First thing out of your mouth are disparaging remarks. I've had 2 3rd gen DL650's . My current one is a black and blue XT Adventure. The headlight & front cowling look excellent- one of the reasons I bought it over the Versys. The dash layout is one of the clearest and easiest to use out of my 4 bikes. You want fugly, look at my old GS 1200. My Z900 has a tft and I prefer the DL's layout. I also have a new Z900RS and when next to one another I sometimes prefer the looks of the 650. There are a heck of a lot of bikes out there that can't match this bike in many areas. Proud to ride one.
So you should be. The front light is just not for me, don't take it the wrong way. I wish they would make more simple bikes like this these days. You made a good choice 👍
I agree the headlights look awful compared to my Gen 2 Vstrom,but looks are subjective and it doesn’t distract from the fact that the Vstrom is just brilliant! 😊
I bought a new one last year, very happy with it. I didn't buy it as an introduction to adventure riding, just wanted something more modern and more comfortable than my previous GSX750F. Also I wanted good economy (including purchase price), and ABS. At 68 this bike fulfills my needs, and I even like the headlight and front-end 😉 Far better than the incredibly ugly KTM 😱
Good news my friend, yes I have stirred up a hornets nest with that front end🤣I've even boarded up my window. It's a good choice of bike, I really like them 👍🏍️
I had that terrible headlight on my 15 V-Strom 1000 and it had the best and most useful lowbeam of any bike I've owned in the last 50 years. It would light up a whole road, both lanes from side to side. It was absolutely awesome on twisty country roads. The LED on my present Honda CB500F, is useless crap in comparison.
Halogen gives better colour rendition and contrast and, as the light source is focused by the lens, can easily give a wider spread than LED which are narrow/focused beams due to their construction. While LED can be made to 'throw' better distance the lack of beam width and depth of colour makes them poor. Give me a halogen headlight (with clear optics, not the old frenzeled lens) over LED units any day. The LED headlight on my Honda is just poor at night. Gets me noticed but doesn't let me see that well. Glad Suzuki have kept halogens for so long - shows they are rider focused rather than just chasing gimmicks.
Hiya, Thanks for a great honest no-nonsense review. I agree with you the front end is ugly but it looks like they have a good solid workhorse there, I am sure it will do well. Thanks again and take care
I'm 6'1" 300 lbs, and the little vstrom 650 is more than adequate. If I were going to carry a passenger, I would recommend the 1000 or 1050, but for one person, this bike is really fun to ride.
@user-wx9bo7id4f you might want to lower the foot pegs. It will probably be hard for you to find a windshield to fit you. But it is a motorcycle lol that's what I like about it, the wind in my face, lol. PS this bike does not handle off-road very good, but it's a blast on the highway.
Great video again mate it's a shame that Suzuki have now ditched the V Twin in favour of a Parallel Twin from this year , also the Bike with that headlight will be a proper ladies magnet as they go crazy for a huge one eyed monster 😎
@@exeterrider Got to have a CPAPS machine as I've been diagnosed with Sleep Apnoea , I expect I'll be sleeping in the spare room as my Darth Vader impression may keep the missus awake 😎
They have not ditched the V Twin, they have just introduced an extra into the lineup (i.e. the 800DE). They are still making the V Twin for the 650 and 1000. if they ever ditch V twin completely they'll have to rename the bike.
I’m thinking of trading my 1200 BMW for it to be honest. Had a new one in 2014, they are like a golden retriever… just an honest, good all around motorcycle.
How well balanced was this bike with weight shifting at stand still. I feel like I can ride the W800 after mid April, but possibly looking for another bike. Was thinking KLR but not sure on weight balance yet. Thanks S!
There's no two ways about it, the headlight is ugly af🤣 I have to admit I don't like the dialled rev counter either. I don't mind the V-strom, like you say they've been around for a while, they definitely have a market, I just feel like for the more "serious" bikers out there they're probably better off looking at the other options, although they will have to pay for that privilege. Nice test ride mate, very detailed. Hope you're doing well fella.
I would happily live with headlights as ugly as this so long as they are fitted with halogen bulbs that can be changed by the owner rather than led units that cost a fortune to replace. Re the screen, at 6'4'' all these screens create massive wind noise with me. I fitted a Puig touring screen but it was much, MUCH worse. On my NC750X I ended up fitting the small screen from an old NC750S. When it comes to instruments twin clocks will never be beaten...
Good review, you made it look easy. Agree about the less complications on a bike, I think I could see myself on the 1050, especially if I lived in the country. 👍😊 Running out of battery, bloody amateur 🤣🤣🤣
Hows this compared to the CL500? In the market for a new bike, and love scramblers, but I'm afraid my size (188) might be too tall. Coming from the Svartpilen 401, I am really looking for something longer in particular.
Hi ER have test ride on one of these tomorrow. Been scouring and scouring what to buy. Cant bring myself to REnfield as was disappointed in Himalayan. These get such fab reviews. Want a light middleweight that can still stimulate. Was happy with my NC 750 except dct. Hope it fits. Running out of ideas for comfort/ price and diy and economy.
@@applecorp I found the 500x great but the map and gearing was too short for me, and the screen noisey. But that was in 2019, I also ride a rally raid version in 2021.....just not for me... The F was good.
ER dealer cancelled the t/ride🙄. Test rides are bloody hard to get without travelling many miles. Cant find a bad review. Cant find a new nc750(2021+) manual for what want to pay. Keep u infd
Nobody is taking vstrom 650 or 1050's off road ffs, most they'll ever see is a gravel or green lane, always pisses me off hearing people waffling on about off road, these are just touring road bikes, any of them with spoked wheels are just there for image, and that's just stupid as the spokes rust and come loose too and who could be arsed trying to clean bloody spokes anyway??
Good short review, ER, on a bike that doesn't impress me much. I think Suzuki and KTM are going for gold on the ugliest front end. I also thought the seat a very odd shape which could possibly give a larger rider (large frame that is) a compressed set of brooch and ear rings. I'm surprised you rated it better than the Honda 500X.
Cheers Jim. Yes what I mean by that is if take it over the 500x purely because it has that bit but power to the rear, so in essence, less likely to get bored I guess. That front end though, looks like a Friday afternoon rush job!
Good value bike @£7,000 plus a bit ER I agree with you on that light but if I wanted a bike in that style it wouldn't put me off really and if it did I guess you could maybe go to the lengths of maybe change the lamp for one like it's bigger brother "probably not a viable thing to do though'' I am not to keen on the looks of these thing's really they all seem to look bulky upfront and nothing at the back if you get my meaning just look out of proportion to me or maybe that's just me because every man and his dig seems to be buying them 🤣.I'm old and out of step I reckon these days .much enjoyed 😉👌👍
Cheers mate. I think this one is being replaced with the new 800. Shame because this feels the sort of bike you could abuse but enjoy the same time. I agree the light wouldn't put me off but I bet there would be some annoying comments from friends😂cheers👍
Ahh goodo Wayne thats fair enough. I think the v strom is a bit more of a "do-it-all" bike TBH Its what I would go for out of the 2 . Thanks for watching : )
A lot to manhandle. Very heavy and very tall. Loved tracer7 test ride but was v uncomfy after an hour. Decided on middleweight. Keeping the scoot to tow behind maybe camper. So many bikes prob better but reviews are very +ve of 650😊
Is this the latest and last model of the DL650? think these were the best bike Suzuki ever made, that headlight and stupid beak though is ugly, a face only a mother could love
No bikes are made with a windscreen that is good other than BMW and Gold wing .. It's a shame. Harley Davidson and some big cruiser Indians .. Otherwise you are not going to be happy with any stock windscreen. The companies just never will put one on that have great coverage because they look big and ugly
Difficult to see this as a good looking bike. Suzuki certainly have certainly made long-term use of that V twin but it's days are numbered. The new Honda Transalp which is more powerful, is going to be big competition.
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First thing out of your mouth are disparaging remarks. I've had 2 3rd gen DL650's . My current one is a black and blue XT Adventure. The headlight & front cowling look excellent- one of the reasons I bought it over the Versys. The dash layout is one of the clearest and easiest to use out of my 4 bikes. You want fugly, look at my old GS 1200. My Z900 has a tft and I prefer the DL's layout. I also have a new Z900RS and when next to one another I sometimes prefer the looks of the 650. There are a heck of a lot of bikes out there that can't match this bike in many areas. Proud to ride one.
So you should be. The front light is just not for me, don't take it the wrong way.
I wish they would make more simple bikes like this these days.
You made a good choice 👍
I agree the headlights look awful compared to my Gen 2 Vstrom,but looks are subjective and it doesn’t distract from the fact that the Vstrom is just brilliant! 😊
I agree,it would be a great introduction to adventure motorcycles. Simple, bulletproof engine and not overly expensive.
A bit more evergreen than the 500x I think. Although it's getting competive out there now with the new offerings👍🍻
I bought a new one last year, very happy with it. I didn't buy it as an introduction to adventure riding, just wanted something more modern and more comfortable than my previous GSX750F. Also I wanted good economy (including purchase price), and ABS. At 68 this bike fulfills my needs, and I even like the headlight and front-end 😉 Far better than the incredibly ugly KTM 😱
Good news my friend, yes I have stirred up a hornets nest with that front end🤣I've even boarded up my window.
It's a good choice of bike, I really like them 👍🏍️
@@exeterrider "Nice legs, shame about the boat race"! ;) Springs to mind.......I own one now though. Who doesn't like a bit of fugly now and again?😬
@@GS-xg4nz totally mate, it's what they ride like that count. Ehhh hummm
I like the headlight. Old-style dash, but it's clear. Good, basic bike. Just like the brilliant SV650.
Ahh fair enough mate, .
Yeap alot to be said for basic biking, less to go wrong 👍🍻
I had that terrible headlight on my 15 V-Strom 1000 and it had the best and most useful lowbeam of any bike I've owned in the last 50 years. It would light up a whole road, both lanes from side to side. It was absolutely awesome on twisty country roads. The LED on my present Honda CB500F, is useless crap in comparison.
Yes I know what you mean there. I guess the CB has a smaller reflecter etc as well.
Halogen gives better colour rendition and contrast and, as the light source is focused by the lens, can easily give a wider spread than LED which are narrow/focused beams due to their construction. While LED can be made to 'throw' better distance the lack of beam width and depth of colour makes them poor. Give me a halogen headlight (with clear optics, not the old frenzeled lens) over LED units any day. The LED headlight on my Honda is just poor at night. Gets me noticed but doesn't let me see that well. Glad Suzuki have kept halogens for so long - shows they are rider focused rather than just chasing gimmicks.
Hiya, Thanks for a great honest no-nonsense review. I agree with you the front end is ugly but it looks like they have a good solid workhorse there, I am sure it will do well. Thanks again and take care
Yes its quite a good bike but will soon be superseded by the new 800. Shame really 👍
I'm with you on the headlight and dash. Can't argue with the lengevity of this bike, though and it's very popular here, too.
Yes they tend to go on forever don't they. Very underrated bikes
I'm 6'1" 300 lbs, and the little vstrom 650 is more than adequate. If I were going to carry a passenger, I would recommend the 1000 or 1050, but for one person, this bike is really fun to ride.
Couldn't agree more. Very decent bikes indeed. I hope they keep making them!
What about 6.4? Will it be good enough or will require rework?
@user-wx9bo7id4f you might want to lower the foot pegs. It will probably be hard for you to find a windshield to fit you. But it is a motorcycle lol that's what I like about it, the wind in my face, lol. PS this bike does not handle off-road very good, but it's a blast on the highway.
Great review, always wanted to try the Vstrom, hopefully one day! Take care and thanks for sharing ☺️🖖🏼🖖🏼
No worries mate, thanks for coming to the premiere 😁👍
Nice review. Can ABS be shut off for trail?
No, not on euro5 bikes 👍
Great video again mate it's a shame that Suzuki have now ditched the V Twin in favour of a Parallel Twin from this year , also the Bike with that headlight will be a proper ladies magnet as they go crazy for a huge one eyed monster 😎
Totally agree, v twins produce nice power. Im site the new one is Brill but it's another parallel twin🤷🏻. I hope your getting on OK Phil
@@exeterrider Got to have a CPAPS machine as I've been diagnosed with Sleep Apnoea , I expect I'll be sleeping in the spare room as my Darth Vader impression may keep the missus awake 😎
@@PhilipKerry ahh OK, I expect you will feel much better once you get used to it. Hope it works out OK.👍🍻
They have not ditched the V Twin, they have just introduced an extra into the lineup (i.e. the 800DE). They are still making the V Twin for the 650 and 1000. if they ever ditch V twin completely they'll have to rename the bike.
@@flippy66 Well I recently read an article that said the V Twin is being replaced .......
If your major complaint is the headlight then that's not much of a complaint.
Exactly, even then its a minor thing. Brilliant bike👍
Great review & in sunshine 👍
It was, I had just had a coffee with a mate of mine at abr before filming this.
I’m thinking of trading my 1200 BMW for it to be honest. Had a new one in 2014, they are like a golden retriever… just an honest, good all around motorcycle.
Totally agree. A bike you can rely on to do pretty much anything.
How well balanced was this bike with weight shifting at stand still. I feel like I can ride the W800 after mid April, but possibly looking for another bike. Was thinking KLR but not sure on weight balance yet. Thanks S!
Id describe as slightly heavier on top really. Id imagine heavier than the klr. I haven't day on a klr for years though tbh👍🍻
There's no two ways about it, the headlight is ugly af🤣
I have to admit I don't like the dialled rev counter either.
I don't mind the V-strom, like you say they've been around for a while, they definitely have a market, I just feel like for the more "serious" bikers out there they're probably better off looking at the other options, although they will have to pay for that privilege.
Nice test ride mate, very detailed. Hope you're doing well fella.
Yeap it's quite dated now isn't it. It's certainly had a good run of sales over the years. Thanks RB
I would happily live with headlights as ugly as this so long as they are fitted with halogen bulbs that can be changed by the owner rather than led units that cost a fortune to replace.
Re the screen, at 6'4'' all these screens create massive wind noise with me. I fitted a Puig touring screen but it was much, MUCH worse. On my NC750X I ended up fitting the small screen from an old NC750S.
When it comes to instruments twin clocks will never be beaten...
Amen to that!
Very pleased with my Gen 3…glad I purchased it.
Goodo, Do it all bike.
Good review, you made it look easy. Agree about the less complications on a bike, I think I could see myself on the 1050, especially if I lived in the country. 👍😊
Running out of battery, bloody amateur 🤣🤣🤣
Don't you bloody start moaning about the freeview channel here.
At least I don't ride in cycle boxes, £150 fine that is, £150, £150...£150.
@@exeterrider Well your content is so good I have to nit pick about something. 😀
As for the cycle boxes, well I'm a well known hypocrite around town🤣
Hows this compared to the CL500? In the market for a new bike, and love scramblers, but I'm afraid my size (188) might be too tall. Coming from the Svartpilen 401, I am really looking for something longer in particular.
The 650 is more of a long term all round tourer, but the CL500 is more of a commuter I'd say. At your height you should be OK on both bikes .
I've never ridden one of these but for some reason I have a soft spot for the 650 V Strom.
They are good basic bikes. I like that alot. I'm sure the new 800 is good too but the V twins have really nice usable power.
Hi ER have test ride on one of these tomorrow. Been scouring and scouring what to buy. Cant bring myself to REnfield as was disappointed in Himalayan. These get such fab reviews. Want a light middleweight that can still stimulate. Was happy with my NC 750 except dct. Hope it fits. Running out of ideas for comfort/ price and diy and economy.
Let me know what you think. Transalp maybe worth a try I guess?
I would surgest a moto morinei xcape, but dealership network is rubbish
@@applecorp I found the 500x great but the map and gearing was too short for me, and the screen noisey. But that was in 2019, I also ride a rally raid version in 2021.....just not for me... The F was good.
P. S yes, tracer 7 is a cracker!
@@applecorpyamaha cp2 engine is a swine to change plugs but also test driven one and flung v uncomfy, sortable I guess
ER dealer cancelled the t/ride🙄. Test rides are bloody hard to get without travelling many miles. Cant find a bad review. Cant find a new nc750(2021+) manual for what want to pay. Keep u infd
Well done sir!
Thanks : )
Nobody is taking vstrom 650 or 1050's off road ffs, most they'll ever see is a gravel or green lane,
always pisses me off hearing people waffling on about off road, these are just touring road bikes, any of them with spoked wheels are just there for image, and that's just stupid as the spokes rust and come loose too and who could be arsed trying to clean bloody spokes anyway??
Looking at Can-am in April and selling the Concours. Not sure which unit, but it needs to be my long hauler.
I wish I knew more about the can-ams. Good to see you can keep at it 👍🍻
Good short review, ER, on a bike that doesn't impress me much. I think Suzuki and KTM are going for gold on the ugliest front end. I also thought the seat a very odd shape which could possibly give a larger rider (large frame that is) a compressed set of brooch and ear rings.
I'm surprised you rated it better than the Honda 500X.
Cheers Jim. Yes what I mean by that is if take it over the 500x purely because it has that bit but power to the rear, so in essence, less likely to get bored I guess.
That front end though, looks like a Friday afternoon rush job!
Thanks for a great and honest review ER I agree front looks awful.
Thanks for watching James. Yeap shame really when the rest of the bike is real good 👍🏍️
Good value bike @£7,000 plus a bit ER I agree with you on that light but if I wanted a bike in that style it wouldn't put me off really and if it did I guess you could maybe go to the lengths of maybe change the lamp for one like it's bigger brother "probably not a viable thing to do though'' I am not to keen on the looks of these thing's really they all seem to look bulky upfront and nothing at the back if you get my meaning just look out of proportion to me or maybe that's just me because every man and his dig seems to be buying them 🤣.I'm old and out of step I reckon these days .much enjoyed 😉👌👍
Cheers mate. I think this one is being replaced with the new 800. Shame because this feels the sort of bike you could abuse but enjoy the same time.
I agree the light wouldn't put me off but I bet there would be some annoying comments from friends😂cheers👍
I always wished the Vstrom 650 would have got the Vstrom1000 USD front end.
Exactly my thoughts 👍🍻
You've had this one in the bank for a while 😮
Yeap, I have a couple more like that aswell.
I was going to get the Triumph Trident next then I saw the V Strom XT, unlike you I love the headlight
Ahh goodo Wayne thats fair enough. I think the v strom is a bit more of a "do-it-all" bike TBH Its what I would go for out of the 2 . Thanks for watching : )
I'm a Suzuki v-twin fan but never pulled the trigger as there always something a little better or with more flash all be it for more money.
Yeap very true, this one is being superseded by the 800 I believe. I had meant to launch this video a year ago😁
1050 for me if I went for a V-Strom, but this is decent. I can get past the ugliness, being a Himalayan owner 🤣
😂 1050 is a heck of a machine👍
A lot to manhandle. Very heavy and very tall. Loved tracer7 test ride but was v uncomfy after an hour. Decided on middleweight. Keeping the scoot to tow behind maybe camper. So many bikes prob better but reviews are very +ve of 650😊
I'ld call it Leela, from Futurama ;)
😂👍
the really sad thing is the SV650 is such a good looking bike and the Vstrom 650 and the 650xt are SOOOO UGLY.... they really need a redesign
I know what you mean , but the bikes are so good,I can ignore the looks...and as with anything it grows on you. Thanks
Is this the latest and last model of the DL650? think these were the best bike Suzuki ever made, that headlight and stupid beak though is ugly, a face only a mother could love
If I had a face like that I'm not sure even my mother would love me lol....yes it was the 2022 model so think that is the latest one.
No bikes are made with a windscreen that is good other than BMW and Gold wing .. It's a shame. Harley Davidson and some big cruiser Indians .. Otherwise you are not going to be happy with any stock windscreen. The companies just never will put one on that have great coverage because they look big and ugly
Exactly mate. It won't sell the bikes so well will it. 👍🍻
Difficult to see this as a good looking bike. Suzuki certainly have certainly made long-term use of that V twin but it's days are numbered.
The new Honda Transalp which is more powerful, is going to be big competition.
Yeap, and the new updated 800. I do miss the old twins though. Thanks for watching 👍🍻
£3K more though....