Should Suzuki Launch The SV650 In India

• In the international market, the Suzuki SV650 was recently updated with new colour schemes.
• The bike is powered by the 645cc liquid-cooled V-twin from the V-Strom 650.
• In the UK market, it costs 5,999 pounds (around Rs 5.28 lakh).

At the sidelines of the 2019 SIAM press conference, Suzuki revealed to us that the 650cc platform has been doing well business-wise, and the brand is looking to exploit this space even further. Interestingly, the SV650 is the only other popular motorcycle in Suzuki’s international portfolio under the 650cc segment, apart from the V-Strom 650 range. This points to the possibility that Suzuki could launch the bike in India.

The neo-retro appeal of the bike’s design will attract a wide range of customers and the bike’s easygoing ergonomics make it reasonably practical too. If Suzuki brings this motorcycle to India, it will likely be via the CKD route, and it could be the most affordable big bike for Suzuki in India. In essence, the SV650 will bring down the entry point for the brand’s premium biking segment. Recently, the bike was updated for 2020 with new colours and it is likely that Suzuki could bring the 2020 model here. Expect the brand to launch the motorcycle at this year’s Auto Expo, pricing it at around Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Suzuki SV650’s engine is shared with the V-Strom 650 XT but with 76PS and 64Nm on tap, the bike produces 5PS and 2Nm more than the UK-spec ADV. As far as electronics are concerned, it gets a low-rpm assist which minimises engine stalls at low speeds.

It also gets dual-channel ABS for optimum safety. The bike is suspended on telescopic fork up front and a linked monoshock at the rear. Brakes include dual front discs and a single disc at the rear. All in all, the Suzuki SV650 could be an ideal, more premium alternative to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT650.

from ZigWheels https://ift.tt/2LG61Qc