Suzuki DL650 V-Strom (2004 - )

The styling we've seen already, or a pretty close take on it, as Suzuki's one litre DL1000 V-Strom has been on sale for a year already, and visually this and the 650 could be twins. The engine is a known quantity too, coming in only lightly modified form from the successful SV650S, while the frame and other mechanicals have been diverted from the DL1000 production line.

Hardly the stuff of banner headlines, is it? But what do you want from your bike? Dramatic magazine features or a fine all-rounder with a punchy and endearing motor, outstanding touring ability and great town manners? If it's the latter then the 650 V-Strom is for you.

V-Strom project leader Etsuji Kato says the bike is aimed at a wide range of riders, in particular relative novices, women (why are women always grouped together with novices?) and born again riders, but he says it should also appeal to experienced riders.

Sexual stereotypes aside his bike is spot-on. The V-Strom's ace is its mile-eating ability.