Suzuki V-Strom 650
- ✓ Verified company
45 reviews · Statistics
Reviews
10/10. Brilliant all rounder
If I had known how good these bikes were I would have bought one years ago.
To say that these are fun is an understatement, they fill the role of a great all rounder perfectly.
I had 2 cruisers, and I started thinking " why not have a more practical bike" so I bought a 2012 vstrom . Sold one of the cruisers.
This machine amazes me how comfortable, economical, practical it is and it doesn't stop there.
It doesn't feel like a "trail " bike , it feels like a street bike that magically transforms into a very capable bike that you can have a bla
Best mid range motorbike available
- as I am only 174cm, and have back issues - I lowered the front forks and raised the handle bars to suit my height and preferred style of riding
- I have now owned 2 650 VStroms , one a 2018 and one a 2012 model …both were outstanding
- powerful
- comfortable
- RELIABLE
- smooth to ride
Never ceases to amaze me
I am on my second 650 V Strom. First was a 2005; sold at 87k no problems and only ever serviced by myself. Present one is 2012, now with 56k. Oil leak fixed under warranty, otherwise perfect.
Main improvements between the two....gauges, gear position indicator, seat, .
So easy and relaxing to ride. Initially struggled on dirt but am pretty confident now.
Done lots of big trips, loaded right up with both bikes.
Michelin Anarkee tyres, 20k plus.
Farkles I recommend.....centre stand, bark busters, filter guard, fork brace. Givi luggage.
Crash bars.
Best value adventure bike
I'm on my second V-Strom 650, my first one was a 2012 which was farkled with engine bars, skid plate, suspension upgrade, givi screen, bark busters and heated grips. I loved everything about that bike except for the colour and the alloy wheels (it was white - washing machines are white, fridges are white... bikes should be an interesting colour). So when I could I upgraded to a blue 2020 V-Strom XT (the best colour and the gold spoked wheels look great). But riding it showed up how much difference the farkels on my earlier bike had improved
... Read moreit so now I'm part way through the process of farkling my second one. That might sound like a critisism but really it isn't, at $12,999 ride away I can spend a few thousand dollars on farkling the bike and still be cheaper than the alternatives from other brands and I've got a bike that's set up to suit me. This is the swiss army knife of motorbikes and mine will have the choice of blades I want. Highly Recommended.
Find out how Suzuki V-Strom 650 compares to other Enduro Bikes
Know better, choose better.
Simple and reliable
As a returning rider I decided to get the Suzuki VStrom 650. It has all the possible extras and is in a good shape. The bike does everything I ask for effortlessly.
... Read more
Practical Jack of all trades
I bought my 2016 DL650XT ABS 2nd hand May 2019 with 20,000 kms on the clock.
I have added Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires which are a little noisy on smooth asphalt but great on dirt and gravel roads. They are actually quite good grip on roads too.
The bike goes well and handles better than I ever imagined it would. My longest day riding so far has been 740kms and I had a sore butt at the end of this. I have just completed a 3600kms trip down to Invercargill to the Burt Munro rally and she went like clock work.
I'm getting 22.9 km per litre
I think it might need the throttle bodies synchronized now so will get this looked at shortly.
I have modified the ABS system so I can switch off for gravel roads, works perfectly.
Almost perfect except...
I purchased the 2017 DL650xt version so that I could explore the countryside off road. This bike has been great. It keeps up with anything on the road, is nimble and has great acceleration even fully laden with bags. I no longer have range anxiety as it has a range of at least 400km, more than all bikes I ride with.
It has a couple of faults, its obviously heavy and will never keep up with lighter off road bikes. Its biggest fault however is not being able to turn off the ABS. Whilst this has not been a problem till now, I recently nearly me
Greed gets you in trouble this bike gets you there
Purchased the first Suzuki 4 stroke GS750 after years of Hondas and was hooked. My 650 vstrom abs 2012 is without doubt the best money can buy. Its seat was a pain in the butt so found a site on the web instructing how to make your own on the standard base and now a brilliant seat. Lift the screen to its top position as cruising is a breeze. We travel two up most of the time and it is loaded down to the gun rails yet it barely notices it. The victorian alps loop over Falls Creek is a blast and the only difference from cruising is using more rev
... Read mores and heavy engine braking. This engine excels at this. Most servicing is a breeze except the engine valve shims. It can take 4 hrs to do as it takes so much time to get at them . Checked them twice in 55,000 k and still original shins. I am not looking forward when they do need adjusting as it will add on another hr or so, still most riders today never touch there own engines so not an issue for them. The Trail Wing tyres are perfect and hold at full tilt but deadly on clay base gravel roads when wet as they literally become slicks. The abs is brilliant and in 48 yrs of riding motorcycles this is the first one l have had the courage to brake into a corner apex without any fear of losing the front end, don't try that on dirt though. The height of the seat is a watch out, as even at 5' 10'' l had to put thicker soles on my boots to get better leg spread when still or unloaded. It on a cambered surface it can give you a bit of a fright when you feel no road under your foot when you expected it. Anybody wanting more power will only be able to use it in a straight line and in the curves will only be able to keep up with the Suzuki and spending more on a bike is in my opinion a misplaced ego trip. Well done Suzuki on this gem.
Simply perfect for may needs
Just as the previous reviewer, this is the best bike I had in nearly 40 years of riding. Disregard my suggested areas for improvements that will give it features of a $20K bike - at the price, it is simply brilliant.
Overall impression:
• Power is more than adequate for one-up touring.
• Fuel economy and range - according to my Fuelly database, I'm averaging 3.9L per 100km. That means that I regularly get 450km per tank, with some reserve left.(My previous bike RF900R was getting 180-220km).
• Instrumentation is modern and informative.
• S
Find out how Suzuki V-Strom 650 compares to other Enduro Bikes
Know better, choose better.
Top Bike love it
Talk to anyone that knows bikes about the V Strom and you will only hear things like bulletproof reliable dependable handles well and It’s all true.
They tick all the boxes. Very good on the road and soft off road work.
I was going to use this bike as a stepping stone to a BMW 1200 GS but pretty sure I will stay with the 650 V Strom maybe the 1000 V Strom one day if they ever come out with cruise control.
If you’re thinking about this bike just get it at worst sell it and get your money back as they hold there value.
As they have been a
Best bike I've ever owned.
I bought my V-Strom 650-XT in November 2016, after a quick test ride, only to see why the V-Strom is so popular.
I love the bike even more now than I did back then & this is why:
*Very comfortable for long distances (have done multiple 850km/12hr rides with no discomfort)
*Handles surprisingly well for such a tall/kinda heavy bike (have managed to keep up with multiple sport bikes in corners) & when fully load handling is not at all affected.
*A rather good amount of torque for its displacement.
*Decent fuel economy (I avg 3.9-4.2L/100km general riding, 4.6L with full touring kit fitted & 5L offroading)
... Read more *Suprising off-road performance/handling for a road based ADV bike (though I do have MITAS E-07's fitted), I do take it on 4-WD only tracks where it honestly shouldn't go but the Strom always makes it! *Typical butter-smooth Suzuki gear-box. *Tubeless spoked rims I have added a fair amount of accessories, mostly luggage & off-road protection kit. Coming up on 2-years & 16,500km of ownership, with many adventures ridden, I can wholeheartedly recommend the DL-650 to any rider, looking for a comfortable, inexpensive, reliable, do-it-all motorcycle. It may not be the best looking bike, but it certainly is one of the best that you can buy.
650 V Strom, 2006 model
Fantastic bike. Maybe not the most eye catching bike around but these are brilliant all rounders. Ugliest bike Ive had, but by the far best after 40 years of bike riding. There are 18 others in the garage, but the Strom is the best. Ive found it to be very reliable, easy to service, parts are cheap and available, and for $265 reg in NSW a year its a bargain commuter.
... Read moreFind out how Suzuki V-Strom 650 compares to other Enduro Bikes
Know better, choose better.
A good example of a well thought out product
Purchased a 2017 vstrom 650xt with 1600km on the clock a month ago.Previously i had done a lot of research on mid range motorcycles, and this seemed to be the machine for me.
So far i have travelled 2000km,and it has exceeded my expectations, i am delighted with it.It is very easy and user friendly to ride,i use it for touring,as well as around town commuting,ect.
The controls,instrumentation, even down to the mirrors, are well thought out and practical. The seating,for driver,and pillion, is comfortable, and a good riding position, eliminates fatigue.Power,and handling,are good,it feels very sure footed and predictable, one feels really confident,when riding this bike.
Solid and (reasonably) dependable
This is my 3rd bike and my first Fuel injected machine. I purchased this bike second hand and for the most part it behaves like a new bike, typical Suzuki strong and reliable.
My only complaint would be the MY2007 (K7) non-ABS model does seem to have a known issue with Throttle Position Sensor wear at around 25000km+ (depending on how the bike is ridden) so if you spend lots of time commuting at city speeds you can expect to have to spend a little money replacing a ~$110 part plus labor.
Otherwise an all round good bike, part Street, part Dirt. all Fun. As you can expect its not Hyabusa on the road nor is it a DRZ in the dirt however with the correct application of tyres and will this bike will take you most anywhere.
... Read more
Cant live without my baby
I love this item. and enjoy using it, it has endless amounts of power.
My son also loves riding it with me, he enjoys the back, while I like to ride up front
it's a great investment and well worth purchasing.
Thanks Suzuki for the great item and a wonderful ride.
Questions & Answers
when travelling on the open road with my 650 I can't bearly touch the throttle especially going uphill then it sound like fuel starvation. After a 15 min standstill it goes well again until it gets "warm"again then it happens again. The tank is clean ( relined about 100 km ago ) new fuelpump , fuelfilter and sparkplugs also 100km' s ago . Also used injector cleaner but bike still the same please help
My 2004 DL650 ( 110,000 k's ) drives, rides, handles great. It changes gears beautifully when it is cold but gear changes are definitely 'clunkier' after it warms up. I have to get up into the higher rev range before I can change out of first, after it warms up. Anybody here have any pointers on what the problem may be. ?
Try Gulf Western SYN X 3000 engine oil, it’s not a dedicated bike oil. I used it in my 2000 Triumph RS Sprint, 2012 FJR 1300 with no issues over big miles. Much cheaper than dedicated bike oils and does the job exceptionally well. I just bought an 06 VStrom 650 and will be using the oil in it as well.
Get an answer from our members and Suzuki representatives
Details
| Category | Enduro Bikes and Sport Touring Bikes |
|---|---|
| Release date |
Extra Information
ProductReview.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ProductReview.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.