In general, the Japanese manufacturers have been more willing to push engineering boundaries when it comes to experimenting with different kinds of engine configurations. We have seen all sorts of different engines make it into production. From rotary engines, to square fours, to V4’s, to inline-six’s, and from two strokes to four strokes, we have quite literally seen it all.
While European and American manufacturers tend to stick with one preferred engine type, we have always been blessed with variety from the Japanese. Naturally, this level of research and development came at a cost, but it is fair to say that all these manufacturers have recouped that investment, and in some cases have also come close to perfecting the combustion engine. One such engine is a trusty little twin from Suzuki.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Suzuki Cycles. Whereas, the opinions are our own.
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Suzuki’s 645cc V-Twin Is So Reliable It’s Still In Production After Over 25 Years
Power: 64 to 75 Horsepower
Truth be told, there are actually several Japanese engines that have been around for decades. But few can take the fight to modern motorcycles quite like Suzuki’s old 645cc V-twin. Suzuki is a past master at extending the lifespan of engines and refuses to let good tooling go to waste. By maximizing the R&D put into older engines, the brand is able to pass those cost savings onto the customer. As a result, we can find a wide selection of Suzukis that offer amazing bang for the buck.
All this effort to keep it in production would be worthless if there were no demand or if there were reliability concerns. With these twins, quite literally, the only issues that pop up on forums are related to do with poor maintenance. These engines have been raced, taken to all corners of the world, and used as commuters for years.
As long as you take care of basic maintenance, they simply won’t let you down. The simple fact that Suzuki has put in the effort to get it through Euro5+ emissions regulations also only serves to underscore the fact that it is also still in demand. Even with the added emissions restrictions, it is still able to make good power, with the latest version producing around 72 horsepower.
The Suzuki 645cc V-Twin Is A Versatile Powertrain
With a bore and stroke of 81 x 62.6 mm, this is an oversquare engine. As a result, it is free revving and peak torque is found a little higher up in the rev range, but most of it is still available from around 3000 RPM, which translates to a marvelously flat torque curve. This is ideal for real-world riding conditions, where we are governed by speed limits and stretches of poorly maintained roads. This midrange performance is precisely what all the modern crossplane parallel-twins are chasing, but you don’t need an engine to mimic a V-twin when you already have one.
Famous V-Twin Models
The versatility of this powertrain has resulted in Suzuki putting it in two very different model lines over the years. It all started with the original SV650 back in 1999, but demand for a more sporty version quickly grew. This resulted in the production of the popular SV650S (pictured), which had a bikini fairing and lower handlebars. The latest SV650 has a better chassis, but stays true to the original by keeping it pretty simple.
By 2004, demand was growing for a light-duty touring model, and this gave birth to the now-famous V-Strom 650. Over the years, this little tourer has evolved into a fully-fledged adventure bike. Even though the V-Strom 650XT (pictured) is set to be phased out, it remains a popular ADV thanks to its impressive versatility.
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The Suzuki 645cc V-Twin Appeals To Riders Of All Levels
One of the things that really makes this powertrain stand out is how accessible it is. There are a number of things that contribute to making a great motorcycle, and having an engine that is easy to use is a key part of the puzzle. It builds revs in a smooth, predictable manner, allowing novice riders to learn without getting punished.
It is also tractable enough for more experienced riders to enjoy, as it performs admirably within its sweet spot of 3,000 to 6,000 RPM. While it isn’t necessarily a beginner-friendly powertrain, both the V-Strom and SV650 are fantastic motorcycles that new riders can upgrade to.
This Aging Twin Still Has A Bright Future
Speaking of which, it does seem as though the V-Strom 650 line will finally bid us adieu. The V-Strom 800 bikes are all great, and that parallel-twin makes a lot more sense in an adventure bike platform. The 650 is far from done, though. The SV650 has indeed made it into 2026, and still offers us an affordable, fun naked bike option that is the spitting image of the original Ducati Monster – widely regarded as the first naked sports bike – which isn’t a bad thing at all.
Suzuki is also all set to launch a new light-duty crossover, in the form of the SV-7GX. It will offer all the modern features the bare bones SV650 doesn’t, and will take this lovable powertrain into the modern era. While some were surprised that this new crossover didn’t feature Suzuki’s 800, we were not. It will extend the lifespan of the V-twin even further, offer buyers even more value, and, thanks to the fact that it will make use of the SV650’s chassis, will also be a fun little bike to ride.