Motorcycle specifications SuzukiSV 650 N 2000 Le roadster plaisir

many young licence-holders are wondering what a bridled version of a motorcycle will be like, if it's not too vealish, or if they're not going to miss the good old days when they used to scare themselves at the handlebars. so, to answer their questions, here's a test of one of them, and not the least: Madame Suzette, more commonly known as the SV 650.

But let's start with the part that doesn't mutate following castration: the cycle.

First, let's take a look at the beast at rest:
it's got the kind of pudgy yet slender face that has helped it spread throughout the motorcycling world.

Lift up the passenger seat and you'll find a handy little box containing the complete Suzuki tool kit. A small bottle of water (or oil, if you're riding with a Triumph... or anything else of similar size, don't you agree, ladies?) You'll also be able to fit a disc pad, rain pants and even a small U-shaped anti-theft device.

And speaking of the saddle: let's put our feet up! From the outset, what's most surprising is the featherweight and slimness of the Miss... long live the V2! The low seat height will suit most riders, including smaller women, but not too small either. On the other hand, long legs will feel cramped.

Comfort-wise, it's decent... as long as you don't ride more than 200 km. As for the duo, Suzette isn't jealous - she knows she's the best! She's happy to take on a passenger: the seat is well padded and comfortable (at least as much so as for the rider), and the handgrip is easy to grip and gives a good upright position. The only problem is that there's too much space between rider and passenger, and at high speeds the rider gets all the wind.

Now let's take the handlebars: the position remains almost upright and comfortable. The brake lever is adjustable in distance, so that it can just as easily be palmed by big lumberjack palms as caressed by soft princess hands.
Instrumentation features a classic odometer/rev-counter block with an electronic odometer and a trip meter, useful for keeping track of range, as there's no fuel gauge, only a reserve indicator.

Well, that's all there is to it! Off we go, start :bbbrrrrvvvv, first gear and off we go.
First turns of the wheel: wwaaahh, it turns by itself! It's so light! You can do what you like with it. Half-turns and city maneuvers are easy. Then first braking: whoa, the front forks seem quite soft; but for the moment that's a good thing, as small bumps and other road imperfections are well absorbed ... this good point could quickly turn into a bad one later on ... but back to our ponies.

We leave the city for a ride on the winding roads of the Vosges. The suspension is comfortable and smoothes out road irregularities. Cornering and pif paf are a real treat with the SV: it swings all by itself and goes wherever you want. However, as soon as the pace picks up, it's a completely different story: as long as the bends are made of perfect tarmac, there's nothing to worry about, but as soon as there's the slightest irregularity : holes, bumps, unevenness, the front forks start to pump, the steering becomes blurred, and you can't keep your eyes on the road... for the most ardent sportsmen, an oil and spring change should greatly improve the situation.

Brakes: what are they? You'd be forgiven for wondering when you're cruising along on this little Japanese twin. Its strong torque allows the slightest release of the grip to decelerate so sharply that, on a leisurely ride, you only use the brakes to stop. However, as soon as the brakes are applied, they come into their own! Powerful just as they should be, they're up to the task. The light weight of the Miss also makes the job much easier.
The gearbox does have one minor fault, however: it sometimes quivers between 1st and 2nd gear, but nothing to worry about.