The beloved Suzuki SV650, which we as soon as referred to as “the reply to all the pieces on two wheels,” and its journey bike cousin, the V-Strom 650, are disappearing because of Euro 5+ emission laws. Nevertheless, at EICMA, Suzuki unveiled the SV-7GX, a sport touring bike that resembles a cross between these two fashions, that includes a Euro 5+ compliant model of the SV’s V-twin engine and a touch of Gixxer styling for good measure.
Suzuki describes the SV-7GX as:
…a crossover designed to carry unmatched versatility to the midweight class. Impressed by the spirit of the long-lasting SV650, it blends the sharp agility of a sportbike with the upright consolation and confidence of an journey tourer. At its core is Suzuki’s legendary 645 cm³ V-twin engine, refined over a long time for clean, reliable energy.
Whereas the brand new mannequin identify implies a 700 cc engine, Suzuki flat-out states that that is an up to date model of the SV650 V-twin. Whereas Suzuki does not record efficiency specs on its web site, Bike.com stories a claimed 72.4 horsepower and 47.2 pound-feet of torque, much like earlier fashions. It now encompasses a ride-by-wire throttle, traction management and three journey modes, all made attainable by the digital throttle management, which possible helps it meet Euro 5+ requirements as nicely. A low RPM help perform helps forestall stalling, and a fast shifter for gear adjustments each up and down means you needn’t use the clutch between gears. It is nice to see these trendy enhancements on an engine that has been round for the reason that unique SV650 was launched in 1999.
A crossover bike
Suzuki calls the SV-7GX a “crossover,” a time period it additionally applies to the GSX-S1000GX+, a softer, extra comfy Gixxer. The place the SV650 was a unadorned sport bike, the SV-7GX provides a fairing, hand guards, and a extra upright using place. That is precisely the identical method Suzuki used to create the V-Strom 650, besides the SV-7GX is much more road-oriented, with the same trellis body because the outgoing SV650 and 17-inch wheels entrance and rear. A 41mm telescopic fork with 4.9 inches of journey and a linked monoshock with 5.1 inches of journey are completely good for pavement, however not a lot for dust. The V-Strom 650 presents about an inch extra suspension journey, and it isn’t precisely an off-road beast, both (although, in my in depth expertise as I personal a 2011 mannequin, completely good for maintained dust roads).
Whereas Suzuki possible intends the phrase “crossover” to evoke the identical kind of car as a road-going crossover SUV, it is also acceptable in that the SV-7GX is basically a cross between the SV650 and V-Strom 650. This leaves me questioning if, between the SV-7GX and the V-Strom 800, there’s even room for the V-Strom 650 in Suzuki’s lineup anymore. Or, with the SV-7GX filling the road-going finish of the ADV spectrum in the same vein because the Kawasaki Versys 650 and Yamaha Tracer 7, might a brand new V-Strom 650 focus extra on the soiled aspect of life as its present XT variants do?
Regardless, the SV-7GX additionally offers me hope for a future SV-7 bare bike, a regeneration of the traditional SV650. The one purpose the SV went away within the first place was more and more strict emission requirements, which have additionally affected fashions starting from the Kawasaki KLR650 to the Suzuki Hayabusa, each of which have come again stronger than ever. The SV-7GX seems to be like an incredible evolution in itself, and its Euro 5+ compliant engine opens the door to those different potentialities as nicely.