2008 Suzuki SV Review

Intro

It’s safe to say that the 2008 Suzuki SV line changes the face of world biking forever. Before the SV’s speed onto the scene back in 1999, there were very few choices for new riders looking for an easy-to-ride yet sporty and sexy first bike. The fact that SV sales went through the roof almost from the beginning helped clue a lot of motorcycle manufacturers in to this recent consumer demand for a desirable middleweight bike that’s affordable. In fact, the Suzuki SV line was so revolutionary during its day that it helped usher in an entirely new generation of motorcycles from then on: compact, standard street-wise naked bikes.

Specifically designed as an urban-friendly motorcycle that can pretty much handle any road surface and condition you throw its way, the Suzuki SV had no competition during its launch - featuring less-than-intimidating styling, rider-friendly ergonomics, easy-to-reach handlebars, a relaxed foot peg position, and excellent ground clearance - all ensuring the finest in rider comfort.

A combination of strong handling, light curb weight, a sturdy chassis built of aluminum, and a powerful V-Twin engine that delivered 43 pounds of torque and 64 horsepower, the Suzuki SV offered extensive appeal for both beginners and experts. The first generation of the SV featured a 645cc liquid-cooled, 90 degree V-twin engine, lower exhaust cams borrowed from other Suzuki TL bikes, triangularly arranged crank and transmission shafts designed to reduce engine height and length, a rear cylinder head pipe that routed through the swing arm, an internal water pump, and all-electric instrument gauges across its dash area.

Second generation Suzuki SV’s, launched in 2003, received a fairly extensive overhaul in terms of their exterior design and engine performance. At first riders were a bit hesitant with the new SV’s more angular, aggressive appearance, but eventually even the detractors were won over with its slate of improvements: new lighter die-cast aluminum truss frame, new swing-arm with revised rear brake caliper mounting, handy fork preload adjusters, new exhaust, LED tail light configurations, brand new digital speedometer display, a slight footing increase of a mere 15mm, and a new electronic fuel injection/induction system that replaced the carburetor.

The next phase for the Suzuki SV began in 2005. The bike came equipped with a color matched meter visor with a center area now composed of a sleeker, smoke-cleared shield, entirely altering the previous image of the cockpit area. Also, the front brake cylinder head (the liquid reservoir) got a slight tweak to its styling. Lastly, the radiator was redesigned, a full 40mm narrower than on earlier models of the SV.

New For 2008

  • The 2008 Suzuki SV features new twin spark plug cylinder heads designed to maximize engine combustion and reduce dangerous emissions.
  • Newly designed compact 645 cc, 90 degree eight-valve liquid-cooled V-twin engine, specifically tuned for strong low to mid rpm power. Plus, the SV's 90 degree layout eliminates vehicular vibration without the need for a counterbalancing mechanism, which helps to keep the engine simplified and compact.
  • The SV's crankcase has been shortened as well, thanks to its more vertically stag-gered six-speed transmission.
  • Suzuki's Dual Throttle Valve System (SDTV) helps to stabilize air velocity along the intake for smooth low-to-mid rpm throttle response and a higher torque output.
  • The bike's instrument area has been made more compact, including analog tach, LCD speedometer, odometer/tripmeters, temperature gauge, plus an LCD clock and low fuel warning light

2008 Suzuki SV Specs

  • Model: Suzuki SV
  • Engine Type: four-stroke, liquid cooled, eight-valve, 90 degree V-twin
  • Bore and Stroke: 3.19 inches and 2.46 inches
  • Compression ratio: 11.5:1
  • Valve Train: Dual overhead camshaft
  • Induction: Liquid
  • Ignition: Digital/Transistorized
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • Final Drive: #525 Chain
  • Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons
  • Estimated Fuel Economy: 50 miles per gallon (mpg)
  • Brakes (Front): Dual hydraulic disc
  • Brakes (Rear): Single hydraulic disc
  • Suspension (Front): Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped, fully adjustable preload
  • Suspension (Rear): Link-type, seven-way adjustable spring preload
  • Wheelbase: 56.7 inches
  • Rake: 25 degrees
  • Trail: 3.9 inches
  • Seat Height: 31.5 inches at lowest setting
  • Curb Height: 370 pounds
  • Tires (Front): 120/60 ZR17
  • Tires (Rear): 160/60 ZR17

Accessories

  • The 2008 Suzuki SV now has a more tubular-styled handlebar that offers a more comfortable upright seating position for the driver.
  • The bike has a large under-seat storage area with plenty of space for hauling goods, a handy passenger grab-bar, and several tie-down hooks that boosts storage capacity.
  • Fender extender that protects the front wheel plug from excess mud kicked up while traversing rougher terrain (not standard)

Key Competitors For The 2008 Suzuki SV

  • Buell Blast
  • Suzuki GSX-R-750
  • Kawasaki Z1000
  • Norton Commando 961 SS
  • Honda 599
  • Yamaha FZ6
  • Ducati Multistada 620