Suzuki V-Strom reviews

I have had three V Strom 650s over the course of the past 10 years… All completely bulletproof and reliable. I have never had an issue whatsoever with any of them. This is my first 1000, but it has so far gone 30,000 miles with zero issues. Keep the tires inflated, change the brake pad when you need to, keep the oil fresh and I really think this thing would go 100,000 miles without any issues. Buying large these bikes are also easy to do your own maintenance on. If I had one complaint, the spark plugs, air filter and coolant would be easier to change. But if you have some tools, garage, space, and patience dot even these items are not difficult to do on your own. Seriously, a really great bike. I honestly don't see a reason why anybody would go for a more expensive brand while this Suzuki V Strom is still being manufactured. The Honda Africa twin would be a great alternative, it is several thousand dollars more expensive, but I do think it would be just as reliable. Everything else, BMW, Ducati, KTM, etc. etc. etc. all of those brands require a lot of maintenance and it is typically not maintenance that you can do by yourself, so you will end up spending easily $750-$1000 every year to keep the thing running for half as long as one of these Suzuki's. You'll not only save bunny on the purchase price, but you'll also save money while owning and maintaining. Show less

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

I traded in my 2002 Strom 1000 on the new one. I was looking for improved comfort, handling and ABS and that is what I got. On the old bike I would slide forward to greatly improve the weight distribution and the steering and it made a big difference in the tight mountain twists. Engine-wise, the old beast always needed just a few more RPMs that would be expected from a big V-Twin and lots of shifting to keep it over 4,000 where it would start to run really happy. In a strange way it reminded me of the old two-stroke Suzukis I used to ride. On the new one, I'm already sitting forward in the best position for handling. The clutch is lighter and so is the bike by a few pounds but it feels about 100 lbs. lighter in how it steers and handles. Where the old bike was in the 'dead zone' at 3,000 to 3,500 below the power band, the new one is in the meat of its grunt at 3000 RPM. It's just so much easier, smoother and nicer to ride. I really like the idea of the ABS, especially as I was heading home in our aggressive rush hour in the driving rain. I've heard complaints about throttle response and brakes being too touchy, but even in the wet on an unfamiliar bike, I was instantly at home. Compared to the old one and other bikes I've ridden recently, the whole bike takes a lighter touch, but it's very easy to ride. I love that motor. Show less

Riding a maxi-scooter for the past several years has changed my opinion of this bike. I've also owned several cruisers during the time I've had the Strom. Finally, a long ride on a Triumph XC800 brought things into focus. The 1000 is still as good as ever, but other newer designs like the Triumph triple have left it behind somewhat in terms of handling, smoothness and responsive performance. What I really notice after riding a smaller, lighter bike and the newer Triumph is the slow steering. I could easily have come to the conclusion that this bike no longer cuts it. Others have. The last few years they have been on sale. Suzuki couldn't hardly give them away. Then it struck me. This bike makes a really really fine cruiser. It's got bags of torque and that stable steering along with better brakes, suspension and vastly better performance and comfort than any of the Cruisers I have owned. It doesn't look like a traditional cruiser, but it rides like one except it's faster. I'm in my 60's now. Once I wrapped my head around what their bike is really good for, I was thrilled with the ride. I like traditional cruisers, but I had gotten tired of the limitations: Scraping in the corners, small tank, limited range, lack of comfort and suspension travel. My bike is an original, an '02, so it doesn't have modern fuel injection, but if I just crack the throttle and let it rev a little more than you would expect for a 1000, it runs great even below the power band. It feels powerful even at sensible speeds, which to me is more fun than killer speed I wouldn't use. Braided lines on the brakes and the clutch greatly improved the feeling of the controls. Most of all compared to my cruisers and my scooter, I love the comfort of the roomy seat and the long travel suspension. This bike now has a second life. I'm really glad I didn't sell it. 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

don't believe the DL650 owners when they say the DL1000 has the same performance as their 650. The DL1000 has a much more refined engine that's smoother, quiet and has increased torque. 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