I'm a 27 year guy, I've had my 07 DL650 Vstrom for 7 years now. Done just over 30 000km on it. 76 000km on it now. This is the most amazing all rounder bike ever. Perfect beginner bike with its engine. From a 150cc chinese bike to my Vstrom! Incredibly happy with my bike and cant see myself to sell it or trade it in for something else. Time to do valve clearance now as the engine is sounding a bit ticky (FYI-This will be its first Valve Clearance service) Done very well until now, still rides like a bomb as it is. Parts aren't to expensive from Suzuki and still widely available.
I've had my 2014 Dl650 for ten years, I've done 63,000 miles on it mostly with my wife on the back, and camping gear when we've gone touring on it , It's been totally reliable and it's never, and I mean never ! let us down. I do all my own servicing and maintenance, and the valve clearances are still within the specified tolerance! Not yet had to change any valve shims , the engine is amazing! .We have other bikes between us ,but will never sell the Vstrom, it's been a memorable part of our lives . Love the track footage! Excellent!
Really enjoyed your review...spot on. I'm on my 3rd Strom...both 650 and 1000...currently a 650 which as of 01-Oct-2023 will be taking me on a 12,000+ mile tour through South America. In my career, I've been able to ride many different motorcycles and none of them have pulled me away from the V-Strom.
I’ve owned my 2013 V Strom for 9 years now. Rode it around the world in 2018-19 with my wife on the back. Get 260 miles from a tankful and like the reviewer I’ve looked for a replacement and can’t find one I would change my bike for.
I bought a KTM 790 Adventure 2 years ago to replace my 650 V Strom. Decided to keep the V Strom also. Ride both pretty much the same amount. I like the KTM, but love my 17 year old V Strom.
Endorse everything. DL650 is the greatest bike ever built. I can never replace it with anything else. It'll be my primary bike forever and the grand tourer. I've added a Triumph Bonneville which gives a completely different riding experience and makes up for the supposedly weaker aesthetics the Strom has. But in all fairness, a loaded Wee ready for a long trip is more beautiful than any garage queens.
they do just take anything you throw at throw at them 🙂 I was so overloaded on the European tour last year and never missed a beat as usual 🙂 🙂 Cheers for watching, and enjoy the ride 🙂
I have a DR650 now, but would absolutely pair it with the v-strom 650. I think less is more having owned larger bikes. The v-strom 650 is the bike for the smart, practical rider. Great review!
Excellent video from the heart. Have a DL1000 13yrs now, am 71 this year and can't imagine myself on a different bike but considering a DL650 as not so heavy to get on the stand. Brilliant thank you.
What a great review! I passed my full licence test last November and based on my instructor’s advice bought a DL650. I bought a 2009 model with 27,000 miles on the clock. What a magnificent bike it has been. I feel like it has taught me to ride and the bike is growing with me. 5,000 miles done and still going.
Excellent review. You really are right on all points. I bought a 2004 DL 1000 for US $500 5 years ago. The owner had terminal cancer and somewhat of a deathwish and wrecked it on a dirt road somewhere out in back of Las Vegas. It started and ran, so we hauled it home and got it running proper for about $300.00 ( broken timing chain guide, bent valve, new valve seat). The rest was updates and personalization and for less than $2500, I have a bike that has taken me reliably on several thousand mile tours, numerous backcountry adventures in the California/Oregon coastal range mountains and quite a few pleasant rides and dates with my lady. Long story short, the 650 is plenty of bike but that 1000 hauls the mail fully loaded with plenty of power to spare. For tires, Shinko 705s for touring and mostly road use but they will do gravel. I have also ran Bridgestone Battlax AX41 tires and the grip they add to this big bike is nothing short of stunning, very confidence inspiring off road and not bad on road, and I live on a twisty highway. Either version is a winner. Cheers. MJ
cheers mate, I swapped to the Mitas E07 for last years tour and ive been equally impressed by them. So much bettter than the heidenau scout, especially in the wet. wasnt sure how well theyd last or what theyd be like on highways to be fair but theyve been great and are so much better than anything else ive used off road, cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride
How cool is that! Got to put new shoes on my DL1000, thanks for the tips. Have you posted your strom to any of the groups or yt? I keep hemming and hawing about getting something smaller for better off road. But when I get out on the highway on my liter strom, I have serious doubts if I'd enjoy a KLR as much. It's not an enduro. But damn if it isn't a tank!
@@tts626 cant recomend the Mitas tyres enough mate, my only (minor) criticism, is you do get a sort of weird resonance at about 20 and then again about 40 mph where you can sort of feel the tread pattern gaps, but its minor and i think any fairly big block tyre will be worse or i would have gone for the E10 🙂cheers for watching, have a great day mate
I'm on my 2nd 08 650, the first was yellow ( the fastest colour ), it was the Yellow Lab of motorcycles - it just wanted to go wherever i wanted to go and do whatever I wanted to do. Sold it to a friend because I thought I needed a touring bike. Only after selling it, did I realize that's what I had. It was better at touring than the 1000 Concours I replaced it with. I've had a blue 08 for about 5 years now. I call it my "Grass Mud Horse" ( look that up, it's a bit rude). It had risers when I bought it, but I didn't care for them. I felt too disconnected from the front. Completely agree about the fork brace though, an absolute necessity. It's also the perfect bike for motorcycle camping. I don't even consider whether an item is too big, or too heavy. If it keeps me comfortable, then it gets strapped to the bike. My home - made, $20.00 Walmart top box holds most of my stuff, and is just the thing to gather firewood after camp is set up. It really doesn't do anything wrong.
I did look it up :-) cheers for sharing mate, I often call mine a donkey because it is :-) it might not get there as fast as a thoroughbred race horse but itll go places they never could :-) ride free
Great,balanced review, well presented. Really enjoyed it - even though your preaching to the converted! Ive rode all sorts in over 50 years riding, and the DL650 is without doubt , the best bike i ever rode!
cheers mate, As my mum would have said if you are going to do something give it everything you have, theres no point doing something by halves :-) cheers for watching, share the video on to anyone you think will be interested :-) ride free
One of the most comprehensive reports on the DL650. I had a white standard '17 and traded it and a '17 DR650 for a Z900RS. Would have kept them all, but no room. I missed the DL so much, I went in and found a new black and blue '22 650 Adventure. There's something I can't resist about these bikes. Suit me perfectly. And I still admire the looks of this bike, sitting next to the RS. Thanks. New sub.
Excellent review! The moto school where I've got my license has an V-StromDL650 with 260 000km! I had an V-StromDL650 and the only reason I changed it it's because I do a lots of highway but I changed it for V-StromDL1000 of 2009 with 95 000km.
just bought a v strom 650.2008 model 38000 km on clock for 4,800 Australian dollars looks brand new is an absolute dream to ride especially been on sports bikes and motocross bikes most of my life ,this bike is a absolute gem. Thank you for your review it was the best review honestly I've seen for a long time, cheers mate 🇦🇺🤝🏴💯👍
Welcome aboard mate, enjoy the ride and cheers for the high praise indeed, there is allsorts on the channel but there will be some restructuring, you might enjoy this one on the backup channel ua-cam.com/video/Qcz_ExSwdC4/v-deo.htmlsi=OOUDaT2fKMRpUzeS the channels are still under threat from youtube so make sure you make a note of the website, all Stromtrekkers most welcome 🙂 have a great day
@@barebonesmc hahaha cheers mate great channel yes they can get a little bit salty YT guys can't upset the algorithm thanks for your reply and your videos are awesome and you're riding skills are very similar to my own possibly, by the looks of things getting old isn't really slowly us down is it. I'm Gonna Ride until "dementia" sets, in at least much respect for Australia brother ride to live Live to Ride💯🇦🇺👌
@@Bok2022st I have my moments lol, in general i do take it steadier these days 🙂 I dont bounce as well lol , but sometimes you see a road and .................... 🙂
@@barebonesmc hahaha😂 perfect I see those roads myself from time to time,😉 yes it's the Bouncing part we want to try to avoid especially these days, I hear you loud & Clear.💯🤟🇦🇺
@@Bok2022st are front forks standard on yours? even an upgrade to progressive springs works wonders, but if you are ok with spanners, and can find some DL1000 forks from same era, you can swap the legs and then you get cartridge forks which cuts dive a lot
Hey! Love the review, feel the same way for the Wee. I got mine as the first bike 4 years ago (a 2011 Abs 650) - used, offcoarse. Yeah, I am a late-starter 39-year old rider newbe (at the time). Got the Wee for the unanimously confirmed by all owners, allCaps-written RELIABILITY on it. And yeah - really enjoy it! But one thing is still a BIG issue for me. The Weight. I am 5,6 feet tall, so I am just a little too short to flatfoot. I still have to ever fall(!) from the bike, but I am dropping it just RIDICULOUSLY often (even 4 years past) , even in the city, not to mention off roads. And picking it up (especially with stuff on it!) is a Herculean feat each time. Hell, even having to turn it around, when gone a 'wrong way' on a narrow trail is a torture. You obviously have a great load of experience with it, can you give some advice as to how to make life easier with the weight of the Wee?
As with many it did get fatter as it aged😂😂 although the series 1 will a full tank ain’t easy lol. First. Although I’m taller I only have a 30 inseam. And it is tall and top heavy. There is a knack/method to lifting it up. Bars turned back into saddle ( do you know how?) they can be lowered with dog ones and dropping the forks a little but you do loose ground clearance otherwise you have to sacrifice comfort and get a reworked seat but that’s not a good choice imo. It isn’t straightforward after that sorry. If you don’t know how to pick it up properly it is worth learning. I’m quite broken lol and I can if needed lift it (on the flat) with panniers n top box full ( it happens 😂) but it will never be light 😊
@@barebonesmc thanks! Yeah, considered lowering it. But too much clearance is lost🥲. Already found myself in 'tight spots', stuck on the belly offroad. . Even less pretty than just picking it up (because I usually ended up dropping it anyway, trying to get it free🤣🤣)
@@ilyagerasev4757been there 😂😂 beached whale springs to mind lol. I’ve hammered my baseplate out so many times 😂😂😂 that’s why I never understand powder coated backplates😂
I have been riding for over 50 years and have owned around 40 bikes. All but one was bought used, but all were great bikes in excellent condition with low miles, and my current, 2013 DL650 V-Strom ABS Adventure is possibly my favorite one of all time. It might also be the best deal I ever got on a used bike.
Great to hear so much apraisal for the dl650.I've got the '3rd gen.wee which I find comfortable,reliable,economical & fun to ride.I just do the same old commuter stuff which like all roads has unpredicables but have found that me Suzie always gets me there & back safely.
I made the mistake of trading my 06 Vstrom 650 in on a 2017 Africa twin. Biggest mistake I’ve ever made. That Honda dreamed of being a 1/4 of the bike my Vstrom was.
Welcome aboard mate, I know a few people who would argue with you but I wouldnt be one of them 🙂 People discount the Wee Strom without knowing its strengths I think, enjoy the ride my friend
Resistance is futile. Surely the '06 Wee owed you nothing and had little resale value. Unless storage space was an issue, why sell? The Wee is my wedded bliss, any other motorcycle will inevitably be just a short lived dalliance until I come to my senses. Sorry for your loss 😥😥
@@MrBenHaynes I have a mate who went Vstrom 650 to Super Tenere (lasted 3 years for him) to KTM 1090R (he loved it but) then swapped for 790 R which he hated and so went back to the Vstrom (despite working at Triumph) lol has to say something 🙂
Thank you for such a good comprehensive review of the bike! I am setting out for buying my first bike during the spring this year and after testing a ton of bikes last year after I got my license I can honestly say the V-Strom 650 is among among the two contenders for me (the other being the 750 GS from BMW). It felt very great to be seated upon and drove amazingly well. The very well proven track record of the bike also helps a lot as I plan to do my daily commute to work; about 110km a day; on the upcomming bike. I hope one day to say I will have owned a bike and loved it for as long as you clearly have loved your 650 :)
glad you enjoyed it mate 🙂 Theres plenty more on the channel, lots in the raw footage from touring and rides out on the vstrom, hope youll climb aboard. Cheers for watching. the Wee Strom is a donkey, but its a strong reliable old donkey and i cant see me parting with it lol. Ride Free 🙂
glad you enjoyed it mate 🙂 Theres plenty more on the channel and the website, let me know what you think. hope youll climb aboard. We do have a great bunch as subscribers and i can thoroughly recomend reading some of the comments too, some funny and most informative too. Cheers for watching. Ride Free 🙂
You make great videos, thankyou 🙏 I passed my mod 2 test on tuesday and bought a 2020 650 vstrom xt yesterday, wednesday. I had a lovely long run from Newport Gwent back home to Pembrokeshire. A fantastic bike so far and very happy, i felt a bit bad for the chap who sold it to me as a week before he had second thoughts on selling it, but remained true to his word, his replacement bike, a moto guzi Stevio hasnt fitted him so well yet. I hope it does.
well done and happy trails mate, you wont regret it, i just cant get my head around the exposed headers on the Stelvio, not for me, i prefer the V85, my Wee Strom has been sideways down a shale bank more than once and it survives lol, the stelvio wouldnt without a new exhaust system which would undoubtedly mean big bucks :-) have you seen the tour footage ? im on my way back now, dunno where you are based but i will be in the UK over the summer. you can contact me via the contact page on the website, although i do have some catching up to do on the emails lol
@@barebonesmc hey great message :) Yes I totally felt that about the Stevio also! Crazy hey, for an adventure bike! The chaps logic was that the Stevio was a lot more bike for the money compared with the Honda Africa twin, shaft drive, stainless steel bolts alloy frame, but yes with a major design fault. You must be able to get crash guards for it. I haven't seen the tour yet, I'll have a gander 👍🙂
I ride where there is a lot of limestone, the sharp rocks would wreck it, no matter what guards you used. the narrower profile of the Strom wins for me too, a hard act to follow, 🙂 bit hazy, just back off tour🙂Cheers for watching and for the comment mate. Ride Free 🙂
Great LONG time review! Thank you, sir! This is my first bike (I bought it when I got 40) based on reviews and a short try. I love it as it is, not being a hight skilled rider though (yet). Mine is the orage one with black crash bars, racks, rock guard and heat shild. And I'm happy to report that I get a lot of compliments here in Canada. Not that I care of course, because the only important thing is that I like the way it looks. I keep telling my wife to bury me with this bike like medieval knights have been buried with their horses.
I have a 2016 SV650 with ABS and that engine is magic ( same engine in the V Strom ), a V twin that revs to 10,500 and is as smooth and reliable as a Swiss clock.. The gearbox is a slick as anything I have ever ridden.
I’ve watched review multiple times, love your videos. I’m in the market again for a bike, trying to stay on the cheaper side, I found an 07 with 115k miles for $1500, it’s about as loaded as I’ve ever seen. Just concerned about the miles. Might pull the trigger Thank you for your review!
if its been looked after they will go on and on, ive known more than a few go well over 100k, some over 200k, look for oil burnin on the overrun but its rarely an issue, and 07 was the best year, especially if its the dark red one 🙂 but i'm not biased at all lol
@@barebonesmc it is in fact the red one! Love the color to top it off! I spoke to the guy today it appears it’s set up for my height and weight on top of everything else, think next weekend I’ll finally own one. He has meticulously cared for it, thinking it might work out great! Thanks again! (:
@@stevenflaton2693 fingers crossed mate, just do the overrun test, follow him and get him to rev it close to redline in first then shut off the throtle and dont touch the clutch, a small whisp of smoke isnt an issue, but if theres more it could mean valve guide oil seals but ive only seen that oon a couple of VERY high mileage bikes. and in all my time ive never known anyone have to do rings yet. if its been looked after it could be a better bike than some low milers. they like being used. mines not so high miles because i have other bikes, but its done a lot in first and 2nd gear around some gnarly lanes and even through rivers, so its been worked hard, i had to top the oil up a bit (probably 500ml or so) after 3000 miles into a 6k tour when i checked everything over, but it was 2 up being ridden hard for long days with some very fast runs and it was grossly overloaded, so i thought that was reasonable really good luck with it all
@@barebonesmcthank you so much for that advice, I will definitely do that test when I go see it! I hope the two in a half hour drive will be successful!! I will let you know what happens! 🙏🙏
@@stevenflaton2693 the water pump housing is usually the first bit to go scabby, dont be put off, a lot go that way, but they still work fine, i dont clean mine enough so it isnt the prettiest thing, but it does get used more than any other bikes every year, and 2007 was the best year. suspension can be improved very easily and isnt too expensive either. ask if he has done any mods to suspension if hes done that many miles. a rear shock at 100K (the way i use it) will be ready for a rebuild i would think, but as i have said. mine does get abused 🙂
I agree 100% I am 74 years old and been riding sense I was 14 . I rode a 2008 DL650 for 12 years, currently I ride a Yamaha V star 250 because of my age.
Just purchased my first Vtrom, a new to me 2015 650ax. loaded with all the goodies, panniers, top box, givi airflow, belly pan, center stand, saddleman seat, I was able to ride it for 2000kms before winter made me put it away. Love the bike. over winter I added the fork brace and mirror extenders and a power socket up front. I really enjoyed this video, very comprehensive and I welcomed the review. thanks...very easy to see I made a good choice. 54 years of riding (since I was 12)...all road bikes except my first which was a honda mini trail 50. Older now, coming from my third Valkyrie..wanted a lighter easier to manage bike and wanted to add back roads and light trail riding in the country. This bike and it's history of comfort and reliability made it the right choice. cheers
I have the same model with no abs also. I think you said everything for this bike,there is no replacement. I recently travelled a distance 370 klm with full tank with 110 klm/h and still had 2 full bars ( 110-130 klm) until run out of fuel. At least 500 klm with 1 tank for a 16 years old bike is amazing. For 16 years never left me in the side of the road waiting for help. Nice review.
they are hard to beat, and the gorgeous one has been spoiled by the comfortable passenger seat now so even if i wanted to ive got some persuading to do lol, she hates the Pegaso, and i thought that was comfy, much comfier than most of the modern alternatives lol
I'm the second owner of my 2015 VStrom 650 otherwise known as the Trusty Steed. Mine came with a lot of tasty bits, including the same racks as yours plus a COSMO belly pan, crash bars (can't remember who made them) and a GIVI screen. I soon added the COSMO fork brace and then made the discovery that the Bridgstone tyres fitted, although showing plenty of tread, were dreadful and a change to Avon Spirit ST's transformed the bike. I have been all over the UK in the last couple of years with many more solo camping trips planned. After 40 years of motorcycling the VStrom is my first ever Japanese bike, it was chosen carefully to meet a specific need (solo moto camping and long day rides) and it fulfils that role perfectly. I have tried a few other bikes and will continue to occasionally dip a toe but in my heart I know the Trusty Steed is the one for me.
lol, ive just been having a discussion about battlax's 🤣🤣 im not a fan either. I went for Mitas E 07 dakars for the tour and unbelievably they are still going strong now 🤣 great tyres
@@neilmackinnon3371 yep, i have been turned back by mud but they do better than the Anakee 2 and most other ADV tyres do. I find them much better in generall off road, what really surprised me was how good they were on highways and open roads where I thought the more open tread pattern wouldnt be anywhere near as good but it was great
Honestly, i think the only reason is a lack of will, always scared of loosing sales of the bigger ones. Take the original SV tubular chassis, put the longer suspension of the new 800 on, possibly relocate the oil filter and run the exhaust at the side of rhe block and you would have a lighter longer legged 650 parts bin special 🙂 use the SV engine for a bit more poke and trim as much bodywork as possible and you would have a giant killer of an adventure bike
Hi from Brazil. Your reviews are extremely informative and, awesome to watch. Your channel have amazing contents. Thank you for your work. Much respect.
I had 4 Stroms and had no problems at all. I rode one 30000 km in Southern Afrika on road and gravel. 1000 km at one day was a pleasure. Best comfort for rider and passenger. I have seen bikes with 270000 km and the engine was never opened. Only services.
Another serious Stromtrekker 🙂 I have seen a few with over 100k miles on, again, no issues mechanically. they are a ROBUST bike 🙂 thanks for watching, enjoy the ride
I have a 2006 model since one year, bought it as a temporary replacement bike while rebuilding Honda XRV 650 and now I am pretty biased what should I keep 😁 The only thing that truly dislike is the "clanking" sound the forks make when rebounding in an off road situations...every time I have the feeling that something is breaking inside. I was even researching to put progressive springs front and back but as I see from you experience it takes much more trying and testing of different elements with the suspension. I won't have the time to play around with it before my next trip but I guess that was fairly the cheapest modification that you made. Thanks for the review and the sharing, hands down - this is really versatile bike that I love as well.
just putting the progressive springs in did make a big difference, i did front and rear, it was about 6 years after that i swapped the internals out for the DL1000 internals, I know what you mean re the clatter lol 🙂cheers for watching mate, ride free 🙂
What a good, honest and detailed review! I am getting back into MC's after 22 years and settled on ADV bikes because of their all-round capability, handling and safety - they are the 4x4 pickup trucks of MC world. Budget is not an issue, but livability, reliability, flexibility, carrying capacity and driving range are on top of the list. I have narrowed down to the Honda CB500X, this baby, Triumph Tiger 900, BMW GS1250 and HD PA-1250S. Overall balance wise, this one seems to be the wise choice. It gives up the fuel economy to the Honda, but has similar range due to larger tank, it gives the heavy bike feel to the other 3 and the electronics, but has maneuverability. It is simple, and that is the pro, yet my sticking point because I do like electronic nannies up to a certain extent. But if apocalypse hits, with little customization, it will be good to have this in the bed of a diesel pickup, knowing fully well that tools in small toolbox can fix it.
Cheers mate , It fits me and my use well, I would like the suspension off the new 800, but other than that, i prefer the older 650, and she loves the passenger seat, so thats always good lol. been searching for a replacement for 10 years now, owned a fair few and sold them on, most bigger more powerful ones. the Vstrom always gets ridden the most
Nice to see you visited Asturias! I live near Oviedo! You are always welcome to visit us. Its such a good bike the DL. Very good review. Mark and family.
wow, we were close then, we were between Nava and Infiesto up in the hills 🙂 I did love Asturias, a special place. and thanks for the offer, much appreciated, you know we will be back 🙂 thanks for the comments, if you go to www.barebonesmc.com theres a contact form, send me a note and ill forward my email so we can stay in touch, ride free mate
A stunningly accurate review of the WeeStrom. I've done 170000km in the last 16 years on them. I mostly ride road now (because friends are tar babies) but really enjoy some solo gravel surfing.I have predominantly used Metzeler Tourance for the combination of longevity and good handling. I have now switched to Shinko 705 (only because the new Tourances supplied were consistantly 5-6 years since manufacture date!) and wearing well thanks to the generous tread depth when new. I love the Gen1 650's with ABS. I am open to finding a better mousetrap, but nothing comes remotely close to winning formula that is the V-Strom 650. I keep on trying to convince myself that a Honda CB500X will do, but she needs a few more herbs. Triumph Tiger 900GT if going the other way. Vive la V-Strom!
:-) I moved away from Michelin to the Mitas E07 and have to say i have been mightily impressed. it was always going to be better in the dirt but it was the highway miles in last years tour in Europe where it really surprised me, even in the rain with flooded roads in Asturias they held really well, :-) Cheers for watching mate and enjoy the ride
@@barebonesmc I’ve only tried the Mitas E08 as they’re close to Metzeler Tourance. The E08 had a slow leak and I couldn’t find the source. Parked it after a wet ride and found micro bubbles 🫧 around the entire tyre. Battled on until the tyre was worn and haven’t returned to Mitas. Tried a Heidenau K60 instead of the E07. Cheers
@@MrBenHaynes interesting. i didnt like the Heidenau at all, especially in the wet, id had E10's on my KLR and the Cagiva W12 and loved them but a bit too open tread for highways and i was fed up with quality going down on the michelins so went for the E07 for the tour last year and had no problem, 6k miles across Holland, Belgium, France, Portugal and Spain so they had everything to deal with. No problems at all. Still got same pair on now and I'd say theyll have done a lot of miles when theyre done lol
Absolutely brilliant video I have just purchased the 2024 Vstrom 650 I haven't taken possession of it yet and I have a 2024 Tenera 700 and yes the seat is terrible but what a bike to ride thank you for all your insight over 15 years
glad you enjoyed it mate 🙂 Theres plenty more on the channel, hope you will look around and find something your interested in. there is more on the website too. and there will be more to come. There is even some footage of me doing track days at Cadwell Park on my old girl lol Cheers for watching.Hope you will climb aboard. Ride Free 🙂
Thanks fot this very enriching review. I owned a 2006 DL650 and had over 115K km whe i sold it because we moved to Germany in 2017. it is still on the roads and has more than 140K and is still perfect in shape without any problems.
mine is very battle scarred lol, but it has been places no Vstrom should ever go 🙂 been looking a long time now and tried many others (including the newer stroms) but im not paying more to get a bike that isnt better for me 🙂
enjoy it mate. they are hard to beat. i wonder how many years are left of the 650 now theyve released the 800 though, will be a sad day when its discontinued
i have a bought new 2021 RE Himalayan that i use for commuting to work, I bought a new 2022 RE interceptor as a sunny day toy..It has covered only 1275mls as its a beeetch to keep the alloy engine cases sparkling and i always pick the Himalayan every time lol..I only rode Suzuki bikes for 32 years until i bought the RE's..my wife bought a new 2021 SV650 and she loves it, having ridden it, the engine makes the bike a joy to ride..at 56 yrs old, i need a bike that will outlast me, so thanks for this VERY long term ownership review, i loved it! 👍 Going to trade in the Interceptor for a new 650 vstrom on my next days off work 😄 with regards to your Givi mod..I bought a set of Givi E45 panniers in 1991 , they are still going strong, still waterproof, key/locks are 100%, but they have gone over the years from black to grey..we aged together as we both grey now 🤣 I know the wife will say again "OMG you are not putting them old boxes on a new bike?" ..err 🤔 of course i am! 😄
I'm so excited for you. Even though they run the same peachy motor, I'd love to have both the Strom & SV 650's in my garage to flick between! Thanks for reusing the panniers on your new steed. I'm a "reduce, re-use, recycle" kinda guy. I even have a "salvage Strom" in the back shed for spares. (It's supplied a surprising number of parts to my & friends Stroms)
I have tweaked mine now, so I can't think of a better bike for what I like to ride. Medium speed two lane roads., gravel roads at a leisurly pace. My mods on my 2017. Russel Day Long Sport saddle, Nissin CBR600 front brakes, sintered pads,braided lines, lowered pegs, pulled back bars, Cogent dynamics front fork valves, fork brace Heavier front springs, air horn, Clearwater lights, heated grips, LED lights, ....It is perfect...other than the styling. Yes, mine is Ugly. But it is a faithful horse that will take me far and long...God Willing. Great review.
You grow to love em dont you 🙂 i call mine a donkey lol, it wont get there the fastest but itll get there whatever you load it up with lol, it has been a reliable companion for many years now 🙂 welcome aboard mate, hope you will join us
Agree on everything you say regarding this fantastic motorcycle. I traded in my 04mod vstrom in a Tiger 800xc and l regrets that every day. For a long ride l would taken the vstrom before the Triumph any day.
i have a mate who works at triumph so i can get a discount but i still wont buy one at minute, the fact they ignored the constant write offs on the tiger 800 for so many years was just a joke, bean counters said the redesign would cost more than any greater sales it might create, a bit of a joke really
I've heard, recently, that valve clearance services can be ignored until you can actually hear the valve clatter starting. Given the expense involved, this sounds like a very attractive idea to me. Thanks for the vid. I tend to replace my bikes every 3 years, or less, and I'm a sucker for the latest tech. Your approach appears to be far more sensible and much, much, cheaper!
can be and should be are 2 different things mate, i get it can be a pain in the arse but i prefer to know rather than wait, prevention is always better than cure
Know this is an old comment, but I'll put this here for posterity. There are two ways valves can go, tight and loose. Loose makes it clack and because there is more clearance between the rocker and the valve top, it can cause loss of power due to them not opening the same amount Long term, leaving it like this can 'hammer' the top of the valve into a different shape needing replacement of the valve, as well as damaging the rocker. Tight is the more dangerous one. Tight means quiet, so you can't tell it's happening, but it also means that the valve never totally shuts off, causing both loss of compression (and therefore power) but also burning of the edges of the valve and valve seat as super hot exhaust gasses flow past. This can and has disabled the engine and is a costly repair needing heads/valves renewing.
My bikes over the years ranged from a VStar 1100, an FZ1, an FJR and now the VStrom 650. Every bike did something different pretty well. The VStar would lope along. The FZ1 would go fast in a hurry and the FJR would go fast in a hurry while being very comfortable and loaded down. The VStrom 650 can do all of those things to a good degree. It doesn't exactly excel at any of those things.....it just does every thing that I ask of it very well. I recently traded the FJR for the VStrom and couldn't be happier. I don't have the temptation to do 150mph anymore and it's approx 180 lbs lighter to boot!
The lower part of the motorcycle is not protected from the wind. Is there solution for that, there is a lot of wind at the legs. That's the only thing I don't like on this motorcycle, thanks.
it is always a balance mate, the bodywork does direct air away from the upper legs but not the lower legs and anything that covered your lower legs is damaged if the bike rolls over in the dirt, if that is one of your criteria, then a fully faired bike would maybe suit you better? Of the ADV bikes, i do think it directs rain and wind away from your upper legs better than many
Agree with everything you say about the Wee, i had a gen 1 back in the noughties and i've always remembered what a great bike it was. Had many adventure bikes since, but they seem to be getting more and more complicated now with evermore electronics and high prices to match. So last summer i bought a new gen 3 Wee and its great to be back on a Strom. I'm pretty sure this will be my last adventure bike and it will see out what riding years i have left. I also have an XSR900, that may or may not get changed, but the Wee is definitely here to stay. I've no interest in the new 800DE.
Hey there, I'm currently riding a Vstrom DL650 and the bike is pretty amazing. I use it mostly for city riding and the agility on this bike is just mind-blowing. Lane splitting through traffic is a breeze and the V-twin engine always makes me excited without fail. The mileage of my bike is currently 160,000km and the engine still runs well however currently, I am facing a fuel issue. My Weestrom is consuming much more fuel than it used to. My fuel economy currently is a low 15km/l(35mpg). I know for a fact the Vstrom would never go below 21km/l(49mpg) but as of now, these are the numbers I am getting. ( I'm actually counting my fuel consumption rather than relying on the meter) I'm currently figuring out what the problem is. I am certain it is not the engine as the bike is just bullet-proof but I would give it a check as a last resort. In the meantime, what do I check for? Do I change my fuel injector? Do valve clearance? I have changed the spark plugs and it still causing the same issue. I appreciate any answer and I love your videos!
Go the basics first. Air filter and airbox seals. Valve clearances unlikely but easy enough to check if you are ok with spanners. Injectors and injector control cct from ecu. How does it run? Not sure if an O2 sensor fault could cause it? Is inside exhaust black? Ie. Is it running rich? Or is the fuel going somewhere it shouldn’t? Not something I’ve come across tbh.
You just earned my subscription with that down to earth, real world review. I always wondered if I should add a DL650. I have a 2019 DL1000 and I had a 2012 DL1000. I love my 2019 VStrom 1000 so much that I would never get rid of it. I ride two up a lot with my wife. The added power, suspension and brakes of the 1000 made my choice of the 1000 over the 650. Fuel consumption is the only downside of the DL1000 the way I ride, especially since I will never take it off road ever again. Although doable, neither 650 or 1000 is much fun off road for me. Yet part of me still wants the 650 in addition to the 1000 for when I ride solo. The problem is, I start thinking about how much money I save in gas on the 650 versus how much I pay for a 650, and I can put a lot of gas in my 1000, which gets about 40 miles per gallon the way I ride it. I've ridden the 650 and like them a lot. One last note: I also ride a Harley Road King. It's good for when I'm feeling like a Harley, and that's ok too, but I find myself on the VStrom much more often.
i guess for me the kicker is that its easier off road than the 1000 and ive ridden it 2 up more than solo, both on and off road, and i know i ride slower 2 up but its rare it leaves me wanting more to be honest. when i had the Navigator (TL1000 engine) it was great for hooning around but off road was a nightmare in comparison and the big Vstrom might have better throttle response but the power is just too much off road i think, so if you stay on the road i can see why the 1000 suits better, they are both great bikes, cheers for watching and the sub is much appreciated, ride free my friend
I own the 2014 1000 and the 2008 650 Vstrom. The 2008 gets many more kms on it which obviously makes it the first I grab. More engaging fun bike. The 1000 like said in this video, is better for long straight Highway travel. Nicer sound, but that’s about it. I keep it because it is a fantastic on road touring bike. But can do it all. Both are absolute keepers.
Bought for my old man a DL650 K6, 110.000, 1700€, basically a steal. I ride a DL650 218 (NON-XT) and an SV650 K1, this engine is a gem, n1 undisputed for reliability too. Best power curve of any engine i have ever ridden, ever.
Ahh, I finally got around to watching this. That was a good honest, possibly slightly biased review. After owning one I definitely can't blame you for any bias, it would be based on your real world, living with the bike for an extended period, as opposed to some wordy sponsored clown on a very short term sponsored bike review. I was glad to see I wasn't the only one surprised by how heavy that standard muffler actually is, it's ridiculously heavy for such a small engine on a bike where power to weight is so much more of a performance and even handling factor. I will have to find the pictures I have of the one I had and see if it had the O2 sensor fitting. I can't remember for sure but you know yourself from watching the video of mine climbing aprox 1,500 feet from the creek level at that town to the top of that mountain, even while climbing hard, it pulled well so I guess I must have had it there. I did have the ABS on mine, it was new in either late 2013 or early 20124 and when I asked the dealership if it could be turned off on the rear they were so shocked that I might want to that I didn't persevere but, I will be disabling that IF I buy another, I wouldn't disable the front but, I'm used to having the real skidding around on a bike and it can be useful at times. I really hate having that feeling of the front washing out so that could stay, besides, on the road and especially fairly straight line stopping wise, the front is the one you need to be able to hit hard without worrying about it spitting out from under you. Thanks, that was enjoyable, a pity you had so much damp and misty looking weather through a lot of that. I'm spoiled here, that town I started mine at is an unofficial sort of staging point where riders either go to have brecky then ride around the mountains or, just to ride to to show off their bike if it's anything special. You'll see anything around 100 or more bikes lining the street on any warn sunny Sunday but, I've got pics of a mildly wet Sunday out their with my DL650 being the ONLY bike in the entire town lol. They're a bunch of spoiled softies around here lol.
your usual eloquent reply mate 🙂 glad you got around to watching it. i will get some more of last years tour videos up at some point but its been mad busy since the channel took off seriously. who would have thought it could grow this quickly 🙂
@@barebonesmc "Eloquent"? What a polite way of saying "holy crap you use a lot of words to say just a bit lol. I'm really glad your channel is taking off, not sure I'd describe it as "taking off exactly with videos going back 9 years though, or is it that you mentioned the DL 650 and immediately all the many many DL and SV 650 lovers suddenly found a new place that loves their choice of bike & engine combo lol. Either way, great stuff, enough growth to get monetised would be awesome for you. Actually, this will be here written for proof but you're welcome to share any or all of my video if it's of any use to you, at least it is dry riding lol. I doubt I'll ever get to them but, you've got a lot of good interesting videos I'm going to try and get too. Keep riding while you can and keep posting the rides, especially on either your DL or anything interesting. Have you ever ridden and wrung out 1 of those BMW S 1,000 Rs or the RR version, if you don't mind me asking? I'd love to hear your impression of them. I absolutely loved EVERYTHING about mine, all except that somehow it seemed to be invisible to cars. Insane power with 165 hp and barely cracking the 200 kg mark, handling was soooo good too, cruise control, even in 2014 was such a nice luxury too.
@@lorditsprobingtime6668 all it had ever been used for until this january was storing unedited video from various rides, track days etc, it was actually the Kove 450 Rally video that kicked it off first at the end of january (which was when i did the terrifying bikes video) not the Vstrom videos of various kinds that have been posted over 15 years of owning it. the terrifying bikes video did ok but nothing much really, then 2 months later at the end of march it went mental, from 200 to almost 2000 subscribers over night, now another month on almost doubled again as its almost 4k subs now so id call that taking off 🙂 the original idea was just to steer people to the tshirts and other merch i do that ive been selling for years, but with the bump in subscribers that changed a bit lol. as to the S1000, i rode 1 very briefly at a trackday and it scared the life out of me, made my Daytona and EXUP feel tame by comparison, not sure which model but it wasnt standard anyway. it was probably around 2017, i couldnt use the power it had around Cadwell Park anywhere to be totally honest. dont think i got past 4th gear even on what are jokingly called straights there. I was actually faster on the 90BHP Laverda 750S lol but that did have a Niko Bakker chassis. and despite being an electronics engineer by trade i am just not a fan of electronic controls on a bike. im a luddite at heart i guess lol
@@barebonesmc Ahhh, took off after that, with damned good reason! That was a very thorough and professionally done video! I only just now got around to watching it but yeah, a really well done review/summary of that pretty impressive bike. I would have sold my soul for a bike like that when I was younger, no chance now, mostly because of seat height but, also had a lot of experience with Chines made products and just do not trust their QC or consistency on anything, especially something like a bike. That is a VERY impressive result in the Dakar race. That's one hell of a tough, frequently deadly race and 3 out of 3 finishing, both as surviving bikes AND all 3 riders not crashing out nor breaking down is extremely impressive! With the S 1,000 I was starting to seriously consider getting back into a bit of club racing. I wouldn't have before on anything but that thing, it just had me REALLY wanting to play seriously where I could go as hard as I like, I even loved throwing that through the tight, snappy twisties. I loved the handling and maybe it's through familiarity (though the fact I opened one right up and ran it to the redline on the test ride say's otherwise) I would definitely wring it right out, I did through necessity, or what I consider necessity after being stuck behind a long string of cars bumper to bumper for mile after frustrating mile, all right up on each other so it was too dangerous to try picking them off 1 or more at a time so I had to take the whole string in one hit. I looked down at the speedo as an afterthought after I backed off the throttle and I don't know why but there was this number reading 285 there and from what I've read, that's their top. Reading that surprised me as I felt like it was still accelerating but, that seems to be what everyone else gets at full wind up so, , , The best part of the single R version is, it's slightly detuned and only (hugh, only lol) produces that 165 hp and revs to 12,000 while the double RR version gives a little over 200 hp but, that detuning gives the single R really usable torque around town riding and yeah, who really needs that extra when that version is so flexible. It's a really enjoyable and easy ride compared to the RR one, I'm really drawn to another one the same but, I really don't think I could ride it enough, or enjoy it enough with chronic pain etc etc that eventually catches up with old riders, especially after an accident that winds up with them removing various internal parts and in a critical condition, not expected to survive, on full life support and put into a coma for the next 8 days, 3 of which it took before my left lung even stopped filling with blood then 3 months, just in the intensive care ward before even shifting me to the general wards, it gets a bit hard to bounce back, especially when rapidly approaching that horrible seven ohhhhhhhhhhh hell !
Thank you so much, i could sit here and tell you why you helped me. but i am not good enough to right it. what i will say is a big thank you have answered soo many questions. it was my first choice bike if i could after passing my bike test from a CBT (a dream some would say) I have this as an option for my first bike (vstrom) and im going to get it First bike = YBR 125 Second bike = Vstrom Dreams come true if you work hard for them
mate that comment has made my day 🙂 thankyou, and anything i can help with just let me know, go and enjoy it 🙂 have you seen any of the tour footage? it took us around Europe again this year. this one was spectacular ua-cam.com/video/MjqM3gvXZHw/v-deo.html
@@JustKipper honestly mate, once you get into Europe you loose the feeling that every car driver is out to kill you pretty quick 🙂 where are you based?
Great review and you make a compelling case for the vstrom650. I had a Kawasaki Versys for a time but, while similarly challenged in the looks department was frankly frightening on gravel and loose tracks. Now I'd buy a vstrom as a more all round bike but being vain it might take an effort to get rid of my RE Interceptor which is a far inferior bike in almost every respect except looks (fun to ride though!)
Own a DL650 2007 best bike I ever had taken her around OZ 2up wife happy being on the back. It's got no guards and it's been Outback OZ with not much problems all needed is to Oil the chain .
I have two friends in ..the bike trade i asked them if they could have only one bike what would they have without hesitation they both agreed..the 650 Vstrom 😊
I don't need off road capabilities. but my sport tourer Ducati has 66ftlb torque and 108bhp. weighing the same as the DL650R which I'm sure is an excellent bike, I've had a few suzukis in my life and all bulletproof. But my 916 ST has such oomph and character with excellent chassis,brakes and suspension that I'll never sell my 23 yr old bike,i love it.
if we all thought the same it would be a boring world mate, re the DL650, i dont remember there ever being an R model? 🙂Cheers for watching mate. Ride Free 🙂
There are plenty with over 100k miles on the clock here, so 100k km is about 75k miles, average yearly mileage on bikes in the UK is around 5k miles, so someone could easily get another 5 years or more out of a bike with 100k kms on the clock. but it does depend on how well the bike has been looked after
@@MartinLV. there is a similar conversation in here somewhere thats fairly recent, discs are easy and parts in general are cheap as anything. good luck
Hi having owned many many bikes ive finally bought a well looked after 2011 model....i replaced a new tracer700gt ...was to small in legroom dept ...before that a new 1050xt vstrom brilliant bike but was a tad heavy ...the 650 is old but good fettle and i love the non tech👌 ease of use...in black i quite like the way it looks👌atb dave
i know a few people who have gone around the block and ended up back at the vstrom, a mate sold his wee and brought a super tenere, after about 3 or 4 years replaced that with a 1090 adventure, swapped that for a 790R and then quickly swapped that for a wee again :-) that must have been an expensive experiment lol, enjoy the ride mate
Greetings. First of all, congratulations on your videos. A question about the front suspension cartridges: you mentioned that you applied the DL1000 cartridges. Which generation are you referring to? First or second generation? Thank you very much.
first gen DL1000 stantions and internals are the swap i did, im not so sure on the 2nd gen ones, i am not sure if they were changed between series 1 and 2 to be honest, i know the 650 lost the preload adjustment at some point, (not sure if gen 2 had preload adjuster on the 650) so they may be different
@@zardportugal no problem mate, if you are doing it and need any help, just ask, its not a hard job, but you do need a longer spacer, theres too much sag with the standard spring and spacer
I am the original owner of a 2009 VStrom 650 with 85k miles. The bike is mostly reliable, with one major exception. My biggest problem was the failure of the stator, a known issue that Suzuki recalled OTHER bikes with the same part for, but never recalled my bike (grrr!). Also had to replace the rear shock and most recently the fork seals, but that's to be expected with the mileage. In addition the metal flange on the clutch that the clutch cable connects to simply broke a couple of years ago, immobilizing the bike.
@@StromBugSlayer i meant the stator issue, i thought it was just the lator stator that wasnt as strong, i know they changed it, and havent come across the issue with first gen ones, but theres always something i guess
I really enjoy your video! I have one question, can I travel all over the Europe till northcup, with my wife and full load on this bike ? Because I want to buy a 2009 model.
the simple answer is yes. an emphatic yes. if you look you will see the raw footage of the tour we just did, i am 6ft and just under 100kg, partner 60kg ish. 2 x 30ltr panniers, 40 ltr top box, 2 saddlebags mounted on engine protection bars and 2 dry bags strapped on. this year the bike did 3000 miles through France Holland Belgium Germany Switzerland Italy Austria and back to the UK. 2 years ago it did 6000 miles through a prolonged heatwave through Holland France down to North West Spain, down the border of Spain and Portugal to Extramadura then East through Andalucia to Granada and then back North through the central area of Spain up to near Burgos before we got the ferry back to the UK. There is not a more passenger friendly ADV bike other than possibly the Super Tenere 1200, which is a LOT heavier. and the Vstrom with carry a load better than most. I think we were close to half a ton rolling on the Spain tour. truly great bikes in my humble opinion, and without a doubt, the most dependable bike i have ever owned. hope that helps. check out some of the old tour footage in this playlist ua-cam.com/play/PLQ4ZIwIZyn7pLAoyaJ5o3rnmPOy50SDCg.html and this years tour here ua-cam.com/play/PLQ4ZIwIZyn7qMvPsRiNHP3ThZ7Ln2hNP2.html
If I could ask you & other V-Stromers here, how often have you changed the Air Filter (manual states change at 18k) ? And plugs (at 12k, which seems excessive) how often ? Thank you to anyone who can input. I have a new to me lo miles 2008.
sorry i missed this one i change my air filter quite often, probably about 10k max, and much less if ive been inthe dirt or if its dusty, but thats my riding. plugs i usually check and clean at the same time, once youve done it a couple of times it gets easier 🙂Cheers for watching mate. Ride Free 🙂
Mine are a cheaper Ali Express version of the BarkBusters, they are a universal fit, and I use flat MX bars on 12 risers, they just bo;t into place and clamp around the bars
Thought about changing bikes this spring but have decided to keep my VStrom 650. This video has reinforced my decision. I do need a set of tyres as my front is getting down to the wear bars. I have ordered Micheline Annakee Adventures. Your review does not mention tyres and am wondering which tyres you personally have found work the best for tarmac and the occasional unpaved lanes.
I used Anakee 2's for years, even after the 3 came out. didnt like the 3, and the last 2's I had didnt last or grip as well. I did the 6k tour last year on Mitas E07 Dakars and i love them, great tyre, cheers for watching mate
I purchased the Annakee Adventure tyres (for my 08 gen 1) and find them great for loose gravel and even the rougher stuff. 20/80 tyre which is what a Vstrom 650 is in my opinion. My friend got the Annakee Wild’s on his Vstrom 1000 adventure. Maybe a bit of an overkill due to the ability of the suspension, but he is more of a 50/50 rider. I have no problems keeping up with him on the Adventure’s. Adventure’s will give you a lot more life which was important to me.
@@florme6494 I used ANakee 2's for years but didnt think the new ones were as good to be honest, hence my move to Mitas, :-) Cheers for watching mate, ride free
That is true, I preferred the series 1 850 to be fair, but i had one so i am biased. and compared to the Vstrom it was far from economical, but a great bike nontheless. and yes, there will probably be a fair few TDM's left after the apocolypse too :-) Cheers for watching mate
@@barebonesmc The 850 was a different beast, chugging oil and less economical than the 9er. My 9er would happily sit at 80 mph and return 60 mpg. In all my calculated fill ups it rarely went below 60 mpg, and often returned high 60s when ridden on French N roads at 90 kph. I had mine for 13 years, rode it through Europe most years and it never missed a beat. And being a 900, at motorway speeds it purred along. I like the DL650 a lot and was close to buying one, just for a change, but it isn't a superior bike to the Yamaha, just similarly utilitarian and rock solid. Because they are similar machines, many blokes have had both, so I've heard the comparisons over the years. Some of the clear TDMs advantages are that it's easier to work on, has a good deal more grunt (for fast overtakes and getting cracking when in Germany) and better build quality than the Suzuki. The DL650, from reports, handles better (I always found the TDMs front end to feel a bit remote) and has a more comfortable riding position. Those are the only 2 points are what come to mind. Anyway, it's all horses for courses, but the TDM is worthy of the mention from my POV.
@@buz3 ei do know a guy who had several over a long period and swore by them. he ended up going to a 4 pot (think it was a CB1300 if i remember) and just moaned afterwards about getting rid of his last 900. Not seen him for a while as the shop he was a driver for shut but i imagine he will have gone back to a TDM knowing him. As to working on them. did they change the stupid battery box on the early 850s then? that was even harder to get at than the Zane Laverda battery lol, cheers for the comments mate. The TDM was a great bike all in all. I liked the original Super Tenere too.
Thanks for the detailed review. I hope I get as long out of my bike. I'm the glad owner of a 1st Gen DL1000 since 1 year ago and I was looking for a bike that was reliable as a commuter , inexpensive to maintain and suitable for touring. This review makes me think that I didn't go far wrong. I'm just getting back into biking after a long break and have no designs on offroad activities, so even if the 1000 isn't that way capable, I'm OK with it. I've been wrestling with how to get the rear preload adjuster to turn so that I can do a bit of 2-up, but my mechanic couldn't help. If anyone knows tips to get it to turn I'd be very grateful.
you wont go far wrong with bigger brother 🙂 sort clutch basket if it starts to rattle but thats about it. Ill have a look through manual to see how 1000 shock is done, is it not a remote adjuster? black knob right side in front of side panel under seat area. if not its probably a c spanner but i will check, enjoy the ride
@@barebonesmc Thanks for the reply. Yes, it's just a black knob on the right, as commented. The knob is too stiff to turn by hand and I am afraid of forcing it.
@@patricklall4433 no problem re reply. i do always try to answer peoples questions. being honest im not sure i have ever known one lock up. ill have a look when i can but its the gorgeous ones birthday tomorrow so prob wont be then lol. if im right it mounts on the front with a screw, take screw off and pull knob off adjuster and you should see where it actually turns. wrap a rag under and around it and give it a good spray with duck oil or wd 40, or better still jacuput oil (think thats the right spelling) if you can get a spanner on where the knob sits just try and keep rocking it back n forward and keep spraying a bit at a time, if no joy leave overnight and try again. if not it may be cheaper to swap the unit for a 2nd hand one than getting it rebuilt but hopefully it will free off. I guess if you demount the whole adjuster but leave hose connected you could soak the whole adjuster in penetrating oil and see then. good luck and keep me posted. im sure someone will have an idea if it doesnt work
I owned one DL670 model K7 ABS and I kept her 11 years. Never had an issue, she's a great bike, reliable, comfy and enjoyable. I replaced the crappy tokico brake pads by EBC HH with great improvement. I also replaced the front springs with Hyperpro progressive, and the rear one by a "shock factory" tuned for my weight at the factory. When I decided to sold her after bying a Versys 1000, she found her new owner in less than a week
The only bad things about my 2016 XT were the colour, background grey. Fixed with a rattle can. And the lack of cruise control. I do a lot of 750 km days, and my wrist suffers. As you say, the suspension is a bit basic, but it's good enough, like everything else on the bike.
Thank you so much for great video! I am looking for an aftermarket exhaust system for my 04 DL650, spent much time to get info abou this question. Can you pls advise some variants as you told with O2 sensors! And where it is possible to purchase in Europe? And what about fuel card like Power Commander ,is it necesarry to install or not?
I used MTC in Cheshire U.K. but GPR Are pretty good. MTC do a lifetime guarantee and stand by it. Martin is one of the good guys. Tell him Ian vstrom sent you and he will sort you out I’m sure. Both had sockets for the O2 sensor and no I don’t use a power commander. But it depends what you want. Mine is a very big end can and is better for torque as I baffle it back so I don’t cause problems touring. Little villages and loud cans don’t mix so well 🤣🤣
@@barebonesmc I also would like to order big volume can😀 I will write to MTC asking about the possibilities of producing exhaust for my DL650 and sending to Latvia👍
Great video. Thank you. I just bought a 650 vstrom. My main complaint is the stock bars. Way too high and pulled back. Your bars looked much closer to what I want. Do you know offhand exactly what bar you used in this video? Final comment, I noticed you’ve never mentioned Suzuki DR 650’s. Why? Thanks again, and please keep the great content coming.
glad you enjoyed it mate 🙂 Theres plenty more on the channel and the website, let me know what you think. hope youll climb aboard. The bars are cheap Chinese MX bars, alloy but standard diameter, like these www.ebay.co.uk/itm/391825031349?hash=item5b3a9780b5:g:O-YAAOSwTf9ZTuOF&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwAz360NBb%2Fc2DPX9ovRzba1%2F0e1MP3kKu5wiuzgUtqkikAqGUDYeZxjtsjPZSgRskDnDNW6XyhPaZkBD8Qr1%2Bf9n1Z9CR6JHy9VCmZHxrExAuzwExeZRZIGpUStdUQwwNKEtc0TM3LSTFSlgKW5Ger%2FMfY4RUwxz%2FlooRvXwoRj%2BV9ISsf75g%2F0CAbLQbIG1FNyipnmjy8fa3W2rVp%2FuZM1jOdrRgGhMo85zXYAy758s3ut%2Fq%2FNwtMUhlkaGpvG5Zg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8r9h-f8Yg but they are on 1 inch risers,.with the not barkbusters its a balance to adjust so they dont hit the front cowling but it just works :-) Cheers for watching. Ride Free 🙂
Great 'real-life' review, I have a 2011 DL650 and also love it, but it needs a stronger spring in the rear suspension when two-up and loaded panniers. Could you please tell me where you bought your replacement rear spring from and the brand? Thanks
great bikes, my springs are from Yacugar in Holland. it is the guy who originally started WP suspension before it got shortened from the name we dont mention lol. heres the link yacugar.com/ 🙂 Cheers for watching mate. Ride Free 🙂
I ve buyed a Dl650 with 9000 miles,i thoug was another good bike,but using it and sharing experiences with others bikers, i realize that i was very Lucky! Now i m not planning to sell it
I had a 2003 dl1000 and it was the best water-cooled bike I ever owned. As far as best bike ever owned it was an old bmw GS air-head that took me through north and south america. currently bike less .. my next bike will definitely be a DL650.
they are a damn good bike, i have been searching for a replacement for a good while now, and not found a better all rounder, plenty do some things better, but it suits me, and the pillion seat means the gorgeous one has been spoiled now lol
Nice video, I currently ride a 2007 Yamaha TDM900 which I love but as I'm just turning 70 I find it a little heavy to maneuver and I fear dropping it and would be unable to lift it. The Suzuki DL650 has always caught my eye and I have considered buying one on a few occasions, unfortunately I don't know anyone that owns one and I wouldn't know which year or model to buy, also would it be easier to maneuver than the TDM with my dodgy knees. Any comments would be appreciated...
series 1 are lightest but they arent light, although i do find it easier than the TDM i had was even with a full tank. mine is non ABS but thats my choice, later ones you get ABS as standard. later ones have smaller fuel tank but do a bit better mileage so range is similar. they are all decent bikes. where are you? theres always a Vstrom or 2 fairly near lol. there are some good forums to ask any in depth questions too, 🙂cheers for watching mate, ride free
@@Harry-Powney no problem mate, i cant imagine ever selling mine. but i do like to have a lighter bike on the road too for shorter journeys or if im not carrying a passenger 🙂 but if it had to be one bike the wee is a hard one to beat
Thanks again for your reply, yesterday I found a 2011 vstrom with 16,000 miles and going to look at it today.! It looks really tidy so fingers crossed..
Well I went to look at the 2011 16000 mile Vstrom and I'm sorry to say it was dreadful. On acceleration there was a positive knock from the engine suggesting a small end had a problem and it had little power, the breaks were poor to say the least. This all suggests to me that the 650 vstrom is not for me...
Excellent video.I purchased my 1st Vstrom 650 (2010)after 40years of riding great bike wish I had done so earlier! in case Ive missed it which mirrors have you fitted and any difference with the wind buffeting? As the stock ones are HUGE!!! thanks
i had some cheap LED indicator mirrors for years, similar shape to the aprilia, but they finally gave up recently and i wanted folding so ive got ones similar to the old KTM ones now. Honestly, i have never had too much of an issue although helmet makes a lot of difference. and ive used various screens with varying results. ive got a standard screen on again now but it is in the 3rd and highest hidden position (first gen) and i put 2 rubberised spacers between the screen and mount at the top so the screen is slightly more upright than usual but they are only about 6mm thick. It does seem to affect some riders more than others and i guess size is part of that. , :-) Cheers for watching and enjoy the ride
@@barebonesmc Ok thanks for the reply .I have the original screen with a madstad bracket which works well just but just wondering about the mirrors at 60mph plus speeds. I think your right about helmets tho Im wearing Shoei at the mo and poss try summfink diff.
@@uncleremus8443 being completely honest on mirroea, the folding ones i got are ok, but the best ive had on it were actually some old scabby Nighthawk S mirrors i had lying around, i used them when i broke one of the previous set until i managed to find some of the folding ones i wanted. i think the ones made in the 80s were just made from better materials, but they were very scabby and old lol
I've been riding my ZRX1200R for 17+ years and loved every minute of it but now I'm riding a 2015 V-Strom 650. It's very comfortable for my 64 year old butt 😮😂
I featured the ZRX here 🙂 ua-cam.com/video/RkMPFU4QLzg/v-deo.html 🙂 and yep, the Vstrom is hard to beat on comfort, especially the passenger seat it seems lol. she doesnt like any of the other bikes as much as the Vstrom 🙂
Thanks for the great review. I haven’t had a motorcycle for 30 years now. My last bike was a 1986 Kawasaki Concours which I sold in the early 1990’s. It’s been that long since I’ve ridden. I’m in my mid sixties now and thinking about getting another bike. I was convinced that the Honda CB 500 X was absolutely the best possible option for what I wanted to do… until I saw this video. Just wondering if you have any thoughts on the CB 500 X or perhaps the Honda Trans Alp 750?
both good bikes, the CB500 is physically smaller than the Vstrom, and Transalp, but it isnt much lighter, and the suspension isnt great, especially off road, much like the Vstrom lol, the Transalp is ok in many ways, but they all run too hot for my liking now, i dont want a burnt leg when i go for a ride, especially with textile trousers on ;-) do you ride 2 up?
@@greogesnote8507 Thats where the Vstrom wins, the CB500 is a bit cramped 2 up for me, and the Transalp produces its power higher up the rev range, so the Vstrom is a lazier ride 🙂
IMPORTANT Dakar have hit me with a copyright strike so ive had to delist some of the videos just in case i guess they got pissed that mine were better because of the MOTOGP one before xmas that means im really vulnerable now and the channel could be removed at any time I have set up this backup channel so please go and follow it NOW, this could all be removed at any moment now so it is critical to stay in touch via the backup channel here ua-cam.com/channels/CSl6i-tZJNC5DQ38vgCtvw.html sorry for this if i get another strike it wipes out all my work all my old videos will be removed I wont be posting anything much on the new channel unless this goes down but this is a just in case because it really could go down at any point the videos are still visible if you have a link so if you have problems message me for links so you can still watch them, if you follow the channel and this one gets taken down you will be able to find me there sorry if thats a bit garbled ive just woken to this but i guess i could have had the channel taken down already so i should be thankful ride free
I just saw your video on your 15 year review and I loved every part of it, so I subscribed to your channel. I will no doubt watch every Vstrom 650 video you offer. May I ask what size person you are? I'm 6'3" and overweight at 250 lbs. I sold my 1200gs two years ago and I am close to buying a new Vstrom 650XT. I have only sat of the bike and I find the seat to peg ratio a bit cramped and when I put my legs on the ground they want to be exactly where the pegs are. Question #1, can you share your height with me? Question #2, I know I can lower the pegs about 25mm with a kit, but do you know of any solution to the pegs being in the way of my leg when I put my feet on the ground? I don't want to be a bother. I'll probably buy the bike no matter what you say. But, the information will be very helpful. Thanks. Again, a great video and very informative. I'll be watch it again more than a few times. Doug
no worries mate n glad you enjoyed it. I do find the newer ones less roomy than the old one, im 6ft and about 100kg depending on the week lol. i have heard people talk about pegs being in the way but honestly i never had that issue. a mate who is 6ft 5 went for the lowering kit and the early DL1000 seat is thicker than the 650 so that was a common swap too, if you swapped seat and lowered pegs it gave about 50mm total difference but that is on the older series 1, i believe seat pan is different on later pair so you cant swap and change so easily. poss an airhawk pad would give you a bit extra on the seat? hope that helps, fingers crossed
Ok. Well, I just bought a 2023 Suzuki Versys 650XT, and its all your fault. I'll pick it up tomorrow. It sure is pretty. Thanks for the tips on the pegs and the seat. I'll do the OEM pegs which will give me almost an inch lower, but the OEM seat will only give me 20mm more height. We have a master saddle guy only about 60 miles from me and he does wonders, so I'll probably talk to him about a custom seat. After that the shield. After that, probably a lot of riding until I sort it all out in my head. Take care. Doug
lol, i have to say no, i never wear shoes, but my boots get muddy anyway, and the rear mudguard is better than most🙂Cheers for watching and for the comment mate. Ride Free 🙂
@@barebonesmc I guess I better get a scooter than! I intended to use it on the road, but those bikes if the road is wet they tend to get us splattered!
nice review. but you know i have a dr 650 and it a great bike. both dl and dr 650s overlap in their uses and reliability, but the weight and low clearance makes drives me away from the DL. how do you think the vstrom compares to a Honda CB 500X?
they do cross over but the DR is better in the dirt, the DL better for getting to the dirt :-) as for the CB500X, they are a decent bike, but not in the same league as the DL650. possibly a little lighter than the newer vstroms but not as comfortable or spacey, especially with a pillion on board, cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride
CB500X & Strom 650 are geared similarly, but with less hp & torque, the Honda doesn't hold speed on hills or accelerate as well as the V-Strom. If doing a lot of urban and suburban riding, the nimbleness and better economy of the Honda suits. If doing a lot of extra-urban and touring, the roomier and more powerful V-Strom 650 is the ticket.
It’s a great bike for sure and a remedy in a sea of expensive over complex and compromised toys. If you don’t go off road then the better road bike with the same reliability remains the SV650 imho. We had one and it was a great little road bike, cheap to run. For long tours though I have to agree to disagree on the grunt fully loaded Two up. It struggles due to limited torque. It’ll do it but you have to play with the gearbox more than I like. I went a different route and ended up full circle after 35 years back astride a big 1200 boxer engined sports tourer. Monster torque and as I have no intention of off roading it’s perfect. It gets similar fuel economy to the Sv650 or DL650 too. I agree about Triumph. Hate their quite horrid menu systems. All bikes today seem to have over complex electronics and some like on the KTMs ensure their unreliability. How ironic that the very emissions regulations pushing manufacturers down an ever increasing road of engine complexity and strangulation are also ensuring heavier more unreliable bikes guaranteed to be more disposable. How ”un-green”. When I started out on big bikes, my first being an R100RT back in the late 1980s many bikes like that big beemer were cheap and easy to home service, uncomplicated and capable of huge mileages. You could fix most issues by the roadside. All my memorable bikes were sports tourers except for a number of glorious RSVR Milles which I rate even today as the best handling most joyous things I’ve ever ridden. Sadly a bad back and hip means more upright comfortable bikes. Had a tiger 1200 which proved electrically unreliable and way too top heavy. Comfy though and gutsy. Tried a big gsa which was wonderful but sadly had to sell for financial reasons. Looked at a DL650 but decided on a more comfortable to me R1200RS. If I had a second bike the DL650 would be a strong candidate. Great video. That bike represents everything a good bike should be. Relatively light, economical, long lived and easy to work on with simple electronics and capable of touring, commuting or for weekend fun rides. I get all that except for simple electronics. With technology we have not really gone forwards enough with ruggedness and dependability. Few makers actually make frugal, simple, reliable long lived do it all bikes these days. You inevitably have to buy a blank canvas with issues and set about modifying with different seats, handling aids, weather or crash protection or luggage capability.
glad you enjoyed it mate 🙂Cheers for watching. re dancing on the gearbox, i grew up riding 2 strokes so thats all part of the fun for me, and if we all thought the same it would get boring anyway lol Ride Free 🙂
Absolutely. Saying that. I have just gone and bought a 17 yr old low miles vstrom 650!!! As my 2nd bike for winter months riding. Just made a load of sense. Read about stator issues but ignored that as lots of bikes makes have stator failures and you have be unlucky. The v strom’s lighter weight, gentle vee twin and overall versatility won the day for me.
I'm a 27 year guy, I've had my 07 DL650 Vstrom for 7 years now. Done just over 30 000km on it. 76 000km on it now. This is the most amazing all rounder bike ever. Perfect beginner bike with its engine. From a 150cc chinese bike to my Vstrom! Incredibly happy with my bike and cant see myself to sell it or trade it in for something else. Time to do valve clearance now as the engine is sounding a bit ticky (FYI-This will be its first Valve Clearance service) Done very well until now, still rides like a bomb as it is.
Parts aren't to expensive from Suzuki and still widely available.
great bikes 🙂 Cheers for watching mate. Ride Free 🙂
@barebonesmc I live in South Africa, alot to explore 👍 cheers man
@@RumbleBrutis wherever the road goes theres always something new to see 🙂
I've had my 2014 Dl650 for ten years, I've done 63,000 miles on it mostly with my wife on the back, and camping gear when we've gone touring on it ,
It's been totally reliable and it's never, and I mean never ! let us down. I do all my own servicing and maintenance, and the valve clearances are still within the specified tolerance! Not yet had to change any valve shims , the engine is amazing! .We have other bikes between us ,but will never sell the Vstrom, it's been a memorable part of our lives .
Love the track footage! Excellent!
I know that one mate😊. They are hard to beat. Cadwell on a Wee was classic fun😊💪
Riding 64 years, 65 bikes and my new to me 2019 650 is superb is every way.
great bikes . enjoy it mate 🙂 Cheers for watching. Ride Free 🙂
Ride Free, yes. 👍
Really enjoyed your review...spot on. I'm on my 3rd Strom...both 650 and 1000...currently a 650 which as of 01-Oct-2023 will be taking me on a 12,000+ mile tour through South America. In my career, I've been able to ride many different motorcycles and none of them have pulled me away from the V-Strom.
sounds like a serious adventure mate, hope yoou have great fun, cheers for watching , Ride Free
I had 547 motorcycles and 117 years of ride experience, can confirm vstrom 650 is the best in its category.
Cheers for the comment mate. Enjoy each day
I’ve owned my 2013 V Strom for 9 years now. Rode it around the world in 2018-19 with my wife on the back. Get 260 miles from a tankful and like the reviewer I’ve looked for a replacement and can’t find one I would change my bike for.
cheers mate n good on you for an around the world, ride free n cheers for watching
I bought a KTM 790 Adventure 2 years ago to replace my 650 V Strom. Decided to keep the V Strom also. Ride both pretty much the same amount. I like the KTM, but love my 17 year old V Strom.
That was wonderful and deserves many more views. Comprehensive and well delivered. Thanks, I enjoyed every minute.
Glad you enjoyed it! thanks for watching, has to be the longest term Vstrom review on youtube :-) thanks for the great comment
I watched this vid last night and bought 2016 XT V Strom 650 today 👍
you wont regret it mate, itll serve you well im sure
Endorse everything. DL650 is the greatest bike ever built. I can never replace it with anything else. It'll be my primary bike forever and the grand tourer. I've added a Triumph Bonneville which gives a completely different riding experience and makes up for the supposedly weaker aesthetics the Strom has. But in all fairness, a loaded Wee ready for a long trip is more beautiful than any garage queens.
they do just take anything you throw at throw at them 🙂 I was so overloaded on the European tour last year and never missed a beat as usual 🙂 🙂 Cheers for watching, and enjoy the ride 🙂
I have a DR650 now, but would absolutely pair it with the v-strom 650. I think less is more having owned larger bikes. The v-strom 650 is the bike for the smart, practical rider. Great review!
:-) Cheers for watching mate, as you will see in the latest video, i do pay homage to the dirt pig too :-) had a DR600 for a while 🙂 ride free
Excellent video from the heart. Have a DL1000 13yrs now, am 71 this year and can't imagine myself on a different bike but considering a DL650 as not so heavy to get on the stand. Brilliant thank you.
thanks for your support 🙂Cheers for adding your bit too mate. Ride Free 🙂
What a great review! I passed my full licence test last November and based on my instructor’s advice bought a DL650. I bought a 2009 model with 27,000 miles on the clock. What a magnificent bike it has been. I feel like it has taught me to ride and the bike is growing with me. 5,000 miles done and still going.
enjoy it mate, it was good advice 🙂Cheers for watching, ride free
When riding in the rain or mud does it splatter on your shoes, or on your back?
@@askme1245nope. But I have a rack and a givi box. But even the box doesn’t get splattered.
I have a 2017 DL650, and I really can't find anything negative to say about it. I enjoy my rides very much!
and thats what its all about mate, ride free
Excellent review. You really are right on all points. I bought a 2004 DL 1000 for US $500 5 years ago. The owner had terminal cancer and somewhat of a deathwish and wrecked it on a dirt road somewhere out in back of Las Vegas. It started and ran, so we hauled it home and got it running proper for about $300.00 ( broken timing chain guide, bent valve, new valve seat). The rest was updates and personalization and for less than $2500, I have a bike that has taken me reliably on several thousand mile tours, numerous backcountry adventures in the California/Oregon coastal range mountains and quite a few pleasant rides and dates with my lady. Long story short, the 650 is plenty of bike but that 1000 hauls the mail fully loaded with plenty of power to spare. For tires, Shinko 705s for touring and mostly road use but they will do gravel. I have also ran Bridgestone Battlax AX41 tires and the grip they add to this big bike is nothing short of stunning, very confidence inspiring off road and not bad on road, and I live on a twisty highway. Either version is a winner. Cheers. MJ
cheers mate, I swapped to the Mitas E07 for last years tour and ive been equally impressed by them. So much bettter than the heidenau scout, especially in the wet. wasnt sure how well theyd last or what theyd be like on highways to be fair but theyve been great and are so much better than anything else ive used off road, cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride
How cool is that! Got to put new shoes on my DL1000, thanks for the tips. Have you posted your strom to any of the groups or yt? I keep hemming and hawing about getting something smaller for better off road. But when I get out on the highway on my liter strom, I have serious doubts if I'd enjoy a KLR as much. It's not an enduro. But damn if it isn't a tank!
@@tts626 cant recomend the Mitas tyres enough mate, my only (minor) criticism, is you do get a sort of weird resonance at about 20 and then again about 40 mph where you can sort of feel the tread pattern gaps, but its minor and i think any fairly big block tyre will be worse or i would have gone for the E10 🙂cheers for watching, have a great day mate
I'm on my 2nd 08 650, the first was yellow ( the fastest colour ), it was the Yellow Lab of motorcycles - it just wanted to go wherever i wanted to go and do whatever I wanted to do. Sold it to a friend because I thought I needed a touring bike. Only after selling it, did I realize that's what I had. It was better at touring than the 1000 Concours I replaced it with.
I've had a blue 08 for about 5 years now. I call it my "Grass Mud Horse" ( look that up, it's a bit rude).
It had risers when I bought it, but I didn't care for them. I felt too disconnected from the front. Completely agree about the fork brace though, an absolute necessity. It's also the perfect bike for motorcycle camping. I don't even consider whether an item is too big, or too heavy. If it keeps me comfortable, then it gets strapped to the bike. My home - made, $20.00 Walmart top box holds most of my stuff, and is just the thing to gather firewood after camp is set up.
It really doesn't do anything wrong.
I did look it up :-) cheers for sharing mate, I often call mine a donkey because it is :-) it might not get there as fast as a thoroughbred race horse but itll go places they never could :-) ride free
Great,balanced review, well presented. Really enjoyed it - even though your preaching to the converted! Ive rode all sorts in over 50 years riding, and the DL650 is without doubt , the best bike i ever rode!
what can i say 🙂
Since i stumbled on your little Channel, I'm absolutely amazed what kind of depth you produce
cheers mate, As my mum would have said if you are going to do something give it everything you have, theres no point doing something by halves :-) cheers for watching, share the video on to anyone you think will be interested :-) ride free
One of the most comprehensive reports on the DL650. I had a white standard '17 and traded it and a '17 DR650 for a Z900RS. Would have kept them all, but no room. I missed the DL so much, I went in and found a new black and blue '22 650 Adventure. There's something I can't resist about these bikes. Suit me perfectly. And I still admire the looks of this bike, sitting next to the RS. Thanks. New sub.
welcome aboard mate, fellow Stromtrekkers always welcome :-) Thanks for watching, Ride free
Excellent review! The moto school where I've got my license has an V-StromDL650 with 260 000km! I had an V-StromDL650 and the only reason I changed it it's because I do a lots of highway but I changed it for V-StromDL1000 of 2009 with 95 000km.
:-) Cheers for watching mate, ride free
just bought a v strom 650.2008 model
38000 km on clock for 4,800 Australian dollars looks brand new is an absolute dream to ride especially been on sports bikes and motocross bikes most of my life ,this bike is a absolute gem. Thank you for your review it was the best review honestly I've seen for a long time, cheers mate 🇦🇺🤝🏴💯👍
Welcome aboard mate, enjoy the ride and cheers for the high praise indeed, there is allsorts on the channel but there will be some restructuring, you might enjoy this one on the backup channel ua-cam.com/video/Qcz_ExSwdC4/v-deo.htmlsi=OOUDaT2fKMRpUzeS the channels are still under threat from youtube so make sure you make a note of the website, all Stromtrekkers most welcome 🙂 have a great day
@@barebonesmc hahaha cheers mate great channel yes they can get a little bit salty YT guys can't upset the algorithm thanks for your reply and your videos are awesome and you're riding skills are very similar to my own possibly, by the looks of things getting old isn't really slowly us down is it. I'm Gonna Ride until "dementia" sets, in at least much respect for Australia brother ride to live Live to Ride💯🇦🇺👌
@@Bok2022st I have my moments lol, in general i do take it steadier these days 🙂 I dont bounce as well lol , but sometimes you see a road and .................... 🙂
@@barebonesmc hahaha😂 perfect I see those roads myself from time to time,😉 yes it's the Bouncing part we want to try to avoid especially these days, I hear you loud & Clear.💯🤟🇦🇺
@@Bok2022st are front forks standard on yours? even an upgrade to progressive springs works wonders, but if you are ok with spanners, and can find some DL1000 forks from same era, you can swap the legs and then you get cartridge forks which cuts dive a lot
Hey! Love the review, feel the same way for the Wee.
I got mine as the first bike 4 years ago (a 2011 Abs 650) - used, offcoarse. Yeah, I am a late-starter 39-year old rider newbe (at the time). Got the Wee for the unanimously confirmed by all owners, allCaps-written RELIABILITY on it. And yeah - really enjoy it!
But one thing is still a BIG issue for me. The Weight. I am 5,6 feet tall, so I am just a little too short to flatfoot. I still have to ever fall(!) from the bike, but I am dropping it just RIDICULOUSLY often (even 4 years past) , even in the city, not to mention off roads. And picking it up (especially with stuff on it!) is a Herculean feat each time. Hell, even having to turn it around, when gone a 'wrong way' on a narrow trail is a torture.
You obviously have a great load of experience with it, can you give some advice as to how to make life easier with the weight of the Wee?
As with many it did get fatter as it aged😂😂 although the series 1 will a full tank ain’t easy lol. First. Although I’m taller I only have a 30 inseam. And it is tall and top heavy. There is a knack/method to lifting it up. Bars turned back into saddle ( do you know how?) they can be lowered with dog ones and dropping the forks a little but you do loose ground clearance otherwise you have to sacrifice comfort and get a reworked seat but that’s not a good choice imo. It isn’t straightforward after that sorry. If you don’t know how to pick it up properly it is worth learning. I’m quite broken lol and I can if needed lift it (on the flat) with panniers n top box full ( it happens 😂) but it will never be light 😊
@@barebonesmc thanks!
Yeah, considered lowering it. But too much clearance is lost🥲. Already found myself in 'tight spots', stuck on the belly offroad. . Even less pretty than just picking it up (because I usually ended up dropping it anyway, trying to get it free🤣🤣)
@@ilyagerasev4757been there 😂😂 beached whale springs to mind lol. I’ve hammered my baseplate out so many times 😂😂😂 that’s why I never understand powder coated backplates😂
I have been riding for over 50 years and have owned around 40 bikes. All but one was bought used, but all were great bikes in excellent condition with low miles, and my current, 2013 DL650 V-Strom ABS Adventure is possibly my favorite one of all time. It might also be the best deal I ever got on a used bike.
a sweet deal is always good 🙂cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride
Great to hear so much apraisal for the dl650.I've got the '3rd gen.wee which I find comfortable,reliable,economical & fun to ride.I just do the same old commuter stuff which like all roads has unpredicables but have found that me Suzie always gets me there & back safely.
@@coconuciferanuts339 🙂 Cheers for watching mate, ride free
I made the mistake of trading my 06 Vstrom 650 in on a 2017 Africa twin. Biggest mistake I’ve ever made. That Honda dreamed of being a 1/4 of the bike my Vstrom was.
Welcome aboard mate, I know a few people who would argue with you but I wouldnt be one of them 🙂 People discount the Wee Strom without knowing its strengths I think, enjoy the ride my friend
Resistance is futile. Surely the '06 Wee owed you nothing and had little resale value. Unless storage space was an issue, why sell?
The Wee is my wedded bliss, any other motorcycle will inevitably be just a short lived dalliance until I come to my senses. Sorry for your loss 😥😥
@@MrBenHaynes I have a mate who went Vstrom 650 to Super Tenere (lasted 3 years for him) to KTM 1090R (he loved it but) then swapped for 790 R which he hated and so went back to the Vstrom (despite working at Triumph) lol has to say something 🙂
I used to love Worlds end road before moving to Australia, great video!
the road to worlds end is a classic ride 🙂
Nice review. I have an 8 year old Gen 2 650 with around 50k miles on it and could not agree more.
Good to hear mate Cheers for watching, enjoy the ride :-)
Thank you for such a good comprehensive review of the bike! I am setting out for buying my first bike during the spring this year and after testing a ton of bikes last year after I got my license I can honestly say the V-Strom 650 is among among the two contenders for me (the other being the 750 GS from BMW). It felt very great to be seated upon and drove amazingly well. The very well proven track record of the bike also helps a lot as I plan to do my daily commute to work; about 110km a day; on the upcomming bike.
I hope one day to say I will have owned a bike and loved it for as long as you clearly have loved your 650 :)
glad you enjoyed it mate 🙂 Theres plenty more on the channel, lots in the raw footage from touring and rides out on the vstrom, hope youll climb aboard. Cheers for watching. the Wee Strom is a donkey, but its a strong reliable old donkey and i cant see me parting with it lol. Ride Free 🙂
Good on you mate. Agree wholeheartedly with your statements in this video. Regards from Melbourne, Australia :-)
glad you enjoyed it mate 🙂 Theres plenty more on the channel and the website, let me know what you think. hope youll climb aboard. We do have a great bunch as subscribers and i can thoroughly recomend reading some of the comments too, some funny and most informative too. Cheers for watching. Ride Free 🙂
You make great videos, thankyou 🙏 I passed my mod 2 test on tuesday and bought a 2020 650 vstrom xt yesterday, wednesday. I had a lovely long run from Newport Gwent back home to Pembrokeshire. A fantastic bike so far and very happy, i felt a bit bad for the chap who sold it to me as a week before he had second thoughts on selling it, but remained true to his word, his replacement bike, a moto guzi Stevio hasnt fitted him so well yet. I hope it does.
well done and happy trails mate, you wont regret it, i just cant get my head around the exposed headers on the Stelvio, not for me, i prefer the V85, my Wee Strom has been sideways down a shale bank more than once and it survives lol, the stelvio wouldnt without a new exhaust system which would undoubtedly mean big bucks :-) have you seen the tour footage ? im on my way back now, dunno where you are based but i will be in the UK over the summer. you can contact me via the contact page on the website, although i do have some catching up to do on the emails lol
@@barebonesmc hey great message :)
Yes I totally felt that about the Stevio also! Crazy hey, for an adventure bike! The chaps logic was that the Stevio was a lot more bike for the money compared with the Honda Africa twin, shaft drive, stainless steel bolts alloy frame, but yes with a major design fault. You must be able to get crash guards for it.
I haven't seen the tour yet, I'll have a gander 👍🙂
I ride where there is a lot of limestone, the sharp rocks would wreck it, no matter what guards you used. the narrower profile of the Strom wins for me too, a hard act to follow, 🙂 bit hazy, just back off tour🙂Cheers for watching and for the comment mate. Ride Free 🙂
Great LONG time review! Thank you, sir! This is my first bike (I bought it when I got 40) based on reviews and a short try. I love it as it is, not being a hight skilled rider though (yet). Mine is the orage one with black crash bars, racks, rock guard and heat shild. And I'm happy to report that I get a lot of compliments here in Canada. Not that I care of course, because the only important thing is that I like the way it looks. I keep telling my wife to bury me with this bike like medieval knights have been buried with their horses.
cheers mate and welcome aboard, being honest, i never thought i would keep it this long but i cant imagine selling it now
Picking up a brand new Vstrom 650XT on Wednesday 1st March, really looking forward to clocking up a few miles on it.
they are good at racking up the miles 🙂 enjoy it mate
I have a 2016 SV650 with ABS and that engine is magic ( same engine in the V Strom ), a V twin that revs to 10,500 and is as smooth and reliable as a Swiss clock.. The gearbox is a slick as anything I have ever ridden.
enjoy it mate 🙂 cheers for watching and welcome aboard 🙂
I’ve watched review multiple times, love your videos. I’m in the market again for a bike, trying to stay on the cheaper side, I found an 07 with 115k miles for $1500, it’s about as loaded as I’ve ever seen. Just concerned about the miles. Might pull the trigger
Thank you for your review!
if its been looked after they will go on and on, ive known more than a few go well over 100k, some over 200k, look for oil burnin on the overrun but its rarely an issue, and 07 was the best year, especially if its the dark red one 🙂 but i'm not biased at all lol
@@barebonesmc it is in fact the red one! Love the color to top it off! I spoke to the guy today it appears it’s set up for my height and weight on top of everything else, think next weekend I’ll finally own one. He has meticulously cared for it, thinking it might work out great!
Thanks again! (:
@@stevenflaton2693 fingers crossed mate, just do the overrun test, follow him and get him to rev it close to redline in first then shut off the throtle and dont touch the clutch, a small whisp of smoke isnt an issue, but if theres more it could mean valve guide oil seals but ive only seen that oon a couple of VERY high mileage bikes. and in all my time ive never known anyone have to do rings yet. if its been looked after it could be a better bike than some low milers. they like being used. mines not so high miles because i have other bikes, but its done a lot in first and 2nd gear around some gnarly lanes and even through rivers, so its been worked hard, i had to top the oil up a bit (probably 500ml or so) after 3000 miles into a 6k tour when i checked everything over, but it was 2 up being ridden hard for long days with some very fast runs and it was grossly overloaded, so i thought that was reasonable really good luck with it all
@@barebonesmcthank you so much for that advice, I will definitely do that test when I go see it! I hope the two in a half hour drive will be successful!!
I will let you know what happens! 🙏🙏
@@stevenflaton2693 the water pump housing is usually the first bit to go scabby, dont be put off, a lot go that way, but they still work fine, i dont clean mine enough so it isnt the prettiest thing, but it does get used more than any other bikes every year, and 2007 was the best year. suspension can be improved very easily and isnt too expensive either. ask if he has done any mods to suspension if hes done that many miles. a rear shock at 100K (the way i use it) will be ready for a rebuild i would think, but as i have said. mine does get abused 🙂
I agree 100% I am 74 years old and been riding sense I was 14 . I rode a 2008 DL650 for 12 years, currently I ride a Yamaha V star 250 because of my age.
🙂cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride
Just purchased my first Vtrom, a new to me 2015 650ax. loaded with all the goodies, panniers, top box, givi airflow, belly pan, center stand, saddleman seat, I was able to ride it for 2000kms before winter made me put it away. Love the bike. over winter I added the fork brace and mirror extenders and a power socket up front. I really enjoyed this video, very comprehensive and I welcomed the review. thanks...very easy to see I made a good choice. 54 years of riding (since I was 12)...all road bikes except my first which was a honda mini trail 50. Older now, coming from my third Valkyrie..wanted a lighter easier to manage bike and wanted to add back roads and light trail riding in the country. This bike and it's history of comfort and reliability made it the right choice. cheers
happy riding mate, a lot easier and more comfy than a Valkyrie i imagine :-) enjoy it, and cheers for the feedback
picking up 2013 vstrom 650 adventure
enjoy it mate 🙂Cheers for watching and for the comment mate. Ride Free 🙂
I have the same model with no abs also.
I think you said everything for this bike,there is no replacement.
I recently travelled a distance 370 klm with full tank with 110 klm/h and still had 2 full bars ( 110-130 klm) until run out of fuel. At least 500 klm with 1 tank for a 16 years old bike is amazing.
For 16 years never left me in the side of the road waiting for help.
Nice review.
they are hard to beat, and the gorgeous one has been spoiled by the comfortable passenger seat now so even if i wanted to ive got some persuading to do lol, she hates the Pegaso, and i thought that was comfy, much comfier than most of the modern alternatives lol
I'm the second owner of my 2015 VStrom 650 otherwise known as the Trusty Steed. Mine came with a lot of tasty bits, including the same racks as yours plus a COSMO belly pan, crash bars (can't remember who made them) and a GIVI screen. I soon added the COSMO fork brace and then made the discovery that the Bridgstone tyres fitted, although showing plenty of tread, were dreadful and a change to Avon Spirit ST's transformed the bike. I have been all over the UK in the last couple of years with many more solo camping trips planned. After 40 years of motorcycling the VStrom is my first ever Japanese bike, it was chosen carefully to meet a specific need (solo moto camping and long day rides) and it fulfils that role perfectly. I have tried a few other bikes and will continue to occasionally dip a toe but in my heart I know the Trusty Steed is the one for me.
lol, ive just been having a discussion about battlax's 🤣🤣 im not a fan either. I went for Mitas E 07 dakars for the tour and unbelievably they are still going strong now 🤣 great tyres
@@barebonesmc I put E07's on an MT500 I had for a couple of years. They don't like slick mud (who does?) but in every other respect they are amazing.
@@neilmackinnon3371 yep, i have been turned back by mud but they do better than the Anakee 2 and most other ADV tyres do. I find them much better in generall off road, what really surprised me was how good they were on highways and open roads where I thought the more open tread pattern wouldnt be anywhere near as good but it was great
Best vTwin motor ever produced. great all-around bike.
Vstrom needed a couple more inches of ground clearance to be a serious adventure bike.
Honestly, i think the only reason is a lack of will, always scared of loosing sales of the bigger ones. Take the original SV tubular chassis, put the longer suspension of the new 800 on, possibly relocate the oil filter and run the exhaust at the side of rhe block and you would have a lighter longer legged 650 parts bin special 🙂 use the SV engine for a bit more poke and trim as much bodywork as possible and you would have a giant killer of an adventure bike
Hi from Brazil.
Your reviews are extremely informative and, awesome to watch.
Your channel have amazing contents.
Thank you for your work.
Much respect.
thanks for your support 🙂Cheers for adding your bit too mate. Ride Free 🙂
@@barebonesmc one last question.
Are you in Egland or Down under?
@@Wilczewskimauricio I am in the UK ish, lol, in Spain at minute, I try and get out of the country as much as i can these days
@@Wilczewskimauricio I am from the UK, although i try and get away as much as possible, at the minute im in Spain
I had 4 Stroms and had no problems at all. I rode one 30000 km in Southern Afrika on road and gravel. 1000 km at one day was a pleasure. Best comfort for rider and passenger. I have seen bikes with 270000 km and the engine was never opened. Only services.
Another serious Stromtrekker 🙂 I have seen a few with over 100k miles on, again, no issues mechanically. they are a ROBUST bike 🙂 thanks for watching, enjoy the ride
wow
I have a 2006 model since one year, bought it as a temporary replacement bike while rebuilding Honda XRV 650 and now I am pretty biased what should I keep 😁 The only thing that truly dislike is the "clanking" sound the forks make when rebounding in an off road situations...every time I have the feeling that something is breaking inside. I was even researching to put progressive springs front and back but as I see from you experience it takes much more trying and testing of different elements with the suspension. I won't have the time to play around with it before my next trip but I guess that was fairly the cheapest modification that you made.
Thanks for the review and the sharing, hands down - this is really versatile bike that I love as well.
just putting the progressive springs in did make a big difference, i did front and rear, it was about 6 years after that i swapped the internals out for the DL1000 internals, I know what you mean re the clatter lol 🙂cheers for watching mate, ride free 🙂
What a good, honest and detailed review! I am getting back into MC's after 22 years and settled on ADV bikes because of their all-round capability, handling and safety - they are the 4x4 pickup trucks of MC world. Budget is not an issue, but livability, reliability, flexibility, carrying capacity and driving range are on top of the list.
I have narrowed down to the Honda CB500X, this baby, Triumph Tiger 900, BMW GS1250 and HD PA-1250S. Overall balance wise, this one seems to be the wise choice. It gives up the fuel economy to the Honda, but has similar range due to larger tank, it gives the heavy bike feel to the other 3 and the electronics, but has maneuverability.
It is simple, and that is the pro, yet my sticking point because I do like electronic nannies up to a certain extent. But if apocalypse hits, with little customization, it will be good to have this in the bed of a diesel pickup, knowing fully well that tools in small toolbox can fix it.
Cheers mate , It fits me and my use well, I would like the suspension off the new 800, but other than that, i prefer the older 650, and she loves the passenger seat, so thats always good lol. been searching for a replacement for 10 years now, owned a fair few and sold them on, most bigger more powerful ones. the Vstrom always gets ridden the most
Come for bike review,,stay for great narrative
Welcome aboard mate, enjoy the ride and cheers for the support
Nice to see you visited Asturias! I live near Oviedo! You are always welcome to visit us. Its such a good bike the DL. Very good review. Mark and family.
wow, we were close then, we were between Nava and Infiesto up in the hills 🙂 I did love Asturias, a special place. and thanks for the offer, much appreciated, you know we will be back 🙂 thanks for the comments, if you go to www.barebonesmc.com theres a contact form, send me a note and ill forward my email so we can stay in touch, ride free mate
@@barebonesmc Hi there, I would fill in a form, but not sure which one to fill in.
Mark
@@sanatandharma4435 here you go barebonesmc.com/contact-us/
A stunningly accurate review of the WeeStrom. I've done 170000km in the last 16 years on them. I mostly ride road now (because friends are tar babies) but really enjoy some solo gravel surfing.I have predominantly used Metzeler Tourance for the combination of longevity and good handling. I have now switched to Shinko 705 (only because the new Tourances supplied were consistantly 5-6 years since manufacture date!) and wearing well thanks to the generous tread depth when new. I love the Gen1 650's with ABS. I am open to finding a better mousetrap, but nothing comes remotely close to winning formula that is the V-Strom 650. I keep on trying to convince myself that a Honda CB500X will do, but she needs a few more herbs. Triumph Tiger 900GT if going the other way. Vive la V-Strom!
:-) I moved away from Michelin to the Mitas E07 and have to say i have been mightily impressed. it was always going to be better in the dirt but it was the highway miles in last years tour in Europe where it really surprised me, even in the rain with flooded roads in Asturias they held really well, :-) Cheers for watching mate and enjoy the ride
@@barebonesmc I’ve only tried the Mitas E08 as they’re close to Metzeler Tourance. The E08 had a slow leak and I couldn’t find the source. Parked it after a wet ride and found micro bubbles 🫧 around the entire tyre. Battled on until the tyre was worn and haven’t returned to Mitas. Tried a Heidenau K60 instead of the E07. Cheers
@@MrBenHaynes interesting. i didnt like the Heidenau at all, especially in the wet, id had E10's on my KLR and the Cagiva W12 and loved them but a bit too open tread for highways and i was fed up with quality going down on the michelins so went for the E07 for the tour last year and had no problem, 6k miles across Holland, Belgium, France, Portugal and Spain so they had everything to deal with. No problems at all. Still got same pair on now and I'd say theyll have done a lot of miles when theyre done lol
When riding in the rain or mud does it splatter on your shoes, or on your back?
Absolutely brilliant video I have just purchased the 2024 Vstrom 650 I haven't taken possession of it yet and I have a 2024 Tenera 700 and yes the seat is terrible but what a bike to ride thank you for all your insight over 15 years
glad you enjoyed it mate 🙂 Theres plenty more on the channel, hope you will look around and find something your interested in. there is more on the website too. and there will be more to come. There is even some footage of me doing track days at Cadwell Park on my old girl lol Cheers for watching.Hope you will climb aboard. Ride Free 🙂
Thanks fot this very enriching review. I owned a 2006 DL650 and had over 115K km whe i sold it because we moved to Germany in 2017. it is still on the roads and has more than 140K and is still perfect in shape without any problems.
mine is very battle scarred lol, but it has been places no Vstrom should ever go 🙂 been looking a long time now and tried many others (including the newer stroms) but im not paying more to get a bike that isnt better for me 🙂
Agree with everything you say,I love my DL650..
enjoy it mate. they are hard to beat. i wonder how many years are left of the 650 now theyve released the 800 though, will be a sad day when its discontinued
i have a bought new 2021 RE Himalayan that i use for commuting to work, I bought a new 2022 RE interceptor as a sunny day toy..It has covered only 1275mls as its a beeetch to keep the alloy engine cases sparkling and i always pick the Himalayan every time lol..I only rode Suzuki bikes for 32 years until i bought the RE's..my wife bought a new 2021 SV650 and she loves it, having ridden it, the engine makes the bike a joy to ride..at 56 yrs old, i need a bike that will outlast me, so thanks for this VERY long term ownership review, i loved it! 👍
Going to trade in the Interceptor for a new 650 vstrom on my next days off work 😄
with regards to your Givi mod..I bought a set of Givi E45 panniers in 1991 , they are still going strong, still waterproof, key/locks are 100%, but they have gone over the years from black to grey..we aged together as we both grey now 🤣
I know the wife will say again "OMG you are not putting them old boxes on a new bike?" ..err 🤔 of course i am! 😄
get it said mate :-) Wise words :-) :-) Cheers for watching, and enjoy the ride :-)
I'm so excited for you. Even though they run the same peachy motor, I'd love to have both the Strom & SV 650's in my garage to flick between!
Thanks for reusing the panniers on your new steed.
I'm a "reduce, re-use, recycle" kinda guy. I even have a "salvage Strom" in the back shed for spares. (It's supplied a surprising number of parts to my & friends Stroms)
I have tweaked mine now, so I can't think of a better bike for what I like to ride. Medium speed two lane roads., gravel roads at a leisurly pace. My mods on my 2017. Russel Day Long Sport saddle, Nissin CBR600 front brakes, sintered pads,braided lines, lowered pegs, pulled back bars, Cogent dynamics front fork valves, fork brace Heavier front springs, air horn, Clearwater lights, heated grips, LED lights, ....It is perfect...other than the styling. Yes, mine is Ugly. But it is a faithful horse that will take me far and long...God Willing. Great review.
You grow to love em dont you 🙂 i call mine a donkey lol, it wont get there the fastest but itll get there whatever you load it up with lol, it has been a reliable companion for many years now 🙂 welcome aboard mate, hope you will join us
Agree on everything you say regarding this fantastic motorcycle. I traded in my 04mod vstrom in a Tiger 800xc and l regrets that every day. For a long ride l would taken the vstrom before the Triumph any day.
i have a mate who works at triumph so i can get a discount but i still wont buy one at minute, the fact they ignored the constant write offs on the tiger 800 for so many years was just a joke, bean counters said the redesign would cost more than any greater sales it might create, a bit of a joke really
I've heard, recently, that valve clearance services can be ignored until you can actually hear the valve clatter starting. Given the expense involved, this sounds like a very attractive idea to me. Thanks for the vid. I tend to replace my bikes every 3 years, or less, and I'm a sucker for the latest tech. Your approach appears to be far more sensible and much, much, cheaper!
can be and should be are 2 different things mate, i get it can be a pain in the arse but i prefer to know rather than wait, prevention is always better than cure
Mate if the expense is a worrv learn to do it its not hard, but extremely satisfying. And cheap.
Ps im not a mechanics arsehole but i muddle through. Nothing if not a cheap barstard
Know this is an old comment, but I'll put this here for posterity.
There are two ways valves can go, tight and loose. Loose makes it clack and because there is more clearance between the rocker and the valve top, it can cause loss of power due to them not opening the same amount Long term, leaving it like this can 'hammer' the top of the valve into a different shape needing replacement of the valve, as well as damaging the rocker.
Tight is the more dangerous one. Tight means quiet, so you can't tell it's happening, but it also means that the valve never totally shuts off, causing both loss of compression (and therefore power) but also burning of the edges of the valve and valve seat as super hot exhaust gasses flow past. This can and has disabled the engine and is a costly repair needing heads/valves renewing.
My bikes over the years ranged from a VStar 1100, an FZ1, an FJR and now the VStrom 650. Every bike did something different pretty well. The VStar would lope along. The FZ1 would go fast in a hurry and the FJR would go fast in a hurry while being very comfortable and loaded down. The VStrom 650 can do all of those things to a good degree. It doesn't exactly excel at any of those things.....it just does every thing that I ask of it very well. I recently traded the FJR for the VStrom and couldn't be happier. I don't have the temptation to do 150mph anymore and it's approx 180 lbs lighter to boot!
id agree completely mate, ive still got bigger faster bikes but the Vstrom gets used most 🙂Cheers for watching , Ride Free
The lower part of the motorcycle is not protected from the wind. Is there solution for that, there is a lot of wind at the legs. That's the only thing I don't like on this motorcycle, thanks.
it is always a balance mate, the bodywork does direct air away from the upper legs but not the lower legs and anything that covered your lower legs is damaged if the bike rolls over in the dirt, if that is one of your criteria, then a fully faired bike would maybe suit you better? Of the ADV bikes, i do think it directs rain and wind away from your upper legs better than many
Agree with everything you say about the Wee, i had a gen 1 back in the noughties and i've always remembered what a great bike it was. Had many adventure bikes since, but they seem to be getting more and more complicated now with evermore electronics and high prices to match. So last summer i bought a new gen 3 Wee and its great to be back on a Strom. I'm pretty sure this will be my last adventure bike and it will see out what riding years i have left.
I also have an XSR900, that may or may not get changed, but the Wee is definitely here to stay. I've no interest in the new 800DE.
i did a test ride on an MT09, my conclusion was that i liked my licence more lol, enjoy the ride mate
@@barebonesmc Yep, all the models that come with that Yam CP3 engine, also come with a little devil that whispers in your ear when riding them.
@@moto-jeff A is for ASBO mode :-)🤣🤣🤣
Hey there, I'm currently riding a Vstrom DL650 and the bike is pretty amazing. I use it mostly for city riding and the agility on this bike is just mind-blowing. Lane splitting through traffic is a breeze and the V-twin engine always makes me excited without fail. The mileage of my bike is currently 160,000km and the engine still runs well however currently, I am facing a fuel issue. My Weestrom is consuming much more fuel than it used to. My fuel economy currently is a low 15km/l(35mpg). I know for a fact the Vstrom would never go below 21km/l(49mpg) but as of now, these are the numbers I am getting. ( I'm actually counting my fuel consumption rather than relying on the meter) I'm currently figuring out what the problem is. I am certain it is not the engine as the bike is just bullet-proof but I would give it a check as a last resort. In the meantime, what do I check for? Do I change my fuel injector? Do valve clearance? I have changed the spark plugs and it still causing the same issue. I appreciate any answer and I love your videos!
Go the basics first. Air filter and airbox seals. Valve clearances unlikely but easy enough to check if you are ok with spanners. Injectors and injector control cct from ecu. How does it run? Not sure if an O2 sensor fault could cause it? Is inside exhaust black? Ie. Is it running rich? Or is the fuel going somewhere it shouldn’t? Not something I’ve come across tbh.
Great review. My friend has had one for a few years now and certainly seems happy with it by the miles he does on it
they do just do it, whatever you throw at them, great bikes
You just earned my subscription with that down to earth, real world review.
I always wondered if I should add a DL650.
I have a 2019 DL1000 and I had a 2012 DL1000.
I love my 2019 VStrom 1000 so much that I would never get rid of it. I ride two up a lot with my wife.
The added power, suspension and brakes of the 1000 made my choice of the 1000 over the 650.
Fuel consumption is the only downside of the DL1000 the way I ride, especially since I will never take it off road ever again. Although doable, neither 650 or 1000 is much fun off road for me.
Yet part of me still wants the 650 in addition to the 1000 for when I ride solo.
The problem is, I start thinking about how much money I save in gas on the 650 versus how much I pay for a 650, and I can put a lot of gas in my 1000, which gets about 40 miles per gallon the way I ride it.
I've ridden the 650 and like them a lot.
One last note:
I also ride a Harley Road King.
It's good for when I'm feeling like a Harley, and that's ok too, but I find myself on the VStrom much more often.
i guess for me the kicker is that its easier off road than the 1000 and ive ridden it 2 up more than solo, both on and off road, and i know i ride slower 2 up but its rare it leaves me wanting more to be honest. when i had the Navigator (TL1000 engine) it was great for hooning around but off road was a nightmare in comparison and the big Vstrom might have better throttle response but the power is just too much off road i think, so if you stay on the road i can see why the 1000 suits better, they are both great bikes, cheers for watching and the sub is much appreciated, ride free my friend
I own the 2014 1000 and the 2008 650 Vstrom. The 2008 gets many more kms on it which obviously makes it the first I grab. More engaging fun bike. The 1000 like said in this video, is better for long straight Highway travel. Nicer sound, but that’s about it. I keep it because it is a fantastic on road touring bike. But can do it all. Both are absolute keepers.
@@florme6494 Welcome fellow Stromtrekker 🙂 they are hard to beat, :-) Cheers for watching , ride free
Bought for my old man a DL650 K6, 110.000, 1700€, basically a steal.
I ride a DL650 218 (NON-XT) and an SV650 K1, this engine is a gem, n1 undisputed for reliability too.
Best power curve of any engine i have ever ridden, ever.
🙂cheers for watching mate, ride free 🙂
Ahh, I finally got around to watching this. That was a good honest, possibly slightly biased review. After owning one I definitely can't blame you for any bias, it would be based on your real world, living with the bike for an extended period, as opposed to some wordy sponsored clown on a very short term sponsored bike review.
I was glad to see I wasn't the only one surprised by how heavy that standard muffler actually is, it's ridiculously heavy for such a small engine on a bike where power to weight is so much more of a performance and even handling factor. I will have to find the pictures I have of the one I had and see if it had the O2 sensor fitting. I can't remember for sure but you know yourself from watching the video of mine climbing aprox 1,500 feet from the creek level at that town to the top of that mountain, even while climbing hard, it pulled well so I guess I must have had it there. I did have the ABS on mine, it was new in either late 2013 or early 20124 and when I asked the dealership if it could be turned off on the rear they were so shocked that I might want to that I didn't persevere but, I will be disabling that IF I buy another, I wouldn't disable the front but, I'm used to having the real skidding around on a bike and it can be useful at times. I really hate having that feeling of the front washing out so that could stay, besides, on the road and especially fairly straight line stopping wise, the front is the one you need to be able to hit hard without worrying about it spitting out from under you.
Thanks, that was enjoyable, a pity you had so much damp and misty looking weather through a lot of that. I'm spoiled here, that town I started mine at is an unofficial sort of staging point where riders either go to have brecky then ride around the mountains or, just to ride to to show off their bike if it's anything special. You'll see anything around 100 or more bikes lining the street on any warn sunny Sunday but, I've got pics of a mildly wet Sunday out their with my DL650 being the ONLY bike in the entire town lol. They're a bunch of spoiled softies around here lol.
your usual eloquent reply mate 🙂 glad you got around to watching it. i will get some more of last years tour videos up at some point but its been mad busy since the channel took off seriously. who would have thought it could grow this quickly 🙂
@@barebonesmc "Eloquent"? What a polite way of saying "holy crap you use a lot of words to say just a bit lol.
I'm really glad your channel is taking off, not sure I'd describe it as "taking off exactly with videos going back 9 years though, or is it that you mentioned the DL 650 and immediately all the many many DL and SV 650 lovers suddenly found a new place that loves their choice of bike & engine combo lol. Either way, great stuff, enough growth to get monetised would be awesome for you. Actually, this will be here written for proof but you're welcome to share any or all of my video if it's of any use to you, at least it is dry riding lol.
I doubt I'll ever get to them but, you've got a lot of good interesting videos I'm going to try and get too. Keep riding while you can and keep posting the rides, especially on either your DL or anything interesting.
Have you ever ridden and wrung out 1 of those BMW S 1,000 Rs or the RR version, if you don't mind me asking? I'd love to hear your impression of them. I absolutely loved EVERYTHING about mine, all except that somehow it seemed to be invisible to cars. Insane power with 165 hp and barely cracking the 200 kg mark, handling was soooo good too, cruise control, even in 2014 was such a nice luxury too.
@@lorditsprobingtime6668 all it had ever been used for until this january was storing unedited video from various rides, track days etc, it was actually the Kove 450 Rally video that kicked it off first at the end of january (which was when i did the terrifying bikes video) not the Vstrom videos of various kinds that have been posted over 15 years of owning it. the terrifying bikes video did ok but nothing much really, then 2 months later at the end of march it went mental, from 200 to almost 2000 subscribers over night, now another month on almost doubled again as its almost 4k subs now so id call that taking off 🙂 the original idea was just to steer people to the tshirts and other merch i do that ive been selling for years, but with the bump in subscribers that changed a bit lol. as to the S1000, i rode 1 very briefly at a trackday and it scared the life out of me, made my Daytona and EXUP feel tame by comparison, not sure which model but it wasnt standard anyway. it was probably around 2017, i couldnt use the power it had around Cadwell Park anywhere to be totally honest. dont think i got past 4th gear even on what are jokingly called straights there. I was actually faster on the 90BHP Laverda 750S lol but that did have a Niko Bakker chassis. and despite being an electronics engineer by trade i am just not a fan of electronic controls on a bike. im a luddite at heart i guess lol
@@barebonesmc Ahhh, took off after that, with damned good reason! That was a very thorough and professionally done video! I only just now got around to watching it but yeah, a really well done review/summary of that pretty impressive bike. I would have sold my soul for a bike like that when I was younger, no chance now, mostly because of seat height but, also had a lot of experience with Chines made products and just do not trust their QC or consistency on anything, especially something like a bike.
That is a VERY impressive result in the Dakar race. That's one hell of a tough, frequently deadly race and 3 out of 3 finishing, both as surviving bikes AND all 3 riders not crashing out nor breaking down is extremely impressive!
With the S 1,000 I was starting to seriously consider getting back into a bit of club racing. I wouldn't have before on anything but that thing, it just had me REALLY wanting to play seriously where I could go as hard as I like, I even loved throwing that through the tight, snappy twisties. I loved the handling and maybe it's through familiarity (though the fact I opened one right up and ran it to the redline on the test ride say's otherwise) I would definitely wring it right out, I did through necessity, or what I consider necessity after being stuck behind a long string of cars bumper to bumper for mile after frustrating mile, all right up on each other so it was too dangerous to try picking them off 1 or more at a time so I had to take the whole string in one hit. I looked down at the speedo as an afterthought after I backed off the throttle and I don't know why but there was this number reading 285 there and from what I've read, that's their top. Reading that surprised me as I felt like it was still accelerating but, that seems to be what everyone else gets at full wind up so, , ,
The best part of the single R version is, it's slightly detuned and only (hugh, only lol) produces that 165 hp and revs to 12,000 while the double RR version gives a little over 200 hp but, that detuning gives the single R really usable torque around town riding and yeah, who really needs that extra when that version is so flexible. It's a really enjoyable and easy ride compared to the RR one, I'm really drawn to another one the same but, I really don't think I could ride it enough, or enjoy it enough with chronic pain etc etc that eventually catches up with old riders, especially after an accident that winds up with them removing various internal parts and in a critical condition, not expected to survive, on full life support and put into a coma for the next 8 days, 3 of which it took before my left lung even stopped filling with blood then 3 months, just in the intensive care ward before even shifting me to the general wards, it gets a bit hard to bounce back, especially when rapidly approaching that horrible seven ohhhhhhhhhhh hell !
Thank you so much, i could sit here and tell you why you helped me. but i am not good enough to right it.
what i will say is a big thank you have answered soo many questions. it was my first choice bike if i could after passing my bike test from a CBT (a dream some would say)
I have this as an option for my first bike (vstrom)
and im going to get it
First bike = YBR 125
Second bike = Vstrom
Dreams come true if you work hard for them
mate that comment has made my day 🙂 thankyou, and anything i can help with just let me know, go and enjoy it 🙂 have you seen any of the tour footage? it took us around Europe again this year. this one was spectacular ua-cam.com/video/MjqM3gvXZHw/v-deo.html
cheers bro, im getting mine at the start of the year.
plan to do Scotland wales and some England then Ireland. then im going to go into EU
@@barebonesmc you talk of vstrom groups.. can u send me a facebook one?
@@JustKipper honestly mate, once you get into Europe you loose the feeling that every car driver is out to kill you pretty quick 🙂 where are you based?
@@barebonesmc hahhhha yeah I hope 🤞
I live near Wrexham pal
You ?
Can you tell me of any good groups for vstrom owners? Maybe Facebook?
Great review and you make a compelling case for the vstrom650. I had a Kawasaki Versys for a time but, while similarly challenged in the looks department was frankly frightening on gravel and loose tracks. Now I'd buy a vstrom as a more all round bike but being vain it might take an effort to get rid of my RE Interceptor which is a far inferior bike in almost every respect except looks (fun to ride though!)
Thanks! 👍I do like the enfields. Cheers for watching mate :-) enjoy the ride
Hands down !!! 🏆. Not ugly just a decent wrap!
Cheers for watching mate 🙂 Ride Free
Own a DL650 2007 best bike I ever had taken her around OZ 2up wife happy being on the back. It's got no guards and it's been Outback OZ with not much problems all needed is to Oil the chain .
07 was a good year 🙂🙂 Cheers for watching mate, Ride Free
I have two friends in ..the bike trade i asked them if they could have only one bike what would they have without hesitation they both agreed..the 650 Vstrom 😊
sensible chaps 🙂Cheers for watching mate, ride free
I don't need off road capabilities. but my sport tourer Ducati has 66ftlb torque and 108bhp. weighing the same as the DL650R which I'm sure is an excellent bike, I've had a few suzukis in my life and all bulletproof. But my 916 ST has such oomph and character with excellent chassis,brakes and suspension that I'll never sell my 23 yr old bike,i love it.
if we all thought the same it would be a boring world mate, re the DL650, i dont remember there ever being an R model? 🙂Cheers for watching mate. Ride Free 🙂
where I live one sells Vstrom 650 with 100k km on clocks..
would anyone buy such as first bike?
There are plenty with over 100k miles on the clock here, so 100k km is about 75k miles, average yearly mileage on bikes in the UK is around 5k miles, so someone could easily get another 5 years or more out of a bike with 100k kms on the clock. but it does depend on how well the bike has been looked after
@@MartinLV. there is a similar conversation in here somewhere thats fairly recent, discs are easy and parts in general are cheap as anything. good luck
Hi having owned many many bikes ive finally bought a well looked after 2011 model....i replaced a new tracer700gt ...was to small in legroom dept ...before that a new 1050xt vstrom brilliant bike but was a tad heavy ...the 650 is old but good fettle and i love the non tech👌 ease of use...in black i quite like the way it looks👌atb dave
i know a few people who have gone around the block and ended up back at the vstrom, a mate sold his wee and brought a super tenere, after about 3 or 4 years replaced that with a 1090 adventure, swapped that for a 790R and then quickly swapped that for a wee again :-) that must have been an expensive experiment lol, enjoy the ride mate
Greetings.
First of all, congratulations on your videos.
A question about the front suspension cartridges: you mentioned that you applied the DL1000 cartridges.
Which generation are you referring to?
First or second generation?
Thank you very much.
first gen DL1000 stantions and internals are the swap i did, im not so sure on the 2nd gen ones, i am not sure if they were changed between series 1 and 2 to be honest, i know the 650 lost the preload adjustment at some point, (not sure if gen 2 had preload adjuster on the 650) so they may be different
@@barebonesmc Thank you.
@@zardportugal no problem mate, if you are doing it and need any help, just ask, its not a hard job, but you do need a longer spacer, theres too much sag with the standard spring and spacer
It is the best!
glad you enjoyed it mate been looking for a replacement for years and found nothing better than my old Wee, 🙂Cheers for watching. Ride Free 🙂
I am the original owner of a 2009 VStrom 650 with 85k miles. The bike is mostly reliable, with one major exception. My biggest problem was the failure of the stator, a known issue that Suzuki recalled OTHER bikes with the same part for, but never recalled my bike (grrr!). Also had to replace the rear shock and most recently the fork seals, but that's to be expected with the mileage. In addition the metal flange on the clutch that the clutch cable connects to simply broke a couple of years ago, immobilizing the bike.
🙂Cheers for watching and for the comment mate. I have heard of the stator issues but wasnt that the 2nd gen? Ride Free 🙂
@@barebonesmc 2009 is 2nd gen, no?
@@StromBugSlayer i meant the stator issue, i thought it was just the lator stator that wasnt as strong, i know they changed it, and havent come across the issue with first gen ones, but theres always something i guess
I really enjoy your video! I have one question, can I travel all over the Europe till northcup, with my wife and full load on this bike ? Because I want to buy a 2009 model.
the simple answer is yes. an emphatic yes. if you look you will see the raw footage of the tour we just did, i am 6ft and just under 100kg, partner 60kg ish. 2 x 30ltr panniers, 40 ltr top box, 2 saddlebags mounted on engine protection bars and 2 dry bags strapped on. this year the bike did 3000 miles through France Holland Belgium Germany Switzerland Italy Austria and back to the UK. 2 years ago it did 6000 miles through a prolonged heatwave through Holland France down to North West Spain, down the border of Spain and Portugal to Extramadura then East through Andalucia to Granada and then back North through the central area of Spain up to near Burgos before we got the ferry back to the UK. There is not a more passenger friendly ADV bike other than possibly the Super Tenere 1200, which is a LOT heavier. and the Vstrom with carry a load better than most. I think we were close to half a ton rolling on the Spain tour. truly great bikes in my humble opinion, and without a doubt, the most dependable bike i have ever owned. hope that helps. check out some of the old tour footage in this playlist ua-cam.com/play/PLQ4ZIwIZyn7pLAoyaJ5o3rnmPOy50SDCg.html and this years tour here ua-cam.com/play/PLQ4ZIwIZyn7qMvPsRiNHP3ThZ7Ln2hNP2.html
If I could ask you & other V-Stromers here, how often have you changed the Air Filter (manual states change at 18k) ?
And plugs (at 12k, which seems excessive) how often ?
Thank you to anyone who can input.
I have a new to me lo miles 2008.
sorry i missed this one
i change my air filter quite often, probably about 10k max, and much less if ive been inthe dirt or if its dusty, but thats my riding. plugs i usually check and clean at the same time, once youve done it a couple of times it gets easier 🙂Cheers for watching mate. Ride Free 🙂
I own DL650 k7. How to use lever protectors instead Barkbusters ? Thank you for your response .V-strom - TOP
Mine are a cheaper Ali Express version of the BarkBusters, they are a universal fit, and I use flat MX bars on 12 risers, they just bo;t into place and clamp around the bars
Thought about changing bikes this spring but have decided to keep my VStrom 650. This video has reinforced my decision. I do need a set of tyres as my front is getting down to the wear bars. I have ordered Micheline Annakee Adventures. Your review does not mention tyres and am wondering which tyres you personally have found work the best for tarmac and the occasional unpaved lanes.
I used Anakee 2's for years, even after the 3 came out. didnt like the 3, and the last 2's I had didnt last or grip as well. I did the 6k tour last year on Mitas E07 Dakars and i love them, great tyre, cheers for watching mate
I purchased the Annakee Adventure tyres (for my 08 gen 1) and find them great for loose gravel and even the rougher stuff. 20/80 tyre which is what a Vstrom 650 is in my opinion. My friend got the Annakee Wild’s on his Vstrom 1000 adventure. Maybe a bit of an overkill due to the ability of the suspension, but he is more of a 50/50 rider. I have no problems keeping up with him on the Adventure’s. Adventure’s will give you a lot more life which was important to me.
@@florme6494 I used ANakee 2's for years but didnt think the new ones were as good to be honest, hence my move to Mitas, :-) Cheers for watching mate, ride free
You omitted the Yamaha TDM 900, which was, and still is in many ways, one of the most reliable, versatile and economical bikes out there.
That is true, I preferred the series 1 850 to be fair, but i had one so i am biased. and compared to the Vstrom it was far from economical, but a great bike nontheless. and yes, there will probably be a fair few TDM's left after the apocolypse too :-) Cheers for watching mate
@@barebonesmc
The 850 was a different beast, chugging oil and less economical than the 9er. My 9er would happily sit at 80 mph and return 60 mpg. In all my calculated fill ups it rarely went below 60 mpg, and often returned high 60s when ridden on French N roads at 90 kph. I had mine for 13 years, rode it through Europe most years and it never missed a beat. And being a 900, at motorway speeds it purred along.
I like the DL650 a lot and was close to buying one, just for a change, but it isn't a superior bike to the Yamaha, just similarly utilitarian and rock solid. Because they are similar machines, many blokes have had both, so I've heard the comparisons over the years.
Some of the clear TDMs advantages are that it's easier to work on, has a good deal more grunt (for fast overtakes and getting cracking when in Germany) and better build quality than the Suzuki. The DL650, from reports, handles better (I always found the TDMs front end to feel a bit remote) and has a more comfortable riding position. Those are the only 2 points are what come to mind. Anyway, it's all horses for courses, but the TDM is worthy of the mention from my POV.
@@buz3 ei do know a guy who had several over a long period and swore by them. he ended up going to a 4 pot (think it was a CB1300 if i remember) and just moaned afterwards about getting rid of his last 900. Not seen him for a while as the shop he was a driver for shut but i imagine he will have gone back to a TDM knowing him. As to working on them. did they change the stupid battery box on the early 850s then? that was even harder to get at than the Zane Laverda battery lol, cheers for the comments mate. The TDM was a great bike all in all. I liked the original Super Tenere too.
Thanks for the detailed review. I hope I get as long out of my bike. I'm the glad owner of a 1st Gen DL1000 since 1 year ago and I was looking for a bike that was reliable as a commuter , inexpensive to maintain and suitable for touring. This review makes me think that I didn't go far wrong. I'm just getting back into biking after a long break and have no designs on offroad activities, so even if the 1000 isn't that way capable, I'm OK with it. I've been wrestling with how to get the rear preload adjuster to turn so that I can do a bit of 2-up, but my mechanic couldn't help. If anyone knows tips to get it to turn I'd be very grateful.
you wont go far wrong with bigger brother 🙂 sort clutch basket if it starts to rattle but thats about it. Ill have a look through manual to see how 1000 shock is done, is it not a remote adjuster? black knob right side in front of side panel under seat area. if not its probably a c spanner but i will check, enjoy the ride
@@barebonesmc Thanks for the reply. Yes, it's just a black knob on the right, as commented. The knob is too stiff to turn by hand and I am afraid of forcing it.
@@patricklall4433 no problem re reply. i do always try to answer peoples questions. being honest im not sure i have ever known one lock up. ill have a look when i can but its the gorgeous ones birthday tomorrow so prob wont be then lol. if im right it mounts on the front with a screw, take screw off and pull knob off adjuster and you should see where it actually turns. wrap a rag under and around it and give it a good spray with duck oil or wd 40, or better still jacuput oil (think thats the right spelling) if you can get a spanner on where the knob sits just try and keep rocking it back n forward and keep spraying a bit at a time, if no joy leave overnight and try again. if not it may be cheaper to swap the unit for a 2nd hand one than getting it rebuilt but hopefully it will free off. I guess if you demount the whole adjuster but leave hose connected you could soak the whole adjuster in penetrating oil and see then. good luck and keep me posted. im sure someone will have an idea if it doesnt work
@@barebonesmc Thnak you for the advice. I'll give it a try and let you know. Thanks again.
@@patricklall4433 fingers crossed mate
Nice review. Cheers
thanks for watching mate
I owned one DL670 model K7 ABS and I kept her 11 years. Never had an issue, she's a great bike, reliable, comfy and enjoyable. I replaced the crappy tokico brake pads by EBC HH with great improvement. I also replaced the front springs with Hyperpro progressive, and the rear one by a "shock factory" tuned for my weight at the factory. When I decided to sold her after bying a Versys 1000, she found her new owner in less than a week
cheers for watching mate, enjoy the versys 🙂
The only bad things about my 2016 XT were the colour, background grey. Fixed with a rattle can. And the lack of cruise control. I do a lot of 750 km days, and my wrist suffers.
As you say, the suspension is a bit basic, but it's good enough, like everything else on the bike.
cheers for adding mate, i hated the standard bars on my wrists, flatter profile bars helped me a lot
Thank you so much for great video!
I am looking for an aftermarket exhaust system for my 04 DL650, spent much time to get info abou this question. Can you pls advise some variants as you told with O2 sensors! And where it is possible to purchase in Europe?
And what about fuel card like Power Commander ,is it necesarry to install or not?
I used MTC in Cheshire U.K. but GPR Are pretty good. MTC do a lifetime guarantee and stand by it. Martin is one of the good guys. Tell him Ian vstrom sent you and he will sort you out I’m sure. Both had sockets for the O2 sensor and no I don’t use a power commander. But it depends what you want. Mine is a very big end can and is better for torque as I baffle it back so I don’t cause problems touring. Little villages and loud cans don’t mix so well 🤣🤣
@@barebonesmc I also would like to order big volume can😀 I will write to MTC asking about the possibilities of producing exhaust for my DL650 and sending to Latvia👍
Great bike
🙂
Great video. Thank you. I just bought a 650 vstrom. My main complaint is the stock bars. Way too high and pulled back. Your bars looked much closer to what I want. Do you know offhand exactly what bar you used in this video? Final comment, I noticed you’ve never mentioned Suzuki DR 650’s. Why? Thanks again, and please keep the great content coming.
glad you enjoyed it mate 🙂 Theres plenty more on the channel and the website, let me know what you think. hope youll climb aboard. The bars are cheap Chinese MX bars, alloy but standard diameter, like these www.ebay.co.uk/itm/391825031349?hash=item5b3a9780b5:g:O-YAAOSwTf9ZTuOF&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwAz360NBb%2Fc2DPX9ovRzba1%2F0e1MP3kKu5wiuzgUtqkikAqGUDYeZxjtsjPZSgRskDnDNW6XyhPaZkBD8Qr1%2Bf9n1Z9CR6JHy9VCmZHxrExAuzwExeZRZIGpUStdUQwwNKEtc0TM3LSTFSlgKW5Ger%2FMfY4RUwxz%2FlooRvXwoRj%2BV9ISsf75g%2F0CAbLQbIG1FNyipnmjy8fa3W2rVp%2FuZM1jOdrRgGhMo85zXYAy758s3ut%2Fq%2FNwtMUhlkaGpvG5Zg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8r9h-f8Yg but they are on 1 inch risers,.with the not barkbusters its a balance to adjust so they dont hit the front cowling but it just works :-) Cheers for watching. Ride Free 🙂
Great 'real-life' review, I have a 2011 DL650 and also love it, but it needs a stronger spring in the rear suspension when two-up and loaded panniers. Could you please tell me where you bought your replacement rear spring from and the brand? Thanks
great bikes, my springs are from Yacugar in Holland. it is the guy who originally started WP suspension before it got shortened from the name we dont mention lol. heres the link yacugar.com/ 🙂 Cheers for watching mate. Ride Free 🙂
Awesome!👍
🙂cheers for watching mate, have a great weekend 🙂
I ve buyed a Dl650 with 9000 miles,i thoug was another good bike,but using it and sharing experiences with others bikers, i realize that i was very Lucky! Now i m not planning to sell it
Cheers for watching and the comment mate, Ride Free
I had a 2003 dl1000 and it was the best water-cooled bike I ever owned. As far as best bike ever owned it was an old bmw GS air-head that took me through north and south america. currently bike less .. my next bike will definitely be a DL650.
they are a damn good bike, i have been searching for a replacement for a good while now, and not found a better all rounder, plenty do some things better, but it suits me, and the pillion seat means the gorgeous one has been spoiled now lol
that's about as honest as it gets. cheers gov.
I say it as i see it mate :-) Cheers for watching, and enjoy the ride :-)
Nice video, I currently ride a 2007 Yamaha TDM900 which I love but as I'm just turning 70 I find it a little heavy to maneuver and I fear dropping it and would be unable to lift it. The Suzuki DL650 has always caught my eye and I have considered buying one on a few occasions, unfortunately I don't know anyone that owns one and I wouldn't know which year or model to buy, also would it be easier to maneuver than the TDM with my dodgy knees. Any comments would be appreciated...
series 1 are lightest but they arent light, although i do find it easier than the TDM i had was even with a full tank. mine is non ABS but thats my choice, later ones you get ABS as standard. later ones have smaller fuel tank but do a bit better mileage so range is similar. they are all decent bikes. where are you? theres always a Vstrom or 2 fairly near lol. there are some good forums to ask any in depth questions too, 🙂cheers for watching mate, ride free
Thanks for responding, I suppose I need to get a test ride on one to do a proper comparison and then see what I can find for my budget :)
@@Harry-Powney no problem mate, i cant imagine ever selling mine. but i do like to have a lighter bike on the road too for shorter journeys or if im not carrying a passenger 🙂 but if it had to be one bike the wee is a hard one to beat
Thanks again for your reply, yesterday I found a 2011 vstrom with 16,000 miles and going to look at it today.! It looks really tidy so fingers crossed..
Well I went to look at the 2011 16000 mile Vstrom and I'm sorry to say it was dreadful. On acceleration there was a positive knock from the engine suggesting a small end had a problem and it had little power, the breaks were poor to say the least. This all suggests to me that the 650 vstrom is not for me...
Excellent video.I purchased my 1st Vstrom 650 (2010)after 40years of riding great bike wish I had done so earlier! in case Ive missed it which mirrors have you fitted and any difference with the wind buffeting? As the stock ones are HUGE!!! thanks
i had some cheap LED indicator mirrors for years, similar shape to the aprilia, but they finally gave up recently and i wanted folding so ive got ones similar to the old KTM ones now. Honestly, i have never had too much of an issue although helmet makes a lot of difference. and ive used various screens with varying results. ive got a standard screen on again now but it is in the 3rd and highest hidden position (first gen) and i put 2 rubberised spacers between the screen and mount at the top so the screen is slightly more upright than usual but they are only about 6mm thick. It does seem to affect some riders more than others and i guess size is part of that. , :-) Cheers for watching and enjoy the ride
@@barebonesmc Ok thanks for the reply .I have the original screen with a madstad bracket which works well just but just wondering about the mirrors at 60mph plus speeds. I think your right about helmets tho Im wearing Shoei at the mo and poss try summfink diff.
@@uncleremus8443 being completely honest on mirroea, the folding ones i got are ok, but the best ive had on it were actually some old scabby Nighthawk S mirrors i had lying around, i used them when i broke one of the previous set until i managed to find some of the folding ones i wanted. i think the ones made in the 80s were just made from better materials, but they were very scabby and old lol
Good video
cheers mate
I've been riding my ZRX1200R for 17+ years and loved every minute of it but now I'm riding a 2015 V-Strom 650. It's very comfortable for my 64 year old butt 😮😂
I featured the ZRX here 🙂 ua-cam.com/video/RkMPFU4QLzg/v-deo.html 🙂 and yep, the Vstrom is hard to beat on comfort, especially the passenger seat it seems lol. she doesnt like any of the other bikes as much as the Vstrom 🙂
Yes. Yes it is.
cheers for watching , enjoy the ride 🙂
Thanks for the great review. I haven’t had a motorcycle for 30 years now. My last bike was a 1986 Kawasaki Concours which I sold in the early 1990’s.
It’s been that long since I’ve ridden. I’m in my mid sixties now and thinking about getting another bike. I was convinced that the Honda CB 500 X was absolutely the best possible option for what I wanted to do… until I saw this video. Just wondering if you have any thoughts on the CB 500 X or perhaps the
Honda Trans Alp 750?
both good bikes, the CB500 is physically smaller than the Vstrom, and Transalp, but it isnt much lighter, and the suspension isnt great, especially off road, much like the Vstrom lol, the Transalp is ok in many ways, but they all run too hot for my liking now, i dont want a burnt leg when i go for a ride, especially with textile trousers on ;-) do you ride 2 up?
@@barebonesmc Mainly solo but I still want the option in case my 120 lb. wife feels like she can trust me not to dump the bike with her on it.
@@greogesnote8507 Thats where the Vstrom wins, the CB500 is a bit cramped 2 up for me, and the Transalp produces its power higher up the rev range, so the Vstrom is a lazier ride 🙂
IMPORTANT
Dakar have hit me with a copyright strike so ive had to delist some of the videos just in case
i guess they got pissed that mine were better
because of the MOTOGP one before xmas that means im really vulnerable now and the channel could be removed at any time
I have set up this backup channel so please go and follow it NOW,
this could all be removed at any moment now so it is critical to stay in touch via the backup channel here
ua-cam.com/channels/CSl6i-tZJNC5DQ38vgCtvw.html
sorry for this if i get another strike it wipes out all my work
all my old videos will be removed
I wont be posting anything much on the new channel unless this goes down
but this is a just in case because it really could go down at any point
the videos are still visible if you have a link so if you have problems message me for links
so you can still watch them,
if you follow the channel and this one gets taken down you will be able to find me there
sorry if thats a bit garbled
ive just woken to this but i guess i could have had the channel taken down already
so i should be thankful
ride free
I just saw your video on your 15 year review and I loved every part of it, so I subscribed to your channel. I will no doubt watch every Vstrom 650 video you offer. May I ask what size person you are? I'm 6'3" and overweight at 250 lbs. I sold my 1200gs two years ago and I am close to buying a new Vstrom 650XT. I have only sat of the bike and I find the seat to peg ratio a bit cramped and when I put my legs on the ground they want to be exactly where the pegs are. Question #1, can you share your height with me? Question #2, I know I can lower the pegs about 25mm with a kit, but do you know of any solution to the pegs being in the way of my leg when I put my feet on the ground?
I don't want to be a bother. I'll probably buy the bike no matter what you say. But, the information will be very helpful. Thanks. Again, a great video and very informative. I'll be watch it again more than a few times.
Doug
no worries mate n glad you enjoyed it. I do find the newer ones less roomy than the old one, im 6ft and about 100kg depending on the week lol. i have heard people talk about pegs being in the way but honestly i never had that issue. a mate who is 6ft 5 went for the lowering kit and the early DL1000 seat is thicker than the 650 so that was a common swap too, if you swapped seat and lowered pegs it gave about 50mm total difference but that is on the older series 1, i believe seat pan is different on later pair so you cant swap and change so easily. poss an airhawk pad would give you a bit extra on the seat? hope that helps, fingers crossed
Ok. Well, I just bought a 2023 Suzuki Versys 650XT, and its all your fault. I'll pick it up tomorrow. It sure is pretty. Thanks for the tips on the pegs and the seat. I'll do the OEM pegs which will give me almost an inch lower, but the OEM seat will only give me 20mm more height. We have a master saddle guy only about 60 miles from me and he does wonders, so I'll probably talk to him about a custom seat. After that the shield. After that, probably a lot of riding until I sort it all out in my head. Take care.
Doug
@@DougWalsh you will enjoy it mate. and if you know a seat guy im sure he will be able to do something that suits you. have fun
Buy a SitnFly seat cover and Adventuretech peg lowering kit! I am 6'2" and they definitely give you some more room.
@@philbytx I already got the lowering kit and its on its way. I haven't seen the SitnFly but I will definitely take a look. THANKS!
When riding in the rain or mud does it splatter on your shoes, or on your back?
lol, i have to say no, i never wear shoes, but my boots get muddy anyway, and the rear mudguard is better than most🙂Cheers for watching and for the comment mate. Ride Free 🙂
@@barebonesmc I guess I better get a scooter than! I intended to use it on the road, but those bikes if the road is wet they tend to get us splattered!
@@askme1245 your choice mate, try what you can and find what suits you, thats all that matters
nice review. but you know i have a dr 650 and it a great bike. both dl and dr 650s overlap in their uses and reliability, but the weight and low clearance makes drives me away from the DL. how do you think the vstrom compares to a Honda CB 500X?
they do cross over but the DR is better in the dirt, the DL better for getting to the dirt :-) as for the CB500X, they are a decent bike, but not in the same league as the DL650. possibly a little lighter than the newer vstroms but not as comfortable or spacey, especially with a pillion on board, cheers for watching mate, enjoy the ride
CB500X & Strom 650 are geared similarly, but with less hp & torque, the Honda doesn't hold speed on hills or accelerate as well as the V-Strom.
If doing a lot of urban and suburban riding, the nimbleness and better economy of the Honda suits.
If doing a lot of extra-urban and touring, the roomier and more powerful V-Strom 650 is the ticket.
@@MrBenHaynes well put 🙂
It’s a great bike for sure and a remedy in a sea of expensive over complex and compromised toys. If you don’t go off road then the better road bike with the same reliability remains the SV650 imho. We had one and it was a great little road bike, cheap to run. For long tours though I have to agree to disagree on the grunt fully loaded Two up. It struggles due to limited torque. It’ll do it but you have to play with the gearbox more than I like.
I went a different route and ended up full circle after 35 years back astride a big 1200 boxer engined sports tourer. Monster torque and as I have no intention of off roading it’s perfect. It gets similar fuel economy to the Sv650 or DL650 too.
I agree about Triumph. Hate their quite horrid menu systems. All bikes today seem to have over complex electronics and some like on the KTMs ensure their unreliability. How ironic that the very emissions regulations pushing manufacturers down an ever increasing road of engine complexity and strangulation are also ensuring heavier more unreliable bikes guaranteed to be more disposable. How ”un-green”. When I started out on big bikes, my first being an R100RT back in the late 1980s many bikes like that big beemer were cheap and easy to home service, uncomplicated and capable of huge mileages. You could fix most issues by the roadside.
All my memorable bikes were sports tourers except for a number of glorious RSVR Milles which I rate even today as the best handling most joyous things I’ve ever ridden. Sadly a bad back and hip means more upright comfortable bikes.
Had a tiger 1200 which proved electrically unreliable and way too top heavy. Comfy though and gutsy. Tried a big gsa which was wonderful but sadly had to sell for financial reasons. Looked at a DL650 but decided on a more comfortable to me R1200RS. If I had a second bike the DL650 would be a strong candidate.
Great video. That bike represents everything a good bike should be. Relatively light, economical, long lived and easy to work on with simple electronics and capable of touring, commuting or for weekend fun rides. I get all that except for simple electronics. With technology we have not really gone forwards enough with ruggedness and dependability. Few makers actually make frugal, simple, reliable long lived do it all bikes these days. You inevitably have to buy a blank canvas with issues and set about modifying with different seats, handling aids, weather or crash protection or luggage capability.
glad you enjoyed it mate 🙂Cheers for watching. re dancing on the gearbox, i grew up riding 2 strokes so thats all part of the fun for me, and if we all thought the same it would get boring anyway lol Ride Free 🙂
Absolutely. Saying that. I have just gone and bought a 17 yr old low miles vstrom 650!!! As my 2nd bike for winter months riding. Just made a load of sense. Read about stator issues but ignored that as lots of bikes makes have stator failures and you have be unlucky. The v strom’s lighter weight, gentle vee twin and overall versatility won the day for me.
Welcome aboard mate, enjoy the ride. I see many happy miles ahead 🙂
Vstrom good for long rides far away from home?
indeed mate, cheers for watching mate. enjoy the ride
Even to galaxies far, far away!