The beloved Suzuki SV650, which we as soon as known as “the reply to every part on two wheels,” and its journey bike cousin, the V-Strom 650, are disappearing attributable to Euro 5+ emission rules. Nevertheless, at EICMA, SuzukiĀ unveiled theĀ SV-7GX, a sport touring bike that resembles a cross between these two fashions, that includesĀ a Euro 5+ compliant model of the SV’s V-twin engine andĀ a touch of Gixxer styling for good measure.
Suzuki describes the SV-7GX as:
…a crossover designed to carry unmatched versatility to the midweight class. Impressed by the spirit of the enduring SV650, it blends the sharp agility of a sportbike with the upright consolation and confidence of an journey tourer.Ā At its core is Suzuki’s legendary 645 cmĀ³ V-twin engine, refined over many years for clean, reliable energy.
Whereas the brand new mannequin title implies a 700 cc engine, Suzuki flat-out states that that is an up to date model of the SV650 V-twin. Whereas Suzuki does not checklist efficiency specs on its web site, Motorbike.com stories a claimed 72.4 horsepower and 47.2 pound-feet of torque, much like earlier fashions. It now encompasses a ride-by-wire throttle, traction management and three trip modes, all made doable by the digital throttle management, which probably helps it meet Euro 5+ requirements as properly. AĀ low RPM help perform helps stop stalling, and a fast shifter for gear adjustmentsĀ each up and down means you need not use the clutch between gears. It is nice to see these trendy enhancements on an engine that has been round for the reason that unique SV650 was launched in 1999.
A crossover motorbike
Suzuki calls the SV-7GX a “crossover,” a time period it additionally applies to theĀ GSX-S1000GX+, a softer, extra snug Gixxer. The place the SV650 was a unadorned sport bike, the SV-7GX provides a fairing, hand guards, and a extra upright driving place. That is precisely the identical formulation Suzuki used to create the V-Strom 650, besides the SV-7GX is much more road-oriented, with an analogous trellis body because the outgoing SV650 and 17-inch wheels entrance and rear. AĀ 41mm telescopic fork with 4.9 inches of journeyĀ and a linked monoshock with 5.1 inches of journey are completely good for pavement, however not a lot for dust. The V-Strom 650 gives about an inch extra suspension journey, and it is not precisely an off-road beast, both (although, in my in depth expertise as I personal a 2011 mannequin, completely good for maintained dust roads).
Whereas Suzuki probably intends the phrase “crossover” to evoke the identical sort of auto as a road-going crossover SUV, it is also applicable in that the SV-7GX is actually a cross between the SV650 and V-Strom 650. This leaves me questioning if, between the SV-7GX and the V-Strom 800, there’s even room for the V-Strom 650 in Suzuki’s lineup anymore. Or, with the SV-7GX filling the road-going finish of the ADV spectrum in an analogous vein because the Kawasaki Versys 650 and Yamaha Tracer 7, might a brand new V-Strom 650 focus extra on the soiled aspect of life as its present XT variants do?
Regardless, the SV-7GX additionally offers me hope for a future SV-7 bare bike, a regeneration of the basic SV650. The one motive the SV went away within the first place was more and more strict emission requirements, whichĀ have additionally affected fashions starting from theĀ Kawasaki KLR650Ā to theĀ Suzuki Hayabusa, each of which have come again stronger than ever. The SV-7GX appears like an incredible evolution in itself, and its Euro 5+ compliant engine opens the door to those different potentialities as properly.