#gladius

In case you haven’t read my First Ride Review of the 2017 Suzuki SV650, let me sum it up for you: It’s an awesome motorcycle. Of course, if you’ve been reading MO for any length of time you’ll likely know I’m a big fan of the SV, having previously owned and raced one myself. With that, you can likely conclude that I’ve thrown journalistic objectivity out the window when it comes to the new SV. However, if Suzuki had missed the mark, I’d be sure to criticize instead of praise.

In 1999 who would have ever thought Suzuki’s unassuming SV650 would become a cult classic? The basic motorcycle, with its 645cc V-Twin, may have had components sourced from the bargain bin within the factory, but the sum of its parts was so affordable, and so enjoyable to toss around, riders all over the globe hold the bike in high regard – including MOrons like Yours Truly and Editorial Director Sean Alexander. Both of whom have owned, modified, and raced SVs.