2012 Suzuki DL650A Vstrom - Review, first impressions

I put together a little first impressions review of my DL650. I traded in my old 90,000km 2004 DL650 to get this new one. The review is filmed on my gopro helmet camera. I accidentally hold my finger over the microphone at times and distort the sound, sorry about that.

I read my manual when I got home, the ooooo on the instruments is a mode where you can change the brightness of the instruments.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Suzuki
• Review
• Motorcycle
• Reviews
• DL650
• DL650a
• Vstrom
• 2012
• DL650AL2
• V-strom
• Weestrom
• Wee-strom

[Jimo368]

Thanks for the great review. How is the tank range compared to the old one?

[BajaWes]

@Jimo368 The range is better so far. The tank is 20L vs 22L, but the economy is better. I used to average 4.6L/100km on the old bike, but am averaging only 3.9L/100km on the new bike. I think it's partly due to the smoother engine, I find myself running around in a taller gear than what I used to use.

[adventureicecream]

Ok so I've been riding an 08 since new, so I'm comfortable with ugly but, those colour choices of off white or burnt orange take ugly to a new level. Come on Suzuki, give us a few more colour options.

PS, great review. You hit the nail on the head re the original Strom's problems. How's the wind buffeting with the new windscreen? better than the old?

[BajaWes]

@adventureicecream I love the orange. The white isn't an off white, it's a very nice pearl metallic white. I find the wind buffeting better than the old bike. 

[tvthunder]

Great looking bike... Color is perfect. Congrats on your new ride.

[RocknLester2011]

Is the stock seat comfortable for long rides

?

[moolyboy1]

I have same bike for a couple months now and am really liking it. Haven't been offroad but done some 200km plus rides and its very comfortable, enough power on highway and easy to corner. I endorse all the points made in the vid and recommend as great value for money bike.

[MrJd1058]

Lovely bike, I'm considering it for my first, alongside a Triumph Tiger 800XC, though I think i'd be more comfortable riding this on road. thnx for the imformative post, not many of those around.

[BattlestarPacifica]

Congrats on the sweet ride! Did the dealer offer knuckle guards as an option?

[sparkymizen]

Thanks for posting buddy

[BajaWes]

@SLFYSH I've never ridden with panniers, so can't comment on that. I have never had an issue with the Vstrom brakes (use good pads). I use 2 fingers on the front brake with no issues. I find the back too strong and I adjust the lever down to stop from locking it so easily. I think cornering clearance is good, you can go very fast with no issues. If your really pushing it then you will need to start leaning off the bike a little to prevent the pegs scraping, but you should do this on any bike.

[SLFYSH]

@BajaWes I've considered a Vstrom for a long time but there have been just a few niggles which had made me a bit hesitant to go for the Strom, and those are famously lousy brakes (especially the rear), a high-speed vagueness/wobble especially present with paniers, and mentioned by a few reviewers at the press release, and limited cornering clearance. I did not hear any of those complaints in this review, any word on those issues? Thanks again.

[Jimo368]

@BajaWes Thanks, thats nice to know. Perhaps when the snow is gone in four months I will go check one out.