Suzuki's successful SV650 has come in for a serious update for the 2003 model year.

Immediately obvious is the fresh new look, particularly on the 'S' model.

Under the new bodywork the grunty little 645cc engine has also come in for some attention.  Electronic fuel injection replaces the 39mm carburettors found on the earlier models.

Fuel capacity is up, from 16 litres out to 17 litres.

A new version of the aluminium alloy chassis forms the backbone of the revised machine and helps bring the weight of the naked model down to 165kg, 3kg less than the previous machine.

A welcome improvement for 2003 is the addition of adjustable spring preload to the 41mm forks.

A pair of 290mm discs are gripped by twin-piston calipers up front while a single 220mm disc is fitted to the rear of the machine.

The 'S' model features a much nice new half fairing, along with dual headlights and clip-on style handlebars.  The naked SV650 features a lightly more upright riding position and tubular handlebars.   The naked model also runs slightly shorter gearing.

At the rear of the machine is a new LED tail-light. 

Both models share a new instrument cluster with an analogue tachometer position above an LCD speedo, odometer/tripmeter, temperature and clock.

The SV650 is now available in Metallic Silver and Pearl Black at a suggested  retail price of $10,290 including GST plus on-road costs.

Its half-faired brother, the SV650S in Metallic Silver or Candy Copper sells for $11,190, including GST plus on-road costs.

Both models come with a 2 year unlimited kilometre warranty.
 

2003 Suzuki SV 650- Specifications

• Engine: 4-stroke liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90o V-twin, 8-valve

• Claimed power / torque: 70ps @ 9,000rpm / 6.3kgm @ 7,000rpm

• Bore x stroke: 81.0 x 62.6 mm

• Displacement: 645cc

• Compression ratio: 11.5:1

• Carburetion: 39mm SDTV fuel injection

• Oil capacity (overhaul): 2.7 litres

• Ignition: Digital electronic

• Starter system: Electric

• Lubrication system: Wet sump

• Transmission: 6-speed, constant mesh

• Primary drive ratio: 2.088:1

• Final drive ratio: 3.000:1 (SV650S - 2.933:1)

• Frame type: Aluminium-alloy truss frame

• Rake/trail: 25 degrees/100mm

• Suspension Front: Telescopic, 41mm inner tube, preload adjustable

• Rear: Swingarm, progressive linkage, 7-step spring preload

• Front Rim: 3.50 x 17 inches, cast aluminium alloy

• Rear Rim: 4.50 x 17 inches, cast aluminium alloy

• Front Brakes: 2-piston calipers, dual 290mm discs

• Rear Brake: 1-piston caliper, single 220mm disc

• Front Tyre: 120/60ZR17

• Rear Tyre: 160/60ZR17

• Fuel tank 17.0 litres

• Overall length: 2,120mm

• Overall width: 790mm (SV650S - 730mm)

• Overall height: 1,070mm (SV650S - 1,160mm)

• Wheelbase: 1,435mm

• Ground clearance: 133mm

• Seat height: 800mm

• Dry weight: 165kg (SV650S - 169kg)

• RRP - SV650, $10,290 - SV650S, $11,190

• Colours - SV650, Metallic Silver and Pearl Black - SV650S, Metallic Silver and Candy Copper

• Warranty: 2 year unlimited kilometres

• RRP - SV650 will retail for $10,290 while the SV650S will sell for $11,190

Click here for images of the SV650

Click here for images of the SV650S