Suzuki V-Strom 650XT | 27,000 KMS & 17,000 KMS Ownership Double Review
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- Опубликовано: 27 июл 2024
- Hi!
About 14 months ago CK & I did the 10,000 kms review of our V-Strom 650s and since then CK and I have used our motorcycles a bit more. So here we are sharing our experience of 27,000 & 17,000 kms ownership.
0:00 - Intro
1:30 - Accessories & Luggage Systems
5:15 - Additional Rear View Mirrors
6:50 - Service Costs
8:50 - Tyres
10:50 - Parts that Failed
14:10 - Front Fork Modification
16:55 - Fuel Mileage
19:58 - Likes & Dislikes
23:05 - Aux Lighting
Hope you enjoy this video and find it useful Cheers!
/ artofunwinding
#artofunwinding #suzukivstrom650xt #ownershipreview 
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One of the best reviews I've seen. No promotion & paid talk nonsense, couple of seasoned folks talking their experience about machines.
Thanks!
Perfect timing! Was eagerly awaiting a more updated review from you! Thank you.
Hope you enjoy it! Thanks.
thank you, your videos helped my pick up my Vstrom, 5300 kms and a happy ownership experience till date
Glad to be of service. Best wishes.
4 months ago. I traded in a '17 gen 3 DL650 for a Z900RS. Really like the RS but not the greatest for long tours. My brother seen a '22 VStrom 650 Adventue in Black/blue at local dealer. I miss the DL so much, I went and bought it. These are really good machines. I seen one with 250k miles on it. A service manager said one was in with 300k miles. Ours should last a while! Great video. Thanks.
I think I can understand how it may feel to be without the DL after owning one for a long time. They are such simple and endearing machines.
And wow, 250-300k miles!!! That’s awesome. Yeah am sure they’ll last a generation. 😊
Thanks and glad that you liked the video. Cheers!
This is how life should be... Huge respects. Wish u many more miles.
Thank you. Wish you too. Cheers!
I love your reviews!! Keep going..
Thank you!
I own one of those in the same color way. Very pleased with mine overall after two years.
That’s good to hear. Happy riding.
I rather get advice from OG riders, than the younger ones doing it for vlogging. 👌
😀🙏🏻
Wow,another great vid on me strom650.Thanks for video.
Glad you liked it. Thank you Cheers!
Enjoyed this review ❤
Thanks.
Wonderful review. Practical. I've increased the height too, ride is much wonderful. Thank you . Ride safe and Ride hard
Glad you liked the video. Good to hear about your Vstrom. Thanks & best wishes.
Nice conversation and informative. Interested to join with you guys for any future ride. Suzuki fan here 🙂, I own Suzuki Bandit.
Thanks!
The Bandit!!! Wow! That’s a legendary Suz and my favorite inline 4.
When we plan an open ride we shall ping you. Cheers!
Namaskaram from Ireland guys, and glad to see you both enjoying the ride. I brought the fork tubes up 10mm through the top yoke, and the 'Flickability' is much improved. I forgive Suzuki for my dip beam failure at 20,000 miles, but I disagree with the 'Crook' that she needs a nose job ! 😉Ride safe, with Sadhguru !
Namaskara! Yeah, that’s one way to improve flickability. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!
Hi, I have exactly the same 2019 bike. Put along side your two they’d look like triplets😂😂. In the three years I”ve owned it I’ve covered 16600 Km, all on road. Absolutely agree with everything you have said. having travelled through Europe the only thing I have had to change is a headlight bulb. I guess that if i were being hyper critical, a few extra “horses” would be useful when doing longer distances on motorway.
Awesome! Happy to hear. And last month I too changed the low beam headlight bulb. Best wishes.
ive got a 2005 , love it great bike
Awesome! Cheers!
I had the exact same experience on the Suzuki Chain Guard. Broke from one of the mounting, folded while riding at 60 KPH, made a nasty sound, looked like curly fries :) Pillion's shoe lost a fair bit of sole shavings.
Hope Suzuki fixes the flawed design. And glad it’s just the shoe that lost its sole. Cheers!
Dream to engage in such conversation in times to come as an owner. 🤞🤞🤞🤞
With REH now, perhaps in 5 years down the line 🤭🤭🤭
Best wishes! Cheers!
Lovely video Bosky thank you for calling me out... Good stuff
Any time.
@Mahesh Kora, sir if I may ask, from where did you get the saddle stays? For reference, I have the Rynox Nomad saddle bags as of now.
@@shyamg28 hi there, the saddle stays are actually procured locally from Pune. Google out old school customs and you will find the details. Thank you
Hello Bosky!
Love your videos.
Bought my Strom after watching your 10,000 kms review video. :)
Can you please post a video of your experience with the Timsuns (if you’ve got them installed already).
Thanks 😊
Happy to hear that you bought the Vee. Congrats!
Yes I've installed the Timsun tyres and it had transformed the ride from a harsh rattle on broken tarmac to a smooth glide ride. Significant difference I must say.
Guess the stock tyres have a hard sidewall making the ride harsh. The Timsun has a softer sidewall hence its now a super smooth ride. Cheers!
@@bigbearbangalore Thank you so much for the prompt response, Bosky.
Happy Riding! 😊
I very much enjoyed this review and agree, although I've only had my 2021 model strom 2nd hand in Australia for 2 Months but I used to own a 2007 650 V-Strom before and the only thing I can feel what is different, is I was unfortunate to drop the newer bike on concrete and the crash bars saved the paint and the front indicators whereas on the older style (1st generation) the front indicators were the first things to break in a fall. So i'm happy that i've not had to replace everything. As for fuel, in my Suzuki Handbook, they recommend to use 95 RON mostly. In Australia we have 94 with ethanol (not recommended) 91 RON is ok and 98 is ok too but they say really a waste of money.
Nice to hear. We use E10 fuel here in India. And soon moving to E20.
We moved first to stricter emissions like BS6
Now E20 fuels
Both are not good IMO
Rushing is not good
these reviews are like mohammad rafi's soothing melodies in the era of jazz/pop.
😍😍
Thank you for your kind words. Regards.
👌
👍🙏🏻
very good video and very helpful. MAy I know where you got the changes for the front fork done, like addign the spacer , was it in the Suzuki service centre or outside. Please do share more insights.
Got it done by Hafiz who's got a workshop at Sudhamnagar, Bangalore 27.
Great video. Which panner stay/Saddle stay are you using to install the OS Platform? Look like the right side touches the exhaust pipe.
Thanks. It's a Hepco Becker stay and does not touch thr exhaust. I've added a flap as a precaution to protect my soft luggage from the exhaust gases. Regards.
For 650cc, this bike costs a lotta money. But hands down, this and the CB 500X are gold standards in terms of quality, although both are overpriced by atleast 1.0 - 1.5 lakhs.
For the build quality alone it seems like they're both worthy in a way ...
Agree and sometimes CC is not a benchmark for comparing cost. The TVS moped XL100 is a 100cc and a Hero Splendor is also a 100cc and costs twice as much as the TVS. There was a time that CC could be used. And now things have moved onto so many other variables. Anyway, I see you point and agree on the build quality. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!
Hi guys! Thanks for a wonderful review. It was your previous review that sealed the deal for me to get the Vee, and in the same colorway as well! It'll be a year old in December this year, and after 12k kms, I'm loving the bike.
Just wanted to know one thing. Have you guys faced any kind of strange vibrations from the handlebars? It seems to be coming from the collar. Every time I have to slightly tighten the collar and it goes away for a while. Is this common on the Vee? Or is something wrong with mine? The Suzuki dealership haven't been helpful at all. The one in Bangalore said they'd fixed it during my last service, and it seemed fixed for about 50kms, and then it was worse than the first time. Do you guys know what it could be? It's also present on smooth roads, and isn't very confidence inspiring when cornerning.
Hi! Glad you liked it. And happy to hear about your Vee!
Yes I faced that too and had it rectified at Aerolex. (Unfortunately they are shut for some reason and doesn’t look like they’ll open anytime soon. Some internal issues am told.) And, that t-stem issue I felt was creeping in after about 2,000 kms. However I just replaced the tyres at 20,000kms with a set of Timsuns and the slight t-stem looseness is gone!! I think it’s the stock Bridgestone tyres that were causing it. The side walls are very stiff on them thereby transmitting all the road vibes back up to the bars. With the new Timsuns the suspension has become super smooth and the overall handling has become great.
@@bigbearbangalore yes exactly, I starting noticing the vibrations around 2k kms too.
Could you tell me what timsuns you’re using?
Thank you so much for the reply!
you say you've got tyres stashed away - however do the rubbers not degrade with time even if you're not using them? I think, they need to be put to use with not much lag from manufacture!
I have a set yes!
And this topic has arguments both ways. To me within a few years of manufacturing the tyre is good. And to me if a product deteriorates to a level that’s no good for use, it would come with an expiry date.
Cheers!
Very nice review.. i too own a vstrom. Can you please tell how do you avoid saddle bag touching the exhaust. I see you have installed something on the exhaust. If you can give me some idea on that . Or some buying link.
That's a silicone oven mat bought on amazon. It is cheap and serves the purpose. Cheers!
Guys after watching your review im definitely going for v-storm 650 but can you pls explain what kind of pink thing was on your silencer to protect your kriega side bag.Tnxs
Hi! You're making a good choice. Best wishes.
That pink thingy is a silicone mat heat shield for the bags. It's an oven mat bought on Amazon. Cheers!
Nice review… I can see you are using stock windshield with prospec wind deflector.. is this set up better than givi airflow? Also are you facing any issue of scratches on windshield if yes then how do you get rid of it? And if I may ask what’s your height so I can get some idea of stock windshield plus deflector will work for me or not in terms of having no impact on visibility…I am 178cm for reference
Hi! Thanks. Prospec works good for me. With just the stock windscreen, the top of my helmet was catching the wind and was noisy and disturbing. The cheap and best solution was the Prospec. Preferred to do this than invest a big fat amount on a bigger screen. Now my helmet catches no wind and the ride is quiet.
I think there is no way to avoid scratches and I just live with it. And when it gets too bad, replace the screen.
I prefer the deflector to a taller screen. This Prospec is adjustable to an extent and does the job quite well.
I am 177 cms so guess you can try the deflector too. Cheers!
@@bigbearbangalore thanks for quick revert.. isn’t it a costly affair to replace the screen.. the givi one costs a bomb at some 14k .. not sure how much stock costs.. just being curious in your case in 17k km how many times you changed the screen
@@sarveshghatnekar4680 We have not changed the screen yet. It'll run for a while more. Maintaining it by only cleaning it with a soft cloth and if possible with soap water will minimise the scratches.
Else you could put the scratch resistant film that is used for the body work on the screen to extend its life.
@@bigbearbangalore I already got lots of scratches in hardly 2k of riding.. don’t think putting film will help now but May be learning for the future…. Any idea how much the stock windshield costs
No idea of the cost. Need to check.
Do you see any drop in confort from tiger to vstrom? How about power? Do you feel sometime it's not serving you when you need that power like Tiger? Does it still make sense in 2023 to buy v Strom 650, primarily for casual highway trips and mostly getting over road imperfections smoothly or rather the lack of roads at times.
No drop in comfort. I am happier with a lighter feeling motorcycle in the Vee. To each what motorcycle makes sense to them.
A 2019 vstorm 5k kms ridden ,no.more warranty with all basic accesories installed , please suggest the best buying price ?
Hi! Sorry, unable to estimate that. A new one is close to 12 lakhs I think now in Bangalore so you can work backwards from that. Cheers!
Enjoyed both your conversation and experiences, always find your videos worthwhile. I picked up a Versys 650 Someday want to ride with you, kindly suggest how to connect
Hi! Thanks much.
Versys is a good all rounder. Good choice.
And when we plan an open ride we shall ping you to join. Cheers!
Good morning dear friends at unwinding,
Any honest thoughts on vstrom 250sx.
Seems like very poor front suspension and lack of slipper clutch etc makes it a bad buy.
Hi! We are hoping to get a test ride of this sometime mid June and will share our thoughts. And yes on paper the suspension travel appears to be inadequate for an adventure tourer. Regards.
@Bosky… can you please let me know where you sourced those mirrors for use while standing up?
Question for the 24k kms bike; where did he source the saddle stays?
Would highly appreciate you guys pointing us in the right direction for these two components.
Finally, @Bosky please also mention what pants and jacket you are wearing in the video. Also your conversation partner’s riding jeans; what make and model is it?
Thanks much 🙏🏻
P. S.
Nice casual, and yet substantive, conversation.
Hi! The Doubletake mirrors are available on motousher.com
I use a Rukka jacket and pants and in the video that’s a Scott jersey I am wearing.
Happy to share our thoughts and experiences.
Will get back with the other information you’ve asked.
Best wishes!
@@bigbearbangalore thank you. I stand and ride a lot on the Strom. So I will get those mirrors. Only thing is I am wondering how the angle will work to allow me to see the mirror from my stand up position and have the mirror be able to reflect traffic behind me.
The mirrors can be set to provide a good rear view. Just that when standing you’ll need to look down to see. Regards.
Hi and what are these straps you are wearing on shoulders? Do they help avoid pant sliding down?
Yes! They are suspenders to hold the pants up. I've recently lost some weight around my waist and the pants got a little loose, hence the suspenders. Cheers!
@@bigbearbangalore I also need the same as facing same issue.. are these universal fit? Where can I get one?
@@sarveshghatnekar4680 you can get them online. Rev’IT has a good one. highnoteperformance.com
excellent review, i am tempted to buy V STROM 650, few questions
1- is it still selling well in INDIA?
2- does it have good resale vale?
3- v strom 650 is resonating well for me compared to versys 650, i am in a right track ?
pls advice
V-Strom 650 discontinued. Used available and they are generally in good condition and a good buy.
😊👍🙏
🙏
Sir. I am stuck between choosing the new Himalayan 450 and a used V Strom 650. What would you suggest?
Depends on your purpose of buying the motorcycle.
Can you do a video on Suzuki v storm 250 sx
Yes sir! Hopefully soon. Thanks.
Waiting for new video..
Almost 3 months gone..
Please make new videos..
Yes sir! 🙏🏻 Been busy with other priorities and hopefully will be able to shoot soon and share. Cheers!
Hello Sir ! Please try to make a comparison video between your VS650 and the Kawasaki Versys650 if possible
Will do when we get hold of a Versys. Thanks.
I am planning to pick up pre owned Vstrom 650 . My 70 % usage will be every day commute from work to home which will be done in few pockets of bumper to bumper type traffic roads . how good is Vstrom 650 to ride in low speeds in city conditions .
Hi! You can use it in traffic, not a big problem. It’s got that low speed anti stall assist feature which is useful in crawling traffic.
Tough, I would not bother to use it for commuting. It’s just too big and heavy for Bangalore traffic!
@@bigbearbangalore thanks lot for your feedback , I would then have to consider Vstrom SX just worried about its 120mm suspension travel with lots of feedback saying it is very stiff to ride even on small potholes. Excellent video with lots of information about the Vstrom without looking like regular auto review types .
Glad you liked our video. And the 650 & 250 are quite different and can coexist in a garage. The 250SX suffered from high expectations and hence the complaints. I suggest you ride the motorcycle and feel it first hand and then take a call. Cheers!
The service intervals are just to give the svcs business. All this talk of weather conditions is just humbug on part of Suzuki/Kawasaki, etc. But to keep it in warranty they know you will come. INR 7000 for a regular service is not bad at all.
👍
Plz tell me about the petrol grade , are you using any specific or just the normal one ?
Hi! I have always used normal petrol from any bunk enroute. Cheers!
@@bigbearbangalore thanks for your prompt response. I got mine last week from Aryan.
Any idea about the mileage on highways ?
Welcome! Congrats on the purchase.
I get between 23-28 kmpl depending on the type of acceleration and cruising speeds that I do. Cheers!
@@bigbearbangalore Cheers !!!
Hi what’s the best luggage option? I have saddle stays but confused which side luggage will work best .. pl guide
If you already have saddle-stays then go for any popular waterproof saddlebags. There are couple of Indian brands that make decent bags. Ensure that they are the slim ones and don't stick our far and wide. Big Bear Bangalore has a nice universal use SHAD waterproof saddlebag. You may contact them over Instagram account @bigbearbangalore.
@@bigbearbangalore hey thanks for revert... I recently bought Nomad bag by Rynox but it looks ugly and more than that touches the exhaust in spite of saddle stay ... does Shad one will have same issue? I too have V Strom 650
The SHAD has long heavy duty Velcro straps that can adjust the overhang and the angle. It fits on a Himalayan without touching the exhaust if set up correctly. You may call 08040966600 Big Bear, for more details on the bag, images and rates. Check out :
instagram.com/p/CdFsRXdLLDz/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Besides if you notice I’ve got a heat shield pad on the exhaust of my Vee to protect my soft luggage. This I bough on Amazon. Search for ‘oven mat’.
How would you compare it with Honda cb 500 x ?
Quite different machines. The CB is small and light and usable in city traffic too while the V is bigger, has more power and is a better tourer.
Is it sufficient adv motorcycle when comparing with bigger adv's. Kindly tell us the pros and cons
Twin cylinder, 650cc, 70bhp, 160+ top speed is more than sufficient for me! Some may seek the 1200cc & 150 bhp and that’s a choice each one makes as to what tickles them.
I also have an Xpulse which is also sufficient for the purpose I use it for.
This is the 3rd video on the Vstrom that we’ve posted and the first two contain more information on the pros and cons.
Cheers!
Thanks👍🏻
Bosky, if I may call you .. can you pls list out the bikes you've owned so far and current ones..
List is endless...
I am Bosky and you may call me so! 😊
I’ve owned a few over the decades, in sequential order my primary use motorcycles were the RX100. RD350, Tenere 660, RD350, TBTS, Harley 48, Himalayan, Tiger 800, Interceptor 650, V-Strom 650 & Xpulse 200.
And I also owned the Yezdi 350, Fury 175, Machismo 500, Classic 350, Thunderbird 350AVL, Dominar 400, KTM Duke 250, Enfield GT535, Enfield 200, Bullet 350 4-speed and a few other smaller capacity motorcycles.
Currently I use the V-Strom and the Xpulse.
Awesome.. Wish you many more 😊
Compared between Tiger and V-Strom 650, which do you think is better.
Hi! They are different segments and the price difference is much too! The new Tiger is far more advanced in design, technology & features. So, if budget permits then the Tiger is a good option. Note, along with it comes the higher cost of spares and maintenance. So it’s a call that you have to take.
@art of unwinding I am looking to pick up the used 800 and hence asking, other then maintenance, is vstorm better than tiger 800
I cannot say better or worse since they are different segments and it’s not the best to compare used to new.
And if you don’t mind a used vehicle you can consider the Tiger 800 because it could come at a good price. And a brand new vehicle has its own advantages.
And to answer what would I do if I have a choice between a used Tiger 800 and a new Vstrom? I would buy the new Vstrom.
There is a preowned v storm 650 2 year old. It's owned by the showroom. ODO has 300 km . It's available for 8 lakhs. Is the price reasonable?
Perhaps it is of good value.
@@bigbearbangalore thank you !
@@bigbearbangalore I got the v strom. Thank you for wonderful videos. Can I know what saddle stays are put on both the bikes? And are there any Indian brands producing saddle stays?
Sirjee no new videos coming up
😊 We have been busy and also the weather’s not very conducive to rides and outdoor activity hence the long break. Probably from next month end we hope to start shooting again. Thanks much for checking. Cheers!
next motorcycle for both of you 800RE or 800DE, am guessing...one of those is launching in January 24...and sell me one of these bikes 😛
😀 no plans to sell at the moment.
Request to make a v-strom 650 review video in kannada
Hi! We will look into this possibility. Thanks.
I have an xpulse 200 for over an year love it. Now thinking of buying ktm adv 250. How big is the difference? Is it a big change in terms of power handling etc?
Edit, after buying the xpulse realised can't travel with my wife, hoping ktm adv will be more comfortable for the 2 of us
Hi! They are quite different machines in terms of performance, handling & two up capability and the difference is big. Riding two-up will be far more comfortable than the Xp. Take a test ride and you'll get a clear understanding. Cheers!
@@bigbearbangalore thanks again for the response, can't take any test ride anywhere unfortunately, briefly rode someones adv 390, didn't like the unrefined engine. Planning on test riding Duke 250 to get a feel of the power etc since adv 250 test ride is not available anywhere
Oh! That’s not good.
Anyway, the 250 engine is more refined than the 390. With the Duke test ride, at least you’ll get a feel for this engine. Cheers!
What made you to switch from tiger to suzuki ( 800 to 650)?
Hi! I wanted something a little lighter and smaller and less powerful so that I could use it on a wider variety of terrain. Besides, the 2014 800XC was a bit top heavy and hence unwieldy at low speeds.
@@bigbearbangalore Thanks . I generally ride very slow in sharp turns as I am not very comfortable in leaning ..will this motor still make me more slower in corners ? Currently I am riding a 390 adventure and looking for a better comfort
@@wandererk2 Hi! The Vee is far far heavier than the 390!! That said, the motorcycle weight is not the main limiting factor in corner speed. The rider is. So, perhaps you could do whatever necessary to get confidence in turns and when thats done, the motorcycle weight & dynamics will matter far less. Cheers!
@@bigbearbangalore Thanks ..went to Aryan suzuki for a test ride but only in hoody whitefield they have the test bike. & Where do you service the bike in Bangalore ?
@@wandererk2 Bought and service Aerolex Double Road.
Please bring New Suzuki to this channel..Soon!
Yes that’s the plan! Cheers!
How many bikes u people have!
A couple of us have a couple and the rest just one. Some just got new bikes recently.
Gentlemen, what monthly income is needed to own a bike like this?
Hi! Sorry we don’t have an answer for this because it’s a question that’s best answered by the prospective buyer. To each his own way of managing finances. Regards.
What road in kerala 1500....sir..
Am sorry I don't understand your comment. 🙏
Is that Mahesh Kora????
Yes!
That's why u have xpulse
Horses for courses. Depending on where am going, I decide if it’s the Xpulse or Vstrom.
Motorcycles are not "tools" or "vehicles"!... cars are so maybe but not motorcycles.
Ok!
Nahi ban Raha to Hindi me baat kar lo chacha log
OK beta