Suzuki VStrom DR650: Best Econo Adventure Motorcycle
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- Опубліковано 2 лют 2018
- You could buy a used Suzuki VStrom 650 Adventure for a few thousand bucks and start your adventure experience. For years we tested our purchased 2012 650 and were impressed with this bike. Here TacticalDoodle gives his in-field review of his experience with the bike. You'll see his off road modifications like skid plate, front end brace, windscreen, crash bars, cargo boxes, pegs, and more. He logged over 20,000 miles on this VStrom before selling it. We will power to MPG factor, comfort, handling, durability, electronics, braking, suspension, and more in this desert review. On this 400 mile ride through this remote area we just pulled over to knock out this TNP review on this great value motorcycle option.
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Love the DL 650, fire roads, camping trips, and business trips when I dont fly. Riding a bike is the closest thing to flying while on the ground, and you really get to experience, the sights, sounds, and smells of the country side.
I owe yal a thanks. I bought my 2015 vstrom because of you. Summer of 2019 it will take me on a trip from Arizona to Alaska. Stoked to see your set up, gives me lot of ideas.
i started riding because of you. Three bikes later i have no regrets!!
Love the motorcycle content/ glad to see Tactical Doodle is still alive.
Big thumbs up for more motorcycle reviews!
I finally bought a new, left over 2016 mode of the KTM 1190 about 30 days ago. Pretty exciting!
Maybe we could get an 1190 update? I recall Nutn had issues with his light mount. I found that the KC Hilite 1 inch mount to be promising in design and material used.
I love your guys motorcycle reviews along with everything else. After wanting to transition to a dual sport for a long time and owning several bikes from streetfighter to sport bikes, I was able to find a discontinued KTM 1190 Adventure for a great price and I'm loving the sportbike horsepower, v twin engine sound, and comfy riding position! Keep it up!
Really love these moto vlogs keep rolling them out it gets me hyped up for my first 125cc training course. Scared that i'll fall off and skid
Optic 500, You will be just fine. Just start out slow and take it easy. I started riding mini bikes an 9 year old. At 56, I'm still doing it. One of the best ways to learn to ride is to start out on a small dirt bike. Aside from the fact that you don't have to contend with cars and trucks all around you, riding in the dirt will teach you about the limits of traction and handling. These are things that you really don't want to experience on the road. Good Luck and enjoy your journey!
thank you sir yea I guess that's what the saying goes if you don't use it you'll lose it. You see all these videos of guys chasing after cars when they get mad which is dangerous ill never be one of those guys. Better play it safe.
+Optic500, the training course I took was excellent. I'm riding an XT225 now and it usually bites the dirt at least once every time I ride. The bike is well protected and I wear full armor & motocross boots so nobody gets hurt except for the turn signals. It took me a few tries to find turn signals that were like the honey badger (and don't break, or give a shit.) If I were going to ride more pavement I'd be looking at a V-Strom and that's why I was here. Best wishes to you!
Been riding for almost 50 years, many bikes, many miles. I’ve bought three new ‘Stroms, put over 180 000 kilometers on them combined - still have a fully farkled ‘15 Beaker; got a face only a mother could love but you don’t buy a ‘Strom as a fashion accessory. While they’re not the best on the market, they’re excellent motorcycles. Thankfully, my wife allows me to have more than one motorcycle, but the ‘Strom is still one of my favorite daily riders.
Love the bike vids Nutn keep it up!!!
I love the fact father and son ride together. I see Wranglerstar just got his son and himself dirtbikes, and I just think it's such a great way to spend time together with those that are most important in our lives. Good job you two. Tactical D, you're blessed to have such an awesome dad.
Dudes.... that exit was AWKWARD!!! Just kid'n,another great video as always. Subbed a few years back for the firearms,and was totally stoked to find the moto vids too. Keep up the great work!
Nutn and Tdoodle are the reason that I wanted an adventure bike. But, I have arthritis so I went with a CRF250L just to have a lighter bike to play in the dirt. (has a TNP sticker on it, haha). Now I'm saving up for either an FJR 1300 or a Concours 14 as a commuter bike that my wife would be comfortable on the back of. Great to see you guys doing another bike video.
Great work TD.. Very articulate!
“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
Love it! I bought a 12 DL1000 based off your review a year ago. I love it! Totally agree, 1000 is worth it for freeways and long trips, 650 for city commute.
Great information. Love the bike reviews with TD. Real World stuff with no fluff! Perfect.
The only channel I would bother to watch concerning bikes, confident I would enjoy it. Yes, I did, very interesting.
Man I'm needing to get me a AVD bike bad. Thankd for this video. Keep these coming man. 👍👍👌
More, more and more moto videos , I just can't get enough of them . Thanks
And to think I thought this video was never going to be posted, nice job great review
Thanks Guys looking to buy the 650 today this has been a big help.
I never knew there was so much info to know on an “adventure” bike......great video and this would be the kind of riding I want to get into.
Great narration and burping TD! Very informative and unbiased opinions... thanks!
Finally another bike video!!! Hope you start to create more!!!!!!
Bought a brand new ‘19 wee last week. Love it so far!
love the bike vids nutn, keep them coming! do some trail riding headcam action
I rode it's little sister, the sv650 for years. A fantastic all-around motorcycle. Always wanted a V-Strom
Keep the motorcycle vids coming!!!! Love Em
Great video, your original review vstrom review swayed me towards a 650 last year
I have a 2013 Adventure model that is one of my favorite bikes of the 40 I have owned in the last 50+ years as an avid motorcyclist. It is definitely the favorite “smiles per dollar” bike.
I had many bikes when I was riding. The V-Strom 650 is the only one I miss. Road it 100% on street and highway. Loved that bike. So competent, comfy, smooth. Delicious motor and transmission. Great seat position.
Nutn bike videos are the best.
except his fly is wide open
Moto videos back in the project!! YEEHAW! Love the DL! An oldie but a goodie.
So happy to have a new TNP moto vid to watch! Can I request a motorcycle gear run down to discuss your POU for adventure gear on the bikes and your person?
Great review from someone who obviously is giving a review based on use, not on hearsay. Thanks!!
Bought a 2012, new. Love it. Running K60s as well. The trail wings ran 10k with tread left.
Have a 2014 wee. Crash bars had a stress crack and broke in half as well. Had a terrible time getting my dealer to replace them. But they did. They went from being solid across the front to an adjustable piece. No more stress.
Another Nutnfancy motorcycle video? Hell yeah!!!!!
Had a 2008 v-wee, great bike
Now I have de 2014 V-Wee I just love it and I do lots of road and also dirt riding
Thanks for the great review.
I wouldn't trade my loaded-out 2013 Dl650 Adventure model for any other bike. It is the best commuter/weekend tourer/day-tripper/country highway trekker/gravel and forest road explorer/city street fighter/grocery getter etc etc I've ever had, even with Wifey on the back at times. It gets along on the interstate highways just fine too. I only paid $2.9K for it a month before covid hit, which is absolutely unbelievable for such a capable and dependable motorcycle with so much life left in it. It was in almost mint condition with 10K miles on the Odo. I just decided I wanted one, watched all the usual publications, and soon found an individual selling it for a great price.
I have owned about 40 bikes in 52 years as an avid motorcyclist, and I've never been happier with a bike. The 'smile per dollar' factor of a 2nd generation 650 V-Strom simply can't be beat. It isn't the fastest bike I've owned for sure, but it is definitely "satisfying". It weighs a lot less than the bigger, faster bikes too, which is a welcome relief at my rather advanced age. Besides, I have been doing this for a very long time, and have nothing left to prove. I have come to understand and appreciate what is really important, and the 'Strom hits almost every button better than most other bikes. It now has 25k on the Odo, and I look forward to at least 75k more.
Love the Vstrom DL 650.... I have a 2007 and it turned over 90,000miles when I put it away last fall... maybe I'll hit 100 this summer....
I concur-I also have an '07, but with 83k miles on her. Still runs like new with no leaks. Great around town, and awesome to travel on. A little sketchy in wind through the mountains, but all around great bike. And I'm a "Harley guy"...lol.
Did you hit 100k?
How many bits have you had to change in that 90k?
Fun vid, Nutn and TD. Love the scenery at 24 min mark. Looks like Wylie Coyote's home.
I worked for Cycle World magazine and have ridden over 300,000 miles on various bikes. After riding the VStrom over 20,000 miles, it is a great all around bike. It's only a 650 but has a very useable power band. Reliable bike that handles very well on the road and corners. It will do ok on dirt roads, but the major downside is no protection at the oil filter in front. Definitely a skid plate would be needed. Another thing to note is that the suspension while adequate on the road is not really the greatest on the dirt.
NutN, good job on raising Tactical Doodle. Same opinion on SW Motech crash bars metal work. I've seen them vibrate, welds let loose, break and show you how light of gauge they are. They suck no question. Love the Strom, one of the Best Buy's. Recommend AltRider crash bars. If you compare you'll see these are worlds better. You say the suspension is 'ok', what's your weight?
Great job Doodle!
The dl650 is one of the best bang for your buck motorcycles. Did my first saddlesore 1000 on it and it was comfortable.
I had a 2009 Versys but now I am a Harley rider. But I loved the Versys, I had GIVI 45 L hard side bags and a 60 L trunk. I changed the rear sprocket from 46 tooth to 44 then to 42 and I think the 44 tooth was the sweet spot for that bike. I got 60 MPG in the higher elevations in Colorado and New Mexico. I live in Little Rock, Arkansas and the summer I had it I went as far as Colorado, Grand Canyon and back to Little Rock, then to Washington DC back home and then to Barber's Vintage in Leeds Alabama. Camped on all but the DC trip because it was a 5 day quick trip. With the 45 L bags it was perfect height to lay a 4 man instant tent and build from there; with plenty of dry storage. I really have no desire to ride off road, if you see me off road, call 911 I have had an accident....
TNP moto nation! Some beautiful scenery on the opening.
It looks like a fun bike to cruise around on
Nice! We need more nutnfancy moto videos!!!
I'm about to pick up a used 2012 ABS DL650. It will be in good company with my KTM690R, KTM350 EXC-F and my Honda CB1100. I'm done with the big heavy large displacement expensive adventure bikes. Been there done that and decided light and cheap is right for me.
super cool dude, i have a 650 from 2006 too. what a beauty
Me too ! Got it for 3 grand with 33,000 and bags , bar risers ,heated grips 😊😊😊😊😊 sold our 1200 multistrada and getting used to it
Rode all over Tasmania on a hired 2010 vstrom 650..loved it so much i bought a 2013 black V 650..with everything and 13 k on the clock..i loooove it. Had a ktm 250 sold it..too much maintenance but fun as..have a drz400 still..but dl650 is the bomb
I love my Vstroms . I ride them almost everyday of the year.
Just got me a Vulcan S 650. Like it so far. Definitely gets out when u need it to.
My buddy and I were just asking about how your Venture biking is going. We have a question for you, what do you think the reliability of the KTM lines? We know that they're powerhouses, but do they hold up for the long term?
Got a 2006 with everything needed for long hauls for $3k used. There were $2k worth of upgrades on the bike already.
Didn't think twice about the purchase and maintenance/parts have been abundant AND cheap for fixing her back up to near pristine condition because there are parts in every global market for the wee
Nutn, could you or do you have a video review or a video describing the usage of your GPS? I'm considering buying one but would like to see a good review or POU on one from you. As they can get rather spendy. Thanks
When are you going to do sailing yachts nutn? Seems you have done just about every other kind of adventure I can think of.
Riggingsurvey.com
My SW Motech metal is highly rusted but still hanging in there for over a decade on my ZZR1200. I was disappointed in the poor rust resistance, for sure but I do like the quick detach capabilities.
Love the bike videos! Still dreaming of getting my own street worthy bike...someday I'll pull the trigger on one. By the way that Smael watch digs into my skin pretty good on the side where the time adjustment knob is. It's sharp on that side for whatever reason otherwise cool watch.
Tac-D pourin the knowledge out for the homies in this one. Was thinking a sport bike (SV650) for a first bike but now this seems like it would be more versatile.
I have a 2007 the first year with 2 plugs per cylinder. I bought it used for $3,000 had 39,000k on it. It had been to Alaska and back before I got it and all over Oregon. I put 13 k on it and I'm getting way over 50 miles per gallon. The only thing I've had to fix is the fork seals and chain and sprockets. I run street tires and I'm short so I don't do a lot of off-roading with it. What I really like to do is tight corners. I've been to Crater Lake Oregon, Zion Utah, LA California, Death Valley California, Slab City California, Yuma Arizona, Phoenix and Sedona and Jerome and I've had no mechanical issues.
What do you guys think about the ktm 690 duke as a commuter bike? But I have to do at least 80 my entire commute.
This is pretty old but valid. I’ve got 2014 Vstrom and it’s a great bike. Mpg when going 80 mph does dip into the 30s but if you are just going on the back roads / canyon carving into the high 40s with ease. The 650 is a great bike too (my Dad had one and I almost kept it and sold my 1000) but in the end since I’m 6 ft 6 and too close to 300 lbs the 1000 is just more comfortable. I did put on a higher seat for more leg room and to stretch out.
I took a trip last year to the Midwest and 800 mile days was possible. The other thing I’d say is that the stock wind screen sucks. At times I think no screen would be much better than anything since when you are as tall as I am, to get any protection you have a tall screen that you have to look through.
Thanks for the video
Bill UT, where did you get your tall seat? I'm 6'3" and am buying a 650 this weekend. Thanks
Cameron Oriard
I bought the OEM Suzuki tall seat. I really like it as it gives me more room and allows movement that the normal seat does not.
Yeah, I noticed the Anaheim electronics decal. Instant sub.
I'm starting to like these more, I want a bike now!
I have a question. Have you ever had a problem with speed indication or speedometer? Have you had other problems with this motorcycle?
Regards.
These are the fix I need when snow's only letting me ride a few times a week :)
Hey Doodle - if my wife or significant other said that I can only have one bike...she wouldn't be my wife or significant other. 😃 Patreon, 10 + year TNP'er!
Rock on dudes! 👍🏍
I need me a V Strom. sold my Norton commando 15 years ago. Adventure looks like fun
I'm picking up a 2007 650. Seem like amazing all around bikes.
Checkout the Outback Motortek line of bars and skid plate. They are the most stout combination that I’ve run across. It’s a small company with excellent customer service. I’ve armored up my KLR650 with their stuff.
Nutty, this is my first Bike video. How would this bike compare to the G 650 GS. I know the BMW is more expensive but I would like to know your thoughts on a straight up comparison. Or to a comparable Ducati?
Is there too much difference size and weight wise between the 650 and the 1000?
Yep; I was looking at dual sports, I was gonna get a DR650, but the V-strom was actually less money, I would have to put a bigger tank on the DR650 to get any range out of it, and they need the valves checked more frequently, too. I found a DL650 for only $2,000 so I bought that instead. The bike had 50K on it, which is no problem for a DL650.
get saved have you had the opportunity to off-road it? Im in between an used dl650 or a dr650 as well and would like to know if the wee can do it (a cheap one that wouldnt mind drop it on the dirt), thanks
The VStrom 650 is an EXCELLENT deal for an all purpose go anywhere bike. I ride bigger (BMW R1150GS ADV) and smaller (Yamaha TW-200) for long range touring and offroad trails respectively. The VStrom can comfortably do all that in one bike. It can carry a fair amount of cargo like the big adventure bikes but is nimble a light enough to take on wider trails and fire roads with confidence. The best part, it costs a fraction of the money of the larger heavy adventure bikes.
Great review. Thank you.
Nutnfancy, we are roughly the same age and height. I’m getting back into riding after laying off in 2008. How do you find the 650 at your height and weight? Do you find the 1000 to fit you better? Is the additional power worth the additional weight? Would the power of the 1000 be a bit much for an older rider that has been off bikes for 13 years?
Man I sure missed these bike videos.
Tag team Nutnfancy review; great end to a great week. Cheers to all Nutn' Patreon members. Consider signing up to assist the project.
You mentioned doing a review of the ZX14R, would enjoy your thoughts on the bike.
Nutn you just don’t sit still do you? Good for you! Awesome stuff. I miss the camping videos.
Sweet!! MCRV are awesome fun and super informative.
Nice vanity plate...do you get approached in the men's restroom often?
What is the brand of the engine guards on the 650?
Any comments on a Kawasaki KLR650 for the working/ common man? Thx guys.
nice to see doodle in a video!
What is the carrying capacity? Could a person who is 220 pounds take a similar sized friend without voiding the warranty?
i bought the black & gray satin 2016 Honda CBF-500 love it , i just added all-trerrian tires on it
A DR650 is a pretty good econobike too, if you can only have one, but the DL can fit a car tire on the rear...for HUGE mileage between tire changes. A CB500X can too, like a Super Tenere, and the Super Tenere is shaft drive.
The big Nighthawks used to be shaft drive and have hydraulic valves, so were pretty low-maintenance, but they had 4 carbs to maintain. They might fit a car tire on the rear too.
These bikes can rack up crazy mileage with minimal cost.
I'd always gop standard with a bike like this, opens up your own customisation and choices, plus its alot cheaper too
I've got a 04 DL650 and love that bike. Riding it into places it should probably never have been haha.
2 vids in one day? daaaaaaaaamn! :)
“If the wife or girlfriend said you can only have one bike.”
Lose that woman.
I usually think "well, you probably chose wrong" when I hear that ol "I would love to, but..." Though I think they like pretending the wife cares so they don't take responsibility for actually choosing. :/ Doodle
Men offer, women chooses.
nutnfancy spoken like a single dude...revisit this comment 5 years after marriage lol
RockHumper I'm married and I made sure I married a woman who either shares or supports my interests so I don't have those issues. My wife and I also don't believe in this modern American idea of marriage where the guy is always afraid of his wife. Truth is if I want to buy a gun or knife or bike or whatever then I buy it.
eddiet204 good one
Which bike did Nutn have that he got rid of because of fuel mileage? I think he removed a motorcycle video at some point.
Never got to try a vstrom but a klr 650 yes in your opinion which is the better of the two
Good job TD
really good review, every other reviewer says the same things and at the same time not saying anything at all. im going with the 650.
Do you still have the Strom's and ktms
Coolio. Can't wait for the T7 to release!