Suzuki V - Strom DL 650 Review
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- Here you can see an honest review from an ordinary rider. Check the benefits of this bike. Is this the best all round motorcycle on the market today? Take 5 minutes to check it out. - If you like it, leave me a nice comment.
Well I bought a Wee, early K4 model, came over from Nova Scotia of all places, one owner and only 16k up it.
Wow, what a complete bike. I've owned over 40 bikes, this has to be one of THE best I've had.
Mine has a Sargent seat, aftermarket Califoria Scientific (Cal Sci) screen, Hepco panniers with SW Motech EVO QR hangers and centre stand, absolutely love it.
Vibration is not a problem, for a 650cc V twin it is very good. The longer rides I have done on this are no problem and many people tour across Europe on them. The power is manageable but it is not a sports bike, so you can do higher speed cruising and overtakes quite easily. It is stable in the overtaking position and as long as you drop a gear there is always plenty of power. But the maximum bhp is around 67 bhp. The stock seat is very good it is wide and well padded
Thanks Frank :-)
This is my first motorcycle review on You Tube. I hope you found it helpful and please feel free to say hello and leave a nice comment ;-)
I agree with your assessment of the V-Strom. I have had mine for almost 5 years an am convinced that it was the best choice I could have made for the money it cost!
+C. S. Pennington Yes a good all round machine, the only thing is the spark plugs can be a bit hard to access for the non technical like me !
I know this video is old, but I just bought the same one like this, 33000kms on the clock, and clean service report, can't wait for Saturday to pick her up, I currently have a 03' Sv650 also blue, for daily commute, best bike I've ever owned, it just keeps on giving
I sold my yellow 08 an number of years ago & regretted it almost instantly.
So last week I bought another 08, blue exactly like this one.
It might be the world's most perfect motorcycle - certainly for the money, I don't think there's a better bike.
Jamie, the 650 engine has stood all tests and is a good one, it is still being used for the new V Strom, yes it's been changed, modernised and tweaked, but basically the same V twin. Excellent all round motorcycle. No doubt about it. Enjoy.
It's a V-strom after all and the V makes it V-ery special to me, and I can hear the Vroom, and used to be pedantic before I got a motorcycle
So far I've put about 12000 km on my DL-650. I agree with most of your comments. However no bikes are perfect. In the case of the V Strom 650 I would say the brakes are Fair at best. Also the lack of low end torque on this bike is an issue. It pretty much has nothing below 6000 RPM. If I had to do it again I would get the V Strom 1000 and sacrifice some agility for more grunt. Still for the money, you do get a lot of motorcycle.
Hi, a nice, intelligent assessment of this great bike. After 49 years riding and over 30 bikes owned i like my 2007 V-strom the most. Regards, Kevin.
Thanks Kevin
I still regret selling my old 2007 Vstrom 650X, loved it, I didn't like my 1500 Intruder, I'd take my Vstrom back in a heartbeat.
Oh well, you can always reconsider. In the UK there are plenty for sale. I now have a 2013 V Strom. A good all round motorcycle.
@simon44 Thanks Simon, very good point raised and one to consider with care as visibility is all on a motorcycle! Best wishes. Dave.
Very smooth v twin power at 60 to 65 mph. Also at that speed very economical too. I can get into the 70s mpg at those speeds, but I have the twin spark which runs better and more efficiently. The spark plugs can be a bit fiddly, but not too bad, remember if you get the twin spark it is 4 plugs! Oil and filter access is easy. I have serviced it annually and apart from consumables in 2 years it has been faultless. Japanese engineering is very good and the V Stroms are all built in Japan.
Ram, I don't fully understand the question. I assume you mean what gear do I ride in when it is wet? Well, basically just slow down a bit and make sure that I keep the bike at sensible speeds . I have just fitted the Metzeler Tourance tyres as I found them good in the past. These are 85% road 15% light trail use. So good for our UK roads which aren't always as smooth and well made as they used to be. Hope that helps. Take care.
Thanks for the video. I'm looking at one now, a 1st gen (that's what I can afford), with extremely low miles. Also, beautiful countryside there! Best regards.
+Sean they are a good solid bike. A great do it all bike. You'll find the the engine is strong and should go on for years.
New REVIEW of my L2 2012 Suzuki V Strom 650 - brilliant bike I am loving it. Here we are....
Suzuki V Strom DL 650 Review - 2012/13 model honest actual owner's review
I just picked up my 208 yellow 650vstrom today..mar 23/2016...whow what a motorcycle I LOVE...LOVE..IT ! 3300 miles on it center stand ,top box & higher windscreen. ..for just 5000.oo. what a sweet deal !
5000 euros?
Please note: The Suzuki was used day in day out for commuting duties in the cold winter. Absolutely no problems starting and no reliability problems. 10 out of 10 from me!
How do you remove the top box???? Thanks
just use the latch underneath the keyhole, press it and it should release?
Dave Alan yaa man, i did it, thanks, it was really easy hahahah. Thanks
good, enjoy the V Strom, a superb all rounder. Safe riding.
Dave Alan thanks man, I'm new into this motorbike world, ill do my best to be safe.
zeyer73 I'm looking to get a used '04 vstrom 650, are you liking yours so far as a beginner?
Kris, it is an ever popular bike. The late Kevin Ash (of the Daily Telegraph sadly killed doing a motorcycle review) said it was|: ''The thinking man's motorcycle.'' You won't be dissapointed. It does most things very well indeed. The adventure pack looks neat especially on the new face lift versions. Safe riding.
@schneb73 I've had one for two months now, after being a dirt rider all of my life. I'm 5' 8.5", so I put 1" up and 1" back risers on the bars.Now it feels very much like a smooth dirt bike once it's rolling. BUT at very slow speeds, and while stopped, it feels heavy. In all fairness, it is twice what my dirt bike weighs, so that's understandable. On the freeway, and carving up the canyons, it's a dream. I'm sure that you won't be disappointed. It's an awesome bike that's somewhat dirt capable.
@sarkiarse To be fair I've not used it 2 up, but listening to people who have, it seems to be effective. Bear in mind with a pillion and luggage it is a 650cc, so it will respond accordingly. I wouldn't want to give you duff information! It is a very planted bike and as a mid range tourer its is up their with the best of them!
@OccasionallyEvil Yes, fair points, sadly I live in the UK and gas or petrol is $10 per gallon !!!!! So the 650cc has reasonable mpg - as you'll appreciate gas/petrol is an issue for us Brits (I am assuming you are an American I may be wrong) ! Safe riding buddy!
@aero3132 Let me know what you go for eventually. There is a lot of choice out there and normally Honda bikes have a very good build quality. When you get more confident you may want to look at the V Strom again, remember you can get low seats for them which knocks a couple of inches off the height.
Thank you. I am now 12 months into owning this bike and it has been good. It is a genuine ''all rounder'' bike and I like the adventure tourer style. So overall 12 months in, it is worth considering. Remember that Suzuki have now face lifted the whole bike mid to late 2011.
@coyote7272 - The V Strom 650 appeared in 2004, so try and check out the 2004 models. They are ideal for travel and touring. E bay is a good place to look. Good hunting.
Great review, thanks. Will getting one of these to replace my old faithfull Honda Revere 600, that handles with all the aplomb of the Ferry it travels on to get across the channel. Hopefully for next European tour :)
you cannot go wrong with the V Strom; it's a great do everything bike for sure.
@@casperdog777 Revere sold, Wee bought😎
Dude sounds like Chris Martin!
You sound like Sean Bean :) Very nice review though :)
That's a compliment, thank you. Good all round motorcycle. The new V Strom 2017 is now out, still uses a modified engine that is much the same as this model. Can't believe the review got nearly 184,000 hits.
Don't forget to check out my new V Strom (a 2013 model) review....Suzuki V Strom 650 Review - A 2013 model
I have a 2007 V-Strom and have owned it for 4 weeks love the bike so easy to ride and maintain and now I find I'm looking at the new model mmm can I afford it
+Keith Drury Keith it's a very very good all round motorcycle. Anyone who has ridden one will agree. Hope you get the model you want. Safe riding ! Dave
+Dave Alan At the moment happy with the one I have, so will keep hold of this one for some time then in a year or two look at the new model
@1085oliverda The SV is more of a sports bike whereas the V Strom 650 is classed as a mid range ''adventurer tourer''. What I like about the V Strom is that it is a real utilitarian bike which can do most things well. The horse power is fine for real world riders and Suzuki believe in the model as they've just given it a major face lift. For the UK good mpg is crucial with very high petrol prices and I get up to 65 to 70 mpg!
Writers comment: well I've had the bike since May 2011. So far no faults or problems and now I'm commuting on it in all weathers. It never misses a beat and I am getting mpg in the high 60s per gallon. I have actually achieved over 70 mpg a few times which for a v twin 650cc engine is superb. I would change over to the new facelift V Strom if I could justify it. Suzuki have improved an already very good bike. 9 out of 10 from me! Well worth considering as a grown up all rounder machine.
@casperdog777 I just want to add that I have no affiliation with Madstad by the way. You need to order them from america. I couldnt find them for sale over here. Basically put the Madstad replaces your original bracket on the bike and you reinstall your original screen as well. Witht the Madstad bracket you can adjust the screen on the go in four axsis (up & down). Check it out on UA-cam.
@sarkiarse All the best with your decision; I am sure whatever model you'll not be dissapointed. My main gripe is the finish on the chrome , screws and fastenings etc. It's OK but the quality could be a bit better, but I'm just a bit fussy. Overall a very good bike indeed. That issue for me its what stops me giving it 10 out of 10 and I give it a 9.5 out of 10 ;-) All the best!
@schneb73 The bike is a good all rounder and quite forgiving. So in my view it would make a good first bike. It is perfectly at home doing a local shop or going touring. It is versatile in every way. Of course the late 2011 models are now facelifted, so you'll need to choose between these and the previous version - both are good! Happy hunting and you won't be dissapointed I'm sure. Let me know how you get on.
@aero3132 I'm only just 5' 8'' tall and the V Strom is absolutely fine for me, but I've been riding bikes for years. You could look at the Kawasaki (in the UK they're called Ninja) 250cc or one of the Honda 250cc CBF machines, both of these bikes will give you decent performance, small size and great mpg. The Kawaskai Versys is too tall for you. A 250 with a good after market screen can be OK to tour, as you can hold speeds of 50 to 70 mph easily.
@simon44 Thanks Simon. I've got the OE screen as well which seems OK too. But does it depend on height I wonder? The givi screen is a bit of a sail; but it keeps the wind off pretty much and being several inches taller than the OE screen you really do feel cocooned ;-) Yes I'll look around for a Madstad bracket and give it w whirl too !
@aero3132 Great little bike by all accounts, I am sure you'll like it and if you do get a V Strom, you'll note the extra 'presence' it has and the performance is respectable. The 250 Ninja is no slouch though, good economy and legendary relaibility. Enjoy!
I have the same machine (2006) same colour at least ;) I ride to work daily -on both tarmac and mucky laneway :) I took it to southern France last year with full luggage (incl. tent) - very comfortable. An extremely versatile bike- I love it. Was thinking of changing up to a GS but just cant find a reason.....recommend!
Thanks for the nice comments. The review was totally unscripted by the way. Suzuki have just unveiled their 2012 face lift model V Strom 650 and by all accounts this an improvement on what is already a good bike. If anyone sees a 'You Tube' review for the face lift version let me know !
Update on ownership -
1. 100% reliable - but if you get Oxford heated grips remember to turn them off as they drain the battery when the bike is not running.
2. The Givi touring screen is fine for the summer but the OE screen is far better for winter riding.
3. Make sure that you get all 4 spark plugs changed when you service the bike (only applies to 2008 onward twin spark models).
4. If you use the Suzuki luggage GT version remember they are WIDER than the bike itself
Happy riding :-)
2 points. I also have a 29 inch inside leg! I can ride the bike fine with no issues. 2nd point yes you can get lowering kit, which if I am correct, lowers the main suspension unit, but as I've not done it I can't be 100% sure. My review was done as an ordinary rider i am no journalist! After 12 months ownership this bike is definitely a good all rounder! You may find the standard height acceptable or not, it's a personal thing , for me I am fine with it at standard height!
@casperdog777 I did exactly what you did and what many others before us have done. We bought an oversize screen which yes may solve the buffeting issue, but it brings with it more problems than it solves. The biggest issue is of course visability. If it rains you'll struggle to see through the screen if you cant see over it (unless you're 6' 5''.). One winter morning there was freezing fog during the night and when I left for work I couldnt see a thing through the screen. Madstad cures all!
Many thanks. Yes I'm just being lazy by not sorting the wiring out, but the Oxford grips are super in the very cold weather. I don't normally go off road so I have kept the bike as it is. I have only taken it on light off road adventures!
@mysolveing Got a good deal on it, which made me forget my BMW F800 ST idea and go for the V Strom. It has 10,500 miles on it when I bought it and I paid under £4,000 for it. With a very generous part ex on my old Triumph I was very happy with the deal.
Keep an eye out for Suzuki's new mid range motorcycle probably used the Gladius engine! Being released towards the end of June 2011. Waiting for photos and a road review.
February 2013 Update - my fault entirely, had to replace disc set on the front as I had let my disc pads go down to the metal ;-( However, the bike is running as strongly as ever and is a joy to ride despite the cold, rain and snow of an English winter. Still very happy with my bike, now having done 7,000 miles and rising.
@ScottsUtubeWorld I classify this bike as the typical ''good all rounder''. It can do most things well - currently mine takes me to work and back in the most foul weather that Britain can throw at any bike! I'm glad you like it!!! Ride safe.
Liam Xaoh - I think you may find this is a very accomplished machine. In nearly two years of ownership I have been very pleased and reliability has been 100%. I have wondered whether to go for the face lift version ( from 2011 onwards)., but at the moment my 2008 model is doing just fine and having done 18,000 reliable miles it seems fit to do many more miles on top of that. Hope you find what you want.
Simon - you are 100% correct! The Givi touring screen is OK for summer. I have used the OE screen which is fine for me at my height. I just couldn't see over the Givi in the winter time! Still pleased with the V Strom and in June I will have had it for 2 years.
One point is that as a viewer pointed out a few months ago - the touring screen is fine in summer, less so in winter when you need to be able to see over the screen. I have now reverted to all year round riding with the OE screen which is perfectly good for me. The touring screen would be great for long straight roads in summer.
I wanted to set one up for a few long trips. All the reviews seem to positive (apart from the few dislikes about the style(?) ) but in terms of bangs for the buck it seems just about perfect. How smooth is the motor at 60 65 mph (100 to 110kmh)? Do you see any issues with some things being difficult to service? (easy to change the oil, change the plugs etc). Any comments appreciated. Cheers
@wriggly40 You may be right there! I haven't got crash bars on mine though!!!! Maybe I ought to fit them. The facelift model looks good as well - may go for one of those next year maybe :-)
It will get into the 65 mpg range easily. I have managed into the 70 mpg zone a few times. It is a great all round bike. Thanks for your compliments about the review, just taken on my small camera in movie mode! Can't believe the number of views it's had!
@sarkiarse You could always wait for the forthcoming new mid range tourer, similar to the V Strom 650, possibly with the Gladius engine and lots of re-styling. The will probably heavily discount the Xpedition though and you'd get a great bike ;-)
Thanks for sharing those thoughts. You're absolutely right it is versatile, in fact that's it's middle name! Very forgiving too so great for new riders and rewarding enough for the more experienced. I think the GS is a special bike, but like you I cannot justify changing mine. Simple to ride, rewarding and not too expensive to run on a daily basis, a real consideration if you're living in sky high petrol price Britain :-) I've got into the 70 mpg range (mine is the twin spark = better mpg).
hows the speed and power on the 650 vstrom i have a buell blast right now and when i'm on the highways it does alright but i when i want to pass or hit a hill it bogs down and i have trouble which is annoying i'm 250 lbs how is the vstrom when it comes to power handling and speed. for highway and off road.
Get yourself the Madstad bracket in replacement for the Givi screen and reinstall your original screen. You will thank me later.
@Monniteclass Yes, I now use it to commute and it is reliable and does what it says on the tin. Inspires confidence and I have had a few bikes in 35 years as a rider!
Zaza, I have only good things to say about the V Stom. But it is one of several good similar bikes out there. Have you considered the BMW F800 as a bike? Also, remember that in 2011 the V Strom 650 was given a thorough make over , so the 2011 onward V Stroms are definitely worth considering.
Thanks, it was done with my Lumix Panasonic camera. A great all round bike. Maybe the newer version sometime, meantime mine is a tough bike. Very pleased with it.
nice looking bike just 1 question when you turn the ignishion on do the rev speedo needle go up than down
I hae the same and just love it
Great all rounder bike that's so true glad you like yours!
Nice review and nice bike. I am looking at a year old one in adventure pack. Thnx
I keep coming back to the V-Strom when looking for a low priced tourer that seems to do most things very well. Thanks for the review.
@MrFrozenCanuck Thanks Pat, you see we have lovely countryside over here just on a much smaller scale than The Rockies ;-)
Very nice review, thanks. I am trying to decide between V-strom, Honda CN700X with dual clutch transmission and BMW F650.
@sarkiarse When you get your bike let us know which one you went for buddy!
I'm sure you'll enjoy it ! I use my almost every day of the week and weekends. Good solid bike. Does everything. Enjoy
@terrytrooper2 Yes this is a function of the electronics, they all do that.
He meant, what kind of rain protections (rain gears) do you wear during the rainy season?
i love my wee too :) silver ones bounce better tho when dropped ;)
Thanks for the comprehensive review! I'm going to do a testdrive on one of these tomorrow :)
Bram they are a good all round bike I find mine very useful BUT I do now use the standard screen not the touring screen.
Dave Sax
Why is that?
Basically the Givi touring screen in winter (assuming you aren't tall) cannot be seen over. Therefore you get misted up screen = very low visibility. I found the standard screen much better for all year riding purposes.
Dave Sax
Oh okay cool, thanks. Just wondering.
Just bought one today after researching the market carefully.
sir dave, what are your gears for the rainy season?
+themegamsg
$500.00 canadian
Thank you. Any further comments always welcome.
Pedant - very pedantic, very very pedantic
I am very very very pleased to hear it ;-)
really nice review!
A "very very very" good review ;)
it is a very PARTICULAR review, i can tell you that! haha nice video ;)
I hope you find it helpful. Very popular bikes. Safe riding.
+Dave Alan yeah very detailed video, love the bike!
Thanks Dave. Much appreciated.
my dad has that motorcyle
nice review
2012
what about the fuel? its economical?
Yes it is good. We use the measure of ''miles to the gallon'' and the V Strom gets 60 plus miles to the gallon. The modernised V Strom (From 2011) gets even more and can get up to 70 to 75 mpg. So for a 650cc machine with good performance is is economical. The tank will take you over 200 miles easily.
340km per tank sounds very cool,but you talk about 70-75mpg what about 100mpg?And yes my research tell me that 2007 dl650 are more econimical than previous ,I dont know about the new 2011+ because I havent the money for those xD
No 100 mpg is too economical. LOL. But it is a good all round motorcycle; there are lots of them in Greece I saw a few in Kefalonia when i was there.
I have 2012 650 Vstrom. Commuting to and from work I get 57 to 60 MPG as long as I go easy on the throttle. My average speed commuting is 45-55 MPH. On the highway traveling 65-75 MPH the mileage does drop off. The BMW 650 gets better mileage according to my review research, but it has a buzzier single cylinder thumper. I'm quite happy I went with the vstrom and I love the bike.