2006 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Dual Sport reviews

This scooter is a kick in the butt to ride. Bought it 2 weeks ago (used with 1500 miles). I took a 325 mi. day ride last week. Did everything I could ask for -- twisties, back roads, I-80. Work the gearbox and she stays happy. The windshield is crap and the seat needs some help. A friend of mine has a 1000 Strom (second one) and recently picked up a 650. I rode both of them and liked the 650 better. Felt smoother and more nimble. I also own an '04 Gold Wing, but the 650 is a lot more fun to ride. I'll use the Wing for the long hauls and the Strom for the quick hitters. Ride one if you get a chance. You just might be surprised. I will give an update somewhere down the road... Show less

After riding big bore two strokes off road for over 30 years, I decided to try some street riding too. I talked to friends with Honda 650's and BMW dual sports but nothing looked good enough. I really wanted good street handling and reasonable dirt and gravel road stability. I think I found it. Now I love this bike and can go anywhere. I can highway ride up to the mountains and over them on dirt and back on another highway. It actually performs much better on fireroads than I imagined. Someday I may check out a DL100. The gas mileage is also amazing, an easy 55+ mpg. My only complaint is the transmission sometimes refuses to shift down to 1st when hot unless you shift down through each gear as you are coming to a stop. I've had to take off in 2nd several times when the light turns green. Show less

I have had the V-Strom for approximately 2 months and have 1700 miles on it. This is my 10th new bike in the past 5 years. They include GS1150, FZ1, CBR600F4I, KLR650, 1150RT and a SV650. In general, I really enjoy this bike. It has taken me a while to discover that this is my favorite type of bike. Things that I like include seating position (upright), wind protection, heated grips, centerstand, rear rack, handling, and cost of bike and insurance. Things that I would like improved.... the power. The bike is very reasonable in all respects including acceleration and top end, but it is always nice to have the extra power. The brakes could be a little better also. They stop fine, but the feel is not the best. Overall a very good bike at a great price. Show less

3 days before my 45th birthday my wife of almost 10 years surprised me with an '06 Zuk VSTROM. Since I just started riding and it being my first bike, it is a dream to handle and you will feel comfortable as a new rider very quickly. Starting out borrowing a friend's '72 honda CB 350 and there is a big difference in power and handling. I love the red with the black. A reasonably comfortable seat though there is an upgrade that will provide even more comfort. There is a lot to upgrade with this bike. Perfect power for a new rider. I'm not looking for speeds much over 80mph, though it can get there pretty quickly. If your looking for a bike for long rides with a passenger, maybe the 1000 cc is a better choice. I'm still breaking this bike in (only 130 miles) so I'm taking it easy... Show less

...make sure you want the 650 because I rode with a friend the other day (DL1000) and couldn't believe how he left me in the dust! :) Really though, this is a great bike and highly recommended. I bought mine used with only 271 miles on it. It has been really perfect with the exception of the windshield and seat. For me, I have a spinal disk issue in my lower back so the lower stature of the stock seat really wasn't good. I upgraded to the DL1000 touring seat and viola! problem solved. I just received my Givi windshield yesterday. I won't get to try that out until spring - bummer!!!! Should be a big improvement. I will be getting a skid plate, oil cooler protector and radiator protector. You can't go wrong with this bike if you like the looks, need a more upright position, or would like an on-off road bike that is more suited to on road but gives you the option to ride in some dirt. Plus, I figure if one buys this bike there will always be a market for resale if it's not for you. Good luck with your decision. Show less

I love my bike. But I suggest everyone buy an 07. The new 07 V Strom has dual spark plugs per cylinder. For more combustion. Which should give a little better throttle response. So I love my 06 V Strom, but if your planning on buying one, get an 07. Show less

Excellent all around motorcycle. Comfortable, nimble,will go 260 miles on a tank of gas But...Front suspension is too soft for emergency stops. It is really dangerous to try to stop fast on this one! Brakes are good, but soft front and not so good tires make it difficult to stay up in a hard braking event...I have learned it the hard way ... Show less

The 06 650 V-Strom is one of the best bikes you could buy. For the price I paid there isn't a better bike - not even for twice the price. I rode several newer bikes in the last year to find the bike that would be perfect for me (thanks to my friends and friends of friends) including: 05 Suz 1000 V-Strom, 04 Suz SV650, 04 Kawa ZX-6R, 06 Kawa 650 Ninja, 05 Ducati 620 Multistrada, 04 BMW 650 GS, 03 Honda CBR600 F4, 06 Yamaha FZ6, 06 Buell Ulysses, 03 Harley Ultra Classic Ultra Glide, 02 Honda 1100 cruiser, 01 Honda 1300 ST and a 05 Victory Kingpin and by far the bike that had the best combination of features, abilities and price was the 06 650 V-Strom. And this bike isn't some compromise where you overlook some flaws because of the price. This bike flat out handles. It can do curves, canyons and switchbacks on par with the best sport bikes. Now the engine isn't meant to leave the black commas and do wheelies all day and night but I have had the bike up to 110 with ease (I think it'll go to 120) and I can do the 1/4 mile in under 12 (remember I am a big guy). As far as mileage goes, the first 1000 miles were mostly commuting to work in stop and go traffic and I averaged around 50. Cruising at around 75-80 MPH I get about 55 (that was with 45L givi side cases). Comfort is good as well (2500 miles in 3 months). In fact, I love this bike so much I was planning to get this one because of the price and versatility and later get a YZF600 to have fun with, but now I don't think I need to. Their are some faults with the bike. Frankly, the windshield sucks (both the standard and large available from Suzuki), but that can be fixed with the Madstad V-Strom adjustable windshield mount and/or there are several after-market windshields available. The location of the oil cooler and front exhaust pipe are a little too exposed for my taste and really hold me back from doing more off-road riding, but again they make skid plates too. The bottom line is this is a great bike. For the price you get a terrific handler, fun to ride, economical and versatile motorcycle. I would tell everyone who is thinking about a bike regardless of type to check this bike out first. Show less

I've only had it a week and a half and 500 miles, but I love to ride this bike. It's nice and smooth,plenty quick and cruises very nicely on the highway. I don't think you can go wrong with this one. Show less

Everybody loves their bikes as soon as they buy them and I am amused by those offering reviews after 3 days and 150 miles although I do understand and appreciate their enthusiasm. I went from a small cruiser to the V-Strom because I wanted a comfortable, highway capable tourer but with the agility and snappy performance of a smaller bike. I just returned from a 2800 mile week long trip to the Sturgis area (the week before the rally) and the V-Strom is just terrific under all riding conditions. Capable of speed far in excess of what I will ever need, passing power galore, long-term all day comfort, stable in the wind and all road surfaces I've encountered, 56-58 mpg, totally reliable so far and FUN on the Needles Highway or anywhere else you might want to wring its neck just a little! Chrome? Nope. Classically pretty? Nope. Quick, comfortable, agile, efficient, reliable, competent and capable...Oh, yeah!! Show less