Characteristics that
made the original SV so popular and continue with the SFV are the bike’s
ability to attract newer riders with moderate skills while providing enough
performance to keep seasoned riders excited. The SFV does this by way of a low
seat height (30.9 in), relatively low curb weight (446 lbs), neutral handling
manners and, most of all, its sprightly 647cc, liquid-cooled V-Twin.“The SFV650
engine is an absolute gem that Suzuki has now perfected,” exclaimed Siahaan
during a shootout pitting the Suzuki against its Korean alter ego, the Hyosung
GT650.
“Power develops
smoothly with no discernible flat spots or hesitation in fueling. Even when in
top gear at freeway speeds, the 645cc engine accelerates to overtaking speeds
without any hesitation as it spools up smoothly and briskly,” we said then and
stand by those comments now.Footpeg feelers touch down sooner than expected but
the damn things are excessively long. Still, better those than the muffler.
Cornering clearance, though, remains more than enough to keep things exciting
in the canyons.
The SFV’s seat is quite
narrow to allow short legs an easy reach to the ground, but there’s little area
to provide good support and it creates discomfort for a rider’s upper, inner
thighs. The distance between handlebar grips is also on the narrow side.
Otherwise, the SFV is a relatively comfortable mount.
This, and its current
price tag $7999 ($6899 in 2009), are the only new elements of the 2013 SFV.
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