Suzuki DL650 V-Strom (2004 - ) review

Suzuki's V-Strom really does have something to offer riders with a wide range of requirements. On top of its versatility, it's great fun
The V-Strom's ace is its mile-eating ability
A punchy and endearing motor, outstanding touring ability and great town manners
Very little other than the odd oversight. A lack of performance for some.

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.

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.

Length (mm)2290
Width (mm)840
Height (mm)1390
Dryweight (kg)190
Seats0
Seat Height (mm)820
Suspension FrontTelescopic, coil spring, oil damped, spring preload adjustable
Suspension RearLink type, oil damped, coil spring,
Adjustability RearSpring preload fully adjustable, rebound damping force fully adjustable
Tyres Front110/80R19 M/C (56H)
Tyres Rear150/70R17 M/C (69H)
Brakes Front2-piston calipers, 310mm dual discs
Brakes Rear1-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Wheelbase (mm)1540
Ground Clearance (mm)165
Trail (mm)110
Cubic Capacity (cc)645
Max Power (bhp)72
Max Power Peak (rpm)9000
Torque (ft/lb)47
Torque Peak (rpm)7200
Bore (mm)81
Stroke (mm)62.6
Valve GearDOHC
Compression Ratio11.5
IgnitionElectronic
Valves Per Cylinder4
CoolingLiquid cooled
Fuel Delivery39mm fuel injection
Stroke TypeFour Stroke
DriveChain
Top Speed114.6
Max Power72.5
Max Power Revs8900
Max Torque47
Max Torque Revs7300
Standing Quarter Mile - Terminal Speed MPH98.48
Standing Quarter Mile - Time13.32