The durable motorcycle that rarely needs repairs

Motorcycles are an emotional purchase in developed markets. That means they are usually bought with the heart, not the head. That’s why premium motorcycles cost as much as they do, and people buy them too! Just because they are emotional purchases doesn’t mean people don’t appreciate a motorcycle that runs like clockwork and only needs scheduled maintenance. There is an underrated beauty in a motorcycle that starts from the first crank and spends no more time in the workshop than on the road. There are a few choices that can lay claim to this throne, but there is one naked motorcycle that is more versatile than most, and this is the long-lasting motorcycle that rarely needs repairs.

The Suzuki SV650 ABS is the durable motorcycle that rarely needs repairs

The SV650 has been around for over twenty years and started life as a cheap, reliable option to Ducati’s Monster street bike. You’ll notice some elements of the Italian product, such as the trellis frame and the round headlight, not to mention the 90-degree V-twin engine.

Suzuki SV650 ABS price: $8,149

The recent price increase due to tariffs has caused Suzuki to increase the price of the SV650 by $100. The SV650 has always positioned itself as an affordable alternative, and that remains the case in a segment that seems to be getting busier every year.

Why we chose the Suzuki SV650 ABS

• Extremely reliable

• Still a lot of fun

• Appeals to a broad audience

• ABS is optional

• European appearance, Japanese reliability

Suzuki SV650 ABS engine

The SV650 is powered by a motor that is unique to this size. It is a 90 degree V-twin, liquid cooled and fuel injected. This engine hasn’t had an update in a long time – the last major update brought SDTV technology. This is a second set of computer-controlled throttle valves in line with the regular ones. They ensure smooth power delivery, act as an anti-stall at low engine speeds and help with cold starts.

Combined with a six-speed gearbox

The SV650 has a good old six-speed gearbox and the clutch is old-fashioned. However, there is no assist and slip clutch or hydraulic assistance. The power is guided to the rear wheel via a chain. Thanks to extensive aftermarket support, you can convert the clutch to a hydraulic clutch if the pull on the cable is too heavy.

An update may be coming

This engine is still so enjoyable and the production costs are low because it has been around for so long. We think there will be updates to this engine to make it future-proof. Suzuki just announced the SV-7GX which gets major updates like a by-wire throttle, riding modes, adjustable traction control and a two-way quickshifter. This has been done to prove that it can withstand the stricter emissions regulations, so it makes sense that it also flows through to the SV and V-Strom that are powered by it.

Suzuki SV650 ABS engine specifications

Suzuki SV650 ABS chassis

Suzuki gave the SV650 a trellis frame twenty years ago, with foresight. That makes it light and relevant even today. The suspension consists of a simple telescopic fork at the front and a rear shock absorber with adjustable spring preload. One size may not fit all when it comes to suspension settings, but it’s a good setup to start with. The alloy wheels, tubeless tires and brakes are all suited to the SV650’s performance. ABS is an optional extra.

Suzuki SV650 ABS Chassis Specifications

Suzuki SV650 ABS features

The SV650 is a bare bones bike, and it doesn’t hide that. It hasn’t been updated in a long time and features full LCD instrumentation and optional ABS. The standard, non-ABS SV650 hasn’t been updated since the 2023 model year, so you can look for one of these and negotiate for a discount. The easier choice would be the SV650 ABS, which is available in a black and blue color combination. With the inevitable engine refresh on the horizon, it stands to reason that Suzuki will be giving the SV650 more features soon.

Suzuki SV650 ABS competition

The SV650 ABS was launched at a time when virtually no one was interested in the middleweight naked bike segment. However, today the segment is overcrowded and you can have everything from a budget product to a premium product that steps on the toes of liter nude shoes. We stick to the budget here, in line with the SV650.

Japanese and Chinese rivals

The SV650 ABS remains the only product in the segment with a V-twin engine, and the Kawasaki Z650 remains the only one with a 180-degree parallel twin engine. Kawasaki just announced a new Z650 S for 2026 with more features, but we’ve stuck with the old one to compare apples to apples where possible. The Honda CB750 Hornet offers a decent mix of features and performance, and the Yamaha MT-07 sticks to the lightweight and lower power philosophy. The most value here is provided by the most expensive competitor, the CFMoto 800NK, the second lightest bike, but with incredibly high peak power.

Suzuki SV650 ABS vs Rivals

Sources: Suzuki bicycles, Suzuki Global