2002 Suzuki SV650

Pros: That jewel of an engine; brakes; newbie-friendly; price tag.
Cons: Crap suspension; high seat height.

There are myriad reviews and praises about the SV650, and I suppose this one is no different… except this is my first motorcycle. I bought the bike in June of '04; it is a 2002 SV650 "naked." I had been shopping for a bike for a few months; ...

Pros: VALUE! Bang for the buck other bikes wish they could compete with!
Cons: Seat a bit hard, I'd like the bars up and back an inch, no centerstand

I had been looking at bikes again after a 15 year or so absence from the sport, and had narrowed my choices down to the SV650 and the Triumph Bonneville. We have a short riding season up in this part of the country, so I had set myself a "realistic" ...

Pros: That beautiful engine and frame. Great stance.
Cons: Soft, under-damped forks.

I have ridden dirt bikes for more than 35 years and only recently decided I had to have a street bike. I bought my SV650 used with 4,500 miles on the odometer after a lot of looking. I have never had more fun. The powerband on this beautiful motor ...

Pros: Price, handling, weight, speed.
Cons: Front suspension.

Suzuki has managed to make an all-around bike at an affordable price. What can I say, the SV is an awesome bike! Initially I was attracted to it for it's looks but who knew it was so much fun to ride. This bike is the perfect commuter weapon. Due to...

Pros: Comfortable riding position Good performance Excellent value "It's a V-Twin"
Cons: Touchy throttle

The SV-650 may certainly be one of the most versatile motorcycles ever to come out of Japan. People have taken this little beauty and used it for everything from daily commuting to full-on track racing. It seems to adapt well to any role that is...

Pros: Nimble, light, fast, FUN!!!
Cons: Suzuki USA customer service.

The SV is a wonderful around town or commuter ride. It's got more than enough power for any traffic situations that may arise. As a back road weapon this thing is just awesome. The tall, wide bars provide lots of leverage and a comfortable riding...

Pros: price, performance, aftermarket parts
Cons: suspension, stock pipe

When I bought my SV new in September of '02, my intention was for it to go on the track. Many people ...

Pros: Ease of handling
Cons: Comfort on longer rides

As soon as I viewed this bike in a Suzuki showroom, I knew that it would be a perfect fit for me. I'm a female, about 5'10", and around 175 lbs. I wanted something sporty, yet lightweight, and was delightfully pleased with my selection.
I...

Pros: Quick off the line
Cons: Easy to get tickets

These bikes are quick off the line and great around the corners. You can really feel how well balanced these are even at high speeds. I've enjoyed it even on long rides its not as bad on your body as other bikes.My favorite part about this bike is how ...

Pros: powerful and light
Cons: can accumulate a lot of damage if dropped or if you slide

I currently have a cruiser and an SV650S. I wanted another bike for quicker rides and at the same ti ...

Pros: Easy, responsive handling, nice motor, reliable.
Cons: Budget suspension and brakes ruin sport applications.

The used naked SV I got 3 years ago introduced me to the world of sport riding, being my first big bike. During my ownership I've had the chance to ride numerous other (sports or not) bikes and my verdict is that the SV is a fabulous commuter and a very good entry into biking with its responsive and light handling, low running costs and low initial price. HOWEVER: The bike can't cut it in real sports applications, like trackdays. The fork is seriously underdamped with consequences in corner entry, fast turn stability and overall confidence. The only real remedy which requires installation of harder springs, thicker oil and damping valves (called emulators) costs something in the class of $450 if it is to be done by professional. The rear is unadjustable and non-rebuildable. The brakes although fine for normal use fade away seriously in track and sometimes twistying it's way down from a mountain road. The above don't mean the bike isn't good, it offers more than it demands and will be perfect for normal riding but if you seriously like twisties and think about doing trackdays then look for something with better suspension and brakes.

Pros: The SV650 - Solid value at a great price.
Cons: Makes riding almost too easy.

After taking the MTF course with a friend, I thought I wanted a cruiser. After some reading and conversations with others, I started looking for more of a "sport style" bike. I believed that it could be more forgiving due to its light weight and handling.

I saw many great reviews about the SV650 everywhere and I decided this was the bike for me. This is my first bike and I have been more than impressed. It will be a long time before [if ever] I can push it to its limits.

Other friends that have much more motorcycle experience than I do have said that it is a solid performer.

The ride and handling are very smooth. Point and shoot.

The engine has a great deal of torque across the powerband and can dig you out of a hole if you find yourself in the wrong gear. The brakes have given me confidence in my ability to stop quickly and under control.

I highly recommend this bike to anyone.

Pros: Handling and powerful engine
Cons: Hard seat and quiet exhaust

The first thing to get my attention was the engine.
Then I sat on her, and it was true love. I have found the
bike to be very powerful, and extremely nimble. You just
think about the turn and the bike responds. I had to install bolt on clip-ons to get me down out of the wind. This made the handling even better. Exiting turns and
nailing the throttle, this is what the bike loves and so will you.

Pros: Nice styling, price, and established aftermarket.
Cons: I prefer S model fairing and fuel injection like on new SV650's.

I just got my 1999 SV650, which is basically the same as the 2002, and I love it. It's a great beginner bike, and has a good number of aftermarket parts readily available. V-twin engine has nice torque and a good sound. I would prefer having the S-model fairing for more style and wind protection for the trips, but it's still an awesome bike. They are also rather cheap. I got mine used for $2500. Slight dent in gas tank and few other scratches just from being ridden, but it happens. It's a great bike and fun to drive. Also has easily adjustable rear suspension, but I'm not that quality of rider yet.