Suzuki's new SV-7S keeps the part of the SV that many riders will care about most: its 645cc V-twin. The change is in the package around it, with a new naked-bike shape, electronic throttle, riding modes and an up-and-down quickshifter. The old engine layout has a much more current set of controls to work with.
The SV twin, now with ride-by-wire
The liquid-cooled, 90-degree twin makes a claimed 72hp (54kW) at 8,500rpm and 64Nm at 6,800rpm. Suzuki has revised the airbox and exhaust, added updated throttle bodies and injectors, and retained the six-speed gearbox. Germany also confirms an A2 version, rather than leaving newer riders to assume the full-power bike fits their licence.
Ride-by-wire enables the drive-mode selector and three traction-control settings, plus off. Low RPM Assist and Easy Start remain useful everyday features, while the bidirectional quickshifter gives riders the option of changing gear without the clutch once moving. The additions should make a more noticeable difference to daily use than a new paint scheme alone.
A familiar kind of chassis
The chassis uses a tubular steel trellis frame, 41mm conventional forks and a link-type rear shock with seven preload positions. Suspension travel is 125mm at the front and 129mm at the rear. Twin 290mm front discs and a 240mm rear disc handle braking, with ABS included.
The seat, weight and everyday equipment
Suzuki quotes 200kg curb mass, a 785mm seat and a 14-litre tank. The tapered aluminium handlebar is wider and closer to the rider than on the SV650. Those dimensions, together with the narrow seat shape, make the riding position an important part of the SV-7S's appeal.
A 4.2-inch colour TFT replaces the older instrument presentation, and LED lighting updates the round-headlight theme. The 17-inch wheels use 120/70 front and 160/60 rear tyres, preserving sensible road-biased proportions. US and German prices and delivery dates are still to be confirmed.
US and European pricing is still to be confirmed.