Suzuki SV650 ‘Rally’ showcased at 2016 Osaka Motorcycle Show

Suzuki has unveiled the first factory-built concept based on the 2017 SV650 at the 2016 Osaka Motorcycle Show in Japan. Christened Suzuki SV650 Rally, this concept has been styled to look like a cross between a modern roadster and a 1970s rally car.

Aesthetically, the Suzuki SV650 Rally has been decked up with tank extensions, single seat cowl, lowered handlebar, headlamp grill and small fairing. The SV650 Rally also gets auxiliary lights on either side of the round headlamp. The old-school silver paint scheme with the blacked out frame and engine also helps in bringing out the bike’s retro character.

Mechanically, the SV650 Rally is identical to the standard bike apart from the addition of a retro Yoshimura twin-pipe exhaust system. It is powered by the same 645cc V-twin engine, which delivers 74bhp and 64Nm of torque through a six-speed transmission.

The main purpose of the Suzuki SV650 Rally is to demonstrate how easy it is to alter the character of the standard bike with the addition of a few bits and pieces. The new Suzuki SV650 is being pegged as a canvas for custom bike enthusiasts who wish to build their own dream bike. And while Suzuki has so far given no indications about its plans to launch it here, we think that the SV650 would be a worthy competitor to the Kawasaki ER-6n, Ducati Scrambler and the Benelli TNT 600i.