Suzuki V-Strom reviews

I read all the forums on this bike. I came from a Vulcan 750 cruiser. This bike rode smooth like an electric bike. I couldn't tell if it was running at freeway speed! It's smooth, fuel injected, nimble, and has perfect power for touring/city. It gets 50 plus miles a gallon. It's a higher than average bike but it allows me to see through traffic and be seen better. It has an excellent headlight! It is a chain drive so maintenance is pretty frequent for me since I put about 2,000 a month easy. So what, I learn how to clean and lube chains....bought the warranty plan so that all I really need to do now is ride baby ride! The representative at the dealership was really helpful and all about customer service (which is my big pet peeve). He advocates for the customer and doesn't seem like he is out to hustle you. It's an excellent bike for the money. Buy one now that the interest rate is low! Show less

I bought my 09 V-Strom 650/ABS because I broke my right wrist and elbow (slipped on some ice) and can no longer lean forward on my wrist on a sportbike or stretch my elbow out on a big cruiser. I went to the local motorcycle show and sat on everything, looking for a comfortable fit for my bad arm. The V-Strom was a perfect fit, and the 650 seemed lightweight enough so I bought it. I assumed it would not be like my Ducati or my Honda 1300 cruiser...what I never expected is it would be better than both, and better than every bike I have owned over the last 25 years. Obviously, no bike is perfect, and if you need a long distance touring bike for two-up with lots of luggage, or you need a pure dedicated sportbike so you can weave in and out of 55 mph. traffic at 100 mph., of course look elsewhere. But if you want a supremely comfortable bike you can easily tour on, that gets 300 miles between fill ups, commutes effortlessly with great visibility and handling, or attacks twisties with its smooth sportbike motor that easily revs to 10k, all with outstanding reliability, then look no further. This is your bike - and for all it does, it is a bargain. It truly is an incredible, all-rounder. The only problem - it is a tall bike so shorter riders may have some problems. I would have never even considered this bike if I had not hurt my arm - now I look at all my buddies on their crusiers and wonder if there aren't V-Stroms on every corner instead of 700 lb. Harleys. But it is a bit like a cult bike - just check out Stromtrooper.com to see how the rest of the world love these things. I wish I would have bought a bike like this a lot sooner - don't make the mistake I made, don't wait, just do it now. And no, you don't have to thank me. Show less

I bought it new in April, 2010. I primarily use it for my daily commute and I get 57 mpg. on average with my best mileage being 62+mpg. on one tank. It has plenty of power for me and handles well. I like the upright seating position. It's just an all-around fun bike to ride and economical! Show less

I ride in an area that has highways, lots of winding county roads, really narrow beat-up paved roads and unpaved back roads. My two previous bikes were better on highway and paved county roads, but were geared too tall and were too heavy for technical, narrow, paved and unpaved back roads. This bike is tall, not too heavy, geared well, and is capable of touring on the slab, running on twisty county roads and great on technical, narrow paved and unpaved low-speed back roads. It does them all very well. I had a BMW and a Ducati previously and while they were great bikes, the maintenance was a killer if you put on higher than average miles in a season like I do, particularly if you don't wrench yourself and have to take it to the dealer. The Suzuki oil change was $39 bucks!!! Nothing has gone wrong. It's as fast as I want to go, and it is bright orange!!! But I love the bike and it's jack of all roads ability. Show less

The VStrom 650 gets my vote for the best bike available, dollar-for-dollar. It's not perfect, but mine's getting close. I'm adding a tall-Givi windshield and the Madstad bracket gives superb wind protection. My next upgrade will be the seat, and then I'm done. This bike has a superb engine with smooth, excellent response. It has more power than I'll ever use. The handling is very good. The overall fit and finish is very good. After 3000 miles, I am very pleased. It is a fun ride - perfect for Appalachian mountain roads. Show less

I'm 6'1, 235 pounds and 66 years old. My last bike was a Victory Vegas. When I transitioned from the Vegas to the 'Strom' I really felt cramped. I have to get off the bike about every hour and walk around. I get a 'charlie horse' at my leg/thigh area and have a hard time straightening out my legs. Other than that, the 'Wee Strom' is a great bike with surprising power and very good handling. A Harley 88ci puts out 64hp. The 650 Strom is 67hp and weighs 200 pounds less. That should give you an idea of its performance. Show less

After 4000 miles, I have no complaints, especially after I replaced the factory seat with a Corbin/Holeshot seat. There's a remarkable difference - no time/mileage limit to the seat. I must caution, if you are contemplating this seat, the seat height is lower. But due to the increased width of the seat, your legs are splayed apart far more than stock, thus decreasing your reach to the ground. I have a 32" inseam and now can barely have both feet touch the ground. Show less

I decided I wanted something that would be more suited to long rides. Looked at a few others but decided on the Weestrom. Bought it at the Vancouver bike show so had to fly over to Burnaby to pick it up. 660km ride back. So far I am loving it. Much better ride than a cruiser, better handling, and comfy! I find it very easy to ride in slow traffic in town but has more than enough power to get up to speed and stay there on the hwy. Considered the 1000 but happy that I went with the 650. The ride home had everything from rain to slushy snow to deer on the road. Would have taken longer on a cruiser, but then this is a motorcycle and not a fashion accessory :) Try one out. You will be assimilated ;) Show less

Recently turned over 8,000 miles on my WeeStrom and can't say enough good things about it. Just completed a 900 mile trip this past weekend riding in Ozark Mountains in Arkansas and attending the BMW Ralley at the Sequoya Park on the Arkansas River. The VStroms have been adopted by the BMW crowd as sibling to the GS Bmw's. This was my longest trip to date since buying my bike in August 2009. The bike handles great through twisty's and switchbacks especially when climbing Mount Nebo. I covered just over 350 miles in one day with no back or posterior issues. The bike also handled well in the rain while riding the Pig Trail. I had the bike loaded with camping gear and no issues. I love the riding position and the low end torque. You can cruise at 80mph all day long. I will be taking the Wee out west to Montrose, CO in June. This bike does everything well without unloading the wallet. Tons of aftermarket accessories available. Show less

If you're looking for a laid-back cruiser, this isn't it. If you're looking for a high-performance lean-forward sport bike? This isn't it. If you're looking for a great dirt bike? This isn't it. HOWEVER, if you're looking for a good regular-sit-up riding position bike that is a great in-town commuter, great handling, and pretty comfortable on day or weekend trips, this IS the one. Oh did I mention, 55 miles to the gallon too? It's a jack-of-all-trades master-of-none machine and great motorcycle! You'll like it! Show less