Suzuki introduced the SV650 in 1999 as a budget entry in the emerging naked bike market and, as of 2008, offered both naked and fully faired.
The bike provided a sporty though easily manageable ride. The
combination of light weight, rigid chassis, strong handling, and the
V-twin's strong mid-range torque appealed to beginner and experienced
riders alike. While Suzuki has clearly modeled the first generation of
the bike's aesthetics after the Suzuki TL1000S, there is also a clear influence from the Ducati Monster. The TL is still considered the "big brother" of the SV650. The 2003 SV1000 replaced the TL Series (TL1000S and TL1000R) and Suzuki marketed it as a bigger alternative to the second generation SV650.
The SV650 immediately became popular, but American buyers wanted the
sportier 'S' version that featured lower handlebars, higher foot pegs
and a bikini fairing and windscreen, available only in the European and
Canadian markets. American magazines ran articles describing how to
import it into the United States. In 2000, Suzuki began importing the
SV650S to the USA.
Because of the relatively low purchase price and excellent handling
characteristics, the SV650 became popular with racers which prompted a
rebirth of the "lightweight twins" racing classes across North America
and the SV650 began winning against the aged Suzuki GS500, Honda NT650 and Kawasaki Ninja 500R, which previously populated the class.
In 2003, Suzuki redesigned the SV650 with a new pressure-cast
aluminum truss frame, new bodywork, new swing-arm with revised rear
brake caliper mounting, new exhaust, brand new digital speedometer
display and a new electronic fuel injection/induction system to replace
the carburetor. The new model failed to gain initial acceptance by
riders, largely because the new angular aesthetic looked more aggressive
and visually larger than the "curvy" first generation SV650.
The 2003 SV650s also supported some first generation parts (like the
rearsets and radiator). The subframe is also angled up higher than 2004+
models. The different subframe has year-specific parts, such as the
rider seat, plastic frame covers, exhaust hanger brackets and passenger
pegs.
For 2004, Suzuki used a new, 40 mm lower subframe and a seat with a
narrower design in the front.This made flat footing easier for shorter
riders. The trail was raised by 2 mm, and the rear fender was restyled
to clean up the area under the tail lights and provide more protection
against flying debris.
In 2005, the frame was changed from silver to a matte black finish
and the radiator size was decreased from 440 to 410 mm (17 to 16 in).
For 2007, both SV650 and SV650S added dual spark plugs per cylinder,
and an exhaust gas oxygen sensor on California models for reduced
emissions. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) was also added as an
option.
For 2008, alongside the traditional SV650 and SV650S models, Suzuki
offered a new SV650 Sport (UK) or SV650SF (US) model with a more
traditional complete fairing. The SV650S was removed from the US market.
In September 2008, Suzuki Australia introduced the SV650SU, a
de-tuned version of the SV650S, to augment their range of motorcycles
that comply with the country's Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme
(LAMS).
The 2009 Suzuki SFV650 Gladius replaced the SV650 naked version in
the USA; however, a naked 2009 SV650 is available in Canada. Although
the naked version was superseded by the Gladius, the SV650S model
remained in the UK and Australian line-up through to 2012.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_SV650
