I have an 01 SV650 and yes its got a lot of torque. I think it makes nearly 80 ft. lbs. and while it may only have 60 hp you will not have a problem keeping up with any of the 600s in real world riding. At least I never have. The new body style, I think 03 and up, is the injected version with the oil cooler and whatever else. But its basically the same bike as those with carbed motors in a lot of ways.

The SV can bring the front wheel up with about half a twist of the throttle too, no clutching. Try that on a four cylinder.