Suzuki’s SV650 remains one of motorcycling’s great all-rounders. It doesn’t rely on launch hype, outrageous spec sheets, or an eye watering price tag. It doesn’t need to shout about itself either. Instead, it quietly gets on with the job of being really good.
It’s always been like that, and in 2025, despite a market obsessed with electronics, rider modes, and IMU-assisted everything, it remains, refreshingly normal. We mean that as a compliment too.
This isn’t a bike trying to rip your arms out of their sockets or for you to impress your mates at the cafe – it’s no frills, and back-to-basics. It reminds us why so many of us fell in love with riding in the first place.
Importantly, it’s straight up comfy, with the riding position one of the SV650’s biggest strengths. You sit upright without feeling like you’re perched awkwardly on top of the bike. The bars come naturally to hand, the pegs are just right, and nothing feels forced.
For everyday riding, commuting, weekend blasts, or even longer stints on the freeway, it just works. Levers are in a good position straight away, and there are no awkward wrist angles.
There’s no immediate urge to start adjusting things on the side of the road either, with the shifter and rear brake pedal both pretty much perfect straight out of the box. The side stand caught this writer out the first time, as you realise it’s buried behind the foot peg.
It’s easy after that and hardly a deal breaker. The seat gets a little uncomfortable after about 100km. You just have to remember this is a leaner friendly naked middleweight, not a fully faired tourer.
A seat upgrade would be an easy fix for riders planning longer days. Now to the real reason for the Suzuki’s longevity. It’s the engine (in case you were wondering). The Japanese bike maker’s 645cc V-twin remains an absolute gem – making 56kW and 64Nm.
Power delivery is where this bike shines. It’s strong low down, solid through the midrange, and always accessible. You don’t need to wring its neck to make progress, and that’s exactly why it’s so enjoyable on real roads.
This writer was genuinely surprised by how happy it was to power wheelie in first gear. No clutch flick, no theatrics, just a hearty roll on, and the front gets light. For a bike often described as “friendly” or “beginner-friendly”, it’s got plenty of cheek when you ask for it.
On the freeway, the SV650 is better than you might expect. It sits happily, without feeling strained, buzzy, or like it’s desperately hunting for another gear. The engine feels relaxed, even when cruising at speed. Fuel range is also solid from the 14.5-litre tank.
You’re not constantly watching the gauge or planning servo stops, making it perfect for commuting and weekend riding. This adds to the bike’s easy-going nature. The SV650 has always been a nimble motorcycle, and that character is very much alive in 2025.
It tips into corners beautifully. Light steering, predictable responses, and a real willingness to change direction make it a joy. You don’t fight the bike, you guide it. Push on the bars, lean your body, and it just goes where you want it to.
At higher speeds through corners, things did get a little squirrely at times though. To be clear, it never felt dangerous or out of control, but you can feel the suspension being pushed towards its limits.
That said, I’m tipping the scales at 130kg, so I’m aware I’m asking a lot of a fairly softly sprung setup. For lighter riders or those willing to invest in suspension tweaks, I suspect a lot of that would disappear. 
2025 Suzuki SV650As it stands, the bike remains predictable and honest, it tells you what it’s doing, and that counts for a lot. There are some downsides though, starting with an average turning circle. Around town and during tight U-turns, you notice it more than you might expect.
Again, not a dealbreaker, just something you become aware of in slow speed manoeuvres. The brakes are fine, and context matters. We jumped off a BMW S 1000 R, and onto this Suzuki.
Of course, they don’t feel as sharp or aggressive, but the twin 290mm fully floating front discs with four pot Tokico callipers do the job. Initial bite is decent, predictable, and there’s enough stopping power.
They won’t blow your socks off, but they don’t need to. This bike is about balance, not excess. The digital display is another area where Suzuki has resisted the urge to overcomplicate things and again, that’s a win.
It’s clear, easy to read, and shows all the information you actually need. Speed, revs, fuel, gear position, it’s all there, laid out cleanly. No menus to get lost in, no distractions, no unnecessary clutter.
The SV650 also isn’t about fiddling with settings. It’s about riding, and most importantly, it’s more than enough for a new rider. Power is accessible without being intimidating and the chassis is forgiving.
The overall experience builds confidence rather than punishing mistakes. It’s equally well suited to someone getting back into riding after time away; familiar, friendly, but still engaging.
For experienced riders, it’s a reminder that you don’t need buckets of horsepower to have fun. Light, torquey, and agile, it’s the kind of bike that encourages you to focus on lines, body position, and smooth riding.
In a world of increasingly complex motorcycles, the SV650 is a reminder that simplicity still has a place. It’s a bike that rewards riding, not spec-sheet comparisons. For many riders, that’s exactly what they’re looking for.
Pricing starts from $11,490 ride away and the 2025 SV650 is available in two colours, Pearl Matte Shadow Green and Metallic Matte Black No.2. To find out more, visit the Suzuki Australia website, contact your local dealer.
Our test bike was provided by Suzuki Motorcycles Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this motorcycle.
