Suzuki introuced the SV650 in 1999 as a budget entry in the emerging naked bike market. With a MSRP of $5999 in the US, the bike provided a sporty though easily manageable ride. The combination of light weight, rigid chassis, strong handling, and the V-twin's strong mid-range torque appealed to beginner and experienced riders alike. The first generation of the bikes aesthetics were modeled after the Suzuki TL1000S and that bike is still considered to be the "big brother" of the SV650. Currently Suzuki markets the SV1000 as the bigger brother to the second generation SV650. First generation SV650's are sometimes called "curvies" to differentiate them from the more angular second generation SV650's.