VOL. 51 ISSUE 13 APRIL 1, 2014 P77
and shouldn't be for most people.
First-time or entry-level riders won't
feel too intimated by the SFV's small-
ish stature or its user-friendly motor.
Control levers are easy on your
hands and fingers. Despite being
cable actuated and not hydraulically
actuated, clutch pull is rather light,
smooth and positive, and gear chang-
es are simple, easily accomplished by
nothing more than a slight tap on the
lever with your left foot, down or up,
through all six gears.
The SFV feels very light and re-
sponsive at the helm. Suzuki claims
that it weighs just over 440 pounds
wet. It handles well and is quick to re-
act when it comes to rider input. De-
spite its compact size and somewhat
short 56.9-inch wheelbase, and with
its 25-degree and 4.09-inch rake and
trail, the SFV feels solid and stable at
speed, yet is ready to react instanta-
neously to your commands. The bike
is very responsive. The tubular han-
dlebars have just the right amount of
leverage for effortless corner entries.
Just flick it in and enjoy. The Suzuki
is just as competent on the twisties
as it is on the open highways, in fact,
maybe even more so.
Braking power is good at both ends
but not spectacular. The feel of our
test bike's dual-disc front brake was a
little soft, but overall the front and rear
brakes are good and plenty sufficient.
The SFV is not fitted with an anti-lock
braking system, which, if it had, would
(Above) You'll
seek out the back
roads on your
ride into work on
the SFV650.
(Right) The SFV
sucks little fuel
yet the 645cc
90-degree V-twin
motor delivers a
lot of power for
its size.
