While checking some facts to answer Jason’s question in my last entry, "Your First Street Bike: What to choose?" I came across this excellent article on Motorcycle USA on the Suzuki V-Strom 650 "Sport Enduro Tourer." This is old news, of course, but I was re-intrigued, as I’m always trying to determine what’s the "best touring motorcycle." Here’s an excerpt of the four-page, in-depth article. And I see from Suzuki’s corporate website that they’ve now added ABS braking.
You can read the entire article, here.
Suzuki’s concept for the DL line was to create a "Sport Enduro Tourer,"
and the V-Strom 650 gets top marks for living up to the monicker. In
combining the SV650 motor with the DL1000 chassis, Suzuki has built its
parts bin special into a bike that defines a new market segment.With a 417-lb. claimed dry weight and road-biased rubber, the 650 isn’t
gonna win many enduros, but it actually takes to loose conditions
fairly well.It has the power and smoothness to dust a BMW F650, and it offers more
comfort and wind protection than the SV650/S, Honda 599 and Triumph
Speed Four. Its closest competitor is likely Yamaha’s buzzier but
faster FZ6, which shares a similar riding position, fairing coverage
and price tag. The FZ is definitely faster in a straight line, but its
R6-based engine isn’t as adept as the smooth and torquey DL’s Twin. And
with its standard luggage rack and optional hard luggage, the V-Strom
is much more the SUV as opposed to the FZ’s sports coupe. In a way, the
DL650 is the Honda VFR of the adventure-touring segment, offering
versatility, a sporting nature and Lexus smoothness.As the day’s light faded into the horizon on the way back to the hotel
and the subtly attractive orange glow of the instruments matched the
color of the setting sun, it was hard to imagine another machine with a
competitive versatility-per-dollar ratio. At $6599 in blue or black… Read the entire article, here.
In my quest for the best world touring motorcycle, I’m keeping this one on my list of possibilities. Any takers? I’d love to hear your comments.
Until next time, may all your motorcycle misadventures have happy endings!
I purchased this bike and picked this month. It is my first bike, the only previous experience I have had is doing the test on the test bike, so while I have a lot of driving experience (36) I would, without doubt, be as green as they come to bikes.
Having said this I have done considerable research about what bike would be suited to me, and good to learn on. The touring concept appealed to me – more in the adventure sense than the look at me on my harley idea.
What time and time again drew me to this bike was the vtwin engine which feedback said was easy to handle and smooth, the reliability of the bike, and the pathological adoration of its consumers – while people seemed generally to be able to name things they didnt like (mostly that its butt ugly:D) they still thought it was the best multi use bike available.
Given I’m new to bikes and at this stage, while I deviate to a specific idea of a bike I like the idea of in my mind, I really have no clue. A Bike like the DL allows me to have a vehicle that can do bits of everything, and together – hopefully we can discover what I love and dislike about motorbikes in general.
PS – Great site – I’ve been reading some blogs of people who have ridden the TAT and am so envious – I hope one day to be able to take a few months out and come over and explore the stats specifically doing some of the TAT
I’ve ridden a lot of different styles of bike and have come to the conclusion that the two-up we met in Lincoln, Nebraska had the right idea.
Any bike is a beautiful bike. I would qualify that as any kind, style works as long as it is comfortable to the person riding, well-maintained, thoroughly enjoyed, used often and not a lemon.
I haven’t had a true lemon since the 1970’s when I had a short and the headlight kept going out.
Good blog. Marty
I bought one of these in Sept 04 after sitting on one in a bike show in Apr 04. The only bad thing is (in the words of onewheeldrive.net) is that the buffeting put off by the windshield is much like having a monkey humping the back of your helmet. Easily fixed with the addition of a Madstad Adjustable Windshield Mount – problem also seems to vary by rider.
I’ve been on serveral short tours between 3 and 4500 km and have found that the addition of some sheepskin goes a long way in keeping you in the saddle. The range is quite good with a 22 L tank and using a conservative throttle you can get over 400 km out of a tank – not much over so don’t push it.
I used it as my only vehicle for 3 years but recently bought one of them Ford Rangers to keep me dry in the Winter. Gets a bit wet out on the West Coast.
Headlights are brilliant. Best I’ve had on any vehicle I’ve owned, car or bike.
I’ve done quite a bit of Forest Service Road out here in BC and can say that the bike can handle it. Not super quick (in my hands at least but crashing both sucks and hurts so…) but it’s capable. Beware of slick mud. Tires will clog and you will probably fall down.
Belly pans can be found, though I think the big aluminum beasties are way overkill. I got a teflon/co-polymer one and it is more than adequate for road roost. Wouldn’t even think of trying to wheelie my baby over a log.
Good bike! Lots of choice in that market segment now as well.
I’ve had my 07 Vstrom 650 for almost a year now and I love it. I grew up riding dirt bikes, then later on in life bought an old 83 Honda CBX 550, which I rode for five years. The Vstrom is miles ahead of the Honda in my opinion, lacking only the top end acceleration inherrent to a in line four. I added a Windstrom(TM) windshield almost immediatly as the stock screen in any position just didn’t seem to work for me. For this season I’ve added a full aluminum skid plate so I can start doing a bit more back road riding without worrying about wiping out my oil cooler (why Suzuki put it so low on a “enduro” I have no idea). I’m seriously contemplating getting a set of side bags for this summer aswell. All in all I’ve been overly impressed by this machine. It pretty much does everything I want it to without complaint. I would totally reccomend it to anyone who is looking for a bike that does a bit of everything quite well if I do say so myself.
My dream bike, I love someday to ride this one accross europe….
Enjoyed the info.I am a Honda Ace owner and recently became interested in the V Strom.I have enjoyed the Ace but I can’t bring myself to use it much on dirt roads.I live off the pavement and hate the struggle of keeping my Harley look alike presentable.The Ace has been super dependable and I have used it mostly to commute to work (13 mi.).I have family 7 hrs away and riding the Ace 7 hours is somewhat formidible in my mind.I am not sure that my hands can take the vibration or my ears the noise from aftermarket pipes.The V Strom seems to offer me hope of a smooth riding ,any road bike.I live near national forest lands in Va. and this bike seems to be a suitable exploration vehicle.
I have yet to ride the bike but I have had fun researching it.I really think that this could be my perfect choice.
My wife isn’t opposed to me pursuing this interest as she rides ,also.She simply says that I have to keep the Ace for her since it fits her just fine.
I’m about to take a leap of faith: I’ve never ridden a V-Strom, but I sold my V-Star yesterday, am buying a V-Strom in southwest Arizona, and will probably ride it home to panhandle Florida. Across southern Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. In July. And I’m an old coot.
Its been 6 months since i got my V-Strom650. Good things about this bike are: comfort for both rider and passenger, superb headlights, range between fuel fill ups, price, engine smoothness, reliability and the ability to ride comfortably over less than perfect road surfaces.
Im 5’8″ and find the vstrom650 a bit big, tall and heavy. Maybe it isnt that heavy but its tallness makes it seem so especially with 22 liters of gas in the tank. I also feel crosswinds more on this bike. My previous bike being a ducati monster620 i miss the ‘soul and character’ which the vstrom doesnt seem to have. I think its a very good touring bike.
hi folks. i am embarking on a new adventure. i am trying to get a bike and this will be my first ever! i am confused with so many options out there. my friend told me to get a 250cc since its smaller and not too fast. a dealer told me to go with the 650cc because i am going to grow out of the 250cc pretty soon and i will be bored with it. any advice folks? what is a good 650cc bike to get? i am 5.8′ tall and i weigh 130 lbs.
Heya nicely done site!
I ride a 2001 Suzuki Savage 650, bought her new right out of the safety class.
I have logged over 35,000 miles so far.
I am 5’2″ and I have participated in MC rides, solo rides, distance ride, regular city commute and my little skoot can do it!
Over the years, I have owned 23 motorcycles; all road bikes. Harleys, BMWs, Goldwings. I sold the last BMW last year and thought I was done riding (after 40 years of motorcycling). I was wrong. Got the itch again and called a dealer friend; told him I wanted something I could toss into a toy hauler, light weight, and just do some playing. He recommended the V-Strom 650. I haven’t had a bike this small since my Triumph Bonneville in high school. I scoffed. Never owned a Suzuki before. The bike is “ugly” – never owned an ugly bike. I went to his place and rode a bunch of different bikes… and the DL-650 was the most fun of the group. I love the torque and power (whoda thunk a 650 could do that???); it’s light and easy to flick through the corners, nimble and responsive. I have really been enjoying riding again! We’re spending a month or two in the Black Hills – some of the best motorcycle roads in the country. I smile and wave at the HD guys…glad I didn’t buy a Harley look-alike. My wife is comfortable on the back seat and even takes the bike on her own once in a while (we rode separate bikes for years, but she hasn’t had her own bike in about 15 years)… I may have to go buy another one of these neat little bikes.
Two very enthusiastic thumbs up for this capable little “adventure touring” bike… and I’ve even come to appreciate the look. Guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.
I purchased my first dl 650 in 2005. I loved everything about this motorcycle other then Wind Buffeting. I tried adjusting the windshield finally taking if off and nothing helped. I sold it as I could no longer stand the buffeting. In 2007 I heard about the Madstad bracket curing the problem so I purchase another DL650 installed the bracket, and could not find a setting to eliminate the buffeting. So another sale of bike I loved but could not ride with the buffeting problem. I am 5’7″ tall, and I think height has something to do with the problem as I talked to another gentleman 6’0 tall and he never experienced the problem. If you are contemplating buying a v-strom, I would strongly suggest a test ride, as the buffeting is the most intense I have ever experienced on a motorcyle.
Hi, I bought a weestrom in late April and I have put 3700 miles on it so far. I love this bike. I’ve owned a few Honda 750’s, a Goldwing, and a KLR650 and this bike is in a class of it’s own. The versatility is what I was looking for and while it can’t match the Klr650 off road, it certainly makes up for that in it’s road prowess. I was considering a Goldwing, BMW, FJR, ST1300, etc, but for the price, the Vstrom has them beat hands down.
@Robbie
Re your problem with crosswinds. I noticed this the first time I took my new 04 out on I-95, was not a good feeling.
I read on one of the forums about lowering the front end. It’s been over four years now so I can’t remember the exact amount – 15mm comes to mind, but again I can’t be sure. You could check out some of the more popular vstrom forums for the details.
Ok, I found this link with a discussion/description – http://11109.rapidforum.com/topic=101179171444&search=wind%2Clower%2Cfront%2Cfork
But it worked perfectly, made a world of difference in the stability and feel of the bike. Other than new grips and a givi trunk to carry things I haven’t made any other changes and I love this bike. By far my favourite in 29 years of riding. Have fun.
Hello all. I am in the process of finding a new motorcycle. I have not been riding for about 6 years. I sold my last bike due to 3 kids , a house and a busy life. I’m sure you all understand. I have recently zeroed in on the DL1000 V Strom. I like it alot and I love the versatility. Can anyone tell me as mush about the bike as possible? Im 6 foot 2 , 240 lbs. I figured the 650 would be too small. Thank you . I look foward to reading about the V strom . John
I bought a suzuki 650 dl about two months ago for general transportation and future exploring. I’m 6’5 and 270, the bike fits great and so does the mpg- 49+.
I took my 650 V Strom to Kerrville Texas by trailer in April. After riding a rally for three days I went on a 3,000 mile trip thru Mexico, crossing at Presidio and returning via Baha and Tijhuana, to San Deigo and up the Pacific Coast Highway. This trip of 12 days required a ferry crossing the Sea of Cortes. The engine had no problem with sustained California interstate speeds for long hours. Riding north on the Pacific Coast Highway was a pleasure on this bike.
Before undertaking this ride I fitted a pair of 36 litre Givi hard bags, a set of Givi engine gaurds and a SW Motech center stand. The bike performed flawlessly although a gel seat pad and a throttle stop such as a Throttle Miester would have made long days in the saddle more comfortable.
For an inexpensive bike this one is hard to beat. I have been riding for nearly 50 years and own four other cycles, including a BMW. Yet it is this one that is getting most of the miles. It is a serious motorcycle that would make a good starter bike, providing one has the inseam to reach the ground. As skills developed, the rider would grow into this machine rather than out growing it. I have heard credible reports of 55+ mpg although with my riding style, I rarely get more than 45. For a more sporty motorcycle I would consider the Susuki SV 650, which also shares the same “bullit proof” engine. This is another cycle that suits novice, female, as well as expert riders. The SV has a lower seat height than the DL.
I’m thinking about getting a V-Strom. I’m 6’7″ 275. Will the 650 be too small?
Vstrom is the bike. Its my first bike; simply superb. I have no complaint.
I am 6 ft., and the ergos are fine for me. The matter of wind buffeting has been a none issue with the stock wind screen. I rode with a friend who stands about 6’3″ and he is comfortable on his V Strom. Jim is slender, so 4 inches and some extra weight will make a difference. He opted for an adjustable wind screen.
Can you attend a rally such as Vintage Days or the Honda Hoot where you can test ride one? I belong to the Honda Sport Touring Assoc. Before I bought my 650 a buddy in the association let me try his V Strom 1000 for about an hour. These are suggestions that would help address your issue of bike fit.
At your height most bikes will seem small, but there are relativly minor modifications you can make to size your cycle to your needs. For example, more padding in the seat will mean less bend in the knees, and different handle bars will give you a longer reach/less cramped feeling. Sitting on a bike at the show room for a few min. will give you limited information.
I also own a BMW R1150RT. This is a bigger cycle all around than a V Strom. You may want to try a RT.
Hi, kinda novice rider, bought kids a ttr 125. Have been looking for a bike of my own. Since I have really short legs(30 inch max.) limits my search. I have been looking at the BMW F650GS, the V-Strom 650, and a few others. I have looked at so many bikes but was wondering if any one else had any suggestions. I live in rural Alberta, so looking for a decent bike I could use on county roads, but would like to take on decent trips. I have enough vehicles to take on the pavement, would like a bike I could grow into without having to up-grade into in a few months. thanks for any help, Pat