Suzuki V-Strom 1000 reviews

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

Overall, it's a great ride! It's comfortable for tall riders, runs strong and handles excellent. Coming up on the 4k service and only problem is a small drip from the radiator (hose clamp?) 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

Thanks to a great motor, the DL 650 is a super machine capable of long tireless rides, short excursions or keeping up with the low riders. I had not ridden in many years, and this machine was an excellent choice. The entire category of adventure touring or dual sport bikes have a lot to offer. It's as versatile as advertised. I can see me keeping it for a long time. Show less

I've had my V-Strom 650 for over three years. It's seen snow, sand, rocks and mud. It's been in 100 degree heat and 12 degree frigid weather. I have been on the same terrain as the KTM adventures and the BMW GS's. My V-Strom cost a fraction of what those cost. Once you farkle it out, there's no stopping it. The V-Strom wasn't intended to be a dirt bike but it comes pretty close. After riding it offroad, go eat up the miles on the slab. The V-Strom is a superb all around motorcycle. Show less

After my teenager days on a Vespa three years ago I decided to go back into the motorcycle fun. I got myself a Honda Shadow Aero. It was a great bike for two years, but the sitting position was not ideal for me. Someone suggested me to switch to the on/off-road style, because it supports the natural curve of the spine. I looked around, BMW and Moto Guzzi were my first choices but they were expensive. A BMW rider suggested to me the V-Strom. I loved the style and look right away, did some online research, chatted with a few eurodudes who use the V-Strom for commute and long rides. I opted for it. Since May, 2010 I have a gorgeous orange V-Strom 650, new for $6,450.00. After almost 18k miles in one year and three months here is my opinion. Keep in mind I'm not the most experienced biker, I know the Vespa and Honda Aero. I'm fully satisfied with the V-Strom and the 650 engine. My sitting position is great, no lower back issues at all, throttle and torque responds good in town and on highways . Actually this can be a very reactive bike, plenty of torque and 6-speed gear, so use good judgment. Personally I never squeeze the gears or allow the rpm. to high. The CG is high, so I needed to get used to a tall bike. Fuel consumption on the highway riding around 60-65 mph. is around 57 mpg. I've been riding on I-44 between Oklahoma City and Lawton. The V-Strom holds the 75 mph. limit easy, with 5800 rpm and around 48 mpg. The rear tire lasted 14k miles, the front tire 17k. I do occasionally have a passenger. We made a trip from Lawton, OK to Palo Duro Canyon in Texas with no problems at all, including baggage. Our average speed on Texas farm roads and highways was 50 mph. The passenger seat is very comfortable. I lube the chain every 200-300 miles. The original windshield is useless. I added GIVI crash bars, MRA vario wind screen (this is a +++), Motech center stand (a must to ease your lube job), handle bar covers and the Air Hawk 2 cushion seat (this is a +++) and a KAOKO throttle lock. I may add some additional lights from PIAA. Again, I'm very happy with the V-Strom. I don't see a personal need to have the 1000cc engine. I bring it in for maintenance every 3,500-4,000 miles, religiously check my tires for proper pressure and use a bright green vest most of the time. On July 9, I was involved in an accident against a Chevy truck, riding 25 mph. The crash bars did an excellent job and my Nolan 42 helmet did an excellent job. Show less

I have had my Wee-Strom for three weeks now, and have put about 300 miles on it. I have had several bikes over the years, and can honestly say that this is the bike I should have bought a long time ago. It has plenty of power (more than enough to get me in real trouble), good ergonomics (even for my troublesome knee), handles very well, is light (much lighter than any of the cruisers I have had in the past) and makes me smile whenever I ride it. My only complaint is that the seat is kind of marginal, but that should be an easy fix. All in all, this is the best bike I have ever had and plan on keeping it for a long, long time. Show less