In 2003, Suzuki released the SV1000S, a naked motorcycle aimed to compete directly with the Honda VTR100-F and the low-end Ducati one-liter V-Twin engine sports bikes.
The Suzuki SV1000S took off where the big Bandit left off, but the new direction was radically different. The new appearance of the liter-class introduced an all-out, sizzling hot semi-naked sportiveness, with an aggressive front cowl, dual headlights, a sharp chin, and a massive trellis frame in the display.
The bike featured a truss pipe frame structure manufactured through a newly developed high-vacuum aluminum die-casting process at the time, which gave more rigidity and, at the same time, reduced the weight.
The slim engine and chassis offered great agility and rideability, as well as the sharp exterior design with a slim line fairing that protected the rider from wind.
The compact engine featured by the SV1000s had its heartbeat set by a 995cc four-stroke two-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a power output of 94 hp at 8,500 rpm and 90 Nm (66 lb-ft) of torque available at 7,000 rpm. Combined with a six-speed manual transmission and a dry weight of 189 kg (418 lbs), the bike registered a top speed of 230 kph (143 mph).
The braking was handled by two 310 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front wheel and a single 220 mm disc with a two-piston caliper on the rear wheel.