Suzuki DL650 V-Strom (2004 - )

I've had a 2009 DL650X for 8 months having been away from bikes for 3 years, and I'm totally happy with my choice. I use the bike to commute, plus  blasting about back roads in my spare time. I've also done a bit of two up day tripping with the missus and the V-Strom takes it all in its stride, in all weathers. In all I'll bike about 7000 miles per annum. The V twin is a joy with lots of usuable power and will pull smoothly in all gears. The bike is happy filtering through town at low speed which surprised me being such a big bike. I'm also a convert to the trailie styling as the upright and tall riding position means great visability and it is fairly easy to dominate the road (especially usefull during the daily commute when those on 4 wheels are on auto pilot). Handling is obviously not in sports bike territory but when I've let the V-Strom stretch its legs it has brought many a smile to my face whilst blasting through the twists. I can keep all styles of riding up all day, as comfort is first rate. I've got the X model so no ABS but have to say the brakes although fairly undramatic do the job nicely. I'd thought about buying a GS untill a dealer mate of mine basically said what can you do on the big Beamer that you'll not do on the DL with £4/5K still nestling nicely in your back pocket! The V-Strom is by no stretch of imagination the coolest looking bike on the road but in short a hell of a lot of bike for decent money.

Posted: 24/05/2010 at 17:29

I was thinking seriously about buying one of these for various reasons including the need to do a 120 mile round trip commute three or four times a month while carrying a significant amount of luggage.  What puts me off is the height.  I'm a short-arse (29 inch inside leg) with a strong dislike of falling over every time I try stop on a cambered road.  Just sitting on one in the showroom made me nervous to the point that I decided not to book a test run.  Are there any fixes for this problem which don't (a) involve extensive modifications to the bike or (b) cost a lot of money?

Posted: 01/05/2011 at 15:05

This bike can get seriously long ranges on one tank and it has a great 650 cc V twin engine. This bike is a hoot to ride with plenty of horse power in the real world - not slow - but you may live long enough to enjoy it unlike some of the hyper sports bikes. The weather protection is superb and it has a commanding presence which non bikers comment upon. I have the Givi touring screen fitted and this is ideal for a 5' 8'' person like me and it keeps the awful british weather at bay. The electrically heated grips are ace. I rate this bike as a 10 out of 10 machine; for the serious biker it is a marvel.

Posted: 29/05/2011 at 19:24

I've done a 5 minute review on You Tube of my V Strom 650....

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyqyhKJkx3g

Its unscrpted and is from an ordinary person, not a journalist!

Zog 

Posted: 08/06/2011 at 17:21

Don't worry I have an 29 inch inside leg too and get on fine with this bike. Perfectly usable and it can filter very well too. Not too wide and it has that great V twin engine tuned for mid range usable power on the ECU. I love it!

Posted: 26/06/2011 at 09:37

Don't forget that Suzuki has now done a major facelift on the V Strom 650 !

 Check my blog.....

 http://bonnevilles.webs.com/suzukidlvstrom650.htm

On my blog there is a link to a French site which gives you over 40 photographs of the new V Strom. Its a facelift model with a 20 litre tank and slightly lighter that the 2004 - 2010 V Strom.

 Not sure when the face lift model is available for purchase? Watch this space! 

Posted: 26/06/2011 at 09:40

Hi there,

first post on this site. I'm looking for a bike to commute the 40 miles from Bath to Swindon daily (town and motorway) and for a bit of weekend leisure. Am taking my Module 2 in two weeks.

I have been advised to go for an Adventure class bike, in particular the DL 650. I have since been warned off Suzuki's due to the 'poor' build quality.

My questions are:

1. how does the DL650 compare with other bikes in its class (Transalp, Versys, any others I should consider?) in ride, economy, price and resale/part exchange value?

2. I have found a second hand DL650 from a dealer with 20000 miles for £3000; depending on the quality if I view it, is this a bike I should consider for the price?

3. are there any other bikes I should be considering, even out of this class?

 Thankyou,

Matt

Posted: 29/06/2011 at 17:20

Matt,

 I can only answer from my POV. I looked at the BMW ST800 ST great bike and great mpg but when I test  rode it the bike seemed a bit antiseptic - but it does it all well; the BMWs are a bit pricier in general though even the F800 series. However I managed to get a DL V Strom at the right price a 2008 model (the GT version with panniers and top box etc) with all the bells and whistles. Its super for commuting and gets a good mpg if ridden moderately. Reliability is fine to very good, but it needs regular cleaning to keep it A1.

Suzuki have just done a facelift V Strom 650 and they're backing the concept and the new model has the same engine & frame; just some styling tweaks. Value for money is outstanding and as its not a 'sexy' bike you can lever big discounts off dealers.

I'd give it 9.5 out of 10, only let down by the chrome, fittings and scres , nuts etc to rust too easily in a British winter. The Transalp and Versys good bikes, i did have a Versys and it was a little tall for me and I prefer the V Strom on all sorts of levels. Don't consider the 1,000 cc V Strom as its thirstier and higher insurance. The V Strom 650 is a top all round bike which will do all you ask of it - highly recommended by yours truly! You won't go wrong with a V Strom.

Zog (AKA Dave  ) 

Posted: 29/06/2011 at 20:58

thanks Zog! I'll let you know how it turns out!

Posted: 30/06/2011 at 14:02

Hi Matt,

I had a windfall a year ago, test-rode a Bandit 12250S and found it too heavy, bought a Bonnie 865 and found it too low-geared and buzzy at motorway speeds, so traded it for a DL650.  End of contest.  Of course I get tempted by others, and try them, too, but when I get back on the Vstrom the smile comes back and i realise it can do everything I ask of it and more. It's a better bike than I am a rider. Weatherwise we're a bit spoilt in New Zealand, but in a year I've had not a hint of trouble with the finish on it, either.

Neil

Posted: 04/07/2011 at 06:34

You've hit the nail on the head Neil. Basically, like with cars, in the bike world the badge appeal and image can be everything. A Skoda is the same as a VW except for its body shell. With the V Strom it is the quintiessential do everything bike. Plus against a BMW GS you save thousands. OK its a Suzuki but so what, it's a brilliant machine!

 Suzuki are just about (August 2011) to rlease the face lift version of the 650 V Strom to rave reviews from the motorcyling press. I'd like to see a long term review by an owner, but all indications are Suzuki have improved upon an already good package.

 I'm well pleased with mine (it does have ABS but never really needed it so far) and the Suzuki luggage (2 panniers and top box) can take lots of luggage. 

Posted: 31/07/2011 at 11:50

I beat up a guy because he looked at my bike all funny like.

Posted: 26/08/2011 at 21:02

Hi I've just gotten my provisional and am wondering if the 650 v strom can be restricted to 11Kw ???  

Thanks Michael 

Posted: 24/02/2012 at 16:18