As the machine that arguably re-started the naked middleweight Japanese sports motorcycle, taking its cue from the 1993 Ducati Monster, the Suzuki SV650 has been around since 1999. For 2017, Suzuki Assemblers Malaysia has launched the Suzuki SV650A, at a price of RM41,128, including GST.
First announced last year in November ahead of the EICMA show in Milan, Italy, the updated 2017 Suzuki SV650A goes “back-to-basics”, with a facelift that brings it back closer to its naked sports forebears. The fuel tank, which grew rather portly in the previous generation Gladius 650, has now been slimmed down.
The Suzuki trellis frame has been retained, and the traditional round headlight has returned, giving the SV650A a blend of retro and modern styling. The 645 cc twin-spark V-twin Euro 4 engine gets new pistons and rings, along with a revised cooling system and exhaust, that bumps power up to 75 hp, an increase of 4 hp, while torque remains the same, but the 64 Nm now kicks in higher at 8,100 rpm.
Some weight has also been lost for the ABS-equipped 2017 SV650, which now weighs 197 kg, down from the previous model’s 205 kg. The weight loss was achieved with the use of 140 new or re-designed components, with 60 new parts in the engine alone.
Also new for 2017 is an LCD instrument cluster, replacing the old analogue tachometer/ LCD speedometer of the older model, with LED lighting all-round. New riders will appreciate the low rpm assist feature that keeps engine revs up during launch and low speed to prevent the SV650A from stalling.
A low seat height of 780 mm will make Suzuki’s middleweight popular with many riders, especially for beginners and riders with short inseams. The 2017 Suzuki SV650A is priced at RM38,800, excluding GST. Including GST brings the price up to RM41,128. There are two colour options – Pearl Mira Red and Metallic Triton Blue.
Competition for the 2017 Suzuki SV650A locally includes the Yamaha MT-07 at RM35,926, including GST, but the Malaysian model MT-07 does not come equipped with ABS. Another contender is the Kawasaki ER-6n at RM34,509, with GST, also without ABS.
