2017 Suzuki SV650 vs Yamaha FZ-07 | On Two Wheels

In 1999 Suzuki introduced the SV650, a bike that went on to be immensely successful among novices, experts, and everyone in between. The key to its success—a charismatic V-twin, ultra-easy handling, and it wasn’t stupid expensive. After a decade or so of success, the SV faded away and Yamaha’s FZ-07 arrived in 2015 to fill the void. Now that the SV is back for 2017, we had to know if it’s good enough to keep up with Yamaha’s new king of the category. Luckily, that’s exactly the kind of question that Ari and Zack like to answer.

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In 1999 Suzuki introduced the SV650, a bike that went on to be immensely successful among novices, experts, and everyone in between. The key to its success—a charismatic V-twin, ultra-easy handling, and it wasn’t stupid expensive. It remained popular for the better part of a decade. Sadly, the SV eventually faded into the background, rebranded as the Gladius and then the SFV650.

Meanwhile, Yamaha was planning an all-out assault on the newly refreshed economy and people's ravenous appetite for fun, affordable bikes. First it was the FZ-09 in 2014, followed by the FZ-07 a year later. The wee FZ filled everyone's need for a punchy, exciting naked bike immediately, and lovers of the SV650 were left to dream of the gravy days when their machine ruled the streets.

But now, for 2017, Suzuki has restored the SV650. So, the question: Is it still the king of the middleweight naked ranks? Or has the FZ-07 taken over for good? Luckily, that’s exactly the kind of question that Ari and Zack like to answer.

[YamahaRacing]

Ridden both bikes and a monster 797, sv650 was the best of them all. Made in Japan, V-Twin character, Trellis rigid chassis, timeless style. Just needed a full race exhaust, seat retrim, sintered front pads and minor upgraded suspension. Now it's a weapon, 20, 000km of happiness and its the first bike I have no intention of selling. Can't recommend enough.

[bxl]

70 horsepower enough for having fun? Man I am having hell of a time on 14 hp bike. Can't imagine what it will be like on 70hp. probably more then a regular rider will ever need.

[FlyingGrimaud]

“70 horsepower doesn’t sound like much.” Me looking out the window at my 91 miata. “Well crap.”

[pavmentsurfer]

This was a really great video. I watch alot of motorcycle test and comparo videos and the truth is, most of them suck. They give almost not REAL world information and rarely give a difinitive answer. Also, the reviewers are rarely super likeable.
Finally, I'm so sick of seeing bikes designed only for street use, tested on the track and having their ratings affected by how they perform on a track. Most buyers of these types of bikes will never take them to a track.

You guys did a GREAT job. You seem like cool guys who'd be fun to hang out with, you ride the way I do, you tested the bikes in the environment they were designed for and you gave real, honest opinions about them without holding anything back.

Subscribed for sure.

[drewfasa]

Hey, thanks for this. These are the two bikes I was trying to decide between and after watching the video I decided to go for the SV650. I'm a bigger guy and I prefer the more "grow up" styling of the Suzuki. I bought it as my first bike and am super happy with it. Cheers!

[typhoonsd]

Riding together had me rolling, that was something special. The greatest way to test a bike ever. So funny, thank you for that. Hop on the back bro lets test her out :)

[mindspinn]

I owned a 2015 FZ-07, and I now own a 2020 SV650. There’s definitely pros and cons for either one, but the SV650 shows that 20 years of experience. I haven’t ridden the slightly updated MT-07, but it’s due for a full update for 2021 and I’m curious to see if Yamaha fixes the suspension and brakes. The SV650 engine is a gem, but there’s something about the Yamaha CP2 that feels more special. The low-mid torque is definitely stronger and it’s a bit smoother with its power delivery. And it sounds badass uncorked while the SV sounds better stock. Can’t lose either way.

[Peeohtrek]

YES!!! YOU GUYS RULE! I get excited every time you guys post a video...

[ianbarnett]

I love the gladius had one for 10 yrs believe it or not it has grown on me I am now 71 yrs young and this is the best bike I've ever owned ps. Love your channel

[artyburn]

Absolutely love my FZ-07, and with the Akrapovic Carbon exhaust, the engine has INSANE character. That said, I've always been a fan of the SV650, and anyone would be really happy with either bike.

[Green-Mountainboy]

Love my SV650. Yeah it has soft suspension and maybe not the best brakes out there (i can still lift the rear tire in a emergency stop) but most the people i ride with still cant keep up with me on the mountain roads, And thats on a 16 year old bike with little over 74k miles. I have owned quite a few bikes, CBR, a couple GSXR, Katana a couple dual purpose bikes but there's something about the SV that just makes it really fun to ride.

[joshpeterson]

The V-twin alone sells me on SVs. I love my 1st gen!

[austinschwartz]

This is the hardest decision of my life.

[mashhadedibam]

can you guys add in a video comparing the new z650 from Kawasaki with these bikes?

[brandonbandstra]

Great editing and your chemistry is off the charts together. Very much enjoyed watching and you guys aren't annoying at all. Glad you two are making this channel better every video

[Sebastopolmark]

Well - the SV650 it is.
Thanks for the review.

[twitchyflash]

I absolutely love my Sv. I have replaced the mirrors to some bar end ones which look nicer to me. I also plan to use a tail conversion kit to remove the "Bikini" on the back of the bike. There is already a absolutely lovely spike that comes to a point at the tail of the bike and shouldn't have been covered with the mud flap. Overall I love riding this bike, and it sounds like a beast, love that Vtwin sounds.

[DJMotoVlogs]

Great video guys, great chemistry between the hosts. I would personally go with whichever bike you can get a deal on from a dealer.

[elgar]

The Suzuki is the 'keeper' while the Yammie emits more of a 'disposable' vibe.
Both are very high value, FUN, real world street bikes. Nice.

[greenambles]

This popped up in my YT feed...I know it’s important to switch things up, set new goals etc and you both had a few things to get through but you really were a great, fun and respected combo with this series...I’m 2 weeks away from passing my full test here in the UK (exhaustive and expensive), learning on an SV (love it) after 3 years (ok, 33 years...) procrastination...So many bikes but have settled on Triumph looking at the Street Twin for urban (a 2016 I’ll mod) and a 2007 ST1050 for holidays...
I know we can’t roll the clock back but please get back in the saddle making quality content as above..