I have owned my 2019 DL 650 for 4.5 years and 85,000 kms. Ridden in all kinds of weather, added heated grips, heated seat, hand guards, two piece adjustable windshield, engine bars, driving lights, and luggage. I have daily ridden this bike from April to November for four years (living in Ontario Canada) and taken several multi day road trips. My verdict? I would stab you in the eye if you tried to take my V Strom, but hand you the keys and give you gas money if you wanted to steal my 2023 Gold Wing.
@@KikoBW7 First thing is the GW is expensive, when you spend that much the expectations go up. It is a "bagger" model with the six speed manual. Fit and finish of the GW is poor, side cases let water in, sometimes I get a case open warning while riding, but they are closed. The keyless go system went for a crap in the middle of the road trip and turned the bike into a brick. It would not start, unlock the steering, nothing. Had to do the secret handshake using the old school key in the fob and entering the nine digit passcode to get it going again. I waisted a bunch of time talking to two different Honda dealers that just told me to have it towed in. As for riding the GW is fine, handles great at slow speeds, has decent power, but....in 85,000 kms the DL650 has NEVER let me down. I got a flat tire once with it, plugged and was on my way. I take good care of my bikes, but I expect results from them.
@@patricklanigan it makes perfect sense, thank you for taking the time to explain. Sorry for your troubles mate, it’s really annoying when you fork out such a massive amount of cash and you have to deal with issues.
Ridden and owned many bikes over fifty years; bought three of these new and, cumulatively, ridden them well over 250 000 trouble free kilometers. Now used mostly as a “spare” bike I’ve always considered the engine a jewel that ought to - for different reasons - have the same iconic status as Suzuki’s K5. It’s a bike that grows on you over time; it’s way better than the sum of its parts.
This review proved to me that you are the most informed and honest reviewer on youtube. i dont always agree with your opinions on some of the bikes that you have reviewed in the past but this video proved to me that you do not have a agenda even when you review your personal bikes and you should be on peoples shortlist when researching bikes to buy. Thank you always enjoy seeing your stuff.
I bought a 2020 XT new and put about 25 thousand km's on it. Agree with everything you said about it. One thing you didn't mention was looks....I found it kind of ungainly to look at at first but it kind of grew on me. Black with gold wheels helped in the looks department. Finishes are what you would call utilitarian in a military jeep kind of way. I did mostly touring miles and it never skipped a beat in 3 years. Great fuel mileage too. Front suspension could be a little stiff at low speeds...most noticiable on potholed dirt roads with the limited travel available. You just need to slow down. I had Givi V35 side cases and strapped a waterproof duffel lengthwise on the passsenger seat. This gave me all the capacity I needed. I did install bar-back risers and mirror extenders which reduced wind on the arms. I also swapped out the trucker mirrors for Aprillia Tuono mirrors...excellent mirrors at a reasonable price. I highly recommend US based Adventure Tech for upgrade parts..the owner rides a 650XT and price a quality of his accessories is top notch. I eventually sold my bike when I had a chance to buy a low-mileage R1200RS so I can't really say I miss the XT but I know It's current owner is going to get many years of faithful service out of it.
Hello Scott! This is my bike! Got it brand new2yrs ago and so far put 21000km on it. Every time I ride it cannot get the smile off my face. Just love it. I also have the stock side engine protection. I had to install bar risers+20mm back, extenda fenda for the front wheel and a top box of 47ltr. Givi. What elso do I need? It's all about personal preferences. But the bike is do it all type of machine. Rode it at 150km/h for 2 hours- no complaining at all. Rode it up to100km/ h and got a 3.7ltr/100 km consumption..I was speechless. Full tank of 20ltr. gave me a 370to400km range. Maybe a stiffer springs for the front or thicker oil will do the job better. Btw ABS is not switchable, and the traction I only use in rain at level 1. Thanks for the review and never mind you are not wearing glasses. Sometimes it brings more fun! As every video of yours does to me!
were you have been for the last 20 years i owed 2 of this bikes they are truly bolete proof we like you and respect you keep doing what you are doing you are great.
Why oh why are the bike companies going down the route of producing viby engines that they say adds character and then spending the next years trying to iron out the vibes to get back to an engine that was perfectly good in the first place, nuts.
Hi Scott, excellent review. I just purchased a 2017 XT in Ontario Canada. It only had 11,000 km on it. It came equipped with grip heaters, Suzuki panniers and a Shad 58x top box. My wife likes the top box as it gives her an excellent backrest and we can fit both of her helmets in when we're off the bike. Yep, a 20 L tank. We can ride that bike 450 km. In fact, my last tank lasted a little 465 km with 30 km of range left. The Kawasaki Versus 650 has a 22 L tank which probably would explain why it may feel a bit more top heavy. The V Strom 650 is amazingly smooth, peppy and economical. Even my wife is happy on the pillion seat. As you say, the 650 v twin motor is probably on borrowed time, but it is a legend in the M/C world.
now selling my V strom after 10 years of ownership. Rode it around the world in 2018-19, and just back from the MotoGP in Italy. Done 77k and stills runs fine. Only changing for something lighter so I can keep riding in my 70’s
The only things Suzuki need to do to this bike is bring it into the 24th century led lights all round, 6” tft screen, adjustable suspension & maybe ride by wire for cruise control. It would sell for another 20 years.
As an owner of a Versys 650 , the 845mm seat height when preload is on a stiff setting is too tall for small to medium riders with short inseams , but it is the most balanced and versatile bike I have ever ridden when moving . For commuting I just soften the preload with the remote adjuster this effectively brings seat height down . A tip for owners of all remote preload adjustable bikes . But every owner of a vstrom 650 have nothing but good things to say about them. Think they are both gems , and above all reliable …something the EuroChinese bikes can only aspire to.
I've had 3 or 4 since the 2011 model and I always bragged they were bullet proof and could run on milk if you ran out of fuel 🤣. I've had them on multi day trips and off road as well. The bike can hold its own user most reasonable situations. I had the 1000 DL and preferred the 650. This bike loves to be ridden at 6000 rpm to 9000rpm, all day! The only reason I don't own one now is I prefer a bit more power and weight when on the interstates here in the US. Buffeting when passing a tandem truck or being passed by trucks can be a bit disconcerting. Also, a bit of planning is required when passing on 2 lane back roads. Other than that this bike has a cult following. Anyone that's owned one loves them and always talks fondly about them if they've moved on to another bike.
@@TheVitalishe It does sound counter intuitive but I found the 1000 was boring, no character. The 650 has a Greta sound and engine that was more fun, even if i found it under powered.
Nice and fair review. Riding mine as a second bike and I can only say something like: it does it well, it does it problem free and it does it everything very very good.
I’ve had my 2017 SV650 for three years now and I just can’t stand it. I can’t stand how it starts every time. I can’t stand how it makes me a giddy little school kid every time I ride. I can’t stand how it just won’t ever tell me it can’t do something. It’s my second bike and this embodiment of premium mediocre is just too good to move on from. Other than a slighter larger tank, my SV can be outfitted just like the VStrom and won’t ever let me down
I had a 2017 SV650 for 14 months and did 15000 trouble free kilometres. I wish I had kept it rather than traded it - fabulous commuter, cool looking and would have made a great second bike. The trade process of AU$5500…you learn from your mistakes!
Great video. I've been looking around at pretty much everything in this 'adventure sport touring' segment including a bunch of 1200 super tenere videos today before watching this and I think I've been swayed back in favour of this bike. More importantly, I've missed that sweet, sweet v twin which I loved in my own previous 1999 sv650. The light music at the end and talk of it no longer being made after this year made me a little emotional tbh!
I own a 2017 DL 650 but,…the headlight🤔 An honest review of this motorcycle. Too bad you didn't discuss lighting. The modest light output of the H7 lamp is outdated. The H7 lamp, although no LED lamp is permitted on this motorcycle, I still installed the Philips H7 LED Ultinon Pro 6000 HL with ABG certificate for Germany (Allgemeine Bauart Genehmigung) and the light output was ultimately to my complete satisfaction. Driving at night on the dark roads in Poland during our holiday was truly a relief.
Moving the mirrors out an inch or inch and a half makes for a considerable reduction in buffeting. I'm tall, so I added a clip-on visor extension as well. It's getting closer to perfect.
Regarding the mirrors (I know, petty little thing); having gone from an F150 with barn door mirrors to a Mazda CX-50 with sexy sport mirrors - I really miss those barn door mirrors. You can see so much more with them. Sigh...... yah, they don't look like much but they do the job so much better.
Get 'em while they last, folks! My 2013 Adventure model has been a top two or three bike of the 40+ I have owned over the years. It is definitely the best value of them all. I plan to keep it running and dependable for at least 10 more years. And that engine! ...Magic, pure magic. There simply is nothing else like it in the class..
My long gone 2004 black DL650 was a real trooper and surprisingly capable in the twisties. I have been bikeless for 5 years now but if I was in the market for a bike a used 'Strom 650 would be on my list of bikes to check out.
I have a 2022 dl650 is a great bike. Have had a little issues but not major. Tps failure and fuel filter is paper. I say that because it fell a part and plugged up the pump. I have 23k miles on it and still clock everyday
I owned the 2017 DL650XT . The things I didn't like about it was the suspension - too soft for my 90kg weight, the brakes and the looks. Other than that, a good reliable and affordable bike. Suzuki should not kill this engine but instead put it in a better and new bike platform. As far as I know it's still Euro 5 compliant.
More than 40 000 Travelkilometers so far: Austria, Germany, Spain, France, Morocco, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Italy, Bosnia, Croatia, Andorra, Macedonia, and more. On and also a lot off-road. (my bike has modified suspension ) Only defect: Low Beam. The engine is the rally star. so smooth and it brings the power to the ground. This also helps a lot in tricky situations off-road. A lot of torque at low rpms. Much more then the new 800de which needs higher refs and you feel it much more abrupt when you are too low in the rpms. No complains in the heat. On the road the bike is really effortless to ride. You need a budget friendly bike to ride through the world.? Here you have it! thx a lot for that informative video. Greetings!
To my knowledge, the SV engine uses cast iron cylinder sleeves and the engine for the DL650 uses Suzuki's proprietary SCEM (Suzuki Composite Electro-chemical Material) similar to a Nikasil coating. I’ve used both and don’t notice a difference. Both are fit to purpose, the SV lends itself to modification and the DL for longevity?
Full ack! I have to say I find it amazing how well this bike works despite the basic components. As @UncleWally3 said: more than the sum of its parts. The engine is huge fun in the Twisties, you can suspend it at peak torque in 3rd or 4th gear and have at it. The suspension works so well that on a bad road your faster than, say, an XSR900. The only downside is that it struggles when you ride with a pillion in the mountains. That was ultimately the reason why I got a V-Strom 1000 instead. But for solo riding you can't go wrong with the 650.
I own a 2019. It's a great bike, however: - habdlebars are rather far from the sest and I ended up getting bar risers. - seat is too soft and I ended up getting corbin - there's quite a bit of wind buffeting and so I got givi airflow windscreen with deflector and mirror extenders with aprilia mirrors that don't send all the wind into my helmet - I added peg lowering kit ....to improve overall ergonomics of the bike
We had this version Vstrom also. Very good bike with an great buttery smooth engine. The bad part are the front brakes. One piston brakes and you know it. The brakes are just poor. Fuel economy is also not that amazing. It did on a 2500km to the south of france exactly the same as our r1200gs. 19km on one liter is normale for a 1200gs but not for an 650cc
Thank you as always! Nothing to prove and nothing last forever. I hope people will go out and buy a bunch of these now and really hold onto them. By the way, what was the seat height?
Had an 09 650 great bike but very soft suspension. Had a 2015 1000 and 2020 1050! Loved them one problem with the air pressure sensor on the 2015. Love and miss them. Slipped on the stairs banged my head and got a k15 1200 GS. But I do love it too! Obviously more reliable than the 1300 😂
My 2015 has 91,000 km and has been as reliable as a hammer. Gas, oil and tires is all it has needed. My best memories come from my 22,000 km trip across Canada and the US where I took it many places that I shouldn't have (had I been on a less solid machine): ruclips.net/video/Giw4l45IxIw/видео.htmlsi=EWdelKskxhdBmvTX It is not the quickest, nor the sexiest, but much like a beloved pet (or family member), I will never get rid of it; we shall grow old together (and it might outlive me 🙂).
I spent years long distance commuting on a DL650. It was a solid, reliable commuter.. but basic and mundane, built to a low price point. It was a good tool for the job at the time, but these days, I wouldn't touch one given the much better options waiting in the garage.
I have a 2020 650XT, love it. If they stop making the V twins I might have to buy a 1050 while I can. Great touring bikes, a bit chunky for offroad so I wouldn't bother the DE.
The 270 crank isn't responsible for the vibes on the 800. The Yamaha TDM900 had the 270 crank and was as smooth as silk all through the rev range. It would cruise all day at 80mph with only a soothing rumble from the engine, no vibrations to speak of. A most underrated, brilliant bike.
That's because they put in a heavy enough off-set crank weight to offset the vibration from the 270 firing order. Simple. Just like in the CP2 engine. Vibration is designed into a bike before the launch of a new bike, for several reasons: character, feel, nostalgia...etc. Every OEM can take almost all vibration out of an ICE, if they want but then it'd be boring. It's all about finding that sweet spot for the target rider.
Had a vstrom 650, rode for 50,000kms, yes bullet proof, but to me is like owning a utilitarian cheap Japanese car, reliable, but not very exiting, and will get to it's limits on breaking and suspension fairly easily. Riding in hot weather is quite unpleasant. trade it for a tiger 900, yes way more expensive, but also way better on everything, handling on bad pavement is much much better, the tiger stays stable, while the vstrom will not. Anyway, good review, inexpensive bike, keep your expectations in check.
Not with it's weight. I'd much prefer the 650. Will be sad if this is the last year. For me 650cc is the sweet spot. I way preferred my bro's 600 Ninja over his 1000 and plan on buying the 650 - almost much cheaper than the 800.
@@df3yt still can't believe the weight of it how is it heavier than a 1100cc Africa twin. It does look sharper though vs the 650 v strom .and the price is consistent with most of the other bikes in this sector.
@@F3udF1st I haven't seen any 650's in person at the bike shops only the 800. @chrishart8548 Yeah I want the 650 but I prefer the looks of the 800. Gonna have to go find some 2024 650's and compare before they discontinue it. As you get older weight becomes more important as I ride solo.
Hi Scott, you paid the right honour to this modern classic! Question: could you do a review on the brandnew Royal Enfield Himalayan 452? I think it’s a lovely little bike and I did a short testride last week which impressed me. But will it impress you? 😉
Had a 2012 DL650 Adventure. Liked the bike but underpowered on the highway. Traded it in for a DL1000 without the bags. The DL1000 was great on the long highway trips. Sold it last year.
When bikes started coming out with TFT Dasboards wished other manufactures followed suit. Now I've seen these old clocks, quite like em. Gonna be working in twenty years time. 😂😂
I have yellow 2021 XT, great bike, yea kinda boring, versys 650 was much more fyn, but is much better for 2up, and much more stable at hi speeds and 2up. I actually like the looks, but hate the look of previous models. Eyeing on new transalp.
Good content ! Actually the bike is out of business here in EU because it is too hard to pass new engine Euro regulations. This engine is old and making it pass euro5 was actually quite an achievement, but now it would require just too much R&D Too bad, the replacement is so much more expensive
I've owned two V Strom 650XT's and currently have a V Strom 800RE. The 650 is a better bike in my opinion and if a quickshifter was an option, it'd be even better. The 800 provides me with handlebar vibrations that send my hands to sleep. I hugely regret selling my '21 650XT and I'm sure I'll have another some day.
How do you find the headlight performance on the LED headlight of the 800? In my overnight test ride home on a dark and windy mountain road, I found that I was craving the old headlight.
The future looks dull. Full of 270 degree parallel twins and snatchy low speed bikes. The v strom 650 is a brilliant engine. Up there with the honda v4 from the pan. New doesnt always mean better. Plus guys who grew up on bikes without imu's, tc, abs, cornering software etc are, in all probability, more skilled and eminently more aware.
800 burns more fuel. I was looking at this bike but I don't need or want an 800cc bike. It costs too much to fuel. I might have to go with one of the other companies offering 600's. They also managed to make the 800 uglier than this one.
I have owned my 2019 DL 650 for 4.5 years and 85,000 kms. Ridden in all kinds of weather, added heated grips, heated seat, hand guards, two piece adjustable windshield, engine bars, driving lights, and luggage. I have daily ridden this bike from April to November for four years (living in Ontario Canada) and taken several multi day road trips. My verdict? I would stab you in the eye if you tried to take my V Strom, but hand you the keys and give you gas money if you wanted to steal my 2023 Gold Wing.
What’s wrong with the GW? Genuinly curious…
@@KikoBW7Probably its heft relative to the 650
@@KikoBW7 First thing is the GW is expensive, when you spend that much the expectations go up. It is a "bagger" model with the six speed manual. Fit and finish of the GW is poor, side cases let water in, sometimes I get a case open warning while riding, but they are closed. The keyless go system went for a crap in the middle of the road trip and turned the bike into a brick. It would not start, unlock the steering, nothing. Had to do the secret handshake using the old school key in the fob and entering the nine digit passcode to get it going again. I waisted a bunch of time talking to two different Honda dealers that just told me to have it towed in. As for riding the GW is fine, handles great at slow speeds, has decent power, but....in 85,000 kms the DL650 has NEVER let me down. I got a flat tire once with it, plugged and was on my way. I take good care of my bikes, but I expect results from them.
@@patricklanigan it makes perfect sense, thank you for taking the time to explain. Sorry for your troubles mate, it’s really annoying when you fork out such a massive amount of cash and you have to deal with issues.
Ridden and owned many bikes over fifty years; bought three of these new and, cumulatively, ridden them well over 250 000 trouble free kilometers. Now used mostly as a “spare” bike I’ve always considered the engine a jewel that ought to - for different reasons - have the same iconic status as Suzuki’s K5. It’s a bike that grows on you over time; it’s way better than the sum of its parts.
This review proved to me that you are the most informed and honest reviewer on youtube. i dont always agree with your opinions on some of the bikes that you have reviewed in the past but this video proved to me that you do not have a agenda even when you review your personal bikes and you should be on peoples shortlist when researching bikes to buy. Thank you always enjoy seeing your stuff.
I bought a 2020 XT new and put about 25 thousand km's on it. Agree with everything you said about it. One thing you didn't mention was looks....I found it kind of ungainly to look at at first but it kind of grew on me. Black with gold wheels helped in the looks department. Finishes are what you would call utilitarian in a military jeep kind of way. I did mostly touring miles and it never skipped a beat in 3 years. Great fuel mileage too. Front suspension could be a little stiff at low speeds...most noticiable on potholed dirt roads with the limited travel available. You just need to slow down. I had Givi V35 side cases and strapped a waterproof duffel lengthwise on the passsenger seat. This gave me all the capacity I needed. I did install bar-back risers and mirror extenders which reduced wind on the arms. I also swapped out the trucker mirrors for Aprillia Tuono mirrors...excellent mirrors at a reasonable price. I highly recommend US based Adventure Tech for upgrade parts..the owner rides a 650XT and price a quality of his accessories is top notch. I eventually sold my bike when I had a chance to buy a low-mileage R1200RS so I can't really say I miss the XT but I know It's current owner is going to get many years of faithful service out of it.
It's sad, you missed over 20 years to test a legend !!!
Hello Scott! This is my bike! Got it brand new2yrs ago and so far put 21000km on it. Every time I ride it cannot get the smile off my face. Just love it. I also have the stock side engine protection. I had to install bar risers+20mm back, extenda fenda for the front wheel and a top box of 47ltr. Givi. What elso do I need? It's all about personal preferences. But the bike is do it all type of machine. Rode it at 150km/h for 2 hours- no complaining at all. Rode it up to100km/ h and got a 3.7ltr/100 km consumption..I was speechless. Full tank of 20ltr. gave me a 370to400km range. Maybe a stiffer springs for the front or thicker oil will do the job better. Btw ABS is not switchable, and the traction I only use in rain at level 1. Thanks for the review and never mind you are not wearing glasses. Sometimes it brings more fun! As every video of yours does to me!
were you have been for the last 20 years i owed 2 of this bikes they are truly bolete proof we like you and respect you keep doing what you are doing you are great.
I owned a '04 650 Strom and "upgraded" to the DL1000. Overall I enjoyed the 650 more.
Why oh why are the bike companies going down the route of producing viby engines that they say adds character and then spending the next years trying to iron out the vibes to get back to an engine that was perfectly good in the first place, nuts.
Hi Scott, excellent review. I just purchased a 2017 XT in Ontario Canada. It only had 11,000 km on it. It came equipped with grip heaters, Suzuki panniers and a Shad 58x top box. My wife likes the top box as it gives her an excellent backrest and we can fit both of her helmets in when we're off the bike.
Yep, a 20 L tank. We can ride that bike 450 km. In fact, my last tank lasted a little 465 km with 30 km of range left. The Kawasaki Versus 650 has a 22 L tank which probably would explain why it may feel a bit more top heavy.
The V Strom 650 is amazingly smooth, peppy and economical. Even my wife is happy on the pillion seat.
As you say, the 650 v twin motor is probably on borrowed time, but it is a legend in the M/C world.
now selling my V strom after 10 years of ownership. Rode it around the world in 2018-19, and just back from the MotoGP in Italy. Done 77k and stills runs fine. Only changing for something lighter so I can keep riding in my 70’s
Scott - you should have a million subscribers. Great info as always and thanks for doing this.
I can not more agree….👍 ❤ the v strom 650.
The only things Suzuki need to do to this bike is bring it into the 24th century led lights all round, 6” tft screen, adjustable suspension & maybe ride by wire for cruise control. It would sell for another 20 years.
I had a 2005 model. Did some great adventures without a single issue, apart from an occasional fuelling glitch. Good honest bike.
2006 Vstrom DL650 with 48,000 miles. Absolut great, reliable, efficient and a workhorse with just regular maintenance.
As an owner of a Versys 650 , the 845mm seat height when preload is on a stiff setting is too tall for small to medium riders with short inseams , but it is the most balanced and versatile bike I have ever ridden when moving .
For commuting I just soften the preload with the remote adjuster this effectively brings seat height down .
A tip for owners of all remote preload adjustable bikes .
But every owner of a vstrom 650 have nothing but good things to say about them.
Think they are both gems , and above all reliable …something the EuroChinese bikes can only aspire to.
unbreakable !!!
I've had 3 or 4 since the 2011 model and I always bragged they were bullet proof and could run on milk if you ran out of fuel 🤣. I've had them on multi day trips and off road as well. The bike can hold its own user most reasonable situations. I had the 1000 DL and preferred the 650. This bike loves to be ridden at 6000 rpm to 9000rpm, all day! The only reason I don't own one now is I prefer a bit more power and weight when on the interstates here in the US. Buffeting when passing a tandem truck or being passed by trucks can be a bit disconcerting. Also, a bit of planning is required when passing on 2 lane back roads. Other than that this bike has a cult following. Anyone that's owned one loves them and always talks fondly about them if they've moved on to another bike.
Strange you preferred 650 to 1000 when the main downsides of 650 you describe should be mitigated by 1000.
@@TheVitalishe It does sound counter intuitive but I found the 1000 was boring, no character. The 650 has a Greta sound and engine that was more fun, even if i found it under powered.
Nice and fair review. Riding mine as a second bike and I can only say something like: it does it well, it does it problem free and it does it everything very very good.
I’ve had my 2017 SV650 for three years now and I just can’t stand it. I can’t stand how it starts every time. I can’t stand how it makes me a giddy little school kid every time I ride. I can’t stand how it just won’t ever tell me it can’t do something. It’s my second bike and this embodiment of premium mediocre is just too good to move on from. Other than a slighter larger tank, my SV can be outfitted just like the VStrom and won’t ever let me down
I had a 2017 SV650 for 14 months and did 15000 trouble free kilometres. I wish I had kept it rather than traded it - fabulous commuter, cool looking and would have made a great second bike. The trade process of AU$5500…you learn from your mistakes!
I must agree with you out of all my motorcycles the sv650 is the one I never regretted selling!
Great video. I've been looking around at pretty much everything in this 'adventure sport touring' segment including a bunch of 1200 super tenere videos today before watching this and I think I've been swayed back in favour of this bike. More importantly, I've missed that sweet, sweet v twin which I loved in my own previous 1999 sv650. The light music at the end and talk of it no longer being made after this year made me a little emotional tbh!
I own a 2017 DL 650 but,…the headlight🤔 An honest review of this motorcycle. Too bad you didn't discuss lighting. The modest light output of the H7 lamp is outdated. The H7 lamp, although no LED lamp is permitted on this motorcycle, I still installed the Philips H7 LED Ultinon Pro 6000 HL with ABG certificate for Germany (Allgemeine Bauart Genehmigung) and the light output was ultimately to my complete satisfaction. Driving at night on the dark roads in Poland during our holiday was truly a relief.
Moving the mirrors out an inch or inch and a half makes for a considerable reduction in buffeting. I'm tall, so I added a clip-on visor extension as well. It's getting closer to perfect.
Regarding the mirrors (I know, petty little thing); having gone from an F150 with barn door mirrors to a Mazda CX-50 with sexy sport mirrors - I really miss those barn door mirrors. You can see so much more with them. Sigh...... yah, they don't look like much but they do the job so much better.
Get 'em while they last, folks! My 2013 Adventure model has been a top two or three bike of the 40+ I have owned over the years. It is definitely the best value of them all. I plan to keep it running and dependable for at least 10 more years. And that engine! ...Magic, pure magic. There simply is nothing else like it in the class..
Thanks for that, I really love the V2 engine.
NothingToProve RAW!
My long gone 2004 black DL650 was a real trooper and surprisingly capable in the twisties. I have been bikeless for 5 years now but if I was in the market for a bike a used 'Strom 650 would be on my list of bikes to check out.
I have a 2022 dl650 is a great bike. Have had a little issues but not major. Tps failure and fuel filter is paper. I say that because it fell a part and plugged up the pump. I have 23k miles on it and still clock everyday
I owned the 2017 DL650XT . The things I didn't like about it was the suspension - too soft for my 90kg weight, the brakes and the looks. Other than that, a good reliable and affordable bike. Suzuki should not kill this engine but instead put it in a better and new bike platform. As far as I know it's still Euro 5 compliant.
I’m on my second, bought a new one 9 months ago. If it was 20kg lighter it would be pretty close to perfect 😍
you make good videos sir......
More than 40 000 Travelkilometers so far: Austria, Germany, Spain, France, Morocco, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Italy, Bosnia, Croatia, Andorra, Macedonia, and more. On and also a lot off-road. (my bike has modified suspension ) Only defect: Low Beam. The engine is the rally star. so smooth and it brings the power to the ground. This also helps a lot in tricky situations off-road. A lot of torque at low rpms. Much more then the new 800de which needs higher refs and you feel it much more abrupt when you are too low in the rpms. No complains in the heat. On the road the bike is really effortless to ride. You need a budget friendly bike to ride through the world.? Here you have it! thx a lot for that informative video. Greetings!
I have owned 4 V-Stroms, bought the first in 2005. Great bikes, now i have a R1250GS
Gday Scott! The SV engine is still a capable motorcycle!
To my knowledge, the SV engine uses cast iron cylinder sleeves and the engine for the DL650 uses Suzuki's proprietary SCEM (Suzuki Composite Electro-chemical Material) similar to a Nikasil coating. I’ve used both and don’t notice a difference. Both are fit to purpose, the SV lends itself to modification and the DL for longevity?
Full ack! I have to say I find it amazing how well this bike works despite the basic components. As @UncleWally3 said: more than the sum of its parts. The engine is huge fun in the Twisties, you can suspend it at peak torque in 3rd or 4th gear and have at it. The suspension works so well that on a bad road your faster than, say, an XSR900. The only downside is that it struggles when you ride with a pillion in the mountains. That was ultimately the reason why I got a V-Strom 1000 instead. But for solo riding you can't go wrong with the 650.
I own a 2019. It's a great bike, however:
- habdlebars are rather far from the sest and I ended up getting bar risers.
- seat is too soft and I ended up getting corbin
- there's quite a bit of wind buffeting and so I got givi airflow windscreen with deflector and mirror extenders with aprilia mirrors that don't send all the wind into my helmet
- I added peg lowering kit
....to improve overall ergonomics of the bike
Hmm...this is probably exactly what I'd do if I owned this bike 👍👍
We had this version Vstrom also. Very good bike with an great buttery smooth engine. The bad part are the front brakes. One piston brakes and you know it. The brakes are just poor. Fuel economy is also not that amazing. It did on a 2500km to the south of france exactly the same as our r1200gs. 19km on one liter is normale for a 1200gs but not for an 650cc
Thank you as always! Nothing to prove and nothing last forever. I hope people will go out and buy a bunch of these now and really hold onto them. By the way, what was the seat height?
Nice bike. Had a 2017. Sold it and brought a Yamaha FJR. Wishing I could have kept it. But could only keep one. And the FJR is awesome 😊
Had an 09 650 great bike but very soft suspension. Had a 2015 1000 and 2020 1050! Loved them one problem with the air pressure sensor on the 2015. Love and miss them. Slipped on the stairs banged my head and got a k15 1200 GS. But I do love it too! Obviously more reliable than the 1300 😂
My 2015 has 91,000 km and has been as reliable as a hammer. Gas, oil and tires is all it has needed. My best memories come from my 22,000 km trip across Canada and the US where I took it many places that I shouldn't have (had I been on a less solid machine): ruclips.net/video/Giw4l45IxIw/видео.htmlsi=EWdelKskxhdBmvTX It is not the quickest, nor the sexiest, but much like a beloved pet (or family member), I will never get rid of it; we shall grow old together (and it might outlive me 🙂).
I spent years long distance commuting on a DL650. It was a solid, reliable commuter.. but basic and mundane, built to a low price point. It was a good tool for the job at the time, but these days, I wouldn't touch one given the much better options waiting in the garage.
I had the first generation and now I bought the third generation so I have another 20 years of happiness! I get mine on discount just for 7100 usd
I have a 2020 650XT, love it. If they stop making the V twins I might have to buy a 1050 while I can. Great touring bikes, a bit chunky for offroad so I wouldn't bother the DE.
The only thing i ask for this bike, is a cruise control nothing else 🎉
The 270 crank isn't responsible for the vibes on the 800. The Yamaha TDM900 had the 270 crank and was as smooth as silk all through the rev range. It would cruise all day at 80mph with only a soothing rumble from the engine, no vibrations to speak of. A most underrated, brilliant bike.
That's because they put in a heavy enough off-set crank weight to offset the vibration from the 270 firing order. Simple. Just like in the CP2 engine. Vibration is designed into a bike before the launch of a new bike, for several reasons: character, feel, nostalgia...etc. Every OEM can take almost all vibration out of an ICE, if they want but then it'd be boring. It's all about finding that sweet spot for the target rider.
Had a vstrom 650, rode for 50,000kms, yes bullet proof, but to me is like owning a utilitarian cheap Japanese car, reliable, but not very exiting, and will get to it's limits on breaking and suspension fairly easily.
Riding in hot weather is quite unpleasant.
trade it for a tiger 900, yes way more expensive, but also way better on everything, handling on bad pavement is much much better, the tiger stays stable, while the vstrom will not.
Anyway, good review, inexpensive bike, keep your expectations in check.
The 800 looks like a worthy replacement.
Not with it's weight. I'd much prefer the 650. Will be sad if this is the last year. For me 650cc is the sweet spot. I way preferred my bro's 600 Ninja over his 1000 and plan on buying the 650 - almost much cheaper than the 800.
@@df3yt still can't believe the weight of it how is it heavier than a 1100cc Africa twin. It does look sharper though vs the 650 v strom .and the price is consistent with most of the other bikes in this sector.
@@df3yt The 650 is too cramped. The 800DE is just perfect ergonomically
@@F3udF1st I haven't seen any 650's in person at the bike shops only the 800. @chrishart8548 Yeah I want the 650 but I prefer the looks of the 800. Gonna have to go find some 2024 650's and compare before they discontinue it. As you get older weight becomes more important as I ride solo.
RE version is lighter. Do own one. It's quite decent bike
Hi Scott, you paid the right honour to this modern classic! Question: could you do a review on the brandnew Royal Enfield Himalayan 452? I think it’s a lovely little bike and I did a short testride last week which impressed me. But will it impress you? 😉
Had a 2012 DL650 Adventure. Liked the bike but underpowered on the highway. Traded it in for a DL1000 without the bags.
The DL1000 was great on the long highway trips. Sold it last year.
When bikes started coming out with TFT Dasboards wished other manufactures followed suit. Now I've seen these old clocks, quite like em. Gonna be working in twenty years time. 😂😂
Won't be phased out here in Asia thou it's still then best selling bike together with SV650.
I got a 2007 and loving it , sometimes i think getting a new bike but what would I replace it with...Sticking with my DL
Just wish they would make a DE version of this bike.
I have yellow 2021 XT, great bike, yea kinda boring, versys 650 was much more fyn, but is much better for 2up, and much more stable at hi speeds and 2up.
I actually like the looks, but hate the look of previous models.
Eyeing on new transalp.
I wish they'd just improve the suspension, add ride by wire and cruise control. That'd be the perfect bike for me.
I put emulator valves in the fork , perfect and cheap fix. less electronic- less problems, i don't even have abs
Ride by wire, no thank you... Only good because of cruise control....
Suzuki V-Strom 650 the best.
Good content !
Actually the bike is out of business here in EU because it is too hard to pass new engine Euro regulations. This engine is old and making it pass euro5 was actually quite an achievement, but now it would require just too much R&D
Too bad, the replacement is so much more expensive
I've owned two V Strom 650XT's and currently have a V Strom 800RE. The 650 is a better bike in my opinion and if a quickshifter was an option, it'd be even better. The 800 provides me with handlebar vibrations that send my hands to sleep. I hugely regret selling my '21 650XT and I'm sure I'll have another some day.
bummer
How do you find the headlight performance on the LED headlight of the 800? In my overnight test ride home on a dark and windy mountain road, I found that I was craving the old headlight.
@@whatsstefon Friend has 800, he says LED headlight is shite. How good is halogen headlight on 650?
@@StromtrooperV2 yeah. It was pretty rubbish on the 800. The old halogen on the 650 has a better spread.
@whatsstefon I will try replacing halogens with LED "bulbs", it will probably improve lighting...
I believe you can push the windscreen up to a more raised position as the 1000 model
Yes you can, I addressed that in the highway portion of the video 👍😁
Factory heated accesories and cruise control and these would be much more popular as long daily commuters.
Yea, agreed!
The future looks dull. Full of 270 degree parallel twins and snatchy low speed bikes. The v strom 650 is a brilliant engine. Up there with the honda v4 from the pan. New doesnt always mean better. Plus guys who grew up on bikes without imu's, tc, abs, cornering software etc are, in all probability, more skilled and eminently more aware.
Still don't understand how the SV sounds so much better than the DL
Different cam and timing.
Do review on Benelli 752s. Plz
Its the only bike l sold and regretted 😞
I know this was unscripted, and I'm sure the bike's power is sufficient, but the power of this v-twin 650 is on par with the Tiger triple 900?
Na, the Tiger has about 35 more hp than this.
800 burns more fuel. I was looking at this bike but I don't need or want an 800cc bike. It costs too much to fuel. I might have to go with one of the other companies offering 600's. They also managed to make the 800 uglier than this one.
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it
Yeah, smooth and linear power delivery and also boring :) had suzuki V-Strom XT for 16k km and sold it, boring...did I mention ugly too?
😂