2020 Suzuki SV650/ABS/X

Since its introduction just before the turn of the century, the legendary Suzuki SV650 has been a reliable, predictable, fun-loving machine. Its 645cc V-twin is torque-rich and smooth-revving, which makes it a perfect standard motorcycle for newer riders taking the next steps up in displacement or novice riders looking for a versatile go-to. It, along with its ABS-equipped version and café-racer SV650X, provides predictable engine character, comfortable ergos (yes, even with the X’s sporty, café-style riding position created from the clip-ons and tuck and roll seat), and reasonable under-$10K pricing.

In our 2019 review of the Suzuki SV650X we concluded that: “The ever-dependable and versatile SV650 cloaked in sleek cafe clothing is definitely a motorcycle that should be on anyone’s shopping list for their second bike. At the competitive base price of $8,399 this is an investment that will keep the smiles coming and even allow you to hold off on the third-bike purchase for quite some time.”

Prior to reviewing the X, our in-house dyno charted the numbers: 68.2 hp @ 8,900 rpm and 42.9 pound-feet @ 8,200 rpm.

Colorways have changed for 2020. The SV650X drops the glistening white of last year’s model for a more subdued Glass Sparkle Black with a blacked-out exhaust. The base comes in Metallic Mystic Silver with a pop from the blue-trellis frame and the SV650 ABS ($7,499) is available in Glass Sparkle Black.