Suzuki DL650 V-Strom

Posted: 24/05/2010 at 17:29

Posted: 01/05/2011 at 15:05

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

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

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

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