Suzuki DL650 V-Strom (2004 - )

Brockie
Reviewed: 10 June 2013

Brilliant do anything, go anywhere, HIGHLY economical, superb value for money.

Usability
Fuel economy
Price

A fork brace improved handling precision - highly recommended! Stock screen creates turbulence fixed by fitting adjustable mounting kit. Unlike other reviewers I find the seat to be a pain after a few hours on a highway. The scooped seat locks you into place.

Brilliant scratcher on winding seal, extremely capable on dirt roads and even 4WD tracks and firm single trail. In fact anywhere other than loose sand or mud!

The Sultan
Reviewed: 16 May 2013

A motorbike, in the true sense of the word.

Comfortable, economical, cheap, as brisk as anything down a B road, fun, big aftermarket support, genuine touring/Adventure ability.

Slightly scruffy build quality, vulnerable undercarriage, Suzuki parts/servicing, too expensive!

If you where an Alien, and just landed on Earth, you'd have a hell of a job trying to figure out why a BMW GS, is more than twice as much as one of these. And I've owned 2 GSes, a 1150 and a 1200.

Chris the Sheep
Reviewed: 12 January 2013

Suzuki got it (almost) right; all the bike I need.

Brilliant v-twin engine.
Utterly dependable.
Economical.
Roomy even for taller riders.
Superb pillion accommodation.
Headlights.
Ride comfort.
Tank range.

Bad buffeting from stock screen
Suzuki luggage is crap
Heated grips are feeble
Rear brake lacks feel

This is my second Strom; I bought one new in 2005 as my first bike, kept it for two years, then moved on because I wanted to try something different. Five years later, I've bought a 2009 GT with ABS and it's like coming home to an old friend.
This bike just works; incredibly comfortable, pillion included, and it's cracking fun to ride. Plenty of torque, but also loves to be thrashed; a level of performance that's just right for the real world. It can get out of breath on the motorway, and a bit more go would be useful with a pillion, but it's plenty for me.

I sold my original one because I just couldn't live with the screen anymore; this time I've fitted a Madstad adjustable bracket and it's much better.

This is the GT with standard Suzuki luggage; unfortunately it's crap (I'm used to Givi). Neither panniers nor topbox will stand up if I put them on the ground, and the standard topbox intrudes into pillion space (fixed with an extension plate from cymarc bike parts).

The standard Suzuki heated grips are feeble, especially the left-hand one. However, they're simple and reliable, unlike the Oxford ones.

Final bad point, and it might just be this bike; the rear brake doesn't have much feel so it's hard to modulate it for low-speed riding. I'm assuming it's on stock pads but haven't checked yet.

Overall though, it's a reliable machine and much more fun than the bland K9 Bandit 650 I had previously.

S@123
Reviewed: 06 November 2012

Brilliant-but heavy, so DONT drop it, ever. Grunt, presence, agility!!. Needs tall screen-beware van mirrors!

Oomph
Engine durability
Chuckability
Presence
All day long comfort - over 300 miles possible in a day, without walking like John Wayne afterwards.. .
Confidence inspiring
Range - c 230 miles between top ups (mix of motorway / city commuting)
Cheapish to insure
Plentiful parts / options
Extensive /global well organised web community with lots of comprehensive FAQs

Service intervals - if you commute, its only c 3500 between services
Chain - Needs scottoiler to get longest chain life
Needs a better / taller screen to stop wind buffeting from standard screen which also can be seen through in low sun and rain, when dirty (ah, that will be the short screen then..)
Mirrors that are so tall that when you commute you risk hitting off roaders / vans (Ford / Range Rover etc - THINK BIKE!!)

A great first bike - had mine for over 4 years and still wondering if there is anything better..may just keep it for the donkey work and get a KTM / TRIUMPH OR BMW FOR even more fun.. but on the other hand..it's £10K..which I could spend on a few dive / ski holidays..

thebipolarbiker
Reviewed: 23 January 2012

My best ever bike!

Most comfortable (non-full tourer) on the road. Enough power for an ex-Bandit rider. Goes anywhere you don't need technical equip. for.Carries two on trips. Lots of accessories/luggage available.
Any personaly required mods or fixes are cheap and easy.

Suspension is set up for a 150lb'er. But new springs are cheap and easy. Otherwise, cold in winter, wet in rain.

I have tried most styles of bike and ridden a lot of others and I love this one. I'm a gravel and dirt road fanatic and the bike is perfect for it, but it also covers the highway.
Buy it. If it was stolen, I'd buy the same one.