Known problems
We're still verifying common problems for this bike. Riders who've owned one can help: ask about this bike.
What to check on a SV650
- Check charging voltage at the battery, engine off and at a fast idle.
- Ask if the regulator/rectifier has been replaced on 1999 to 2009 bikes.
- Look for drilled bolts (safety wire), rearsets or race bodywork that point to track use.
- On 1999 to 2002 bikes, judge the cold start and idle for carburetor problems.
- Check fork seals and the rear shock for leaks. Original suspension on older bikes is often worn out.
Do these on top of the standard walkaround. The free kit has the full list.
Safety recalls
Recalls are fixed free by a dealer, but only if someone took the bike in. Ask the seller for proof, or have a dealer check the VIN. You can also check a VIN yourself at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2013 hoses, lines/piping, and fittings #15V844000
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2013 Suzuki SFV650 motorcycles manufactured March 23, 2013, to April 8, 2013, 2014 Suzuki SFV650 motorcycles manufactured October 24, 2013, to November 26, 2013 and 2015 Suzuki SFV650 motorcycles manufactured August 9, 2014, to September 12, 2014. During assembly of the motorcycle, the fuel tank breather hose may have not been positioned properly and may become kinked.
Risk: If the fuel tank breather hose is kinked, pressure may build inside the fuel tank and cause the tank to crack, resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel tank breather hose. If the existing breather hose was found to be kinked and obstructed, the fuel tank will also be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 8, 2016. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service number at 1-714-572-1490. Suzuki's number for this recall is 2A49.
2013 engine #15V852000
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 SFV650 and AN650A, and 2012-2014 DL650A motorcycles. Contamination from component production and storage combined with manufacturing variations may result in excessive tappet and camshaft wear within the engines of the affected motorcycles.
Risk: The excessive wear may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tappet clearance, replacing the tappets and camshafts, as necessary. All motorcycles that have less than 2500 miles will have their tappets and camshafts replaced since wear may not be evident. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2016. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-714-996-7040. Suzuki's number for this recall is 2A50, 2A51, and 2A52.
NHTSA data fetched 2026-11-03.
Is it a good first bike?
Smooth, predictable power and a low seat. A common pick for new riders who want something they will not outgrow quickly.
Generations
First generation
1999 to 2002
Carbureted, rounder styling. Naked SV650 and half-faired SV650S.
Second generation
2003 to 2009
Fuel injected, angular styling and a new frame.
Gladius (SFV650)
2009 to 2015
Sold as the SFV650 Gladius with different styling. Same basic engine.
Current generation
2016 to present
Updated engine, ABS available, low-RPM assist.