Suzuki SV 650 Cafe Racer par Kikishop 2016 — Specifications

Motorcycle: Suzuki SV 650 Cafe Racer by Kikishop (2016)

What if the SV 650, this effective but somewhat too sensible roadster, indulged in a rock'n'roll makeover? Suzuki sensed the changing winds, between its limited edition Scrambler and this stunning proposition signed Kikishop. Presented at the Café Racer Festival in 2016, this unique machine is more than just a cosmetic makeover. It's a statement, a demonstration by example of the raw potential lurking within this V-twin.

The project was born from a Facebook vote, fans choosing a Café Racer variant. Jérémie Magri, from Kikishop, took hold of the specifications with a simple philosophy: to create a radical machine, but above all, one usable for daily riding. The result hits the mark. The unprecedented half-fairing, the redesigned fork tube, and the Yoshimura borrowed from a GSX-R 1000 give it an aggressive stance. Rizoma parts, the low seat, and the clip-on handlebars contrast with the "good student" side of the series. The matte paintwork completes the whole with a modern patina. The most complex part? Integrating this fairing with the original headlight and speedometer without sacrificing the harmony of the lines. A goldsmith's work that took three weeks of labor.

But a custom, however beautiful it may be, is only as good as what it offers from the saddle. Fortunately, the base is incredibly solid. The engine, a 645 cm3 developing 76 horsepower, is a marvel of accessibility. Its generous torque, available from low RPM, is the SV's master asset. It makes the machine lively and intuitive, without requiring constant use of the gear selector. The trellis frame remains a model of rigidity and feel. With its 200 km/h top speed and Bridgestone BT-003 RS tires, this version is far from a showroom accessory. It has the backbone for some muscular rides on winding roads.

The price, however, brings you back down to earth. Expect to pay around €12,000 for the whole thing, including new base and transformation. At this price, you're bordering on the territory of more exclusive machines. This is the classic dilemma of customization on a new base: passion has a cost, often a high one. This SV 650 Cafe Racer by Kikishop is primarily aimed at an enlightened enthusiast, seeking a roadster with a unique look and ready to invest in exclusivity. It's the antithesis of the mass-produced model, a desirable object more than a rational choice.

This adventure raises an intriguing question: would Suzuki be interested in launching such a version in its catalog? The neo-retro market was already booming in 2016. This machine demonstrates that the heart of the SV, this charming and simple V2, lends itself magnificently to the exercise. It proves that with a little boldness and the right accessories, you can transform an excellent universal roadster into a Café Racer with a well-tempered character. Perhaps that's its greatest lesson: the potential is immense, it just needs to be exploited.