Just returned from a 2500 mile trip with my '22 650 Adventure. Went up and over many passes in the Sierras. Traveling through 100 plus degree heat in Nevada, almost overloaded, the V Strom cruised Interstate 80 at 85+ mph for hours and ran like a champ. The little V twin exceeded my expectations. A co. named MotoQuest rents bikes in Alaska and many countries as well. He commented that the most dependable bike in their fleet was the 650 DL.He said his mechanics loved 'em. We'll miss 'em when they're gone. Mine will be here till my lights go out.
I've been riding motorcycles for 41 years and I've owned dozens of them, all different types. I say with great conviction that this is one of the best motorcycles ever manufactured in the world. One of the few that came very, very close to Perfectiin. A legend
Couldn't agree more! Thank you for the comment. The v-twin engine and comfortable riding position is what sold me as you mentioned. Wow 65,000 miles is allot of riding. Any mechanical issues you have experienced besides regular maintenance? Take care and ride safe out there!
I had one of the very first ones for 12 or so years, got it new, sold it with 45000 kms, had a ktm 1090 for 2 years, found it too high and too top heavy, sold it after two years with 23700 ks, now am in the second season on my second 650 v strom and have done already 47000 ks with it, could not be happieras with this bike!
Thank you for the comment and your motorcycle experience. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is a very capable motorcycle with excellent value. Many people who sell their wee- stroms often times regret it later and will buy another one. Take care out there and ride safe.🏍
Your first instinct is generally the right one. Personally, I don't feel there's a better mousetrap for my needs. I'll be WeeStrom mounted until we run out of Dino Juice.
I bought an '07 a couple of weeks ago with 12,200 miles on it and didn't even test ride it until I got it home. It has crash bars, hand guards, bash plate, pannier racks, top case mount, givi top case and panniers, seat concepts seat, upgraded springs front and back as well as fresh tires for $4100. And, it's my favorite color. I'm very pleased. Like you, I have no interest in going fast but I'm certain this bike will take me faster than I intend to go. My first accessory is a CLIMER manual with the intent of doing everything myself. That'll be a first but I'm looking forward to it. Happy trails.
You got a good deal. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is a great motorcycle with a loyal following throughout the world.Changing the air filter is challenging at first but you will get the hang of it. What color V-Strom did you get?
I just picked up a 2015 V-strom dl650a a few days ago, no bags or engine gaurds, paid $3975, and has 9900 miles. Guess I got lucky, especially since it looks practically brand new.
The wee strom can simple do whatever you ask of it and more! It is also the most reliable motorcycle I have ever owned. Thank you for the comment. Please subscribe. Take care and ride safe.
The 650 motor is one of the best engines ever made. It’s a shame Suzuki refuses to stick it in a real adventure chassis. I’m so frustrated I’ve contemplated just building the unicorn myself. I’ve owned and ridden just about everything out there.
I do miss my 2020 Vstrom 650XT Adventure. It is in my personal top three list of bikes I've owned in the past. However, I currently own the 2023 Vstrom 800DE and absolutely love it; it has quickly become my favorite motorcycle (noticeably more torque and better front suspension and brakes; equal comfort & handling wise). I do wish the 800DE had tubeless spoked wheels though. The 800DE also requires premium fuel which is a bummer. For reference, I'm almost 53 years old and usually ride solo out of my home base in Vermont (lots of dirt roads in various condition). I've been riding for 35 years and the 800DE is the 36th bike I've owned. I frequently have multiple bikes in the stable, but after owning the 800DE for a season I downsized to only one.
I have owned approximately more than 40 motorcycles in my 40 years of riding but I have never ridden the V-Strom 800DE but would love to someday. I'm glad to hear that you give it high marks. I was worried that the new Suzuki V-Strom with the parellel motor was not going to live up to the fantastic reputation of the V-Strom with the legendary V-twin motor. I'm surprised to hear that the 800DE does not have tubeless tires or spoke wheels as you mentioned. The premium fuel it also requires a little disappointing but not a deal breaker for me. Take care out there and ride safe. How is the fantastic Vermont maple sugar? Is it as good as I remember as a child Tapping it fresh from the trees with a bucket back in the 1970's. Oh the memories!!
As a fellow poor person who can't afford a BMW or Ducati, or even comparably sized Honda or Kawasaki, I appreciate the vstrom a lot. It's ancient, it's simple, it's built in the most basic possible way, has no personality or soul, it's a wonderful cheap toaster of a motorbike.
Thanks for a great vid. The only thing I would have liked to have seen is cruise control. But then again I like to keep it simple to. I have almost always had 1000+ cc bikes but I was totally surprised at the torque of the 650. It feels like a much bigger engine than it is. The ride quality and engine..... Suzuki got this one right. Thanks again for your thoughts and vid.
Thank you for the comment and your insight. I agree that the torque of the 650 is something I did not expect either. The ultra reliable motor is what sold me. Take care and ride safe.
Some of the worlds best inventions come about by accident. The V-Strom was designed around the 1000cc engine. Suzuki thought that they could get incremental sales by sticking the SV650 motor in the V-Strom chassis and voila, here we are today! I bet they didn't think it would outsell it's big brother many times over.
Tyres, chain and sprockets. Yep that about sums up the extent of my workshop visits. I don't even bother with the valve clearance check every 24000km. It never requires shim replacement! I've been riding the WeeStrom since 2007, lusted after a MG V85 TT but came to my senses. @ 10:53, I ain't gonna be one of those guys. I'm going to rename one of the Spice Girls hits, V-Strom forever, I'll be waiting Everlasting, like the sun Live forever, for the moment Ever searching found the one!
Thank you for the comment. I enjoyed reading it. I have also noticed many people say they never bother with the valve clearance check as they are rarely ever out of spec. Take care and ride safe.
Super confy, frugal and fun to ride. I'm on my second 650, with the first I have done 80.000 kms, zero problem just regular maintenance. Now I have the last model (like your's) wich bought to have a new one before it goes out of production. I find the latest model to be even better, a little more power and better handling and no so top beavy because the put the exhaust more down. Just the paint is more delicate than the previous.
Thank you for the comment and your insight. I have owned many motorcycles previously but currently have just my red V-Strom which is the latest model that I ride in my RUclips videos. The main reason I purchased the V-Strom is for its reliability and comfortable riding position. I also wanted an adventure motorcycle without all the fancy gizmos or electronics that I know will get me to where I want to go and back home again. I'm glad to hear it is the more refined V-Strom with a little more power and better handling as you mentioned. The paint is holding up pretty good on my V-Strom but I try and keep it clean and waxed. What color is your V-Strom? Take care out there and ride safe.🏍
I bought an '06 and was ran off the road. Kept the bike for spares. Then bought an '09 ABS which I still ride to this day. Bought an '11 with minimal k's for when I wear out the '09. They don't wear out so sold my '11 to a mate (thoroughbreds are too good to have laying about unridden)
In the Land of Motor, where two wheeled adventure lies, One bike to rule them all, thus made V-Strom 650. It will grant you all the adventure you desire, and it shall do all whilst fulfilling daily commute to your vocation, yet the price you pay for this...does bode well to your well being of coins. Thus, the last age of V-Twin engine is on us - just as the last gasp of the sun at dusk over the dooms of our time over the mountains of Motor... - J. R. Toolkien, The Last Rally Racer.
@@BugOutVehicles Almost perfect in everyway for someone in the upper 5 foot height. Not heavy enough for daily driver, although the handlebar might be wide for someone that uses moped daily. Tank is big enough for long range riding in my country. Fortnine has a review of Versys if you want to learn more about it. My only complain (and it something that bug me) - at least for use in 3rd world country - is that the sidestand is too sensitive and too close to body compared to, say, low rider bikes. If your tank is full and you side stand on ground, the bike might fall to the left if the ground is uneven or soft. To fix this you can buy a duck foot that you can attach to the side stand foot to make it a bit wider and less willing to fall to the left. But this will add height to the sidestand, and using it might make your bike a bit upright. if you use it at gas station, now the bike could fall to the right with the slightest touch, kind off. And if your rear tyre is punctured - forget about side standing the bike, it WILL fall to the right if you use the duck foot. This is seriously my pet peeve. I enjoy riding it, but I do looking at ADV 350 in the future once Honda made it available in my country - which currently not yet despite already available in many other countries. ADV 350 has smaller tank compared to Versys 250, but I'm looking at adv bike that I don't have to worry about clutch. lighter and smaller cc.
@@RealFableFox Thank you for the reply and your insight. I appreciate it. The side-stand being too sensitive as you mentioned with the Versys 250 would also bug me. As I get older I prefer a lighter and smaller motorcycle. Take care and ride safe.
Look into a Triumph Trophy 1215 SE They are cheep, beyond comfortable and bullet proof. I do cross country with it and I just set the cruise control and try to stay awake 🤣
Just returned from a 2500 mile trip with my '22 650 Adventure. Went up and over many passes in the Sierras. Traveling through 100 plus degree heat in Nevada, almost overloaded, the V Strom cruised Interstate 80 at 85+ mph for hours and ran like a champ. The little V twin exceeded my expectations. A co. named MotoQuest rents bikes in Alaska and many countries as well. He commented that the most dependable bike in their fleet was the 650 DL.He said his mechanics loved 'em. We'll miss 'em when they're gone. Mine will be here till my lights go out.
Awesome!!! Thanks for the comment. I appreciate it. Take care out there. Long live the V-Strom 650!!
I've been riding motorcycles for 41 years and I've owned dozens of them, all different types. I say with great conviction that this is one of the best motorcycles ever manufactured in the world. One of the few that came very, very close to Perfectiin. A legend
I agree 100% Well said! Thank you for the comment. Take care and ride safe out there.
Love the VStrom 650. Great engine, neutral riding and handling. There are nicer bikes, but none that I like better. 65,000 miles and climbing on mine.
Couldn't agree more! Thank you for the comment. The v-twin engine and comfortable riding position is what sold me as you mentioned. Wow 65,000 miles is allot of riding. Any mechanical issues you have experienced besides regular maintenance? Take care and ride safe out there!
I just bought a 2015 with 15k miles in mint condition for $4,600. Love it.
Awesome, Ride The Wind!
I had one of the very first ones for 12 or so years, got it new, sold it with 45000 kms, had a ktm 1090 for 2 years, found it too high and too top heavy, sold it after two years with 23700 ks, now am in the second season on my second 650 v strom and have done already 47000 ks with it, could not be happieras with this bike!
Thank you for the comment and your motorcycle experience. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is a very capable motorcycle with excellent value. Many people who sell their wee- stroms often times regret it later and will buy another one. Take care out there and ride safe.🏍
Your first instinct is generally the right one.
Personally, I don't feel there's a better mousetrap for my needs.
I'll be WeeStrom mounted until we run out of Dino Juice.
I bought an '07 a couple of weeks ago with 12,200 miles on it and didn't even test ride it until I got it home. It has crash bars, hand guards, bash plate, pannier racks, top case mount, givi top case and panniers, seat concepts seat, upgraded springs front and back as well as fresh tires for $4100. And, it's my favorite color. I'm very pleased.
Like you, I have no interest in going fast but I'm certain this bike will take me faster than I intend to go. My first accessory is a CLIMER manual with the intent of doing everything myself. That'll be a first but I'm looking forward to it.
Happy trails.
You got a good deal. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is a great motorcycle with a loyal following throughout the world.Changing the air filter is challenging at first but you will get the hang of it. What color V-Strom did you get?
BLUE@@BugOutVehicles
I both a 06 with 30K, lovet it, I will keep till I die...
one of the worlds best motorcycles ever made
Agreed. Thanks for watching Ride safe out there.🏍
For sure
Mines black .😂
Have my 2020 model a year now, just 7500 miles on her now, looks like a new bike! Love it 😍,
Just brought my new 2023 home today. Excited to have some riding adventures
Awesome!!!
I just picked up a 2015 V-strom dl650a a few days ago, no bags or engine gaurds, paid $3975, and has 9900 miles. Guess I got lucky, especially since it looks practically brand new.
Nice! That is very low miles for a V-Strom. Ride safe
It's been a minute Gary. Good to see you out enjoying the road.
Great to hear from you again. (It indeed has been a minute )I do enjoy a relaxing motorcycle ride with great views. As always take care out there.
I've a 2009. Ridden loads of other bikes. Own a few others too. The little 650 isn't going anywhere. Brilliant bikes!
The wee strom can simple do whatever you ask of it and more! It is also the most reliable motorcycle I have ever owned. Thank you for the comment. Please subscribe. Take care and ride safe.
The 650 motor is one of the best engines ever made. It’s a shame Suzuki refuses to stick it in a real adventure chassis. I’m so frustrated I’ve contemplated just building the unicorn myself. I’ve owned and ridden just about everything out there.
Thank you for the comment and your insight. I Agree it is one of the best engines ever made. Take care and ride safe out there.🏍
It is a cracker of a motor. Sweet, smooth and economical (just like my wife).
I quite like Yamaha's 689cc CP2 parallel twin as well.
Check out what Hessler Rallye can do with the 650....
I do miss my 2020 Vstrom 650XT Adventure. It is in my personal top three list of bikes I've owned in the past. However, I currently own the 2023 Vstrom 800DE and absolutely love it; it has quickly become my favorite motorcycle (noticeably more torque and better front suspension and brakes; equal comfort & handling wise). I do wish the 800DE had tubeless spoked wheels though. The 800DE also requires premium fuel which is a bummer. For reference, I'm almost 53 years old and usually ride solo out of my home base in Vermont (lots of dirt roads in various condition). I've been riding for 35 years and the 800DE is the 36th bike I've owned. I frequently have multiple bikes in the stable, but after owning the 800DE for a season I downsized to only one.
I have owned approximately more than 40 motorcycles in my 40 years of riding but I have never ridden the V-Strom 800DE but would love to someday. I'm glad to hear that you give it high marks. I was worried that the new Suzuki V-Strom with the parellel motor was not going to live up to the fantastic reputation of the V-Strom with the legendary V-twin motor. I'm surprised to hear that the 800DE does not have tubeless tires or spoke wheels as you mentioned. The premium fuel it also requires a little disappointing but not a deal breaker for me. Take care out there and ride safe. How is the fantastic Vermont maple sugar? Is it as good as I remember as a child Tapping it fresh from the trees with a bucket back in the 1970's. Oh the memories!!
Great video mate! Stay upright mate. Regards from Melbourne, Australia :-)
Thanks, you too!
Your last statement sums it up for me!
Thanks. Ride safe out there.
Would love to own this bike someday. Thanks for sharing Sir.
As a fellow poor person who can't afford a BMW or Ducati, or even comparably sized Honda or Kawasaki, I appreciate the vstrom a lot. It's ancient, it's simple, it's built in the most basic possible way, has no personality or soul, it's a wonderful cheap toaster of a motorbike.
I agree 100%. Take care out there.
Thanks for a great vid.
The only thing I would have liked to have seen is cruise control. But then again I like to keep it simple to.
I have almost always had 1000+ cc bikes but I was totally surprised at the torque of the 650. It feels like a much bigger engine than it is. The ride quality and engine..... Suzuki got this one right.
Thanks again for your thoughts and vid.
Thank you for the comment and your insight. I agree that the torque of the 650 is something I did not expect either. The ultra reliable motor is what sold me. Take care and ride safe.
Some of the worlds best inventions come about by accident.
The V-Strom was designed around the 1000cc engine.
Suzuki thought that they could get incremental sales by sticking the SV650 motor in the V-Strom chassis and voila, here we are today!
I bet they didn't think it would outsell it's big brother many times over.
It pulls even better with an aftermarket shock. The stock one squats too much.
Tyres, chain and sprockets. Yep that about sums up the extent of my workshop visits.
I don't even bother with the valve clearance check every 24000km. It never requires shim replacement!
I've been riding the WeeStrom since 2007, lusted after a MG V85 TT but came to my senses.
@ 10:53, I ain't gonna be one of those guys. I'm going to rename one of the Spice Girls hits,
V-Strom forever, I'll be waiting
Everlasting, like the sun
Live forever, for the moment
Ever searching found the one!
Thank you for the comment. I enjoyed reading it. I have also noticed many people say they never bother with the valve clearance check as they are rarely ever out of spec. Take care and ride safe.
Super confy, frugal and fun to ride. I'm on my second 650, with the first I have done 80.000 kms, zero problem just regular maintenance. Now I have the last model (like your's) wich bought to have a new one before it goes out of production. I find the latest model to be even better, a little more power and better handling and no so top beavy because the put the exhaust more down. Just the paint is more delicate than the previous.
Thank you for the comment and your insight. I have owned many motorcycles previously but currently have just my red V-Strom which is the latest model that I ride in my RUclips videos. The main reason I purchased the V-Strom is for its reliability and comfortable riding position. I also wanted an adventure motorcycle without all the fancy gizmos or electronics that I know will get me to where I want to go and back home again. I'm glad to hear it is the more refined V-Strom with a little more power and better handling as you mentioned. The paint is holding up pretty good on my V-Strom but I try and keep it clean and waxed. What color is your V-Strom? Take care out there and ride safe.🏍
@@BugOutVehicles My is blask, the first war red...
black🤣
I bought an '06 and was ran off the road. Kept the bike for spares.
Then bought an '09 ABS which I still ride to this day.
Bought an '11 with minimal k's for when I wear out the '09.
They don't wear out so sold my '11 to a mate (thoroughbreds are too good to have laying about unridden)
Thank you for the comment. Which V-Strom was the best one that you have owned?@@MrBenHaynes
In the Land of Motor, where two wheeled adventure lies, One bike to rule them all, thus made V-Strom 650. It will grant you all the adventure you desire, and it shall do all whilst fulfilling daily commute to your vocation, yet the price you pay for this...does bode well to your well being of coins. Thus, the last age of V-Twin engine is on us - just as the last gasp of the sun at dusk over the dooms of our time over the mountains of Motor... - J. R. Toolkien, The Last Rally Racer.
Enjoy yourself ( rider of Versys 250 here)
The Versys is a great motorcycle. I was actually looking at the Kawasaki Versys X 300. Take care. How do you like the 250?
@@BugOutVehicles Almost perfect in everyway for someone in the upper 5 foot height. Not heavy enough for daily driver, although the handlebar might be wide for someone that uses moped daily. Tank is big enough for long range riding in my country. Fortnine has a review of Versys if you want to learn more about it.
My only complain (and it something that bug me) - at least for use in 3rd world country - is that the sidestand is too sensitive and too close to body compared to, say, low rider bikes. If your tank is full and you side stand on ground, the bike might fall to the left if the ground is uneven or soft. To fix this you can buy a duck foot that you can attach to the side stand foot to make it a bit wider and less willing to fall to the left. But this will add height to the sidestand, and using it might make your bike a bit upright. if you use it at gas station, now the bike could fall to the right with the slightest touch, kind off. And if your rear tyre is punctured - forget about side standing the bike, it WILL fall to the right if you use the duck foot. This is seriously my pet peeve.
I enjoy riding it, but I do looking at ADV 350 in the future once Honda made it available in my country - which currently not yet despite already available in many other countries. ADV 350 has smaller tank compared to Versys 250, but I'm looking at adv bike that I don't have to worry about clutch. lighter and smaller cc.
@@RealFableFox Thank you for the reply and your insight. I appreciate it. The side-stand being too sensitive as you mentioned with the Versys 250 would also bug me. As I get older I prefer a lighter and smaller motorcycle. Take care and ride safe.
Versys isn’t for tall people.
Look into a Triumph Trophy 1215 SE They are cheep, beyond comfortable and bullet proof. I do cross country with it and I just set the cruise control and try to stay awake 🤣
I have never ridden a Triumph 1215 SE. Sounds like a great and reliable motorcycle. Thanks for the comment. Take care and ride safe.
That 650 looks great 👍. Thanks for sharing your opinion on that bike 😊🙏
My pleasure! Take care and ride safe. Please subscribe!
Have a 06, best bike I ever owned..
Nice!
Can you please give us a close up video on those crash bar bags?
These are the days before the darkness came. Old men in their cold flying machines
Indeed.
And here i'm wondering if getting a monster 937 or another SV 650, by just how good and smooth that engine and gearbox is....
Thanks for the comment. Take care and ride safe out there.
Where did you buy the windshield bracket mount?
The phone bracket?
@@BugOutVehicles yes
Could you please let me know what is the place to get a headlight protection as yours. Thank you in advance
Mine came with the motorcycle. Take care and ride safe.
I love the vstrom, excellent bike and bomb proof engine
I agree. The V-Strom is a great bike. Take care.
wet weight 470 not dry weight.
8:59 8x shaftdrive
Thats a beutiful colour on that bike. I owned a 2004 for many years, and still regret selling it.
Thanks for watching. The red is not my favorite color but it looks nice. How many miles did you have on your 2004 V-Strom? Take care and ride safe.
Thanks WOW THAT'S AWESOME 👍✌️👌
Glad you like it
Or just by a dirt bike