Suzuki SV-7GX (2026 - ) review

Considering the SV650 it’s based on dates all the way back to 1999, the new SV-7GX has been a long time coming. But it gives the SV’s fabulous 645cc V-twin another lease of life, adds the latest electronics and is packaged in an upright sports-tourer package pitched as the little brother to the Suzuki’s GSX-S1000GX, which at least explains the slightly clumsy name. It lands in a thriving corner of the market, driven by the popularity of bikes like the Tracer 7 and Triumph Tiger Sport 660 and is a convincing alternative thanks to the proven motor and platform. As such it’s hugely versatile and practical and, best of all, undercuts those key rivals on price.

The tubular steel frame is developed from that of the old SV but has a more upright, roomy riding position, new fairing, different tank and impressively broad seat. The result makes big miles a comfortable joy while the slimness and relatively low weight is as easy through traffic as it is fun along the lanes, helped by intuitive steering and the ride quality. Although only adjustable with an Allen key the screen is set just right, too.

It’s hard to imagine a street bike being any more practical. The SV-7GX is sufficiently manageable to appeal to all riders, it’s as good on motorways as it is around town and it’s a joy on B-roads, too. It also has a roomy pillion seat and minimal running costs. Plonk an accessory top box on and it pretty much does it all, and for mere peanuts.

The 645cc 90-degree V-twin may date back to the original SV650 of 1999 but if that sounds concerning, it shouldn’t. This characterful unit is one of modern motorcycling’s great engines, was updated with fuel injection in 2004, repeatedly revised since and, in this revived form, has three riding modes, a quickshifter and other branded modern conveniences like Low RPM Assist and Suzuki Easy Start System. Performance is unchanged and the 73 horsepower is on a par with the Tracer 7, if lagging behind the 95 horsepower of the Tiger Sport 660. None of that is startling but it’s easy and flexible when you want to merely travel and sufficiently exhilarating when you’re in the mood for that, too. If nothing to shout about mechanically speaking the twin-piston axial-mount front brakes are perfectly up to the job, with bags of feel.

Apart from its brilliant V-twin, a big part of the appeal of the original SV650 was its nimble, novice-friendly handling and the same is true here. The tubular steel frame is essentially the same as the last generation SV, as are its conventional, non-adjustable forks and preload-only adjustable rear monoshock. But the beauty of being an old design can be that it’s also a proven, sorted one. It may have no fancy cycle parts and little by way of adjustment, but it doesn’t need it. It might lack the sheen and refined ride you only find on a more expensive machine but, on the whole, it’s just right.

This is the crux of the new Suzuki’s appeal, a starting price a fraction under seven grand at launch undercutting the Yamaha Tracer 7 by a healthy margin and the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 by an even bigger one. Admittedly, that base price only gets you the plain white and the other colours add to the cost but you’ve still got some money in hand. The SV-7GX should also be cheap to run. The power output is unlikely to be too demanding on consumables such as tyres, chain and brake pads and it should be more than reasonable when it comes to insurance and tax, as well.

Yes, the SV-7GX is a new model, with all the reservations over likely reliability which goes with that but it’s also one based on proven mechanicals. It’s also fairly basic when it comes to equipment, so there’s less, potentially, to go wrong, while most of its electronics, including the TFT dash and switchgear, have already been proven on earlier models as well.

The SV-7GX’s standard warranty covers a useful three years with unlimited mileage and the option of extending it up to a full 10 years if various conditions are met. The disappointingly short service intervals are a limitation, though. After the first 500-mile ‘break-in’ service these are due every 4,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.

The old SV650 was always a fairly straightforward bike with few frills and an emphasis on value, and the same is true with the new SV-7GX. So, although there’s a colour TFT dash, it’s a fairly small, 4.2-inch one. It also has Bluetooth connectivity and a useful USB-C charger. The screen is adjustable, but not on the fly. It also has LED lights, handguards and a standard luggage rack. In fact, it has all you really need for this kind of bike. Accessories, meanwhile, include a tall touring screen and comfort seat, two sizes of top case, soft panniers and a variety of cosmetic parts.

The new SV-7GX is one of those rare bikes that is just right out of the box. As a middleweight all-rounder it’s a great first big bike but should also appeal to all riders for its versatility and charm. The updated SV650 motor is the gem it always was but now updated with modern modes and more. Its spec, although kept to a budget, includes everything you really need and, overall, the SV-7GX is just a really nice, honest, straightforward bike with no significant niggles. And all of that combined makes the SV-7GX one of our bikes of the year – it really is that good.