Suzuki SV650 successor to get parallel twin engine

An all-new parallel-twin engined replacement for the Suzuki SV650 has been spied testing overseas. The bike could, in all likelihood, carry the GSX-S moniker, as it no longer uses a V-Twin engine like its predecessor. These images have surfaced online just days after spy photos of the new parallel-twin engined Suzuki V-Strom emerged. 

• Gets new frame to accommodate parallel twin engine

• Equipped with USD forks and radial brake callipers

• Vertically-stacked headlamp like GSX-S1000 sold internationally

Suzuki SV650 successor: engine and underpinnings

While exact details about this new liquid-cooled parallel-twin powerplant remain under wraps, it will likely be the same 700cc engine found on the new parallel-twin V-Strom. While the engine hardware will be the same, expect Suzuki to tune it to suit the character of this sporty naked bike. Due to heavy camouflage, details about the main frame are scarce, although the tubular steel rear subframe can be seen. 

Suspension units mark a big leap forward with the use of a USD fork, and while it isn’t clearly seen here, the rear suspension is courtesy of a monoshock. The adjustability of the suspension hardware on offer is as yet unknown. Braking hardware is courtesy of Japanese firm, Nissin, with a pair of beefy radial callipers clamping down on twin discs up front and a single-piston calliper and disc setup at the rear. 

Suzuki SV650 successor: design and features

The design of this bike clearly takes a leaf out of the new Suzuki GSX-S 1000, especially the stacked LED headlight at the front and the sharp, angular bodywork replacing the smooth, flowing lines of the evergreen SV650. The rear tail-light unit is a design element we haven’t seen from Suzuki, with it being integrated into the number-plate holder (much like the BMW F900R and KTM 790/890 Duke). 

This SV650 successor sports a rectangular instrument cluster and is expected to offer electronic riding aids, as is par for the course now. 

Suzuki SV650 successor: pricing and launch

Expect this bike to be priced and positioned against the hottest seller in the category overseas – the Yamaha MT-07. Other rivals will include the Honda CB650R and the Triumph Trident 660, but the 700cc Yamaha is likely to be the primary target. 

EICMA 2022 is just around the corner and considering the fact that Suzuki’s range hasn’t seen an all-new engine and chassis model since quite a few years ago, we expect this parallel-twin engined naked bike as well as the next-gen V-Strom (or at least one of them) to make their debut at the famed trade show. 

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