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| Despite being launched in the same year as the
well-hyped GSX1300R Hayabusa, the SV650 might just have been the
more important. Aimed directly at novice and returning rider
the bike is slowly getting a huge fan base. The SV650 not only
looks good and is well balanced, its cheap as well. With its low
weight, low seat, stable handling and easy power delivery it has
all the classic markings of a winner. |
| The V-Twin engine is quiet with all the
standard pipe work on and anyone hoping to buy a pint sized
TL1000s experience might be disappointed. The SV's power
delivery is more purr than growl. The power starts at around
4000rpm with a kick at 6000 that carries you right through to
the 11,500rpm rev limiter. You don't have to cane this bike to
get the best from it. There's enough mid range to cruise happily
and if you really want to hear that beautiful v-twin motor put
an aftermarket end can on!! |
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| The SV, like all bikes, is open to improvement
but unlike a lot of other bikes you can actually find the bolt
on goodies to customise and style it to your own. It is this
that likens it to the Bandit as well as the stunts that can be
performed. All this added to the initial cost of the bike makes
you realise what value for money you've got. The SV is great
for stoppies and wheelies, once mastered, are impressive. The
best way is to keep the revs low, slip the clutch and give it a
big handful! There's none of this wait for the power band in the
high rev range with the twins! Being so light too, they are easy
to keep airbourne and with the added engine braking of the
V-Twin you don't have to rely on the back brake as much. |
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| The SV is very versatile and has a huge
following around the race tracks in the USA. Places to find out
more about this are sites such as svrider.com which also has
some cool pictures. With a revamp planned for 2003 to bring the
styling the same as the new SV1000, the 650 is going to win many
more fans. The Mini Twin Race series proves popular every year
and will still be running in 2007. |
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