Added: 3 years ago
From: ruuman
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  • Yeah i love the look of the dual sport touring bikes kinda has that street bike but your sitting straight up instead of being hunched over to much. I was looking to getting a V-Strom DL1000 instead of the 650 get the extra cc out of it

  • Do you still have this bike? I've made an updated full review of mine. Maybe you should do the same? Its interesting to see how we've been getting on since our first full reviews.

  • @simon44 Hi Simon, yes still have it, still going very well, no real issues. I've been trying to find the time to finish my follow up video, been promising one for ages. Just watched yours and it's pretty much my experiences, just a solid dependable machine.

  • Great Review,thanks for sharing.

  • I really really want this bike BUT there are too many scumbags who will do their best to steal it , id never ever get a proper nights sleep .

  • @Hejigon as bikes go I don't think there particularly high on the theft list, people prefer the ports bikes and crossers, I've not had any trouble and mine lives in plain view, but I always chain it to a concrete post

  • Great review, looking at these style of touring/adventure style bikes and not too sure at the moment of which one to get but seeing full indepth reviews from users not dealers helps alot! Thanks for taking the time to make this review.

  • that tripped me out when you went on the right side of the road I was like wtf, oh ya.... lol Good review man!

  • Good review, i'm looking into getting one of theese and this was pretty informitive, cheers mate. One thing, about the fuel gauge...least it was one lol, my current bikes fuel gauge is me checking the KM's done and kinda guessing when its due;)

  • Good review! :)

  • Hey thanks for the review, what do you think about the weight of this bike? I'm a pretty lazy guy, I'm used to light sports bikes like the R6 so I just cant be bothered pushing a real heavy bike back into my garage lol.

  • @BritishRider it's no doubt this is quite a heavy bike. I've lowered mine slightly as my short little legs had trouble paddling it around. But now it's not bad, I shove it up a slight incline every day with no probs. Can't you just ride it into the garage, that's the true lazy approach :-)

  • @ruuman Well that would be easier but I'm even more lazy in the morning when I take it out of the garage so I prefer to back it in at night and ride it out in the morning. I'm a teenager so I'm really really lazy lol. I had a bandit 600 ages ago and they are really heavy for a 600 so I think I should be OK.

  • 7 months on and i find myself back here again.. This bike makes me smile every time i ride it and always end up taking a slightly longer route so i get to spend just that bit more time on it.

    Mechanically iv done nothing to it still cos it all just works! Iv added heated grips and the luggage i went for in the end was the Shad sh46(scooterluggage.co.uk-£144 with mount plate). 8k miles and only 'issue' is with screen, but even the Trailwings have a month ish left in em! Awesome bike. Love it

  • @aphotiesse I jumped on mine for the first time this year last week. It is a bloody good bit of kit.

    I even started filming for the follow-up review finally!!

  • Thanks a lot for the review!

  • pffffffffffffffff, pffffffffffff lol

  • Gday mate how are you going with that second review? You know after owning the bike for a while. Would really like to see it.

  • @ducatiphill Hi mate, been so busy with work and offroading I haven't had a chance to even think about it. But have a new camera system that's water proof.

    But the bike is still fantastic, a few small issues, but I've been documenting it all for video and will make sure the next one covers my warranty work.

  • Its nice to sie a diesunt review on this bike .

  • Iv kept coming back to this review during a few weeks of research cos its honest and has def helped with luggage desicions aswel(Givi all the way), and im finally picking up my 59 plate DL650x K9(white) tomorow at 3.30pm! Gotta skip work early but only a few hours left to go before its mine!! 'Kin typical that the British weather has turned again in last couple of days but im gonna be out on it 'til me nuts have shriveled through hours of being wet n cold!

    Cheers once again dude. happy days. B)

  • @aphotiesse glad to hear my review was helpful. Last few weeks of weather have been fantastic, I'd forgotten what a pleasure it was to ride in the sun. Ride safe and watch out for the cops :-)

  • I've got the 05 VStrom for about a year now(2nd hand buy from a friend)and everything is fine by now. It's smooth, easy to drive, very comfy and I just love riding it everyday in the city and also long distance with my girlfriend.

    The only problem I've seem to have is that the rear wheel seems to be locking quite easily. Do you have the same problem too mate?

  • @msamelis hi mate, yes the rear brake is a bit lacking in feel. Otherwise like you my bike has been great

  • @ruuman Thanks for your quick reply mate. I guess you haven't heard of any kind of solution for that eh? Maby diferrent brake disc or something?

    Take care and ride safely :)

  • "with these headlights, you can see for MILES!" I though everywhere except the United States used the KMh hahaha

  • @EnergyBeef English speaking countries and japan are that i know of but there are lots more

  • Thank you for this review. I´m going to buy a bike like this, in this video have been very usefull.

  • Nice vid. I have about 2800 miles on my dl650 and I love it. I have had 7 bikes and this is by far my favorite. I highly recommend it.

  • nice review, mate.

    does this have the Madstad adjustable windscreen bracket? does it tilt back and forth, up and down?

  • @msgvb cheers, no, it's totally stock. I've been thinking about a Madstad or something similar to get rid of a bit more of the wind noise.

  • Sorry about putting so many posts up about the same thing. Didn't realise they were at the bottom of the screen.Derrr.

  • @ducatiphill that's ok mate, youtube have really cocked up the comments system this time round, it make no sense at all!!

  • A review after owning it for two year would be great. Because most review are about brand new bikes. So looking forward to watching it.

  • A follow up review after owning it for a while would be good to watch.

  • Great vid! I'm in the process of selling my vintage Beemer (R75/6) and the V-Strom 650 ABS is the first bike to convince me to join the modern biking world. And your video just put me over the edge. Thanks man!

  • @teleboy444 glad to hear, I've had the bike two years and stuck 20k on it. Still really pleased and love every second. I really must get off my arse and do a follow up video

  • @ruuman It would be great to see a review after 2 years of ownership.Most reviews are of brand new bikes.Hope you do it.

  • Great amatuer review, cheers (love the swearing) :)

  • My friend has one close to his house and i was looking at it one day, it looks fuckn SICK! So I'm thinking of either buying it and fixing it up(sitting for 5 years)or I'll buy it and put the motor in a ATV frame or a go-kart frame, either way I go I'm sure I'll have a blast lol.

  • @blindskater200 sweet, that engine would be a monster in an ATV!!

  • marvellus video thank you.Not even the company has provided such a good presentation.I cannot keep myself from bying it you persuaded me!

    Right now i have a honda xr 125 4 stroke,but i am gonna add the suzuki soon to my fleet.

    Thanks

    Trent USA

  • @RODOLUKOS glad to be of help, you won't regret the choice. have fun!!

  • Thanks i am tossing between V Strom and Transalp to purchase at the moment. Your view is valuable to me. good day from Down under.

  • Great review mate fair play. This is a great approach for anyone whos coming up from smaller bikes or cars. I did a similar review of my V Strom but its focused more towards people who've been driving a few years already.

  • @simon44 cheers simon, just watched your review, good work.

  • Very informative V-Strom review... definitely one of the best on internet.

  • Very nice review. Thanks for posting. It would be interesting to know what gear you use for commuting.

  • thanks, nothing special at all. Helmet is a Shoei Raid Two with a chin curtain, Dakine tube thing that goes over your neck. my suit is just some cheap (200GBP) textile suit by Wolf with removable thermal lining and some Alpinestar SMX-4 boots (really nice). Gloves are frank thomas and Dakine. My summer suit is a Dakine airmesh thing.

    The wolf suit is getting a bit old now and leaks a little so I also carry a frank thomas rain suit in the topbox, great if I get caught out in the Airmesh suit.

  • Because you made this vid i went out and bought the screen. Great improvement, cheers buddy!

  • cool, glad you found it helpful

  • good V-Strom review.

  • Great review of your v strom have you ever taken it off road atoll?

  • Good review, truly nice!

    I am considering one of these as a first bigger bike but 99% of my journeys consist of filtering busy city traffic.

    Thinking of the DRZ400sm but the tank size is naff!

  • thanks bud, I love the DRZ400sm, I wanted it for my first bike, but it didn't add up due to the lack of luggage, top speed, no fairing and tank range.

    But I replaced my car with the vstrom and my work commute could be at least 200miles a day as well as carry lots of stuff. It's not the best bike for filtering as it's quite big compared to an SM.

    If the tank range is the only issue with the DR you can get larger tanks from acerbis that hold 16L

  • Great review, couldn't agree with you more... I got one myself and did 11,000 miles in 6 months, no problems with it and everytime I go out on it I smile :)

  • Sorry ignore me it was in the video. I should watch the video before asking questions.

  • haha, no problem mate, I'll make sure I cover the luggage in detail when I do the followup

  • Great review dude. Do some more. Was thinking of either a DL1000 or VFR800, but I think you have just convinced me to go for a GT Strom. Cheers. All the best. Ben.

  • thanks mate, glad you liked it. I keep promising people to do a followup but never have the time, hopefully in the new year.

    Honda's are great machines too, but I think the v-strom is a bargain. I'd be tempted to ignore the GT package simply because the suzuki luggage is so crap. Invest the money in some nice after market stuff.

  • Where did you hear or how did you find out the luggage was crap? I ask because I'm currently looking for another bike (I used to ride an SV650S a few years ago) and notice these comes with luggage but if the luggage is crap then I have some thinking to do.

  • Great review...Got a Harley sportster currently but been thinkng about these for a while as i intend to do a bit of European touring in summer and the Harley isn't the greartest bike for this...Went to the two main dealers near me today and secured a GT fully loaded for £5500 which i pick up tomorrow...Had to tell someone!!

  • good stuff, have a great trip mate

  • Great review, really well done.

  • Great review. I've owned my 06 DL650 for about a year now and rarely drive a car. I actually went "backwards" from an R1 and couldn't believe what I'd been missing - namely comfort and just ease of riding. The R1 handles better at full throttle out on the track, but the VStrom runs rings around it in town. Great on the highway too! Try one, you'll not be sorry.

  • I have had my Strom 650 for a few years, and they get better with age, the engine is really good after say 15,000 miles, fully worn in. If your going to be doing light med off roading then move to non stock tyres like Prelli Scorps or Avon Distanzas.

  • Very helpful review for anyone considering this bike.

  • Just wondering, did you test drive both the DL650 & DL1000 before choosing the 650? Could you tell me what rpm the motor is spinning at say 100 km/h (60mph) - in top gear

  • hi mate, think you asked this a while back so check the comments above,

    60mph = 4500rpm in 6th

  • GREAT review.

  • yeah all those taxes suck..... well there going to be coming to america next year which really pisses me off because it has already been proved that global warming is a hoax

  • has NOTHING to do with global warming. It's all about robbing citizens of their earnings

  • Excellent review. Thanks for taking the time.

  • Great review! Better than most magazines!

    I'm am looking at getting one as my Ducati is breaking my back. Looking to do some long distance touring.

  • thanks very much, as I say I commute every day on mine and racked up 200miles yesterday. I don't even notice I've ridden a bike when I get to the office. Every other bike I tried the designers seem to be trying to crush your balls into the tank?!?! I think the biggest problem most people have is finding a screen that suits their needs depending on how tall you are. Cheers Ruu

  • hahah - balls get crushed into my tank on my z750. When I arrive at destination I usually have a totally numb set of knackers.

    Love your review. I'm now thinking of trading my z750 for a more practicla

  • haha, glad it's just not me :)

    you could always get the DL1000 you should hopefully not loose to much performance then.

  • Question for you -

    What's the wind / rain cover like? Does the shape of the bike also keep some rain off your legs?

    Not only am I sick of numb nuts but, like yourself, I use the bike to commute - have racked up 5k miles in 4 months, and I plan to be riding it throughout winter ('cept days when it's totally frozen over). I don't think the zed -- which looks gorgeous and goes like stink -- will fair well in those conditions.

  • hello again, I think the weather protection is pretty good, I wear my summer suit (danise mesh pannel thing) alot and if I get caught in light down pour it's not really a problem.

    Legs stay very dry, but as I have a quite a small screen my shoulders and arms get a bit damp. But I think a larger screen would sort this.

    Basically It's no goldwing, but it's not bad.

    I must find the time to do a followup review. cheers ruu

  • Out of all the V strom reviews I have seen.. yours has been the best, as far as informative information and just really showing the details of the bike off.

    Thanks.

    I gave the vid 5 stars and favorited it. Hopefully more people can see this.

    Would like to see how much space is actually under the seat later on.

  • thanks very much, I'll try and feature the under seat in the follow up review.

  • Very nice review! I'm driving my own WEE for a couple of weeks and I can tell yu it's an amazing bike. Pls keep sending us your reviews...

    Rgs from Brazil...

  • You are good at talking.. i expect more review will come after time

  • thanks, when I get more free time I'll put another review up, just had the 16k major service on the bike today. All was perfect.

  • Cool review, I'm pickin up a new 09' Cool CAM what type is it? thanks... rubber side down! USA

  • cheers, it's an atc2000 cam, i talk about it on this video here: watch?v=_GD_srgTqzI

  • Very good demonstration.

    I like the beike and the ambient environment with the birds twittering too...

  • quick question- did you look at the SV650 too? Whyd you choose the 'strom over it?

    seeing as they share the same engine- how do you find overtaking power on the highway? Does the engine run out of juice after you get to around 80 mph?

    thanks (im looking at the sv650 naked)

  • hi, I did glance at the SV, but I use my bike to commute everyday in all weathers. The vtrom has better weather protection, bigger seat. Better luggage options, lights and mirrors. Most important a much bigger tank, 22L compared to SV 16L. It's a great commuter/touring bike.

    Over taking is easy @ 80mph, it starts to runs out of steam after 105mph ish.

    I cruise @ 90mph and it still has plenty to get me out of trouble.

  • I like the SV, it's a good bike. What do you think of the new Gladius?

  • personally, although I understand the gladius has some new engine tweaking, the looks alone turn me off. The front headlamp is hideous, and the overal frame is very "organic", it just isn't the sort of look I like (I enjoy naked/cafe racers).

    I was going to get the SV650, but my friend literally GAVE me his ninja 250, so I will learn on that for a season, then sell it :)

  • same as me, the glaius is to much of a ductai monster rip off! everyone says it's great. I'm sure it is. But my strom is all i need.

    man your mate must be a good guy, 250 ninja is an ace bike to learn on. just stay safe and keeep your head, my advice is spend all the money you can on lessons. I'm glad I learnt at 28, I would havve killed myself at 18, I', to much of an idiot!! know your limit's and have fun!!

  • Yeah you've got that right, I had an R1 a few years ago and got rid of it for obvious reasons, glad they weren't around when I was a learner rider 20 years ago, great review by the way, going to test ride one of these for a mate here in NZ

  • Excellent review.. I was wondering if you test drove the 650 & 1000 before purchasing the 650. Could you give me an idea of how high is the motor reving at highway speeds (in top gear - 100 km/h or 60mph)

  • thanks, I didn't test ride the 1000, though I did originally look at that model. But it's a bit to tall for me, I'm avg height, but legs are quite short.

    My instructor had a 1000, his comments were the 650 is smoother and nicer to ride in the twisties, but he went for the 1k for the extra speed.

    60mph, the motor is doing about 5-5.5k, It's super quiet and easy going at that speed, fuel economy is great too probably get 300miles+ from 1 tank.

    any more questions just ask, it's a great bike.

  • my mistake, checked this morning 60mph = 4500rpm in 6th

  • You got me sold!...you should ge there spokesman :>)...great review..thanks

  • Paper racing is all very fine but dont put too much on it. The V-Strom is a very good bike for the price and its not far behind bikes three times the price. However having said that, you would be mad to take one of these over a BMW R1200GS or KTM Adventurer if someone was throwing you the keys. Price is the number one strong point on this bike, everything else is surprising relative to this.

  • Run out of characters in the first post.

    Please show the bike's headlights in the dark on your next vid. Thanks.

  • Hi Mate, you might want to give MCN's review a look watch?v=dreoYlnlVQw

    I'll do my best to cover the headlights in the next video.

    The v-strom is a very compelling package, but don't discount the other bikes as they add up on paper.

    The big GS is too expensive, but it does have better ABS. telelever suspension and shaft drive.

    End of the day it's all about what you find the best to ride.

  • Hey Bro,

    Nice video, excellent bike.

    I am about to purchase my first big bike and the V-stroms have been on my list from the beginning along with the Kawasaki Versys and BMW R1200GS.

    After "aggressively" comparing the four bikes on Microsoft Excel, I can tell you that the V-Strom 650 comes in the 1st place followed closely by the Versys, 3rd place for the Vstrom DL1000 and dead last the BMW. One of the factors on my test was to get a bike with big & powerful headlights which I love on a bike.

  • Great video!

  • Nice video, nice bike. I have had 2 suzukis in the past(cruisers) and I am really thinking of getting one of these.

    Lets see some more videos of it!!!

  • thanks mate, I'm planning a follow up review, but the weather is so bad in the UK at the moment and none of my camera equipment is waterproof.

    I've got a lot more to add, coverered over 10k now and the rear tire has only just worn out.

  • Great. How is the bike for 2 up riding? My wife and I will probably do LOTS of cross country riding.  Will the DL650 do ok on the highway with 2 up and luggage?

  • hello again, 2's up is the only thing I haven't done yet, no ones stupid enough to get on the back with me :)

    But I've done a few trips now, all boxes full and power tools strapped to the rear seat and it rode ok, maybe a bit low on the back. The shock is adjustable, but the spring isn't as far as I know, so the ride height drops a bit.

    The other thing is the Suzuki standard top box intrudes into the passenger seat area, I'll try and cover it in the next vid.

  • I read somewhere there is a knurled knob under the seat for rear preload adjustment. Check it out and see if you can find it there.

  • Also, finally someone who actually reviews a bike instead of wanking around. Good on ya!

  • A good detailed review. Good job mate!

  • I've owned 12 bikes in my (riding) life and the V Strom 650 has got to be the best I've ever had; even beats my old BMW F650 CS SCARVER!

  • Nice review. I just bought a 2009 DL650 with ABS, great bike, can't go wrong with it.

  • Very decent review. Glad You've taken the time to post it. Can we hope for a follow up review?

    That would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank You.

  • thanks, hopefully I'll get one sorted soon, my old camera broke and just got a new one sorted. Just need a good day with no ice on the roads :(

  • This is one of the bikes on my wanted list for some reason. How's the handling on this thing? Right now I ride a Honda Shadow Spirit 750 c2

  • hi mate, I've not ridden a cruiser before so can't give a good comparison.

    But I think the v-strom handles well, the power is mid range and allows you to pull out of the corners smoothly. It's very flick-able too. The brakes do let it down a bit and it's no sports bike.

    It's basically a very good all round bike. I must do a follow up review now I've had it for a while.

  • Ahh thanks!

  • Just in case you are still looking, I had a 600 shadow before i bought a 1000 vstrom. Mountains more power, even though i thought that the shadow was fairly good. The leg postition is a little tighter than the cruiser but not cramped, the seating position is excellent.I have found the 1000 to be quite 'flickable' also and surprisingly easy to maneuver at slow speeds- makes the cruiser a bit of a truck actually! If your looking at two-up + luggage, my advice= go the 1000.braided lines fix brakes!

  • Very nice review! I was considering buying Honda Transalp 700, but after testdriving both I more prefer the V-Strom. Everybody around me suggests Honda, but I dont know why!

  • thanks, I looked at the transalp too, but the v-strom handled better and was more what I was after.

    Honda's are very well made and will last forever, maybe if they still made the africa twin I would be tempted. But the only honda I'm really after is the fireblade :)

  • Nice bike nice review, too bad your camera image is so bad.

  • I had some real problems with my compression codec that day, I might do a clearer follow up review.

  • Great commentary on our great bike. (I posted a short video on my page). I live in California and its the only state of our 50 with such strict emission standards that many bikes don't sell here my Cali V-Strom also has Cat-Converter and after a ride with my brother who has the 49-state version, I'm happy to say, both bikes perform the same, and we both hit the top speed of about (108 on GPS) 125 on optimistic speedo. You quoted fuel tank is 5 gallons. Here, or at least US gallons, its 5.8.

  • I left a comment about a month ago, but just to update... I've bought one as well. 2008 DL650 in Yellow. I prefer the color of yours, but they are selling out quickly here in the U.S. due to the rising fuel costs and low price of entry for this bike. I've had it more places than I'd take most bikes and it's an absolutely fantastic bike.

    Your review was very helpful in my buying decision, and I'd like to thank you again for taking the time to post it.

    Cheers!

  • hey, welcome to the club! I liked the yellow one too, but for some reason Suzuki only sell the 1000 in yellow in the UK?!?

    Glad my review helped you, maybe you should do one yourself so people can see it from the US riders perspective.

  • Where did you get the camera on the engine bars from please ?

  • just a random ebay shop, plenty of people se;; them, just search ATC2000

  • Picked the bike up as discussed 2 weeks ago and love it. spot on review as i said before. Safe riding.

  • good man, just got back from driving through Europe, got to go back to those alpine roads on the bike, stunning scenery and amazing roads. take it easy mate.

  • Bought the same bike for exactly the same reason...

  • Great video, really good commentary. I'm in the same boat, as the strom may be my first real bike and is my first choice.

    What kind of camera is mounted to the crash bars for your ride at the end of this video? I noticed you pointed it out during your video review.

  • thanks, just got back from a 500mile trip, bike was perfect, I'd really recommend one.

    the camera is an ATC2000 made by Oregon science, it's not bad, but far from perfect. don't leave the batteries in when not using it. Mine leaked and has killed the camera :(

  • Great review, it gave me a feeling of comfort as i am buying one next month. Nice riding and the engine sounds great. Thank god someone was nice enough to give a detailed discription on a bike on youtube for a change.

  • cheers mate, it's a great bike, you should have lots of fun with it. I absolutely love it now!!

  • Nice review. I've been looking to test one here in the US but haven't had any luck so far. P.S., resting your helmet on the mirrors can damage the inside padding of the helmet; the part that protects your brain in the even of a crash.

  • Was that 0 degrees Celsius or Farenheit (I know I butchered the spelling)?

  • degree's Celsius

  • Nice review, I couldn't find any other decent video reviews for this model either

  • cheers mate, just got back from a 500mile trip to Le Mans, bike was great and didn't miss a beat.

  • that sounds like fun, I still can't decide between this bike and the kawasaki versys

  • I tried the versys and didn't get on with the seating, but might just be my short legs, the strom is probably a bit to big for me.

    I think I also found the strom a lot smoother, though the Kawasaki felt more powerful. The problem is all modern bikes are so good it's really hard to choose!!

  • Heated grips, in my day we put put our gloves on the engine at traffic lights. Wait till the ice forms on your arms before you can call it cold !

  • hopefully, havent done very much to it yet...

    got loads planed!1

    will keep u all posted!

  • fuckin sweet as!!!

    looks good, not as good as the rangie, but ikl give u credit all the same..........

    good luck, hows the rangie goin?

    H

  • cheers bud, it's so much fun! but yeah not as cool as your rangie but quite a bit faster ;)

    My Rangie's not great as always, never enough time in the day, were doing a charity rally to Poland in August so that's taken priority at the moment, will put a little vid up about that soon. Now it's getting light in the evenings I should be able to spend more time on the 4x4's now.

    You going to enter any comps with your truck now it's almost done?

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