MotoSpecs

1987 Yamaha SR 500 vs 2006 Suzuki SV 650S vs 2006 Suzuki SV 650S

Full specifications comparison • 3 motorcycles

Comparing 3 motorcycles
1987 Yamaha SR 500 1987 Yamaha SR 500

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder.
Power
31.5 hp / 23.5 kW @ 6500 rpm
Top Speed
95 mph / 152.8 km/h
Weight
173 kg / 381.4 lbs
2006 Suzuki SV 650S 2006 Suzuki SV 650S

Naked bike

Engine
V2
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
372.6 pounds
2006 Suzuki SV 650S 2006 Suzuki SV 650S

Sport

Engine
V2
Power
N/A
Top Speed
204.3 km/h / 126.9 mph
Weight
189 kg / 417 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year1984 - 872005 - 06
Colours-Blue, Yellow
Make ModelYamaha SR 500Suzuki SV 650S
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-155 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-6.1 inches
Seat Height810 mm / 32 in800 mm / 31.5 in
Wheelbase1405 mm / 55.3 in1 430 mm / 56.3 in
Ground Clearance-155 mm / 6.1 in
Height1155 mm / 45.5 in1,170 mm / 46.1 in.
Length-2,080 mm / 81.9 in.
Width845 mm / 33.3 in730 mm / 28.7 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight158 kg / 348 lbs169 kg / 372.6 lbs
Fuel Capacity12 Litres / 3.1 US gal17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons
Oil Capacity2.4 Litres2.3 Litres / 2.4 US qt / 2.0 Imp qt
Wet Weight173 kg / 381.4 lbs189 kg / 417 lbs
Performance
Top Speed95 mph / 152.8 km/h204.3 km/h / 126.9 mph
Braking (60 mph - 0)-36 m / 118 ft
Max Power31.5 hp / 23.5 kW @ 6500 rpm-
Max Torque36.3 Nm / 26.8 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm64 Nm / 6.53 kg-m / 47.2 lb-ft @ 7200 rpm
Standing Start 0-161 km/h-8.76 sec
Standing Start 0-97 km/h-3.2 sec
Standing Start ¼ Mile15.3 sec11.85 sec / 177 km/h / 110 mph
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.2 x 2.5 inches
Engine Type-V2
Bore x Stroke (mm)-81.0 x 62.6 mm
Fuel Control-DOHC
Displacement (ci)-39.36 cubic inches
Stroke-4
Displacement (cc)-645.00 cc
Displacement499 cc / 30.4 cu-in645 cc / 39.4 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder.Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection. Fuel Injection
Bore x Stroke87 х 84 mm81 x 62.6 mm
Compression Ratio9.0:111.5:1
Cooling SystemAir cooledLiquid cooled
Engine Lubrication-Wet Sump
Engine Oil Specification-Synthetic, 10W40
Fuel Consumption63 mpg4.65 L/100 km / 21.5 km/l / 50.6 US mpg / 60.7 Imp mpg
Fuel Induction34mm Mikuni VM34SS carburetorFuel Injection
IgnitionCDIDigital/Transistorized
Lubrication-Wet sump
Spark Plug-NGK, CR8E
StarterKickElectric
Drivetrain
Clutch-Wet multiple plate coil springs
Final DriveChainChain, #525 O-ring
Final Drive Ratio-45/14 (3.000)
Gear Ratios-1st 32/13 (2.461) / 2nd 32/18 (1.777) / 3rd 29/21 (1.380) / 4th 27/24 (1.125) / 5th 25/26 (0.961) / 6th 23/27 (0.851)
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive Ratios-34/71 (2.088)
Transmission / Drive5 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeHalf-duplex cradlePressure cast aluminium alloy diamond truss
Suspension - Front35mm telescopic forksTelescopic 41 mm, coil spring, oil damped, fully adjustable preload
Suspension - RearDual shock, 5-way adjustable spring preload.Link-type, 7-way adjustable spring preload
Rake27.5°25°
Trail117 mm / 4.6 in102 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.9 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear105 mm / 4.1 in125 mm / 4.7 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 200mm discDouble disc
Brakes - Rear150mm drumSingle disc
Tyres - Front3.50 S18120/60-ZR17
Tyres - Rear4.00 S18160/60-ZR17
Wheels - Rear-4.5 x 17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2006 Suzuki SV 650S

The 2006 Suzuki SV 650S edges out the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 thanks to its larger fuel tank, liquid cooling, fuel injection, dual front discs, higher rear wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

1987 Yamaha SR 500 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 173 kg vs 189 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 130 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2006 Suzuki SV 650S - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • Larger displacement: 645 cc vs 499 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 125 mm vs 105 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

1987 Yamaha SR 500 vs 2006 Suzuki SV 650S - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 and 2006 Suzuki SV 650S?
The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 uses Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder., while the 2006 Suzuki SV 650S is powered by V2.
Which is lighter, the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 or the 2006 Suzuki SV 650S?
The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 is lighter at 173 kg compared to 189 kg for the 2006 Suzuki SV 650S - a difference of 16 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 or the 2006 Suzuki SV 650S?
The 2006 Suzuki SV 650S has the larger tank at approximately 17 litres vs 12 litres for the 1987 Yamaha SR 500. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 283-340 km vs 200-240 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 1987 Yamaha SR 500 or the 2006 Suzuki SV 650S?
Both are strong choices. The 1987 Yamaha SR 500 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and higher front wheel travel, while the 2006 Suzuki SV 650S stands out for larger fuel tank and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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