Suzuki V-Strom 650 Dual Sport reviews

The Suzuki Vstrom DL650 is probably one of the best all around motorcycle built. It does everything well and is bullet proof reliable. Easy to ride, very agile, can cruise smoothly all day at 80 mph, handles very well in the twisties, interstate, backroads, and dirt roads. I have ridden two 650 Vstroms over 50,000 miles throughout the U.S. and Mexico multiple times. Taahe can be ridden like a sport bike or used like a pack horse. They don't feel heavy. The weight is low. Driven at speeds under 50 mph and get 60-80 mpg. The average mpg is always about 52 mpg. A good rider can keep up with any average sport bike rider in the tight mountain twisties, They are equally adept on rough roads in third world countries. In over 50,000 miles, I have never experienced any type of malfunction. The are just plain fun, versatile, and easy to ride bikes. Show less

At 67 years old, I've owned a good number of motorcycles - cruisers, sport tourers, big touring cycles, and I must say that this "Wee" Strom has been one of the most satisfying rides I've owned. Economical purchase price, economical to run (I've averaged 55 mpg. since new) with an abundance of fun available to its rider. The engine has good torque which makes the Wee easy to ride without having to row up and down the gears. One can cruise at higher speeds all day without feeling you're taxing the engine. Starting off is accomplished without having to rev the engine to high RPMs. (I ride single). Shifting gears is smooth and effortless. This 650 seems to be ideal for this cycle with the combination of good fuel economy, adequate torque and smooth shifting transmission, delivering a combination of utilitarian purpose yet many smiles per mile. It is comfortable for a dual purpose cycle and does not agitate my lower back (which has become painful, even riding my touring cycles). The Adventure model that I have has huge panniers that are watertight and easily removed and replaced. In my estimation, the 650 V-Strom is a terrific motorcycle overall. Though I've owned Harley's, Yamaha's, Honda's, BMW's, and Victory's, I cannot say I've enjoyed any one of them more than I have this Suzuki Adventure. Take a test ride and you too, might come away quite impressed with it as I was - and still am. Show less

I bought this bike used late summer this year and I'm very amazed how easy it is to ride and turn. My inseam is 30 and yes, you can ride it with an 1-1/2 riding boots or higher. I found that out by accident. Show less

Like many others have said, I wish I had this bike years ago. It is a better commuter than my cruisers were, and better off road, even though it is not a dirt bike, than any pure street bikes. Excellent at nothing, but good at most. What more can I say? Show less

It's been five years since I did the 3-year review. Now at 8 years, my 2005 DL650 V-Strom still looks great, runs great and rides great. I'm ready for some new tires again, that got me searching the web, and prompted me to do this review. I'm ready to order some road-oriented tires this time, maybe Pirelli Scorpion Trails. I have never had this bike off of the pavement. I'm long over with those thoughts. I also replaced the battery about two years ago, just as a precaution. I've ridden less in the last five years than I did in the first three years. I work from home most of the time now, so I don't have my long daily commute anymore. Also, I'm getting older (54), heavier, and am on the way to shorter. While the bike is still very comfortable, it's getting harder to swing a leg over the Givi bags and high seat. But once there, it's still very comfortable. The seat is still like new, it's held up very well. The Givi bags still look and work like new even though I kick them just about every time I mount the bike. No other new accessories, haven't thought of anything to add in years. This is the longest I've ever kept a bike. I've thought about trading for something new, but there's really nothing available that I like better. Cost of ownership has been, and continues to be very low. I carry only liability insurance anymore. I change the oil every summer now, since I don't accumulate 2,000 miles per year anymore. The last couple of years I've only added a couple hundred miles each. This spring though, I've burned through two tanks of fuel so far. that's about 300 miles per tank. Maybe I'll ride more this year. Show less

After not riding for too many years (20+) and raising my kids, I decided to get back into riding. A couple of friends suggested that I look at this bike. I looked at a number of bikes before really looking at the V-Strom. I have had my bike almost a year now and could not be happier with the bike. I have toured on it, ridden on dirt trails and creeks and had a blast riding the Dragon. It's just a great all-around bike. My only complain is the seat. I will be buying a more comfortable seat for it for touring. Show less

I got the Adventure model at the end of June and did the break in mileage completed around east Texas. I just finished riding it out to Tahoe via New Mexico, Arizona, Death Valley and 395 North. It's comfortable, quiet, has tons of storage, gets 235 miles per tank average and has plenty of power and speed. This is my second Suzi, and probably the last bike I'll own, since I'll be enjoying it for a long time. Show less

I'm still loving it. I'm loving the 5.8 gallon tank, riding city and mountains. I'm getting 61 mpg. avg. I added a Sargent touring seat, which is much better for all-round riding. Show less

After years of riding all types of motorcycles, I am really enjoying this one. I like the riding attitude and the feeling that you are up higher than normal. It has plenty of power and is very smooth for a v-twin. Wifey likes it too, she says it's as comfortable as my previous BMW. It gets outstanding fuel mileage, I average 55 mpg. The insurance is less than $200 per year full coverage. It's easy to maintain as well as easy to find parts. I think this one's a keeper and for me, that says a lot. I would highly recommend one for anyone wanting something different. Some call it the SUV or pick-up truck of the motorcycle world. It doesn't do any one thing great, it just does it all pretty darn good. Love it!! Show less

I am digging the V-Strom. It's smooth and has plenty of power for two up with luggage. I get 50 plus miles a gallon on the low side. The Suzuki dealership has met most of my demands. They rock all over, even with some minor imperfections. They are still showing up to perform day after day. I don't mind paying full price for something that is dependable and backed by the Suzuki dealership. Show less