Suzuki V-Strom 650 "Sport Enduro Tourer"

While checking some facts to answer Jason's question in my last entry, "Your First Street Bike: What to choose?" I came across this excellent article on Motorcycle USA on the Suzuki V-Strom 650 "Sport Enduro Tourer." This is old news, of course, but I was re-intrigued, as I'm always trying to determine what's the "best touring motorcycle." Here's an excerpt of the four-page, in-depth article. And I see from Suzuki's corporate website that they've now added ABS braking.

You can read the entire article, here.

Suzuki's concept for the DL line was to create a "Sport Enduro Tourer," and the V-Strom 650 gets top marks for living up to the monicker. In combining the SV650 motor with the DL1000 chassis, Suzuki has built its parts bin special into a bike that defines a new market segment.

With a 417-lb. claimed dry weight and road-biased rubber, the 650 isn't gonna win many enduros, but it actually takes to loose conditions fairly well.

It has the power and smoothness to dust a BMW F650, and it offers more comfort and wind protection than the SV650/S, Honda 599 and Triumph Speed Four. Its closest competitor is likely Yamaha's buzzier but faster FZ6, which shares a similar riding position, fairing coverage and price tag. The FZ is definitely faster in a straight line, but its R6-based engine isn't as adept as the smooth and torquey DL's Twin. And with its standard luggage rack and optional hard luggage, the V-Strom is much more the SUV as opposed to the FZ's sports coupe. In a way, the DL650 is the Honda VFR of the adventure-touring segment, offering versatility, a sporting nature and Lexus smoothness.

As the day's light faded into the horizon on the way back to the hotel and the subtly attractive orange glow of the instruments matched the color of the setting sun, it was hard to imagine another machine with a competitive versatility-per-dollar ratio. At $6599 in blue or black...  Read the entire article, here.

In my quest for the best world touring motorcycle, I'm keeping this one on my list of possibilities. Any takers? I'd love to hear your comments.

Until next time, may all your motorcycle misadventures have happy endings!

Carla

Comments

[Ads]

I purchased this bike and picked this month. It is my first bike, the only previous experience I have had is doing the test on the test bike, so while I have a lot of driving experience (36) I would, without doubt, be as green as they come to bikes.

Having said this I have done considerable research about what bike would be suited to me, and good to learn on. The touring concept appealed to me - more in the adventure sense than the look at me on my harley idea.

What time and time again drew me to this bike was the vtwin engine which feedback said was easy to handle and smooth, the reliability of the bike, and the pathological adoration of its consumers - while people seemed generally to be able to name things they didnt like (mostly that its butt ugly:D) they still thought it was the best multi use bike available.

Given I'm new to bikes and at this stage, while I deviate to a specific idea of a bike I like the idea of in my mind, I really have no clue. A Bike like the DL allows me to have a vehicle that can do bits of everything, and together - hopefully we can discover what I love and dislike about motorbikes in general.

PS - Great site - I've been reading some blogs of people who have ridden the TAT and am so envious - I hope one day to be able to take a few months out and come over and explore the stats specifically doing some of the TAT

[Marty]

I've ridden a lot of different styles of bike and have come to the conclusion that the two-up we met in Lincoln, Nebraska had the right idea.

Any bike is a beautiful bike. I would qualify that as any kind, style works as long as it is comfortable to the person riding, well-maintained, thoroughly enjoyed, used often and not a lemon.

I haven't had a true lemon since the 1970's when I had a short and the headlight kept going out.

Good blog. Marty

[Dave B]

I bought one of these in Sept 04 after sitting on one in a bike show in Apr 04. The only bad thing is (in the words of onewheeldrive.net) is that the buffeting put off by the windshield is much like having a monkey humping the back of your helmet. Easily fixed with the addition of a Madstad Adjustable Windshield Mount - problem also seems to vary by rider.

I've been on serveral short tours between 3 and 4500 km and have found that the addition of some sheepskin goes a long way in keeping you in the saddle. The range is quite good with a 22 L tank and using a conservative throttle you can get over 400 km out of a tank - not much over so don't push it.

I used it as my only vehicle for 3 years but recently bought one of them Ford Rangers to keep me dry in the Winter. Gets a bit wet out on the West Coast.

Headlights are brilliant. Best I've had on any vehicle I've owned, car or bike.

I've done quite a bit of Forest Service Road out here in BC and can say that the bike can handle it. Not super quick (in my hands at least but crashing both sucks and hurts so...) but it's capable. Beware of slick mud. Tires will clog and you will probably fall down.

Belly pans can be found, though I think the big aluminum beasties are way overkill. I got a teflon/co-polymer one and it is more than adequate for road roost. Wouldn't even think of trying to wheelie my baby over a log.

Good bike! Lots of choice in that market segment now as well.