright yellow and the bright alum frame, and I'm liking it.

[@hermanrich2953]

I love my SV650S 2010, I would not change it for any other bike I will ride it to the groung

[@Jooeffoh]

Owned my naked sv for 21 years. Still love it and no problems with it ever. Looks cleaner than this guys one too, though mine's black.

[@hispanosaurusrex]

the 99 sv650 won hands down!

[@midibudu]

riding a sv650s 1999 and i just love it

[@suzukistrange9163]

my sv's old but badass! love it so much and no complaints!

[@elijahbutterfield4869]

Honda needs to bring back the nighthawk. as a wicked naked beginner bike.

[@ws8080]

They are bringing back the Hornet as a naked 750 for exactly that purpose, but not so much beginner.

[@rayb7414]

FZ 07s don't like fat guys.

[@kevinbashnick]

ray b who does?

[@benjackson6812]

of course you don't like the FZ07 Sean! you're about 80 pounds too heavy for it!

[@01denis08]

ben jackson That's why he is there. Every suspension is good for 150 pounds kid.

[@benjackson6812]

Denis K Haha you clearly dont know shit

[@CasualCorsa]

Suzuki is so unique in the way they refuse to be unique.

[@scotteberline5458]

One of my favorite comments I've ever seen haha

[@ws8080]

Refuse to be unique? The opposite. They put out a v twin for 20 years while everyone else is a pack of lemmings with parallel twins. They still sell iconic bikes like the SV and Hayabusa, etc. The put the SV engine into an adventure bike and it has its own cult following. Rumor has it they will finally reluctantly move to a parallel twin like everyone else - but at the same time are talking about a new 400cc 4 cylinder inline screamer?! I have another iconic Suzuki - the Bandit GSF400 that was naked frame like the SV but 4 cylinder with 15K rpm. Seems like maybe it will be coming back? That will kick butt on bikes like the Z400 and Duke 390 and I can't wait. Meanwhile, they also keep selling the GSX250 sport bike to beginners even though it is overweight and underpowered - they just say 'so what, it's a beginner bike'. So basically I would not say Suzuki refuses to be unique - they refuse to follow the crowd.... even though perhaps sometimes they might be better off doing so.

[@patrickharrington9772]

I bought a 02 SV650s at a auction cheap. One of my best decisions ever!

[@georgebland9931]

Well... that was a waste of time. I know the gen1 SV650 and it’s degree of competence when set up right with suspension. I’d have liked to know how these others would have rated comparatively. I was specifically interested in how the Triumph Street Triple would compare. But it wasn’t even on site. And how does the SV650 fuel injection compare to the SV650 carbed version for smooth and precise fueling? None of these guys are in proper riding gear to begin with or seem to be riding at a pace that would even be moderately illuminating. And I would think that the KTM would be in a much higher price range, making me wonder if it even belongs here? Oh well. Now I wasted as much time commenting as I did watching the video. LOL

[@ws8080]

Agree ! This video was just click bait to try to get you to go to their site to read the story. I hate that. And like many others I agree they didn't include all the nakeds they should have. All we got was silly comments about the seats and that one guy is so big that all bikes this class are too small for him. To be honest, their videos seem to be trending this path of random verbal diarrhea and little useful info and little useful video. I don't need to see them standing around while they talk - poor editing.

[@allahthecocksucker2067]

I will put my money on Suzuki

[@josephgy5324]

Hey here's the results for the people who care. 2017 sv650 79% 2017 Fz07 84% Duke 87.8% Older Suzuki 87.2% Basically save your money and buy an older Suzuki. The reviews mean this, if you find a good deal on one of these, buy it, because it's so similar to every other one who cares about the differences. Price point matters.

[@ws8080]

Figures. I bought a used 2nd gen before seeing this. And for the same reasons you state. Even if the older bike didn't tie for 1st place, I got my spotless 04 SV for only $3700, so why would I buy any of the new bikes? People get too hung up on "new" instead of bang for buck, and this comparison validates the "buy good clean used" bike. And then you have enough $ left over to buy a 2nd bike.... such as my plan to pick up a cheap dual or cruiser now to supplement.

[@1961UK]

The music sucks i wanna hear the bikes. 1st gen SV is a great bike.

[@simonodell2103]

They should employ guys that can actually ride a bike properly lol

[@Kaaaaaaaam]

Triumph Street Triple/R/Rx: Naked, 675 cc, 410 lbs wet. The STR should be included in these naked middleweight shootouts, but I suppose it wouldn't be much of a shoot out since the STR is in a class of it's own.

[@TroySiahaan]

Exactly. The Street Triple would outshine these other bikes, and it costs significantly more, too. It was a stretch for us to even include the KTM.

[@danthemanpatrick]

if only the SV's swing arm wasn't two pieces of bar stock

[@ws8080]

The latest SV is a Gladius with a facelift, keeping all the tech improvements and slightly lower seat vs other SVs. While I really like it, I'm not paying the price for a new bike. So I got a very nice used gen 2 2004, bright yellow with bright alum frame. I wanted the fuel injection and minor improvements over gen1. Given my used bike that looks new cost only $3700, I think that beats all the new options here and I'll stick with it. And if your big negative is a seat that is kind of hilarious - one of the easiest things to swap out with aftermarket.

[@TheSteveSteele]

I bought a new ‘99 SV650 at that time. Wish I’d never sold it.

[@chacem6102]

I love the naked bike shootouts. Wish I could see the Aprilia shiver 750, BMW F800R and maybe the new MV Agusta Brutale or Triumph street triple. See how those stack up against each other.

[@joaosoares3719]

“Suzuki's SV650 Takes on the Competition"; chooses an overpriced single-cylinder exotica and an old bike instead of the CB650F and the ER-6N...

[@jebronlames5763]

those bikes aren't available here in the US

[@exothermal.sprocket]

CBR650F and Ninja 650 are the only models available to USA, both fully faired. The K is due for a redesign soon, and the Honda is a i-4 machine in a higher cost category even though performance is around about the same (less torque, a little more hp). Wish the naked middleweights would sell more in the USA, I like the styling on the ER-6N. We only got that bike in 2009.

[@Edwin6932]

João Soares I know the CB650F can kick all those bikes in the ass.

[@AdamSVT]

Hey Troy.. love the Randy Watson shirt!

[@charliekirk7167]

Hey you want to see some really funny MT/FZ-07 footage?? head over to my channel i recently had an incident with a pedestrian that walked out on me and i happened to record everything on my gopro. i really want to know peoples opinions on whos at fault please click over to my channel and check it out.

[@TroySiahaan]

Glad someone got it. :-)

[@Vv18_._]

"dat boy good"

[@Craplatte]

Mhm, good n' terrible!

[@nightrider3067]

Nice guys but could use more screen presence

[@V714-q1l]

Love your review and the video clips of the bikes though the twisties. I think it's very important that in your review of these machines that you disclose your dimensions. As a shorter and lighter rider I would most likely fit well on the mid-range machines. What I'm saying is that I hear it over and over on different review people complaining about how the suspension is too soft or the economics is too cramped. Well, if you are 6 ft tall you probably belong on a liter bike and you shouldn't be reviewing a 600 range bike. It's like me criticizing a Grom for being too small! That is a totally unfair assessment. In addition, if you provide your dimensions like height and weight it provides me, the viewer a better understanding of how I would enjoy such a motorcycle. Bikes are unlike cars where we can adjust the seat. I think by including such information you will add more value to your review. Other than that, love to see more of your reviews! Thanks :-)

[@NiMo1771]

Maybe it's just me, but IMO the old SV looks better than the new one and the other bikes shown in the video.

[@cbwelch4]

I feel you. The SV is "just right". I like the shape of the old bike, but the frame on the new one. I think the white looks good.

[@rogerparliman1892]

Troy Siahaan you mentioned that you could load the SV650 to go on a trip in a pinch well let me assure you, you sure can. I have a 2013 v-strom 650 which i am pretty sure is the same engine and the V-Strom is a lot heavier than the SV so you guys go right ahead slap on some saddlebags load up and go.

[@larrikinaxe3424]

KTM, so orange is the only colour option. So wrong.

[@maestro8766]

Hi, Why didn't you consider Triumph Street Triple, Kawasaki er6n, Honda CB650F? The competition category has more products and it would have been wonderful if you added all the major competitors. Thanks. Nice Video.

[@TroySiahaan]

Street Triple is in a different league than these bikes. And we don't get the ER6n or CB650F in the U.S., where we are based.

[@NickKingThe1st]

they are in a different league entirely I have a 650 and the street is just on a different planet

[@maestro8766]

+Troy Siahaan thanks Troy for your reply.

[@maestro8766]

+Nicholas King thanks nick

[@NickKingThe1st]

maestro8766 er6n would be a good comparison though dude but, honestly even the street triple doesn't lose to a mt09/fz09 it's basically like a detuned triumph daytona

[@ForgotToMentionThat]

Randy Watson t shirt fi real man?!?! Love it!!!!!

[@DearMajesty]

It'd be cool to see more competent riders other than Troy. The rest didn't really have anything to contribute....

[@anonymousanonymous8306]

John Burns was a competent rider and moto-journalist when Troy was still suckling tit. I still remember the first time I read Troy's stuff, he's come a long way.

[@YamahaRacing199]

I have a 2017 sv650, is a monster 797 that much better?

[@proudamerican6763]

NO

[@voxac30withstrat]

Ive got a 2002 SV650S. Love it, so smooth and light, so easy to turn into corners and still has a large enough set of nads to accelerate away.

[@jordanblair5410]

I LOVE the Randy Watson shirt -- I'm a huge Coming to America fan!! Thanks for the good test and evaluation of those bikes.

[@kribar96]

Why no old or new ducati monster? Eventho they're a BIT more pricy than these

[@ws8080]

Yeah - how do you ignore the other bike that started the naked craze in the first place??

[@negoras]

troy siahaan must be a very bad person.I see how he looks the others when they talk...Like they are nothing compare to him

[@namelesssnitchy]

the 1st gen sv looks way better than the new one. but for fucking sake they changed the looks on injection new gen :( fuckiing sad. i hate carbs! i want injection and the old looks. pls suzuki read this!

[@rider1181]

SV rules

[@robincarlson9921]

Please dispense with the cheesy music. Come on guys engines are the music please?

[@souhailshamaissem7564]

I like the video until near the end when you didn't give the best bike of the bunch and you tried to push us to watch another video I didn't like it at all, I expected to see the result on the same video without having to watch another one. It's a cheap trick, I don't like it even though I used to like most of your videos when you guys test bikes and give the results atv the end of the video

[@Imarida2]

Sv650 needs to go back to an aluminum tube frame. + find other areas to drop another 25lbs.

[@mrniceguy4920]

suzuki fan

[@PiperFishing]

Really dont like the oil filter and front header sticking out of the new SV, looks odd.

[@jackwednesday]

Where the fuck do I buy a 'Randy Watson 1988 world tour' t-shirt???? Ladies and gentlemen......sexual chocolate......... New SV looks good as a side note.

[@Sig721Tau]

Who in the hell is Randy Watson? And was his 1988 World Tour so legendary that people still wear his t-shirts?

[@pggp273]

Randy was the greatest of all time wanker and his 1988 world tour broke many records in wanking contests. Have a wank and buy the T shirt. 👍

[@richdubbya]

I'd choose the FZ07... Sorry.

[@andrewspooner8146]

Great review but I would of liked to have seen the Triumph STR in the pack. Not the R version as I think that would be a unfair comparrison, just the bog basic model.

[@cxns155]

Even the basic model is unfair. Haha, STR is sick.

[@Buckarooskiczek]

Glad to see this comparison...I thought there was a reasonable conversation about these bikes but wanted to see more. And NO ONE wants to be sidetracked to your friggin website for results! Do it here and figure out some other carrot to get us to visit your Internet page. Sheesh.

[@antivorg1239]

your gonna have to make a pretty damn good bike to beat the duke in my books

[@ws8080]

If we adjust the score to consider price, $2K / 25% more would seem beatable.

[@elgar6743]

Why was Burnsie in the penalty box in this segment??

[@f581474x]

what is the name of the theam song at the beginning of the video

[@kevingriffith3801]

Back track reminds me of Pink Floyd - One of These Days

[@gorillahunter]

I want that Randy Watson tee. Sexual Chocolate!!!

[@johncarlson8029]

Your music ruins the video

[@TweedSuit]

The SV650 is as good as sexual chocolate.

[@rockintigger]

Where was the xsr700?

[@vaerenbergh]

what??? kawasaki ER6N wasn't good enough???

[@WheatMillington]

So, reading your score card, the KTM was no one's favourite in ANY category, but gets the overall best score and is the "winner" of this test?

[@joshb3929]

That means it's the best all rounder but doesn't do one thing exceptionally well.

[@TroySiahaan]

It's a fact the KTM is lighter than the others, and so has a better power/weight ratio than the others here. Its brakes, suspension, and especially technology are better than the others (and the scorecard reflects this), and Gabe picked it as his favorite on the scorecard. So, by the numbers, it's the winner. And the KTM is definitely a great bike. But emotionally, the three of us not named Gabe would pick either the new SV or the Yamaha.

[@Death666wish]

Seems like it just was the logical choice, while as you said emotionally, a person wouldn't always choose the logical/best choice. But then again, if we were all logical, we'd be using public transportation!

[@Tazman55x]

No street triple??

[@bootsmanaa]

not the same class

[@charliebailey879]

They can't handle that much fun :P

[@markbcn4000]

Rode them all and opted for the Duke. Best decision ever made. 6'3 & 90kg it's a great fit stock but even better with PowerParts seat. What does fat boy Hodor know!? The only bike he wouldn't complain about is a Goldwing!

[@davidh5573]

OK... to hell with the motorcycle talk. Where did you get that Randy Watson shirt from??????? I want it!!

[@RobertKwolek]

Not sure how many will be price shopping the two $7k options against the $9k KTM. Would have liked to have heard what John thinks, otherwise a fairly nice review.

[@rickchardet01]

Did they even change anything about the 07? The guy said it felt better this year but i cant recall any changes

[@oHeihei]

That's actually when his opinion lost my respect. No, the FZ07 has changed nothing, just colors since release.

[@rickchardet01]

My thoughts exactly...

[@btbbelesky]

I agree with you guys, this channel is getting too flashy and less about the bikes it seems. The background music, drone, rtc. Go back to the old videos lol

[@xorbe2]

Reviewers' opinions changes every year and every model. Their job is to put a good word in for the latest bike if they can. It has to be remarkably problematic (ie FZ-09 fueling + suspension) to garner negative comments initially.

[@oHeihei]

xorbe2 But that's just being dishonest.

[@diglarry572]

Honda grom has better build quality go to a dealer you will see exposed wires over looked little things sv it just not worth the Msrp

[@MarvFitBikesKicks]

That sv exhaust is disgusting

[@kuladeeluxe]

I guess for Sport Touring the BMW 800 would be better? The last bike I owned was a 650 Seca. What a great bike in terms of ergonomics and comfort. Maybe a little softly sprung and heavy being the downsides. What is your fav sport Tourer for minimalist touring?

[@jogordon1530]

kuladeeluxe Kawasaki Versys!

[@SineOccasu]

Doesn't the new SV use the same brakes as the 99 SV? While some may find it charming, I find it poor quality, and substandard. I had to grind two bolts off my DR because they use cheap parts, not to mention that bike is basically the same as the '96 DR. I understand they do have their niche, but they are becoming worse than those Chinese bikes.

[@btbbelesky]

Yup same ole brakes which really disappointed me. Like come on and listen to the people. Why buy new if I can just pick one up used for cheap lol I had an 06 and they seem like the same bike ahaha

[@Jooeffoh]

@SineOccasu As someone who owns and has been riding his 2000 model SV650 for the past 18 years. I have just changed the brake seals, boots etc myself with a refurbish kit (for the 1st time in those 18 years). The brakes were binding slightly so thought it about time I serviced the calipers! The bike still looks, runs and brakes amazingly. I weigh 212 pound and have had this bike up on its nose from braking hard many times over those years, so from my *considerable* experience of riding and maintaining this bike myself, my only conclusion is that you are talking, a right load of old shite!

[@georgebland9931]

He’s saying why buy the new one as the old one has the same basic technology at say $2K?

[@ghettojesus4749]

ducati and kawasaki?

[@andreasfrederiksen4065]

I'd buy a nice 1st gen SV 650 and have a blast on that. I don't think the amount of fun increases in proportion to the extra cost of a new SV 650, or the other two bikes. Plus it's apparently more comfortable and have a larger fuel tank.

[@jimbojonesporfavor]

The SV's from 2018 onwards have superior 4-pot brakes and reduced weight

[@tavote558]

fuck i like your shirt!!!

[@j.lizbardo]

Don't waste your time. No conclusions at all. Not a little one.

[@thisguy8100]

"and THAT" in reference to the 99 sv

[@georgebland9931]

I about laughed at “that” reference too. “That” happens to have one of the best and stoutest frames of any motorcycle. “That”, with a bit of suspension work, springs, emulators, shock switch, will run medium speed twisties with anything in my experience. “That”, when the needles in the carbs are shimmed, fuels cleanly and puts the power down in such a special kind of way when on the extreme edge of the tire. Loverly. If only they hadn’t put the oil pickup in the front of the SV650 engine making wheelies an oiling issue! Cause she just romps up onto her back wheel over crests in the road with so much enthusiasm and grace. Frankly, if the oiling issues were not an issue on the Gen1 SV650... you wouldn’t be able to pry me off that seat with a 2X4 and you’d find my cold dead hands still wrapped round the bars! I literally had more fun on mine while she lasted than really anything else. I made mounds of other people look stupid on very expensive machines with that SV. Then the engine pooched at 12K miles! Oops. Totally unacceptable.

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

Honda & Kawasaki must have been hiding during this comparison test as they would probibly make the SV650 seem like a 20 year old bike.🙈 yikes

[@TheDeceptikron]

They just arent in the same league, you wouldn't get it if you've never owned a 90 degree V twin sport bike.

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

TheDeceptikron I'm more of a duelsports rider , so not much of twin anything, thinking of transitioning into a Africa Twin, maybe , but the sv650 doesn't seem to have changed much ...looks the same as 20 years ago.. that's the reference I was making

[@TheDeceptikron]

Well.. the dude even said that in the video. But technology wise, they have improved. If you had followed the progression of the SV650 and the models the motor has been used in (though why would you) , the "SV650" styling has changed over the 18 years that it's been around, considering that the current SV650 is actually based on a Suzuki Gladius chassis with different bits here and there and the engine has been upgraded, besides which there isn't a lot you can do to change the look of a naked bike other than headlight, seat and frame, and the fact is they were trying to allude to the '99 models overall look.

[@rdrg7362]

PS - Safety and innovation are taken seriously in Europe and it is illegal now to sell a new motorcycle w/o ABS there. I find surprising that people in the US accept being dumped cheap and underdeveloped Japanese bikes w/o ABS. That the old SV in your review is not that different from the new SV is quite telling!

[@CC-xu2yz]

We don't need more laws saving us from ourselves.

[@anonymousanonymous8306]

US riders mostly don't ride except as a weekend toy because we can't lane split. Most bikes never see rain.

[@hebermastretta6708]

1:17 the guy on the old sv650 thought that he was on a sharp corner

[@mohdnadzam9311]

Middleweight bike have a hard time carrying heavyweight Sean

[@bikelifesoldier5412]

even the grom has inverted forks! Don't waste your time/money!!

[@chevymaster08]

I like the new video editing! Looks like you're taking a page from Motonosity.

[@Maxwell53095]

Is it possible to replace this terrible dashboard on the sv650? good design but this dash is killing me

[@ws8080]

Who cares about the dash? It does what it needs to. We're cycle riders not sitting in a car looking at an entertainment console. Speed, check, rpm, check, neutral indicator, check. That's all i need.

[@alexcaymans]

how does the honda cb650 fair against these and specifically against the fz 07? im curious.

[@ws8080]

I believe it would be the heaviest in the test, but people seem to like the engine, but has the typical Honda look (for me, a little blah).

[@ChimkenNuggers]

That Randy Watson shirt though omg, love it man

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

My primary interest in this video was the comparison between the SV and the FZ. The KTM is too expensive and to me is ugly, and as for the old SV I have no plans to buy a pre-millenial anything with a motor. My biggest hope is that the SV having available ABS will get Yamaha to offer ABS on the FZ 07. I still think that the FZ has dethroned the SV as the king of naked middleweights. In terms of value/performance/aesthetics/fun factor ratio, the FZ can't be beaten. *Edit: and after reading the article, it seems like all 4 of your objective score cards unanimously agree* If they offered it with ABS in the US, it would be the perfect bike imo.

[@TroySiahaan]

Yep, this was a hard one. Objectively, the KTM is a arguably a better bike than the others. But since you've read the story you'll know that I agree with your take on the FZ. Which is hard for me to say as I'm a diehard SV fan.

[@kateleach8595]

Mt 07 poor seat-too thin and soft.Motor vibs like crazy over 6500rpm(full power model)

[@ws8080]

Aesthetics are totally in the eye of beholder, so yes it can be beaten. Since they are the same price, pick the one you like and that's the winner for you. Personally, I think all the MTs all look like Transformer rejects for instance, and I don't want a parallel twin - I want a v twin, and I prefer the round headlight (I also drive a Jeep Wrangler so go figure), so the SV won for me.

[@VelcroSnake93]

I miss my '99 SV650, but got tired of the electrical issues, so...

[@billjackson3642]

the really only electrical issues are usually regulator rectifier which can be upgraded quite cheap aside from that there is hardly anything else and the loom on a '99 is very basic so you can easily replace any wire that is losing connectivity. i bought a beat up '99 a few years ago and with a little bit of attention it is now a fantastic daily rider which cost hardly anything and it runs modern classic insurance so its cheaper overall than a scooter lol.

[@hawkrider88]

So if you own a first Gen. SV650 and it's in good shape, is there any real reason to buy a new SV? I've had two first Gen. bikes and don't want to buy the same bike all over again. Thanks.

[@georgebland9931]

hawkrider88 To answer your question... no. If you have any proper older bike... is there a reason to spend large and buy into the gimmickry and electronics laden newer bikes? The poor riders of these “new fangleds” are busy trying to adjust this and that while the rider without is just romping off. Modern bikes crack me up big time. First, we give you excess of power. Then, we give you rider modes and traction control to try and deal with that power. We charge you quite a lot for the honor of this. As you will ride, you’ll never seem to find quite the right setting be it mode or traction control. And they convince us that we must have these rider aids. Like, we need to have cars that “brake for us” and with “lane assist”! No we do not. And no, we don’t want to pay for it either. Geeze.

[@ws8080]

ABS, seat is lower by 1", has 2 spark plugs per cylinder so goodbye electrical issues, and has their "low rpm assist" that is an extra intake valve at low rpm. If you don't want those features/want to pay for them, stick with the old.

[@ws8080]

@@georgebland9931 ABS is now required for new bikes in Europe, so it will be in the US too soon and I expect insurance companies to key on it. Other than that, I agree with you.

[@jrodninja081]

Where do we get the Randy Watson shirts from?!!

[@Craplatte]

Thumbs up for the Randy Watson shirt!!

[@UvidCo]

Damn look at the countryside. Beautiful.

[@Curry3659]

This is a way better video than the new V4 video

[@jboy2621]

This needs a Ducati Monster and EBR SX.