Suzuki has confirmed it will put the SV650X cafe racer into production.
For about a year now, Suzuki has teased the idea of building a retro motorcycle on the SV650 platform. Last fall, we saw an SV650-based scrambler model being flogged about the show circuit, and this year, Suzuki was teasing a cafe racer. By the time the Tokyo show was over, we were pretty sure it would see production, and today, Suzuki has confirmed that.
Buyers will get a very familiar package with the SV650X; it has the same motor as the SV650A model, which should deliver about 75 hp. Obviously the bodywork is different, but looking at the machine, it would appear the ergos and fit are actually very similar to the existing model, which isn’t a bad thing. Suzuki sold a lot of SV650s for a reason; the platform works well in the real world.
Curb weight for the SV650X is 198 kg, up a single kg from the existing model. That could be due to the slightly larger fuel tank (14.5 litres, as opposed to standard model’s 13.8 litres). The current model has non-adjustable suspension, but the SV650X will have preload-adjustable front forks (the SV650A is supposed to receive this upgrade as well).
Aside from that, this machine is really just an excuse to put clip-ons and a bikini fairing on an existing model, raiding the parts bin to keep costs low, but still trying to stay current. Does it even make sense to say you’re staying current when you build a retro? This year it does, and while the SV650 does not directly link to anything in Suzuki’s past (unless you count that GS450 cafe racer), it’s a sensible idea to take an existing model and change the packaging to make it more appealing. Knowing Suzuki, the price should be in the right ballpark for a machine like this, which might help sell a few units if it comes to Canada.
Find more details on the SV650X at Suzuki’s global site here.
Suzuki, among the big 4 Japanese, has been selling for years on price.
They are the masters of part bin engineering.
For those that can’t justify something like a Ducati Monster this might be the answer.
I really like this bike. Alas, I don’t think it’s coming to Canada.
I like it but you could build your own. There’s plenty of SV’s for sale at any given time. Drag one into the shed over winter and come spring, cafe racer.
This would be a bit more fresh than anything found on the second hand sites, but you’re right, it is doable.