Suzuki SV650 Retro-naked India Bound?

The SV650 uses the same engine as the V-Strom 650XT

The Suzuki SV650 is a retro-naked 650cc motorcycle. The 645cc V-twin engine on the SV650 is more powerful than the V-Strom 650XT. Expect India pricing to be around Rs 6.20 lakh (ex-showroom).

Despite the slowdown in the auto industry, Suzuki is the only two-wheeler manufacturer who has posted a positive growth. After speaking with a few representative from Suzuki at the recently held SIAM Annual Convention, we came to know a couple of interesting tid-bits. We already know that all of its motorcycles will meet BS6 emission norms and will feature fuel injection. Also, Suzuki is enjoying some success with its CKD operations, especially with the 650cc platform. It is looking to expand the big bike portfolio in India. Hence, all of these point towards Suzuki gearing up to bring the SV650 retro-naked to India.

Suzuki currently offers the Hayabusa, the GSX-S750 and the V-Strom 650XT via the CKD route. Adding the SV650 to this list shouldn’t be much of a hassle given that it already has the necessary bits in place to handle the 645cc V-twin motor. And with newer colours showcased internationally just a while ago, we could see the 2020 edition arriving on our shores.

There are several reasons to be excited about the SV650. Firstly, it is a neo-retro motorcycle, a genre which is doing quite well in India. Secondly, it is 18kg lighter than the V-Strom 650XT and is more compact. Couple that with the 645cc motor that makes 5PS and 2Nm more (output figures standing at 76PS and 64Nm), this makes the SV650 a livelier motorcycle. It is limited when it comes to electronic aids as only ABS and Suzuki’s low-rpm assist come as standard; there’s no traction control here.

With the cubic capacity that it is packing, the SV650 enters a highly competitive segment which begins from the budget-friendly Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 to the Kawasaki 650 series and CFMoto 650s in between. We expect Suzuki to price the SV650 between Rs 6 lakh to Rs 6.2 lakh (ex-showroom India). However, this will make it a slightly premium alternative to the Kawasaki Z650.