Just popping out for some beard wax…
I’ve never owned an SV, but I’ve had plenty of mates who have. I’m not on about this café racer retro wannabe, but the old school thumper that educated a generation of riders in the art of wheelies and knee down. Now that was a weapon! I wish I owned one, even to this day, but I don’t think I can say the same about the decaffeinated, calorie-free substitute that’s possibly sold with a tub of beard wax? Okay, that’s maybe a little harsh an introduction for a bike that’s not actually that bad to ride, and is priced refreshingly affordably… but, aesthetically speaking, it’s not my cup of tea. For £500 less (£5,699) you can get the stock SV650, which comes devoid of the ribbed dual seat and 90s M&P catalogue-style headlight shroud, but otherwise mirrors the ‘X’ in most ways. Chuntering aside, cocking a leg over the SV dissolved my prejudice in a jiffy. It wasn’t particularly extravagant, hi-tech or in any way mindblowing, but that’s what made it endearing. It was simple, easy and eager to bark its V-twin lump into life at the thumbing of its easy-start button. Few Euro 4 bikes sound great off the cuff, and this is no exception, but trust me when I say I’ve heard worse. Plus, for not a lot of money, an aftermarket can would definitely bolster the bark of this bad boy and make you a celebrity in your neighbourhood – even if it was for setting off car alarms and terrifying cats.