Modifications and aftermarket support

Suzuki kept the SV650 profitable by scrimping on suspension. Many riders replaced the under-sprung and under-damped forks with reasonably-priced cartridge-simulator kits, and/or upgraded fork springs. More obsessed racers and enthusiasts opted to swap complete front ends. On the 1st generation (1999-2002) models, the Suzuki GSX-R750 SRAD models or Kawasaki Ninja ZX-636 will fit with minor machining. On the 2nd generation (2003+) SV650, the 2003+ GSX-R600, 750, or 1000 model front ends nearly "drop-in". Such replacements typically also benefited braking performance by replacing the stock two-piston callipers with four-piston callipers, some of which are radially mounted. The budget minded simply replaced stock brake pads and flimsy brake lines with aftermarket parts for marked improvement.