Suzuki V-Strom reviews

I have had a Strom for a year now and love it. I think it is the best for the buck. The ride is comfortable. I added front pegs and they made the ride even better. Show less

I bought my V-Strom DL 1000 in February of 2008. It was a left over 2007 but they are one in the same except color. I have had many bikes, but this one is the best by far. The 650 was too anemic for me. The comfort is good but an aftermarket windshield is on the way. The suspension is too soft, but what factory suspension is not. New fork springs and rear shock spring worked wonders. The power is great. Nice torque curve too. The fuel injection is fine as long as you sync the throttle bodies. Brakes are good, but not GSXR level. But overall, you cannot get a finer bike. Many of my friends have the latest and greatest crotch rockets and they can pull away from you in the straights but it won't matter. The long travel suspension eats up bumps while they are slowing down to accommodate for the race track suspension. It is truly amazing how fast you can go on a DL 1000. Show less

Ever since these bikes came out in 04 I have wanted one. Well I finally found a good deal on a blue 07 that's like mint condition. My last bike was a 82 GS 650 G w/44K. There is no comparison between the two. The V-Strom is much quicker on takeoff, handles like a sportbike and gets 57-60 MPG. It is rock solid reliable with tractor-like torque. It's all the bike I'll ever need. Whenever you get tired of wrenching and just want to ride, get one of these, you won't be sorry. Show less

It has an extremely comfortable seat. Ergonomics are very good. Gravel and unpaved roads are no problem. It is very good for two-up riding. It gets 50-plus miles per gallon. Show less

4.5 stars for comfortI have had this bike since June. The only thing that bothers me is the seat. After about an hour and a half, I get a little tired on the bike. But it is not enough to stop riding. It has plenty of power to go up hills, and it can reach highway speeds with no problem. The bike's handling is great. Before the bike got broke in it was getting 52 miles to the gallon. Show less

Well I just took the PLUNGE, and bought a used V-Strom 1000 with Givi Keyless side cases and a V46 top case and only 19000 km (approx. 12000 miles) and I sure haven't regretted my choice of bikes!! This bike is incredible in performance and comfort. I bought this bike in Quebec, Canada on Aug 14 and drove it back home which was a 7 1/2 hour drive and I had a BIG smile on my face the whole time. I have been driving motorbikes since 1978 and had just sold my 2002 Yamaha Royal Star Venture 1300 on Aug 8 so I was bike less for only six days!! The Venture was a nice bike, extra comfortable for touring, which we did a lot of, BUT it was like driving a school bus compared to the V-Strom. The V is so easy to park, turn, back-up, and drive that I am having a BLAST. I know it's not right to even compare the two (839lbs vs. 460lbs) but I'm just giving my opinion. They both have 98hp but the V is unreal going from 100kph (60mph) to 140kph (90mph). I was very glad I had read all the reviews about this bike, they were very informative and I hope that mine may sway someone into getting one of these incredible bikes!! Thanks.......... Well I've just come back from a 4-day (2011km-1250mile) camping trip, all around the island province of Prince Edward Island, up along the eastern coast of New Brunswick, and along the coast from Moncton, NB through Fundy National Park and back home just outside Saint John, NB. The bike was loaded with 125lbs of gear and I and it averaged 57 to 60.8 mpg (CDN gals) which I thought was truly amazing!! It was only towards the end of the riding day that my butt began to get a little sore which I think is a pretty natural thing to happen after a 6 to 8 hour drive. The V works flawlessly thru the twisties and country roads although it's only above 4000rpms in 6th gear that the bike starts to cruise along effortlessly (125kph or 78mph). The only complaints that I would have is that it gets blown around a bit (hang on tight) during high winds, following or passing semi trucks and the stock windshield causes severe helmet buffeting (which I read can be fixed by a larger wind screen). So besides that I truly love the bike and can't wait to ride it again tomorrow. Hope this helps on your decision, Later, STAN Show less

I just started commuting to work for the third year (mostly summers). 21,500 miles and no trouble. During the winter I was considering trading in on something else, but today's commute reminded me what I like about the VStrom 650. Comfort, reliability, economy. I get at least 60 mpg. High of 64 mpg so far. I took one week-long trip through New England. Very comfortable, even at extended interstate speeds. I've had no trouble. Over the winter I replaced the air cleaner. Kind of a pain, but it's the last one I'll need. After 21,000 miles the original looked like new. I just changed the sprockets and chain to 16 tooth front (up 1) and 45 tooth rear (down 2 it lowers the highway RPM significantly. First gear is now as high as I'd like. Any further adjustment would be too far. I am trying to increase fuel mileage even more and have sacrificed some acceleration. The SW Motec center stand I put on right away still works great. Never a trouble. Also added Givi 30 liter black bags. They're great. They take abuse and always clean up nice. I've changed the oil every 2,000 miles because it's simple. And the chain drive is really no trouble, just messy. I am on my 2nd set of tires and expect to replace them this summer. Paint, hardware, looks all holding up very well. Even the windshield still looks good. The mirrors are starting to corrode in spots behind the glass. I think that is because the bike sits outside in the rain while I'm at work. Otherwise the bike still looks new. I hope to review again in 3 more years! Show less

The bike handles great and the power is snappy and smooth. I like the nimble feel of balance and control around the curves. I ride in the northern Georgia mountains. Cruising the interstate is a relaxing ride. I want to add an aftermarket exhaust pipe for a sportier growl. Overall I'm very pleased to own such a fine dual sport bike. Show less

I picked up the '07 V-Strom in February of this year. I ride a very challenging highway along the north coast every other day for a total of 64 miles. This highway includes a ton of twists and turns. The V-Strom rides as smooth as can be and is incredibly reliable. I've made no additions or alterations to the bike; it's just the way it rolled off the showroom floor. I rode it on my first long distance ride on the Washington Hwy 101 loop. The first few hours were great, but then the seat started attacking my backside. I'm considering trying out the OEM gel seat that's offered. don't let the seat issue dissuade you; this is a fantastic bike and it's the best part of my work day. Show less

After 15,000 miles in 2 riding seasons I have yet to find anything but good things to say about this bike. Superslab or twisties - it's great. Cruise easily at 80mph all day. Very comfortable. The longest day was 850 miles. While it does very well on gravel roads I have not done any trail riding as I think it's rather large for that. It's not a dirt bike. The seat height could be a bit high for shorter riders but is fine for me with a 31 inch inseam. Mileage at 70mph is about 50mpg. You can't find a better all around bike for the price... it's a steal. Show less