Suzuki SV650X revealed

After making its debut in concept form – the SV650 Rally – at the 2016 Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki has confirmed a production version of the café racer-styled variant of their SV650 road bike, unveiling the ‘SV650X’ at this year’s Tokyo show.
Giving the 645cc v-twin commuter a cool new look, the SV650X takes the base model and adds a slotted headlight fairing, complementary side panels, clip-on handlebars, lower mirrors, a pleated ‘tuck and roll’ seat, reshaped and larger capacity (14.5lt) fuel tank, plus blackout treatment for the levers, footpegs, pedals and wheels.
The Glass Sparkle Black and Metallic Oort Grey colour scheme with red accents covers the fairings, tank and tail, with a ‘SUZUKI’ tank badge (instead of the large ‘S’) adding to the SV650X’s old-school vibe. 
All up, the changes on the SV650X are minor, but they make a major difference to the bike’s appearance, with the ‘cool factor’ of the new model’s look sure to improve its appeal.
Appearance accessories will include LED foglamps, belly fairing, raceplate-style rear fairing covers, fork graphics and rim stickers. More practical options include a smartphone/GPS mounting bracket, tankpad, frame protectors, Yoshimura exhaust system and numerous luggage choices.
Those changes aside, the SV650X is largely the same as the SV650 that officially arrived here last year as an evolution of the SFV650 Gladius commuter. That means a 645cc DOHC v-twin engine designed to deliver abundant low- and mid-range torque and good power at higher revs. In unrestricted form, this v-twin produces a claimed 56kW at 5600rpm and 64Nm at 8100rpm, but to meet LAMS requirements, a 35kW version will be available, like the standard SV650 (see our road test of the SV650 LAMS in JUST BIKES #334).
The 2-into-1 exhaust is as per the standard SV650, along with other mechanical and cycle features like the Suzuki Easy Start system, Low RPM Assist function, steel trellis frame, 6-speed transmission, 17-inch wheels, twin 300mm front disc brakes and ABS.
Two kilos heavier than the standard SV650 at 198kg, the SV650X’s seat height is also slightly higher at 790mm, while the clip-on bars deliver a more forward-leaning rider position. Suspension travel in the front end has been reduced 10m to 125mm, while a front preload adjuster has been added.
Suzuki Australia P/L has confirmed the SV650X will come in Australia in Q2, 2018, and will be offered in both full-power and LAMS versions. Full specs and pricing will be confirmed closer to local release.