A new version of Suzuki’s ever-popular SV650 arrives next year and it’s taking the bike’s style right back to 1999 and the introduction of the first-generation model.
Importantly, the new bike means that the age-old SV650 V-twin engine now meets Euro4 emissions regulations, allowing it to remain in production for the foreseeable future. There have been more than 60 changes to the engine, which now makes 75bhp – 4bhp up on the old model – and which the firm claims to be capable of 73.5mpg.
The engine also gets a new technology called Low RPM Assist, which senses when the bike is being operated at low revs, or launched from the line, and slightly raises the revs to prevent the chances of bogging down.
The chassis, unlike the old aluminium SV650 frame, is the tubular steel one from the SFV650, previously known as the Gladius, which is being dropped from the range. Again, however, there are changes, with Suzuki claiming more than 70 new chassis components and an overall weight that is 8kg less than the SFV, giving the SV650 a kerb mass of 197kg.
It’s due on sale in March next year.
The firm also unveiled a 200cc version of the VanVan, otherwise identical to the existing 125cc machine but aimed at riders with an A2 licence. It’s set to be available from February.
