Suzuki motorcycles have a peculiar ability to fly under the radar in almost every segment. Much of that comes from the fact that the Japanese marque plays it safe, upholding refinement, reliability, and value. But that hurts excitement, especially as arch-rivals evolve rapidly. However, we are seeing a shift in Suzuki’s attitude as it takes bolder steps while holding onto its strong suit.
It’s a win-win, and the brand-new motorcycles in its portfolio prove it. One new worthwhile model is a middleweight sport-tourer that kicks off a new segment for Suzuki. The clever use of already proven components, including an unkillable V-twin engine, helps this fresh Suzuki inspire confidence while keeping it super affordable. Here’s why this sport-touring Suzuki will shoot up in popularity.
The ‘safe’ formula Suzuki has used to build motorcycles over the years largely contributes to its underrated appeal. They prioritize budget-friendly offerings that are overengineered and offer relatively superior reliability and refinement. These bikes use proven but older chassis and engine options, which helps bring prices down but also keeps them from matching the rivals’ cutting-edge design. But despite these ‘restrictions’, certain Suzuki motorcycles easily match and even outclass their rivals.
Prime examples include the Suzuki Hayabusa and the GSX-R sports bike series. The overlooked Suzuki SV650 streetfighter is a worthy and affordable Ducati Monster alternative. The new range of Suzuki V-Strom ADVs is practical, offering bulletproof reliability and capable underpinnings. Even the long-standing Suzuki Boulevard M109R power cruiser is undisputed in power-to-value ratio and intimidating old-school charm.
Suzuki is proving it can play safe while also innovating in its motorcycle lineup with a new influx of fun-inducing, tech-savvy offerings. The parallel-twin-powered Suzuki GSX-8 lineup—ranging from the 8R sports bike to the new 8T/8TT neo-retro roadsters—brings a breath of fresh air. The neo-retro duo is the newest addition to this series and is known for smooth torque delivery and friendly handling.
However, sport-tourers are proving to be Suzuki’s good-luck charm. They just nail the overall balance of performance, comfort, convenience, technology, and even looks. Some of the wildest-looking Suzukis that are not sport bikes include the GSX-S1000GT+ and the GSX-S1000GX+ sport-tourers. The former is essentially a fully-faired sport bike converted into a comfortable tourer. The latter is a crossover that fuses the practicality of an ADV with the corner-carving skills of a sport bike.
The K5 GSX-R-derived inline-four engine powers both motorcycles; hence, they have dormant racebike DNA. While value-packed, these two Gixxer-derived touring bikes sit on the expensive side because of their flagship-grade setup. However, if you want a similarly equipped Suzuki all-rounder for much less, the all-new SV-7GX is the one to choose.
The hype hasn’t caught up with Suzuki’s brand-new middleweight sport-tourer. And if you want to bask in that wow factor from fellow riders, this is the best time to get the SV-7GX, which opens a new segment for Suzuki. There is nothing to complain about with the SV-7GX because Suzuki has utilized proven components to make this near-flawless sport-tourer.
It is powered by a bulletproof V-twin that sits in a lightweight and versatile chassis. It is further complemented with hardware that adds to its do-it-all character. The ergonomics are comfy, the dimensions are urban-friendly, and Suzuki offers an extensive list of accessories to turn the SV-7GX into a fully-fledged cross-country bike. Coupled with its bold and refreshing new design language, this sport-tourer eliminates the ‘boring’ tag that Suzuki has been infamous for quite some time now.
The SV-7GX runs on an evolved version of the same V-twin engine immortalized on the SV650 streetfighter. The 645 cc 90-degree, liquid-cooled mill is known for its smooth character, controlled power output, and spread-out torque curve. This versatility helps it on city roads, in corners, and on highways. It also has character thanks to an uneven firing order, which creates a distinctive V-twin pulse that has defined the long-standing SV series.
On this sport-tourer, the V-twin has been tuned for mile-munching and produces 72 horsepower and 47.2 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual gearbox coupled to a final chain drive. Years of refinement and carefully engineered internal components have helped this V-twin earn its near-immortal reputation. Features like SCEM cylinder plating, coated pistons, and L-shaped piston rings reduce friction and help ensure longevity. Optimized injectors, downdraft throttle bodies, and dual-spark iridium plugs add excitement with instant response while also improving efficiency for frugal highway riding.
It utilizes a lightweight, tubular steel frame, which claims to offer a balance of rigidity, a low center of gravity, and nimble riding dynamics. The V-twin layout also helps Suzuki slim down the chassis width, which aids comfortable riding, especially on tight urban roads. The frame is suspended on 41 mm telescopic front forks with 4.9 inches of travel, and the rear gets a preload-adjustable monoshock with 5.1 inches of travel.
Despite being an entry-level setup with limited adjustability, Suzuki claims to have tuned the suspension for versatility across various riding scenarios. Braking duties come from twin discs paired with Brembo four-piston calipers up front. The rear gets a single disc coupled to a Nissin single-piston caliper. Suzuki has shod the SV-7GX’s lightweight alloy wheels with responsive and grippy Pirelli Angel GT II sport-touring tubeless tires.
The Suzuki SV-7GX is compact and easy to handle. It has a 56.9-inch wheelbase and weighs 465 pounds. Its 31.3-inch seat height is fairly accessible for most riders. The rider sits upright and relaxed, thanks to its tall, wide handlebars and neutral footpeg position. Touring duties are supported by features like a three-step, manually adjustable windscreen, integrated knuckle guards, and a standard molded rear carrier with large grab rails. Suzuki also offers serrated aluminum footpegs for superior control and comfort on the go.
The cockpit has a clean layout with a 4.2-inch TFT screen. This screen supports multiple themes and includes smartphone connectivity that enables turn-by-turn navigation, call and message notifications, and alerts for weather, speed, and traffic. Its commendable suite of safety and assistive features is bundled into the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.).
This includes ride modes, three-mode traction control, a bi-directional quickshifter, and dual-channel ABS. It also gets the Suzuki Easy Start System and low RPM assist, two underrated features that make riding through tight traffic a breeze. The only bummer is the exclusion of cruise control.
The new Suzuki SV-7GX is priced at $8,599. That’s exceptional value because its closest rivals are priced well over $10,000. The Kawasaki Versys 650 LT, with less power and torque and an outdated feature set, is priced at $10,399. The Triumph Tiger Sport 660 starts at $10,445, and the Yamaha Tracer 9 tops the list at $12,599. The price is so good that even with all available accessories, the Suzuki SV-7GX still won’t exceed $10,000.
Source: Suzuki Cycles
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