2011 Suzuki V-Strom DL650

Summary:

Cheap to buy/run and very durable

Faults:

I had upgraded to stator/crank sensor; two years later the crank sensor let go so I reinstalled the original parts. A little over a year after the original stator stopped working, I replaced the stator with a different upgrade. I must say that I had added a 1500 watt stereo and was charging my laptop and phone with the bike when traveling and touring in Europe for six months.

Wheel bearings let go when on a trip up to Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories in Northern Canada, but I suspect that it was because I had never changed the bearing and the road from Inuvik to Tuk I was travelling through over a foot of mud in many spots.

General Comments:

When I bought the bike it had an upgraded Sargents Seat and windscreen. So I can't attest to the functionality of the original parts. I can say it is a tough bike because I had an accident at 90-110 Kms and went over the handle bars. Luckily I escaped with minor injuries but pretzeled the forks. I ordered new tubs from China plus other minor parts from Ebay and put the bike back on the road with a little road rash for about 500 C$.

I did upgrade the windshield to a Givi Airflow which I am very happy with (a great investment). I am now travelling through Eastern Europe for 7 months and now in Turkey on my way to Kazakstan with that same bike with no issues other than normal wear parts.

With the bike, myself and gear we weigh 1000 lbs. The bike handles it without any issues. Most times I don't even downshift to pass, just time my passing.

I had been running a 16T front sprocket which worked very well. After almost 3 years running with this setup, I found that since I'm travelling so heavy I've returned to the original 15T because it's easier to handle the bike at slow speeds, off road and on the steep streets/roads in Europe.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 21st February, 2020

2007 Suzuki V-Strom DL650

Summary:

Nice powertrain ruined by a poor design

General Comments:

Seat is brutal, but nothing compared to the typhoon the poorly designed fairing and useless windscreen produce. Ruins any enjoyment riding over 50 mph compared to real bikes.

Shouldn't have to rebuild half the bike to make it ride able. Take the shield off and it's a decent bike.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th January, 2008

11th Aug 2009, 21:18

Spending 100$ on either a Givi windscreen, or a MadStad bracket will fix this issue.

I prefer the MadStad bracket, as it's adjustable, and can be configured to deflect air, or to direct it at the rider. One's great for highway, and cold days. The other is fantastic for slower riding on hot days.

Yes, the stock windshield stinks, but, well, the same is true for a number of bikes (K75s, XJ600s, etc, etc).

26th Jan 2010, 01:27

Having ridden for over 40 years, many types and makes of bikes, year round, I would like to state that the Wee Strom is the best all rounder that you can buy today. Very good value for the money. ABS is great and that v twin engine is a gem.

Seats are subjective and my butt likes this one, the screen is fixed using the Madstad bracket. I love the fuel economy and it is super simple to service.

The look grow on you as you appreciate the design. The injection is spot on cold or hot, the exhaust could do with more character but will not offend the neighbors.

Gravel roads, sand and snow don't seem to bother it, I added a front fork brace, skid pan, crash bars, handgrip protectors and centre stand for convenience.

13th Mar 2010, 16:01

Agree with a previous poster, add a Madstad and problem is easily solved.

18th Jun 2010, 04:14

Mine was ridden by my wife and I with a big pack plus tank-bag 1100 km in one glorious day of riding. Most of it secondary sealed road, but including some high country gravel surfaces. We arrived in better shape than ever before after such a long ride. The bike was totally unflustered and regularly gets over 400km to a tank of gas laden as above. At 10,000 km the tyres look to have 3,000 km left in them. This is a superb all roads bike.

2005 Suzuki V-Strom DL650

Summary:

Adventure Tourer on a budget if set up properly

Faults:

Starter relay blew in early August; my dealer replaced it with a relay from a floor model bike.

General Comments:

Coming from cruisers, this is easily the quickest motorcycle I have yet to own. It's not the fastest motorcycle out there, but in the right hands, the DL650 will embarrass many sport bikes in the twisties.

In stock trim I have found the DL650 to be a comfortable bike to ride. It has an upright seating position, which helps to keep the weight off of your hands and spine. Stock seats are usually the first thing many riders replace, but I have managed a couple days with over 700 miles in the saddle. The adjustable windshield works well for me, while some complain about buffeting.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th November, 2005