Alright, let’s talk about my 2009 Suzuki SV650. I’ve been tinkering with this bad boy for a while now, and it’s been a pretty fun ride, both on the road and in the garage. It’s one of those bikes that just feels right, you know?

So, I picked up this 2009 SV650 a while back. It wasn’t exactly in pristine condition, but the engine, that sweet V-twin, was solid. That’s what really matters, right? This thing is known for being reliable as hell, and I can vouch for that. I mean, I’ve ridden it hard, and it just keeps going. No fuss, no drama. I learned that the engine is Four stroke, 90-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, and displacement is 645 cc. It’s not a powerhouse, but it’s got plenty of grunt in that 3,000-to-5,000 rpm range. It’s like, that’s the sweet spot where the bike just sings.
The first thing I did was give it a good once-over. Checked the fluids, brakes, tires, the usual stuff. Everything seemed okay, so I took it for a spin. Man, this thing handles like a dream. It’s light, it’s nimble, it just wants to lean into those corners. It just feels so connected to the road. It’s a blast to ride on twisty roads. The seat height is 800 mm, that is a good size for me.
Now, this being an older model, it’s got that 2003 redesign. The frame is this aluminum thing. The bodywork is different, too. And the swing-arm. Looks pretty good, I gotta say. I like the look of the full fairing. It gives the bike a sporty vibe. The Suzuki SV650 weighs 168.0 kg, it’s not too heavy.
Over time, I started to notice a few things that needed some love. Nothing major, just regular maintenance stuff. I changed the oil, swapped out the air filter. Easy peasy. Then I got a little more adventurous. I installed a new exhaust. Sounds meaner now, and I swear it added a few extra horses.
One thing I really appreciate about this bike is how easy it is to work on. Everything is pretty accessible, and there’s a ton of information online. Forums, articles, you name it. It’s like, there’s this whole community of SV650 owners out there, and everyone’s willing to help. So even if you’re not a master mechanic, you can still do a lot of the work yourself. I found a forum community dedicated to Suzuki SV650 owners and enthusiasts. So many discussions about performance, modifications, racing, troubleshooting, maintenance, etc.

My Mods So Far
- Exhaust: I put on a slip-on exhaust. Sounds way better than stock, and I think it might’ve given me a little extra oomph.
- Tires: Went with some stickier rubber. The difference in handling is noticeable, especially when you’re pushing it.
- Levers: Swapped out the stock levers for some adjustable ones. Makes a big difference in comfort, especially on longer rides.
Overall, I’m super happy with my 2009 SV650. It’s a fun, reliable, and easy-to-work-on bike that’s perfect for both cruising around town and hitting up the canyons. If you’re looking for a solid middleweight V-twin, you can’t go wrong with one of these. I learned that in 2003, Suzuki redesigned the SV650 with a new pressure-cast aluminum truss frame, bodywork, swing-arm with revised rear brake caliper mounting, exhaust, all these made this bike better. Just be prepared to get your hands dirty every now and then, but hey, that’s half the fun, right?