Been riding off road since I was 5 and I'm 25 now. I have my first street bike ever, a Suzuki SV650N. Next year I will be getting a better bike, I want a full on sports bike but my dad wants me to get one of these. I don't know what direction to go....
@1085oliverda The SV is more of a sports bike whereas the V Strom 650 is classed as a mid range ''adventurer tourer''. What I like about the V Strom is that it is a real utilitarian bike which can do most things well. The horse power is fine for real world riders and Suzuki believe in the model as they've just given it a major face lift. For the UK good mpg is crucial with very high petrol prices and I get up to 65 to 70 mpg!
I'm looking to get this bike in the near future as my first bike, but wondered from a person who's ridden one if it would be a good first bike? I've ridden motorcross bikes, but not a road bike before.
@schneb73 The bike is a good all rounder and quite forgiving. So in my view it would make a good first bike. It is perfectly at home doing a local shop or going touring. It is versatile in every way. Of course the late 2011 models are now facelifted, so you'll need to choose between these and the previous version - both are good! Happy hunting and you won't be dissapointed I'm sure. Let me know how you get on.
@schneb73 I've had one for two months now, after being a dirt rider all of my life. I'm 5' 8.5", so I put 1" up and 1" back risers on the bars.Now it feels very much like a smooth dirt bike once it's rolling. BUT at very slow speeds, and while stopped, it feels heavy. In all fairness, it is twice what my dirt bike weighs, so that's understandable. On the freeway, and carving up the canyons, it's a dream. I'm sure that you won't be disappointed. It's an awesome bike that's somewhat dirt capable.
@ScottsUtubeWorld I classify this bike as the typical ''good all rounder''. It can do most things well - currently mine takes me to work and back in the most foul weather that Britain can throw at any bike! I'm glad you like it!!! Ride safe.
So far I've put about 12000 km on my DL-650. I agree with most of your comments. However no bikes are perfect. In the case of the V Strom 650 I would say the brakes are Fair at best. Also the lack of low end torque on this bike is an issue. It pretty much has nothing below 6000 RPM. If I had to do it again I would get the V Strom 1000 and sacrifice some agility for more grunt. Still for the money, you do get a lot of motorcycle.
@OccasionallyEvil Yes, fair points, sadly I live in the UK and gas or petrol is $10 per gallon !!!!! So the 650cc has reasonable mpg - as you'll appreciate gas/petrol is an issue for us Brits (I am assuming you are an American I may be wrong) ! Safe riding buddy!
@Monniteclass Yes, I now use it to commute and it is reliable and does what it says on the tin. Inspires confidence and I have had a few bikes in 35 years as a rider!
Nice review of the classic wee. A terrific all rounder and much underrated by some. Good on fuel, ultra reliable, fast enough, agile for daily use in all conditions. Must be one of the best value bang for buck bikes available today.
Nice review of the classic wee. A terrific all rounder and much underrated by some. Good on fuel, ultra reliable, fast enough, agile for daily use in all conditions. Must be one of the best value bang for buck bikes available today.
@wriggly40 You may be right there! I haven't got crash bars on mine though!!!! Maybe I ought to fit them. The facelift model looks good as well - may go for one of those next year maybe :-)
Writers comment: well I've had the bike since May 2011. So far no faults or problems and now I'm commuting on it in all weathers. It never misses a beat and I am getting mpg in the high 60s per gallon. I have actually achieved over 70 mpg a few times which for a v twin 650cc engine is superb. I would change over to the new facelift V Strom if I could justify it. Suzuki have improved an already very good bike. 9 out of 10 from me! Well worth considering as a grown up all rounder machine.
@mysolveing Got a good deal on it, which made me forget my BMW F800 ST idea and go for the V Strom. It has 10,500 miles on it when I bought it and I paid under £4,000 for it. With a very generous part ex on my old Triumph I was very happy with the deal.
I sat on one today. It was either a 2011 or 2012. I'm just now wanting to get into bikes and was just looking at how massive it was. My other problem is i'm 5'8 and couldn't really put my feet down on this. Are other types of 650s smaller since this one's (at least the newer ones) a dualsport? I don't want something that's like 15 grand, but still to sit upright more and more for beginners.. Maybe a YZ6r or a 250? Those are the only ones that were available at all 3 dealerships that were comfy.
@aero3132 I mostly want something to use as a main mode of transportation so a 250 is great for around town with it's gas mileage and very beginner friendly, but I don't know how those two would be for comfort for say a long interstate ride. Any advice/tips/ideas greatly appreciated :)
@aero3132 I'm only just 5' 8'' tall and the V Strom is absolutely fine for me, but I've been riding bikes for years. You could look at the Kawasaki (in the UK they're called Ninja) 250cc or one of the Honda 250cc CBF machines, both of these bikes will give you decent performance, small size and great mpg. The Kawaskai Versys is too tall for you. A 250 with a good after market screen can be OK to tour, as you can hold speeds of 50 to 70 mph easily.
@casperdog777 Yeah they're called Ninjas in the US too, and I sat on a Honda CBR 250 yesterday and it was comfortable. Oh and the Versys definitely is too tall. My 6'4 friend barely fits on it. Thinking about the CBR since I can't find a ninja anywhere. Really wanted to try one out. Well, thanks for the time and effort to reply to me, it's much appreciated and helped me make up my mind!
@aero3132 Let me know what you go for eventually. There is a lot of choice out there and normally Honda bikes have a very good build quality. When you get more confident you may want to look at the V Strom again, remember you can get low seats for them which knocks a couple of inches off the height.
@casperdog777 Going for the Ninja 250 since it has a little more weight up high which will help me transition to a big bike like the vstrom later on. I'm probably going for a V Strom or something in a year or two since i'm mostly interested in having a commuter and after sitting on one of the V Stroms they seemed really nice for longer rides so it seems like a good option in the future. Thanks for the info.
@aero3132 Great little bike by all accounts, I am sure you'll like it and if you do get a V Strom, you'll note the extra 'presence' it has and the performance is respectable. The 250 Ninja is no slouch though, good economy and legendary relaibility. Enjoy!
Looks like a good bike for traveling, I'm interested in getting a bike for traveling, what Year would you suggest? I'm looking to go as cheap as possible, just a college kid here
@coyote7272 - The V Strom 650 appeared in 2004, so try and check out the 2004 models. They are ideal for travel and touring. E bay is a good place to look. Good hunting.
Thanks for the nice comments. The review was totally unscripted by the way. Suzuki have just unveiled their 2012 face lift model V Strom 650 and by all accounts this an improvement on what is already a good bike. If anyone sees a 'You Tube' review for the face lift version let me know !
@simon44 Thanks Simon. I've got the OE screen as well which seems OK too. But does it depend on height I wonder? The givi screen is a bit of a sail; but it keeps the wind off pretty much and being several inches taller than the OE screen you really do feel cocooned ;-) Yes I'll look around for a Madstad bracket and give it w whirl too !
@casperdog777 I did exactly what you did and what many others before us have done. We bought an oversize screen which yes may solve the buffeting issue, but it brings with it more problems than it solves. The biggest issue is of course visability. If it rains you'll struggle to see through the screen if you cant see over it (unless you're 6' 5''.). One winter morning there was freezing fog during the night and when I left for work I couldnt see a thing through the screen. Madstad cures all!
@casperdog777 I just want to add that I have no affiliation with Madstad by the way. You need to order them from america. I couldnt find them for sale over here. Basically put the Madstad replaces your original bracket on the bike and you reinstall your original screen as well. Witht the Madstad bracket you can adjust the screen on the go in four axsis (up & down). Check it out on Youtube.
Keep an eye out for Suzuki's new mid range motorcycle probably used the Gladius engine! Being released towards the end of June 2011. Waiting for photos and a road review.
thanks for your reply, I think I will be going for the v strom not sure which model. I think a test ride at my local dealers is called for. went to the Alps last year on the K1200 although a very good bike for the trip and will eat the miles, more comfort is needed and the v strom looks just that.
@sarkiarse All the best with your decision; I am sure whatever model you'll not be dissapointed. My main gripe is the finish on the chrome , screws and fastenings etc. It's OK but the quality could be a bit better, but I'm just a bit fussy. Overall a very good bike indeed. That issue for me its what stops me giving it 10 out of 10 and I give it a 9.5 out of 10 ;-) All the best!
nice machine casperdog777. good review, would you say the bike is good for 2 up touring, I am thinking of changing from the k1200 to something more managable.
@sarkiarse You could always wait for the forthcoming new mid range tourer, similar to the V Strom 650, possibly with the Gladius engine and lots of re-styling. The will probably heavily discount the Xpedition though and you'd get a great bike ;-)
@sarkiarse To be fair I've not used it 2 up, but listening to people who have, it seems to be effective. Bear in mind with a pillion and luggage it is a 650cc, so it will respond accordingly. I wouldn't want to give you duff information! It is a very planted bike and as a mid range tourer its is up their with the best of them!
Been riding off road since I was 5 and I'm 25 now. I have my first street bike ever, a Suzuki SV650N. Next year I will be getting a better bike, I want a full on sports bike but my dad wants me to get one of these. I don't know what direction to go....
1085oliverda 1 day ago
@1085oliverda The SV is more of a sports bike whereas the V Strom 650 is classed as a mid range ''adventurer tourer''. What I like about the V Strom is that it is a real utilitarian bike which can do most things well. The horse power is fine for real world riders and Suzuki believe in the model as they've just given it a major face lift. For the UK good mpg is crucial with very high petrol prices and I get up to 65 to 70 mpg!
casperdog777 in reply to 1085oliverda (Show the comment) 1 day ago
nice looking bike just 1 question when you turn the ignishion on do the rev speedo needle go up than down
terrytrooper2 1 month ago
@terrytrooper2 Yes this is a function of the electronics, they all do that.
casperdog777 in reply to terrytrooper2 (Show the comment) 1 month ago
I'm looking to get this bike in the near future as my first bike, but wondered from a person who's ridden one if it would be a good first bike? I've ridden motorcross bikes, but not a road bike before.
schneb73 1 month ago
@schneb73 The bike is a good all rounder and quite forgiving. So in my view it would make a good first bike. It is perfectly at home doing a local shop or going touring. It is versatile in every way. Of course the late 2011 models are now facelifted, so you'll need to choose between these and the previous version - both are good! Happy hunting and you won't be dissapointed I'm sure. Let me know how you get on.
casperdog777 in reply to schneb73 (Show the comment) 1 month ago
@schneb73 I've had one for two months now, after being a dirt rider all of my life. I'm 5' 8.5", so I put 1" up and 1" back risers on the bars.Now it feels very much like a smooth dirt bike once it's rolling. BUT at very slow speeds, and while stopped, it feels heavy. In all fairness, it is twice what my dirt bike weighs, so that's understandable. On the freeway, and carving up the canyons, it's a dream. I'm sure that you won't be disappointed. It's an awesome bike that's somewhat dirt capable.
ScottsUtubeWorld in reply to schneb73 (Show the comment) 1 month ago
@ScottsUtubeWorld I classify this bike as the typical ''good all rounder''. It can do most things well - currently mine takes me to work and back in the most foul weather that Britain can throw at any bike! I'm glad you like it!!! Ride safe.
casperdog777 in reply to ScottsUtubeWorld (Show the comment) 1 month ago
So far I've put about 12000 km on my DL-650. I agree with most of your comments. However no bikes are perfect. In the case of the V Strom 650 I would say the brakes are Fair at best. Also the lack of low end torque on this bike is an issue. It pretty much has nothing below 6000 RPM. If I had to do it again I would get the V Strom 1000 and sacrifice some agility for more grunt. Still for the money, you do get a lot of motorcycle.
OccasionallyEvil 2 months ago
@OccasionallyEvil Yes, fair points, sadly I live in the UK and gas or petrol is $10 per gallon !!!!! So the 650cc has reasonable mpg - as you'll appreciate gas/petrol is an issue for us Brits (I am assuming you are an American I may be wrong) ! Safe riding buddy!
casperdog777 in reply to OccasionallyEvil (Show the comment) 2 months ago
Thank your for sharing your experience with this Suzuki , i think it's a very handy and easy to drive motor, it does what it supposed to do, and more
Monniteclass 2 months ago
@Monniteclass Yes, I now use it to commute and it is reliable and does what it says on the tin. Inspires confidence and I have had a few bikes in 35 years as a rider!
casperdog777 in reply to Monniteclass (Show the comment) 2 months ago
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Nice review of the classic wee. A terrific all rounder and much underrated by some. Good on fuel, ultra reliable, fast enough, agile for daily use in all conditions. Must be one of the best value bang for buck bikes available today.
bikerbampi 3 months ago
Nice review of the classic wee. A terrific all rounder and much underrated by some. Good on fuel, ultra reliable, fast enough, agile for daily use in all conditions. Must be one of the best value bang for buck bikes available today.
bikerbampi 3 months ago
i love my wee too :) silver ones bounce better tho when dropped ;)
wriggly40 3 months ago
@wriggly40 You may be right there! I haven't got crash bars on mine though!!!! Maybe I ought to fit them. The facelift model looks good as well - may go for one of those next year maybe :-)
casperdog777 in reply to wriggly40 (Show the comment) 3 months ago
Writers comment: well I've had the bike since May 2011. So far no faults or problems and now I'm commuting on it in all weathers. It never misses a beat and I am getting mpg in the high 60s per gallon. I have actually achieved over 70 mpg a few times which for a v twin 650cc engine is superb. I would change over to the new facelift V Strom if I could justify it. Suzuki have improved an already very good bike. 9 out of 10 from me! Well worth considering as a grown up all rounder machine.
casperdog777 3 months ago
how much did it cost?
mysolveing 4 months ago
@mysolveing Got a good deal on it, which made me forget my BMW F800 ST idea and go for the V Strom. It has 10,500 miles on it when I bought it and I paid under £4,000 for it. With a very generous part ex on my old Triumph I was very happy with the deal.
casperdog777 in reply to mysolveing (Show the comment) 4 months ago
I sat on one today. It was either a 2011 or 2012. I'm just now wanting to get into bikes and was just looking at how massive it was. My other problem is i'm 5'8 and couldn't really put my feet down on this. Are other types of 650s smaller since this one's (at least the newer ones) a dualsport? I don't want something that's like 15 grand, but still to sit upright more and more for beginners.. Maybe a YZ6r or a 250? Those are the only ones that were available at all 3 dealerships that were comfy.
aero3132 7 months ago
@aero3132 I mostly want something to use as a main mode of transportation so a 250 is great for around town with it's gas mileage and very beginner friendly, but I don't know how those two would be for comfort for say a long interstate ride. Any advice/tips/ideas greatly appreciated :)
aero3132 in reply to aero3132 (Show the comment) 7 months ago
@aero3132 I'm only just 5' 8'' tall and the V Strom is absolutely fine for me, but I've been riding bikes for years. You could look at the Kawasaki (in the UK they're called Ninja) 250cc or one of the Honda 250cc CBF machines, both of these bikes will give you decent performance, small size and great mpg. The Kawaskai Versys is too tall for you. A 250 with a good after market screen can be OK to tour, as you can hold speeds of 50 to 70 mph easily.
casperdog777 in reply to aero3132 (Show the comment) 7 months ago
@casperdog777 Yeah they're called Ninjas in the US too, and I sat on a Honda CBR 250 yesterday and it was comfortable. Oh and the Versys definitely is too tall. My 6'4 friend barely fits on it. Thinking about the CBR since I can't find a ninja anywhere. Really wanted to try one out. Well, thanks for the time and effort to reply to me, it's much appreciated and helped me make up my mind!
aero3132 in reply to casperdog777 (Show the comment) 7 months ago
@aero3132 Let me know what you go for eventually. There is a lot of choice out there and normally Honda bikes have a very good build quality. When you get more confident you may want to look at the V Strom again, remember you can get low seats for them which knocks a couple of inches off the height.
casperdog777 in reply to aero3132 (Show the comment) 7 months ago
@casperdog777 Going for the Ninja 250 since it has a little more weight up high which will help me transition to a big bike like the vstrom later on. I'm probably going for a V Strom or something in a year or two since i'm mostly interested in having a commuter and after sitting on one of the V Stroms they seemed really nice for longer rides so it seems like a good option in the future. Thanks for the info.
aero3132 in reply to casperdog777 (Show the comment) 7 months ago
@aero3132 Great little bike by all accounts, I am sure you'll like it and if you do get a V Strom, you'll note the extra 'presence' it has and the performance is respectable. The 250 Ninja is no slouch though, good economy and legendary relaibility. Enjoy!
casperdog777 in reply to aero3132 (Show the comment) 7 months ago
Looks like a good bike for traveling, I'm interested in getting a bike for traveling, what Year would you suggest? I'm looking to go as cheap as possible, just a college kid here
coyote7272 7 months ago
@coyote7272 - The V Strom 650 appeared in 2004, so try and check out the 2004 models. They are ideal for travel and touring. E bay is a good place to look. Good hunting.
casperdog777 in reply to coyote7272 (Show the comment) 7 months ago
Thanks for the nice comments. The review was totally unscripted by the way. Suzuki have just unveiled their 2012 face lift model V Strom 650 and by all accounts this an improvement on what is already a good bike. If anyone sees a 'You Tube' review for the face lift version let me know !
casperdog777 8 months ago
Get yourself the Madstad bracket in replacement for the Givi screen and reinstall your original screen. You will thank me later.
simon44 8 months ago
@simon44 Thanks Simon. I've got the OE screen as well which seems OK too. But does it depend on height I wonder? The givi screen is a bit of a sail; but it keeps the wind off pretty much and being several inches taller than the OE screen you really do feel cocooned ;-) Yes I'll look around for a Madstad bracket and give it w whirl too !
casperdog777 in reply to simon44 (Show the comment) 8 months ago
@casperdog777 I did exactly what you did and what many others before us have done. We bought an oversize screen which yes may solve the buffeting issue, but it brings with it more problems than it solves. The biggest issue is of course visability. If it rains you'll struggle to see through the screen if you cant see over it (unless you're 6' 5''.). One winter morning there was freezing fog during the night and when I left for work I couldnt see a thing through the screen. Madstad cures all!
simon44 in reply to casperdog777 (Show the comment) 8 months ago
@casperdog777 I just want to add that I have no affiliation with Madstad by the way. You need to order them from america. I couldnt find them for sale over here. Basically put the Madstad replaces your original bracket on the bike and you reinstall your original screen as well. Witht the Madstad bracket you can adjust the screen on the go in four axsis (up & down). Check it out on Youtube.
simon44 in reply to casperdog777 (Show the comment) 8 months ago
@simon44 Thanks Simon, very good point raised and one to consider with care as visibility is all on a motorcycle! Best wishes. Dave.
casperdog777 in reply to simon44 (Show the comment) 8 months ago
Keep an eye out for Suzuki's new mid range motorcycle probably used the Gladius engine! Being released towards the end of June 2011. Waiting for photos and a road review.
casperdog777 9 months ago
thanks for your reply, I think I will be going for the v strom not sure which model. I think a test ride at my local dealers is called for. went to the Alps last year on the K1200 although a very good bike for the trip and will eat the miles, more comfort is needed and the v strom looks just that.
sarkiarse 9 months ago 2
@sarkiarse All the best with your decision; I am sure whatever model you'll not be dissapointed. My main gripe is the finish on the chrome , screws and fastenings etc. It's OK but the quality could be a bit better, but I'm just a bit fussy. Overall a very good bike indeed. That issue for me its what stops me giving it 10 out of 10 and I give it a 9.5 out of 10 ;-) All the best!
casperdog777 in reply to sarkiarse (Show the comment) 9 months ago
@sarkiarse When you get your bike let us know which one you went for buddy!
casperdog777 in reply to sarkiarse (Show the comment) 9 months ago
nice machine casperdog777. good review, would you say the bike is good for 2 up touring, I am thinking of changing from the k1200 to something more managable.
sarkiarse 9 months ago
@sarkiarse You could always wait for the forthcoming new mid range tourer, similar to the V Strom 650, possibly with the Gladius engine and lots of re-styling. The will probably heavily discount the Xpedition though and you'd get a great bike ;-)
casperdog777 in reply to sarkiarse (Show the comment) 9 months ago
@sarkiarse To be fair I've not used it 2 up, but listening to people who have, it seems to be effective. Bear in mind with a pillion and luggage it is a 650cc, so it will respond accordingly. I wouldn't want to give you duff information! It is a very planted bike and as a mid range tourer its is up their with the best of them!
casperdog777 in reply to sarkiarse (Show the comment) 9 months ago
Good review and beautiful bike.
MrFrozenCanuck 9 months ago
@MrFrozenCanuck Thanks Pat, you see we have lovely countryside over here just on a much smaller scale than The Rockies ;-)
casperdog777 in reply to MrFrozenCanuck (Show the comment) 9 months ago
@casperdog777 Oh yeah, it is beautiful over there. We've both got it pretty good.
MrFrozenCanuck in reply to casperdog777 (Show the comment) 9 months ago
This is my first motorcycle review on You Tube. I hope you found it helpful and please feel free to say hello and leave a nice comment ;-)
casperdog777 9 months ago