2019 SUZUKI SV650X
R I D E R E V I E W
P112
The primary differences between
the SV650X and a standard SV650
are the handlebars and styling. The X
uses clip-on handlebars that are a lot
lower and narrower than the tubu-
lar upright handlebars found on the
standard bike. The X also includes a
different headlight cowling and body-
work around the tank/frame junction
and a slightly taller seat that has a
ribbed stitching and brown finish that
gives it authentic café styling. The
forks include preload adjustment (the
standard SV does not), and the front
brake caliper utilizes a different mas-
ter cylinder with a reservoir, which fits
Suzuki gave the SV650 that café
look with the new X model.
Bits And Pieces
First off, the SV650X is mechanically the same as the
standard SV650. It has a liquid-cooled, 645cc, DOHC,
90-degree, V-twin engine. It includes a close-ratio six-
speed transmission. The SV is fuel injected and includes
the TI-ISC Low RPM Assist feature that helps adjust the
engine speed during takeoff, which is excellent for new
riders and goes unnoticed for more experienced riders.
The steel trellis frame is also shared with the standard
SV along with the steel beam-type swingarm that con-
nects to a preload-adjustable rear shock. The front forks
are 41mm conventional units with 4.9 inches of travel and
include preload adjustability. It has dual floating 290mm
discs with four-piston Tokiko calipers in the front. That is
an improvement over brakes from past SV models. The SV
models also include anti-lock brakes. The 3.8-gallon fuel
tank is also the same as the standard SV.
