'08 SV 650

[JamesG]

In the TLs defense, it was a homogulation special designed to take advantage of a capacity/performance loophole in the FIM superbike rules (1000cc twins vs. 750cc multis), same as the RC-51.  Suzuki probably could have made it work successfully, but they never commited full resources to it so it never really had a chance.  Made a great street bike though.

It and its derivative the "S" did sell pretty well, not spectacularly, but Suzuki made money on it.  And it led directly to the development of the SV which sold VERY well.

[goodhawk]

yea, Suzuki has done great with midsize ( by todays standards, 450 lb is actually kinda small, the SV 1000 - 490 lb, more ' mid size). As mentioned, I see the SV as a sportier option, the 4 cy bandit / gs as more touring oriented.  pretty micro splitting of the market, but I guess it works.

I've always wanted Honda to do a modern version of Hawk GT - 699, suspension /brakes from F4, larger tank from the Revere ( English semi-hawk.) NOOOO.
So - TRIUMPH - street Triple.  Aprilia 750.

[pearsonm]

You're right, gritsngravy. There's no way Suzuki could put a set of previous-generation GSXR forks and a shock on the SV560S and sell it at a competitive price. What the hell was I thinking?

[Joey Stalin]

I do.  The SV sits in that delicate value/per $ zone that's makes the bike as it is today very appealing.   (especially with FREE lowers thrown it.)   Better suspension, more development on a larger motor, upgraded brakes would be great but then you're pushing toward ss 600 territory with retail pricing.    If all you need is "a decent shock and set of forks" then my god man get a sv and have at it.   Suzuki's not gonna build it for you.  

Those lowers ain't free. They raised the MSRP by $400, although truth be told if you want to buy those fairings for your 07 they retail for $567. So not a bad buy if you were planning on buying the lowers anyway.

[wilinfla]

I love to hop on my wife's SV650 occasionaly, it's a blast to ride. She doesn't mind it at all on an all day ride and she really loves it in traffic. I lowered it for her and had the seat redone, she is almost flatfooted on it. The best thigs is the economy, we bought her leftover 2006 in March of this year for $4700   She doesn't ride it hard and she gets over 60 mpg on it too! Her Sportsetr has fely very neglected since she got the SV650.

                                                        Will

[Zerosum]

I've always wanted Honda to do a modern version of Hawk GT - 699, suspension /brakes from F4, larger tank from the Revere ( English semi-hawk.) NOOOO.

I hear ya... sadly, I think the SV and Versys are the closest we'll ever get.  Forget about Honda doing anything interesting in the middleweight market.  At least that way you'll be pleasantly surprised if they do.  They've completely ceded that market to Kawasaki and Suzuki.

[FJRmgm]

I have an '04 SV-650s and it is a hoot to ride.

That v-twin makes plenty of power right in the area where I ride and the stock suspension works just find for my 5'8" and 150 lb body.

Perfect compliment to my FJR.