I have a Gen2 650 for 9 years now. In 2018 I rode it two up, 43,000 miles around the world. No reliability issues, comfy and 260 miles to a tankful. I used to sell much larger bikes but find my bike is all you need.
I'm very much wanting to be capable off road. Does the standard 650 have decent off road abilities? I'm looking at a 2020 650 standard at a very attractive price ($6,700) but want to do more than simple dirt roads. One other 'ask' I would have of you - would you be able to compare this bike (the 2020 standard specifically) to the new Honda Transalp 750? Thank you for any replies in advance.
I too downsized from a1200 GSA and don't regret the move. The WeeStrom is a great all rounder...good for touring, commuting, carving up the twisties and just fine on gravel roads. Good torque in all gears and excellent handling with 50/50 motoz gps tyres (13000miles from my last pair)! The best feature about the bike for me is that it's engaging to ride. I enjoy using the gears when in the canyons. The bike has just enough poke to be a lot of fun. Importantly also is it's bullet proof reliability and widespread dealership network.🏍️🏍️🏍️
Great review. My Vstrom 650XT is a 2017 - my favorite bike ever. I live 5 miles from pavement and appreciate an ADV bike in general. I've added quite a bit to fit my 6' 3" height, lowered pegs, raised bars 2 inches. The Givi wind screen is a must for tall guys! For travel I added Givi cases. Also added T-Rex crash bars. Love the gas mileage (usually around 60 mpg) and handling. Comfort is amazing. Thank for the review!
Same. 1.6 miles of dirt road and a 400 yard track to the house so need something like my VStrom. I’m only 5’10” but have hip pain so want to lower the pegs. What lowering kit did you use? I have a givi hard cases, almost never use the side panniers but almost never don’t have the top box on. Only for long rough dirt rides will I (very gladly), remove it. I have removed the windshield altogether. Hated the buffeting. Very happy with my naked bike 😊. But it’s not really naked. I’ve got gen 1, big bulbous nose, gives a very good push to the wind. I have a big tank bag and like it. I don’t use that space, why not use it 🤷♂️. It’s very handy. Running 90% road tires and don’t want anything less road for several reasons. Fundamentally it’s a road bike with beautiful on road handling characteristics, for the price. I don’t want to detract from that. I don’t like the suspension but I agree with the review. If you are going to keep pumping money into it you would have been better off getting a different bike. Off course that is a cold pragmatist approach. If you love doing mods knock yourself out boys and girls.
RE suspension upgrade, Ohlins is great but very high end dollarwise. Ohlins is great, have had their setup on two BMWs. But, Ohlins rear shock requires rebuilding every 20thousand miles. Check Cogent out of Asheville NC. Extremely well made in US and less dollar outlay. I have their suspension frt/rear on my DR650. Great upgrade.
Nice review. I have the same bike bought new in 2019 - 9,000 miles now and love it. I’ve been riding 40 years and think the suspension is great on road - it’s not designed for off-road. Just bought a Delkavic 350mm and can’t wait to fit it. Enjoyed your opinions.
Wheb you talk about the v-strom, it's great, but just about half the video is a commercial for all the other stuff you use when riding 😛 good vid :) lovely bike
Thanks for the video?’c very good. I 1st wanted a Transalp, but being 1.70 it was too challenging for me. Tenere here in Costa Rica is stupidly expensive ($20k). I initially discarded this one due to the lack of technology on the dashboard, but then I went on weekend to try it and wow, love at 1st sigh and decided this the one I want.
After 2 years consider heavier fork oil..maybe springs? Rear shock rebuild(upgrade). Adventure Power Sports is considered the "Go To" guy for the rebuild. Very reasonable vs aftermarket. Cheers
Awesome review - I have a 2011 V-Strom I tricked out spending a ton of money back then with twisted throttle - stingray windshield was a must, early GPS with Zumo 550 (the best mounting kit under the windshield), radar, ton of SW-motech crash bars, underbelly - really enjoyed installing it all by myself- if you can, I urge people to install accessories yourself so you know how the bike goes together-love love love just the look of the bike with Givi mono-key streamline boxes and just don’t know what I would buy that would be a better, more versatile mousetrap. Powered tank bank is super awesome not sure if that’s the tank bag you’re thinking of but it’s very useful! Thanks again!
Mine is setup very similar other than the seat. I can't say I enjoy it Off Road and dread having it topple. Really like the bike overall. I'd suggest the mirror extenders if you want that one small mod that improves funtionality and decreases wind issues.
Love that red paint. Almost bought the XT Touring on sale, but it was sold. So I bought a base pearl white '17. Loved that bike. Traded it in on a Z900RS. The DL was so good, I just bought a '22 650 Adventure. And I think these bikes look great. I had a GS 1200 for a while and that bike was ugly and was very troublesome. Love VStroms.
Frank...still have the 900RS? I am really down to Vstrom 1000 or 900RS(Versys a 3rd). Very different bikes but I can't justify both. The Vstrom only because I could see being out on a dirt/gravel roads. (10%) Cheers
I'm looking at a 2020 650 for $6,700 at a local dealership. I'm looking for my first Adventure/Touring bike. I'm thinking I could pick that up and have a solid reliable bike that I want and then do the suspension upgrade and be several thousand under the competitors like the Honda Transalp 750 and be more capable off road which is something I very much require. Any thoughts from the 650 owners out there?
I wouldn't say that it's more capable off road than the Transalp, but everything else is true. If you plan on going off-road regularly, you might want less weight. But it can do it, yes
I have a 2015 Yamaha Fz09 which rocks my world but am considering getting the Vstrom for a lot of reasons mainly its better for long distance road trips, off road capability & seating position is better for casual riding it doesn't crush your nuts with the tank like the Fz09. My friend has a 2015 Vstrom that I've ridden alot & I like it. Your input about getting a grunty exhaust on the Vstrom is important too I have a loud M4 Exhaust on the Fz09 which is awesome but I've had some hearing issues so a less loud bike would be great (I'm sure that mine is louder than yours) I'm getting old though - turned 50 recently & would welcome some better fuel economy as well. It's a tough decision though because I here people end up regretting selling the Fz09/Mt09. A better option may be a bigger adventure bike without a chain like the Super Tenere or the Triumph Tiger 1200 which can be found relatively low priced on the used market and have a shaft drive. I got my Fz09 for sale now so we'll see what happens 🙂🙃. Thanks for a good long term review I appreciate 🙏 it.
And what happened? I just sold my xsr900 and plan to buy vstrom650. But still taking into consideration other bikes. However vstrom650 seems to be perfect all arounder.
I've kept my Fz09 and I still love it. I test rode a Vstrom 1,000 a few months ago & I found it too tall. A big consideration now is a bigger bike to ride with my wife. I like the Triumph Tiger 1200 low a lot from years 2017-2020.
Good video and nice bike! The beak is very bird-like. How is the behaviour of the traction control? How about the ABS? Do they kick in aggressively or rarely at all?
Thank you for this review, I've grown to like the look of adventure bikes, and was looking to start off with this bike. I'm coming from owning 2 sport bikes (ninja 400 and zx6r), so I'm looking for something more comfortable for touring.
YES. It's a big bike, but seat is not too high. Heavier than a 250? Yes, about 150 to 200 lbs heavier, depending on what 250 you compare it to. However, like any well designed bike, after about 10 mph, you simply don't feel the weight... unless you have go pick it up! Great all-rounder. My favorite bike ever. Upright seating like most Adventure bikes. VERY comfortable, even on longer rides.
Nice video Sir. Question...in the end of the video you said "I may get something more comfortable"...what do you have in mind, as far as more comfortable?? Thanks !!
How tall are you? I have a dilemma between the V-strom 650, Tracer 7 and Versys 650. I had the opportunity to try Tracer 7 and somehow it seems too small to me, I feel kind squished on it (I'm 183 cm tall). You had the chance to try both bikes, which one would be better for my height? The Versys has the highest seat, and the Tracer looks small next to the V-Strom. Great video.
Thanks! I'm 5'10". I haven't tried the Tracer, but I was comfortable on both the Versys and V-strom. On the strom, you feel like you sit down into the bike more than the Versys.
I'm 5 10' and have 5 days on the Tracer and 20,000 KM on the Vstrom. The Tracer was a little more cramped, but had to lower the pegs on the Vstrom and get a new seat. I found the Tracer to be a fantastic Sport Tourer. I probably won't bother switching because my Vstrom is setup for me, but it had extra power and is a great bike,
Nice review! I appreciated all the feedback on what you've experienced with your V-Strom. I'm curious... what is mounted to your handlebars next to the left mirror?
Very detailed review and excellent quality and very professional also. I'm considering trading in my 22 klr 650 for one of these new generation v storm 650 or a ktm 390 adventure? I'm a 80 percent on road rider with the occasional gravel road. What would you get if you were me?
Ever ride with a passenger? 650. Highway? 650. Like to occasionally go over 80 mph? 650. Admittedly I haven't ridden the 390, but I've researched it a bunch, and it seems like it's only the right answer for non-highway adventuring or riding around the city.
Just for 2 cylinders V Strom. And V Strom for even more important reason - it’s reliability. I’ve owned 12 of 650 in last 10 years so I think I know what I’m talking about…
@@richardhretczak536 Doesn’t sound reliable to me. As a person looking to get a new bike as my only bike, I want to hear that you have had one for 12 years, not have a new one every year.
@@MrDjjecky The DL650 is reputed to be extremely reliable, its engine is 20 years old and has evolved only in the right direction. You'll find plenty of examples on dedicated forums of people who have happily exceeded 100k miles without ever having had to do anything other than routine maintenance.
How does this do for you at 75mph cruising and then throttling up to 85ish to pass on the freeway? Does it feel like it struggles at all? I'm so tempted to buy one of these because of it's range and weight over the 1050.
Great power way past 85. I once pulled into heavy hwy traffic, had a short spot to jump into traffic. I hit it hard and thought I was about the speed limit - 60 mph, the realized I was at 80 mph. No, it's not a Moto GP, but "0-60" website lists acceleration to 60mph just a tad faster than the Honda 500 R! GREAT highway bike and good for mild "off-pavement" roads with the right tires. I've never been disappointed with power or handling. One of the best "all-rounders" on the road. I have the 650XT model with spoked wheels AND has tubeless tires. Great combo.
I have a Gen2 650 for 9 years now. In 2018 I rode it two up, 43,000 miles around the world. No reliability issues, comfy and 260 miles to a tankful. I used to sell much larger bikes but find my bike is all you need.
I'm very much wanting to be capable off road. Does the standard 650 have decent off road abilities? I'm looking at a 2020 650 standard at a very attractive price ($6,700) but want to do more than simple dirt roads.
One other 'ask' I would have of you - would you be able to compare this bike (the 2020 standard specifically) to the new Honda Transalp 750?
Thank you for any replies in advance.
I too downsized from a1200 GSA and don't regret the move. The WeeStrom is a great all rounder...good for touring, commuting, carving up the twisties and just fine on gravel roads. Good torque in all gears and excellent handling with 50/50 motoz gps tyres (13000miles from my last pair)! The best feature about the bike for me is that it's engaging to ride. I enjoy using the gears when in the canyons. The bike has just enough poke to be a lot of fun. Importantly also is it's bullet proof reliability and widespread dealership network.🏍️🏍️🏍️
Definitely one of the best motorcycles ever made. A legend
Great review. My Vstrom 650XT is a 2017 - my favorite bike ever. I live 5 miles from pavement and appreciate an ADV bike in general. I've added quite a bit to fit my 6' 3" height, lowered pegs, raised bars 2 inches. The Givi wind screen is a must for tall guys! For travel I added Givi cases. Also added T-Rex crash bars. Love the gas mileage (usually around 60 mpg) and handling. Comfort is amazing. Thank for the review!
Same. 1.6 miles of dirt road and a 400 yard track to the house so need something like my VStrom. I’m only 5’10” but have hip pain so want to lower the pegs. What lowering kit did you use? I have a givi hard cases, almost never use the side panniers but almost never don’t have the top box on. Only for long rough dirt rides will I (very gladly), remove it. I have removed the windshield altogether. Hated the buffeting. Very happy with my naked bike 😊. But it’s not really naked. I’ve got gen 1, big bulbous nose, gives a very good push to the wind. I have a big tank bag and like it. I don’t use that space, why not use it 🤷♂️. It’s very handy. Running 90% road tires and don’t want anything less road for several reasons. Fundamentally it’s a road bike with beautiful on road handling characteristics, for the price. I don’t want to detract from that. I don’t like the suspension but I agree with the review. If you are going to keep pumping money into it you would have been better off getting a different bike. Off course that is a cold pragmatist approach. If you love doing mods knock yourself out boys and girls.
RE suspension upgrade, Ohlins is great but very high end dollarwise. Ohlins is great, have had their setup on two BMWs. But, Ohlins rear shock requires rebuilding every 20thousand miles. Check Cogent out of Asheville NC. Extremely well made in US and less dollar outlay. I have their suspension frt/rear on my DR650. Great upgrade.
hi there, i have the same bike and would recommend the dunlop trailmax mission tires. they make a HUGE difference especially off road.
Nice review. I have the same bike bought new in 2019 - 9,000 miles now and love it. I’ve been riding 40 years and think the suspension is great on road - it’s not designed for off-road. Just bought a Delkavic 350mm and can’t wait to fit it. Enjoyed your opinions.
Wheb you talk about the v-strom, it's great, but just about half the video is a commercial for all the other stuff you use when riding 😛 good vid :) lovely bike
Dang, all these motorcycle videos are making want to get one too! I had a Kawasaki Ninja 600 (650?) like 8-10 years ago..
I started on a Ninja 650 as well! Motorcycling isn't for everyone, but it is a fun time for sure.
Thanks for the video?’c very good. I 1st wanted a Transalp, but being 1.70 it was too challenging for me. Tenere here in Costa Rica is stupidly expensive ($20k). I initially discarded this one due to the lack of technology on the dashboard, but then I went on weekend to try it and wow, love at 1st sigh and decided this the one I want.
After 2 years consider heavier fork oil..maybe springs? Rear shock rebuild(upgrade). Adventure Power Sports is considered the "Go To" guy for the rebuild. Very reasonable vs aftermarket. Cheers
Awesome review - I have a 2011 V-Strom I tricked out spending a ton of money back then with twisted throttle - stingray windshield was a must, early GPS with Zumo 550 (the best mounting kit under the windshield), radar, ton of SW-motech crash bars, underbelly - really enjoyed installing it all by myself- if you can, I urge people to install accessories yourself so you know how the bike goes together-love love love just the look of the bike with Givi mono-key streamline boxes and just don’t know what I would buy that would be a better, more versatile mousetrap. Powered tank bank is super awesome not sure if that’s the tank bag you’re thinking of but it’s very useful! Thanks again!
Mine is setup very similar other than the seat. I can't say I enjoy it Off Road and dread having it topple. Really like the bike overall. I'd suggest the mirror extenders if you want that one small mod that improves funtionality and decreases wind issues.
Love that red paint. Almost bought the XT Touring on sale, but it was sold. So I bought a base pearl white '17. Loved that bike. Traded it in on a Z900RS. The DL was so good, I just bought a '22 650 Adventure. And I think these bikes look great. I had a GS 1200 for a while and that bike was ugly and was very troublesome. Love VStroms.
Frank...still have the 900RS? I am really down to Vstrom 1000 or 900RS(Versys a 3rd). Very different bikes but I can't justify both. The Vstrom only because I could see being out on a dirt/gravel roads. (10%)
Cheers
@@mikejohnson9118 Sorry Mike, I'm quite late. Love the RS, but VStrom for sure. Super useful and fun.
I'm looking at a 2020 650 for $6,700 at a local dealership. I'm looking for my first Adventure/Touring bike. I'm thinking I could pick that up and have a solid reliable bike that I want and then do the suspension upgrade and be several thousand under the competitors like the Honda Transalp 750 and be more capable off road which is something I very much require.
Any thoughts from the 650 owners out there?
I wouldn't say that it's more capable off road than the Transalp, but everything else is true. If you plan on going off-road regularly, you might want less weight. But it can do it, yes
Coming off KTM Superduke GT for the V-Strom and regret not riding one long ago.
Wow, I guess you want to slow down and enjoy the moment. I rode a SD GT, SO fast, Ultimately I most enjoy two lane roads doing 55-70 mph.
Not sure about current gen, but I bought a Sargent seat for my 2011 out of the gate and made a HUGE Ride difference!
I have a 2015 Yamaha Fz09 which rocks my world but am considering getting the Vstrom for a lot of reasons mainly its better for long distance road trips, off road capability & seating position is better for casual riding it doesn't crush your nuts with the tank like the Fz09. My friend has a 2015 Vstrom that I've ridden alot & I like it. Your input about getting a grunty exhaust on the Vstrom is important too I have a loud M4 Exhaust on the Fz09 which is awesome but I've had some hearing issues so a less loud bike would be great (I'm sure that mine is louder than yours) I'm getting old though - turned 50 recently & would welcome some better fuel economy as well. It's a tough decision though because I here people end up regretting selling the Fz09/Mt09. A better option may be a bigger adventure bike without a chain like the Super Tenere or the Triumph Tiger 1200 which can be found relatively low priced on the used market and have a shaft drive. I got my Fz09 for sale now so we'll see what happens 🙂🙃. Thanks for a good long term review I appreciate 🙏 it.
And what happened? I just sold my xsr900 and plan to buy vstrom650. But still taking into consideration other bikes. However vstrom650 seems to be perfect all arounder.
I've kept my Fz09 and I still love it. I test rode a Vstrom 1,000 a few months ago & I found it too tall. A big consideration now is a bigger bike to ride with my wife. I like the Triumph Tiger 1200 low a lot from years 2017-2020.
@@Yazmir-en7lq I also like the Harley Pan America Special 1250 a lot.
Good job on the video. I like the sound of the new can. Harleys are quite loud, maybe that’s in your future.
Not a fan of the loud exhaust on my vstrom
good review of the bike and accessories
Good video and nice bike! The beak is very bird-like. How is the behaviour of the traction control? How about the ABS? Do they kick in aggressively or rarely at all?
Thank you for this review, I've grown to like the look of adventure bikes, and was looking to start off with this bike. I'm coming from owning 2 sport bikes (ninja 400 and zx6r), so I'm looking for something more comfortable for touring.
What is the windshield you're using?
www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/givi-af3112-airflow-windscreen-suzuki-v-strom-dl650-xt-2017-2018
Does this bike seem alot bigger and heavier than the 250?
YES. It's a big bike, but seat is not too high. Heavier than a 250? Yes, about 150 to 200 lbs heavier, depending on what 250 you compare it to. However, like any well designed bike, after about 10 mph, you simply don't feel the weight... unless you have go pick it up! Great all-rounder. My favorite bike ever. Upright seating like most Adventure bikes. VERY comfortable, even on longer rides.
Nice video Sir. Question...in the end of the video you said "I may get something more comfortable"...what do you have in mind, as far as more comfortable?? Thanks !!
As a former wee-strom owner, the idea of hooning on one made me laugh. Great line of bikes, though.
how are the vibrations on the footbegs and handlebar compared to maybe a 4 cylinder engine at highway speeds at 80mph/120-130kmh?
Mine has no real vibes at any speed
Hey mate,
Have the same bike , what exhaust have you installed? I'm looking at getting delkevik 14 inch! Can you share your experience please?
ruclips.net/video/cCiNcXGAk7A/видео.html
Been very happy with the Delkevic! Just note it may not be compatible with most bash plates.
id like to see u do a tune & curious to see how it affects mpg
How tall are you? I have a dilemma between the V-strom 650, Tracer 7 and Versys 650. I had the opportunity to try Tracer 7 and somehow it seems too small to me, I feel kind squished on it (I'm 183 cm tall). You had the chance to try both bikes, which one would be better for my height?
The Versys has the highest seat, and the Tracer looks small next to the V-Strom.
Great video.
Thanks! I'm 5'10". I haven't tried the Tracer, but I was comfortable on both the Versys and V-strom. On the strom, you feel like you sit down into the bike more than the Versys.
I'm 5 10' and have 5 days on the Tracer and 20,000 KM on the Vstrom. The Tracer was a little more cramped, but had to lower the pegs on the Vstrom and get a new seat. I found the Tracer to be a fantastic Sport Tourer. I probably won't bother switching because my Vstrom is setup for me, but it had extra power and is a great bike,
@@kuladeeluxe thanx... I bought V-Strom 10 days ago... Feel free to check out my youtube channal 😁
Hows the bile as a tourer dont care about offroad
Nice review! I appreciated all the feedback on what you've experienced with your V-Strom. I'm curious... what is mounted to your handlebars next to the left mirror?
Thanks! That's probably my heated grip controller or my camera mount.
@@DailyMotor Ahhhh... it has buttons on it... must be the heated grip controller. I was wondering if it might be cruise control. Thanks again!
How does Alyssa like riding with you on the back of this bike?
She liked it a lot! She is comfortable, especially with the backrest case.
Very detailed review and excellent quality and very professional also. I'm considering trading in my 22 klr 650 for one of these new generation v storm 650 or a ktm 390 adventure? I'm a 80 percent on road rider with the occasional gravel road. What would you get if you were me?
Ever ride with a passenger? 650. Highway? 650. Like to occasionally go over 80 mph? 650. Admittedly I haven't ridden the 390, but I've researched it a bunch, and it seems like it's only the right answer for non-highway adventuring or riding around the city.
And thank you!
Just for 2 cylinders V Strom. And V Strom for even more important reason - it’s reliability. I’ve owned 12 of 650 in last 10 years so I think I know what I’m talking about…
@@richardhretczak536 Doesn’t sound reliable to me. As a person looking to get a new bike as my only bike, I want to hear that you have had one for 12 years, not have a new one every year.
@@MrDjjecky The DL650 is reputed to be extremely reliable, its engine is 20 years old and has evolved only in the right direction. You'll find plenty of examples on dedicated forums of people who have happily exceeded 100k miles without ever having had to do anything other than routine maintenance.
Ypsilanti?
Yessir!
How does this do for you at 75mph cruising and then throttling up to 85ish to pass on the freeway? Does it feel like it struggles at all? I'm so tempted to buy one of these because of it's range and weight over the 1050.
Easy, it pulls hard to about 90 with one person.
Great power way past 85. I once pulled into heavy hwy traffic, had a short spot to jump into traffic. I hit it hard and thought I was about the speed limit - 60 mph, the realized I was at 80 mph. No, it's not a Moto GP, but "0-60" website lists acceleration to 60mph just a tad faster than the Honda 500 R! GREAT highway bike and good for mild "off-pavement" roads with the right tires. I've never been disappointed with power or handling. One of the best "all-rounders" on the road.
I have the 650XT model with spoked wheels AND has tubeless tires. Great combo.