Solid review Paddy! I financed my very first bike at 27 just a few months ago (ktm 390 adv) and it’s been a perfect beginner bike.. yet I’m yearning for a bit more power. I was eyeing the Tenere and the KLR 650 but I think I’m sold on the strom 650 XT... I know it’s not as off road capable as the other 2 bikes but for just the light gravel roads and mainly pavement I’ll be riding on, the Suzuki seems like the best bet. Thanks for the honest review!!
Thanks great review. Anyone have any thoughts on getting this at 35kw and then after a year going full power? Does a new engine have problems awaiting doing this? I’ve a year left at 35kw and fancy one of these a heck of a lot… cheers
Great Review Paddy, as you know this was the bike that I was going back and forth on when looking at mine. Love to hear reviews from owners on bikes as they tend to be more honest! 👍✌ Ace Review Mate
Great review paddy, I've just recently bought a new Vstrom 650xt mine being white with blue rims a blue strip on the beak and blue stripes on the tank. I absolutely love my bike as it does everything I ask of it with no complaints. Keep the reviews coming mate cheers.. Have also subscribed.
Nice review @Paddy Outback. I picked mine up with 15000km on it last week. Has a heap of extras...GIVI airflow screen, Givi bash plate, Givi Outback Trekker Topbox and Panniers, Crash bars, Handguards, Stedi Spotlights, Heated grips, Quad Lock, Conti TKC 70 tyres which handle the dirt very well...love it!!!! I have the cast wheel version though so not sure about durability on the dirt. Time will tell I guess. Cheers again for the great review. I've put 800kms on it this week and will do a review when I've had it for a couple of months. Subbed mate.
Hi Paddy, thanks for a most excellent review. Looking at my first bike purchase and have short listed the v-strom and the versys. Wondering what factors influenced your choice to go with this one instead of the versys?
Both of them are very good bikes. The V-Strom is a little better off road bit there's not much to choose between them. I went with the V-Strom for the simple reason that I just liked it more.
got myself the same thing, yellow and all, just the 2019 model. It's my first bike so I love it but yeah, I agree that it might not shine in any particular area but it's so amazing to just go, have fun and then if you stumble over some gravel or dirt road ... you just carry on, no problems. Now that's adventuring to me :) I'm a bit of an OCDist when it comes to going to new places, need to know the road, parking spots, GPS and all but since the V, the GPS is mainly for listening to music and if I am really lost. Btw, a cardo with voice commands and a proper GPS mount, that holds it on top of the dash are great things to have.
I’ve got one of these high on my after-the-KLR list. I absolutely loved this engine on my friend’s SV650. I still want a more basic and rugged bike while I learn to ride on dirt, but this would be a great choice for me once I’m ready to move on.
I owned a KLR before this one. It was a vast improvement in everything except off road. Simply because the KLR had more clearance. I am hitting the skidplate constantly on this bike if the terrain gets rough, otherwise, it's an amazing bike for the price. If it had a couple more inches in clearance, it would be the best bike on the market (if price is something you think about)
I love it but it's getting a fair amount of hate for some reason. I think V-Strom owners are a conservative bunch and the styling is a bit much for them.
I have the same bike not everything you want but has everything you need at a great price, my fell off the Shitty side stand first week I had it, so I fitted a bigger side stand plate and crashbars, and also the fitted the same bar risers as you after seeing your video on it
Fantastic review Paddy. It is a bloomin great bike, and that you have been able to get the seat, bars and pegs to fit you is possibly something that sets it apart from the Honda maybe too? :-)
I'm sure I could have done the same with Honda. No shortage of aftermarket parts there either. The V-Strom has more power though it is more expensive. Swings and roundabouts.
I think it's a cracking bike man! I well prefer the XT over the regular model! Then spokey wheels just really suit the bike! The yellow colour you got makes the bike pop! I think they're a nice looking bike and to be honest they're not at all common over here, especially the XT model. I do agree the clocks etc. are a bit messy looking but they do the trick! I must really make a review of the MT! One of the lads at work has the CB500X and it's nice alright but to be honest the V-Strom is nicer. Great video man!
I love my 2012 model. None of the new electronic features now available appeal to me in the least. The bike is excellent on those long highways. I've gone over 700 miles in a single day. Offroad I'd have to say that it is just fine on dirt roads. I used to roll a R1100GS and the Suzuki will allow me to go a mite further in than I'd dared to go with the BMW. If you were to, say, want to ride hundreds of miles and then need almost motocross features to reach that abandoned mining town look into a DR 650. Learn to travel light, stay in shape and try to find at least one riding companion who is at least as nuts as you!
I somewhat agree that it's good at everything but excels at nothing. For me, it does excel at touring on paved roads. It is comfortable (with the mods you mentioned, specially the windscreen extension) and can go for hundreds of miles very happily.
When you get your unrestricted motorcycle license, is there anyway to derestrict the motorcycle, to restore the horsepower in the LAMS V Strom 650 like the unrestricted model? I'm pretty bummed the 70 horsepower model is restricted for learners and restricted motorcycle license riders
They said you can get spooked wheels for the ktm 390 adventure at ktm power sports when it comes out spos like an after market from KTM. I really like the look and price of that bike.
They're by a company called RHK. They had them in stock at the local Suzuki dealership. They're 25mm and didn't require any cable extensions. Here's a link to something similar. www.ebay.com.au/itm/254574366213
Paddy Outback. Really! That would be no problem then. When I was enquiring about this bike at a dealer, I asked the Service Dept what that service would cost and they quoted over $500 for all the 6000 km services and around $800 for the 24000 km service. Turned me off it a bit.
'Cast alloy wheels are prone to cracking'. Are they my arse. Did the dealer tell you that to get you to pay more for the XT? , You would have been fine with the standard bike, and bought yourself a decent bash plate and crash bars with the money you saved. I do like your review, but your uneccesarily biased towards the XT version.... Have you tried keeping spoked wheels clean?... Unless your catching air or doing serious off roading, the standard bike is all you will ever need. It's a great bike.
There is a world of metric outside of the USA you know. I'm a "seasoned rider" with 50 years of riding. This review is pretty much right up my alley. My other bike is a GSX1340R. 😉
Good review Amigo. These are my favorite type of reviews where someone has actually lived with the bike a while
Maybe you can see the link for the wind screen extender
Thanks man.
Solid review Paddy! I financed my very first bike at 27 just a few months ago (ktm 390 adv) and it’s been a perfect beginner bike.. yet I’m yearning for a bit more power. I was eyeing the Tenere and the KLR 650 but I think I’m sold on the strom 650 XT... I know it’s not as off road capable as the other 2 bikes but for just the light gravel roads and mainly pavement I’ll be riding on, the Suzuki seems like the best bet. Thanks for the honest review!!
Thanks great review. Anyone have any thoughts on getting this at 35kw and then after a year going full power? Does a new engine have problems awaiting doing this? I’ve a year left at 35kw and fancy one of these a heck of a lot… cheers
Im loving my vstrom..i do get wind buffering but nothing compared to my naked bandit lol.... so at the moment i can put up with it... great video
Great Review Paddy, as you know this was the bike that I was going back and forth on when looking at mine. Love to hear reviews from owners on bikes as they tend to be more honest! 👍✌ Ace Review Mate
Great review paddy, I've just recently bought a new Vstrom 650xt mine being white with blue rims a blue strip on the beak and blue stripes on the tank.
I absolutely love my bike as it does everything I ask of it with no complaints.
Keep the reviews coming mate cheers..
Have also subscribed.
Thanks mate. Really appreciate it. Good luck with the Strom!
Nice review @Paddy Outback. I picked mine up with 15000km on it last week. Has a heap of extras...GIVI airflow screen, Givi bash plate, Givi Outback Trekker Topbox and Panniers, Crash bars, Handguards, Stedi Spotlights, Heated grips, Quad Lock, Conti TKC 70 tyres which handle the dirt very well...love it!!!! I have the cast wheel version though so not sure about durability on the dirt. Time will tell I guess. Cheers again for the great review.
I've put 800kms on it this week and will do a review when I've had it for a couple of months. Subbed mate.
That's a serious rig mate. You'll love it. I'll check out the video when it's done!
I WILL COLLECT MY XT TODAY CAN'T WAITE
How is it??
@@Jiffy_Squid absolutely lovely its with all extras from sw-moteck and its so new and beautyfull
Hi Paddy, thanks for a most excellent review. Looking at my first bike purchase and have short listed the v-strom and the versys. Wondering what factors influenced your choice to go with this one instead of the versys?
Both of them are very good bikes. The V-Strom is a little better off road bit there's not much to choose between them. I went with the V-Strom for the simple reason that I just liked it more.
650 V-Strom best bike I've ever owned
Can't go wrong with one really.
Nice show Paddy. Thanks
got myself the same thing, yellow and all, just the 2019 model. It's my first bike so I love it but yeah, I agree that it might not shine in any particular area but it's so amazing to just go, have fun and then if you stumble over some gravel or dirt road ... you just carry on, no problems. Now that's adventuring to me :) I'm a bit of an OCDist when it comes to going to new places, need to know the road, parking spots, GPS and all but since the V, the GPS is mainly for listening to music and if I am really lost. Btw, a cardo with voice commands and a proper GPS mount, that holds it on top of the dash are great things to have.
That's what I like about it. It does everything well. Thanks for watching mate.
I’ve got one of these high on my after-the-KLR list. I absolutely loved this engine on my friend’s SV650. I still want a more basic and rugged bike while I learn to ride on dirt, but this would be a great choice for me once I’m ready to move on.
Not as good off road as a KLR but vastly superior on road.
I owned a KLR before this one. It was a vast improvement in everything except off road. Simply because the KLR had more clearance. I am hitting the skidplate constantly on this bike if the terrain gets rough, otherwise, it's an amazing bike for the price. If it had a couple more inches in clearance, it would be the best bike on the market (if price is something you think about)
Great review Paddy. The new 1050 looks awesome too
I love it but it's getting a fair amount of hate for some reason. I think V-Strom owners are a conservative bunch and the styling is a bit much for them.
Great review for a seemingly awesome bike!
the Vstrom is a great bike. I'd get a metal bash plate though
I'm ordering one shortly. And a radiator guard.
Nice review there Paddy. Sounds like it has pretty much a bullet proof engine
Yep, they're legendary for reliability.
I have the same bike not everything you want but has everything you need at a great price, my fell off the Shitty side stand first week I had it, so I fitted a bigger side stand plate and crashbars, and also the fitted the same bar risers as you after seeing your video on it
I dropped mine onto my car after a mishap with the stand too. Thankfully no damage to the bike. Must get crash bars though!
@@PaddyOutback always leave it in gear when the stand is down stops it rolling forward off the stand
@@jackchristodoulou197 I always do..... lesson learned 😂
Fantastic review Paddy. It is a bloomin great bike, and that you have been able to get the seat, bars and pegs to fit you is possibly something that sets it apart from the Honda maybe too? :-)
I'm sure I could have done the same with Honda. No shortage of aftermarket parts there either. The V-Strom has more power though it is more expensive. Swings and roundabouts.
@@PaddyOutback I like roundabouts! :-)
Gorgeous and versatile bike !
Does everything!
I think it's a cracking bike man! I well prefer the XT over the regular model! Then spokey wheels just really suit the bike! The yellow colour you got makes the bike pop! I think they're a nice looking bike and to be honest they're not at all common over here, especially the XT model.
I do agree the clocks etc. are a bit messy looking but they do the trick! I must really make a review of the MT! One of the lads at work has the CB500X and it's nice alright but to be honest the V-Strom is nicer. Great video man!
I feel like I was having a bit of a go at it which is not really the case. It is a phenomenally good bike. Just wanted to be honest about it all.
apologies P,still cant find it, windy and wet in dublin
rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F253939009796
I love my 2012 model. None of the new electronic features now available appeal to me in the least.
The bike is excellent on those long highways. I've gone over 700 miles in a single day.
Offroad I'd have to say that it is just fine on dirt roads. I used to roll a R1100GS and the Suzuki will allow me to go a mite further in than I'd dared to go with the BMW.
If you were to, say, want to ride hundreds of miles and then need almost motocross features to reach that abandoned mining town look into a DR 650. Learn to travel light, stay in shape and try to find at least one riding companion who is at least as nuts as you!
Thanks Paddy,this helped,I will buy one to replace my road bike as I plan to camp more.
Will certainly be good for that. There's a massive aftermarket for luggage and all that so you'll be set.
if your thinking of de-restricting the engine its not easy as its in the puter mapping..dealer told me this..
I know It's tricky to do. Have no intention of doing it though. It's plenty fast enough for what I need anyway.
Excellent bike Mate, I may have a new bike soon, yet to be revealed.
Ooh, exciting! Can't wait to see what you get!
I somewhat agree that it's good at everything but excels at nothing. For me, it does excel at touring on paved roads. It is comfortable (with the mods you mentioned, specially the windscreen extension) and can go for hundreds of miles very happily.
Sound man paddy,cheers.
When you get your unrestricted motorcycle license, is there anyway to derestrict the motorcycle, to restore the horsepower in the LAMS V Strom 650 like the unrestricted model?
I'm pretty bummed the 70 horsepower model is restricted for learners and restricted motorcycle license riders
I'm wondering about the same. Is there a way to derestrict it after getting a full license? Did you manage to find out?
They said you can get spooked wheels for the ktm 390 adventure at ktm power sports when it comes out spos like an after market from KTM. I really like the look and price of that bike.
It does look like a great little bike alright. I reckon they'll release an R version of it that will be more adventure orientated.
@@PaddyOutback I really hope so but I can't see it being a lower cc bike
It would be a wasted opportunity for them. It would destroy the Honda and Suzuki as long as the price is right, by which I mean cheaper than both.
Drivemag riders channel talk about the spoke wheels on the ktm 390 adventure at icma
@@deanjudd4185 I reckon they'll have them.
Which bar risers have you installed? The height in cm (or inch) pls. Had to extend cables? Thanks.
They're by a company called RHK. They had them in stock at the local Suzuki dealership. They're 25mm and didn't require any cable extensions. Here's a link to something similar.
www.ebay.com.au/itm/254574366213
i own the same bike in south of france.... just the best bike i have ever had..... i s totally true, ths little strom is a fantastic ride
It's a fantastic bike, definitely.
nice Video! do you have a link for the luggage thing? i am surching for something like that for my softbags. Greetings from Austria!
I bought them from a company called Andy Strapz.
www.andystrapz.com
@@PaddyOutback thx a lot for the answer. have you tried them out yet during a trip?
Yes, I took them out to West Queensland in September. 1800km. They were fantastic. No issues at all.
@@PaddyOutback thx a lot for your answer
Does anyone know if this bike has Cruise control
No, it doesn't.
I guess the power restriction is going to make it a little boring. Can you remove the restrictor?
Not really. I've never felt it needed more power. I'm not a speed demon anyway. Sure you can take the restrictor off but never looked into it.
Should i buy vstrom650xt or tenere700?🤔😄
Servicing every 6000km appears to be a bit over the top. Any idea of servicing costs?
That is an issue alright. Paid 180 bucks for the 6000km service recently which isn't too steep.
Paddy Outback. Really! That would be no problem then. When I was enquiring about this bike at a dealer, I asked the Service Dept what that service would cost and they quoted over $500 for all the 6000 km services and around $800 for the 24000 km service. Turned me off it a bit.
Perfect review..
Thanks man. I take it as high praise from you:-)
Great review. 👍
Thanks mate.
Gotta love auto generated captions... "I'm party Outback". *disco music intensifies *
PARTY OUTBACK!!!
YES!!
Get a set of TKC80`s on Paddy youll not regret it lol
What's the cruising speed on this beautiful bike?? Tnx
The limit here is 110km/h which is about 70mph. She has plenty left at that speed. Will do 80 all day.
@@PaddyOutback that's awesome. Thanks for the reply man 👌
All good man!
link for windscreen extender please.
It's in the video description mate.
nice looking bike mate.
Is this the a2 35 kw version?
Yes.
Dangit you’re making me wish I’d bought the WeeStrom instead of the Tiger a few years back.
They're a great bike alright but the Tiger is a good bike too. Hard to actually buy a bad bike these days 😂
Having owned a KeepTakingMoney KTM , Vstrom all the way.
The reliability and running costs are a big plus alright.
'Cast alloy wheels are prone to cracking'. Are they my arse. Did the dealer tell you that to get you to pay more for the XT? , You would have been fine with the standard bike, and bought yourself a decent bash plate and crash bars with the money you saved. I do like your review, but your uneccesarily biased towards the XT version.... Have you tried keeping spoked wheels clean?... Unless your catching air or doing serious off roading, the standard bike is all you will ever need. It's a great bike.
She’s a very pretty bike too. 🏍👌🏻. Namaste 🙏🏻
Does she have a name by the way?
Just "Suzie".
I'm rubbish at naming things!
It’s a fine name Sir.
180km home with my black beauty, nice
Congrats mate! You'll love it. They're a great bike.
Don't care how slow you I am enjoying the country
Thank God for that because I was definitely going slowly 😂
Plz include gallons and MPH, and realize ppl who were seasoned veterans returning to motorcycling don't want "beginner" bikes!!
It's a review of a beginner spec bike. Clearly not for you then.
Oh, it uses 3/8 of a thimble full of gasoline per furlong.
Hope that helps!
There is a world of metric outside of the USA you know. I'm a "seasoned rider" with 50 years of riding. This review is pretty much right up my alley. My other bike is a GSX1340R. 😉