Suzuki has just launched a Scrambler version of its 2017 Suzuki SV650, joining the list of manufacturers who have jumped on the Scrambler bandwagon. Scramblers seem to be the current favourite in the motorcycling world with the neo-retro design becoming quite the craze.
Suzuki seems to be testing the waters with the kind of market response the bike will generate with the Suzuki SV650 Scrambler available only in France for now. The new Suzuki SV650 Scrambler isn't really a Scrambler in the classic sense, with most changes being cosmetic and the bike retaining the overall look of the standard version. So, there are no raised pipes, no off-road tyres, and no long travel suspension.
(Suzuki SV650 Scrambler)
But what the term 'Scrambler' has begun to meant in contemporary motorcycling is perhaps more to do with style than practical off-road capability. And here, the SV650 Scrambler ticks all the right boxes as a factory custom Scrambler. The bike gets a lot of aluminium bits over the stock SV650, including a small wind deflector, radiator shrouds, chain guard and front mudguard.
The headlight gets retro-styled protection, handlebar is slightly raised and a brown leather saddle with retro-looking stitching completes the 'classic' look. ABS is standard and the engine is Euro4 compliant. The SV650 Scrambler is powered by a liquid-cooled, 645cc v-twin engine which makes 75bhp power and 64Nm of torque, putting it straight in the league of the Ducati Scrambler.
(2017 Suzuki SV650 Scrambler)
Suzuki has priced the SV650 Scrambler at 7,999 Euros (around Rs 5.82 lakh), but for now, the bike will be sold only in France. Suzuki's SV650 is one of the most popular middleweight nakeds in Europe and also in the American market. So far, the bike isn't available on sale in India.
