Suzuki V-Strom 650 reviews

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 in July of 2013 from our local dealer. They were just great to deal with. I traded in a Suzuki C50 which I also loved, but I couldn't afford both. I prefer the relaxation when riding the automatic shifting 2013 Suzuki 650 Burgman. After test riding and being familiar with the other big scoots, I have to say this bike stands out as the smoothest, best riding and handling of all. I've taken it on a long distance trip with barely any fatigue at all. It is relatively easy to push around in the garage. This feature was one of many upgrades from the previous model. I highly recommend this scooter to anyone looking for the top of the line. Show less

I'm on my second 650. I bought both used with low miles. I put about 35K on two of them. I use it as a touring bike. I've visited every state east of Mississippi. It's reliable and handles really well. There is no heat from the engine in stop and go traffic and no vibration at 75 mph. The under seat storage is remarkable. On one trip I carried under the seat a tent for two, a sleeping bag, air mattress and a pillow. I rode it to the summit of Pikes Peak. 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

I love my 2007 Suzuki Burgman 650. I have had many motorcycles - dirt, road, Goldwing, ST1300 and KTM 640 Adventure. But my Burgie 650 tops them all - 46 mpg? So ride your Harley's, when I put on my Vance & Hines exhaust, you will eat dirt. I can't wait. 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

13 months now, 11,800 miles and not a problem. I'm doing my own maintenance, it's so easy to do. I have one new back tire so far and did a better windshield and box on the back. I am very impressed. I did a 2,000 mile trip and not a problem. It get 48 mpg. average and is a sweet ride. I hope to post in another 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