Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure Review

The latest version of Suzuki’s versatile V-Strom could be all the bike you’ll need - it really is that good.

We have fond memories of the Suzuki V-Strom 650 at Telegraph Motoring. We ran one as a long-term test bike in 2004 and it didn’t just gradually win our affection, as many bikes will; it proved good enough to be our bike of the year.
This accolade wasn’t for spectacular performance, and it was despite the bike’s unbalanced looks. It won us over because it was so good at so many everyday things, and for such a good price. Yet time is cruel to man and motorcycle alike. When I rode the

Suzuki V-Strom 650 white abs Adventure Motorcycle Picture

V-Strom XP – much the same as the original with big panniers and a few other bolt-ons – a few months ago I was disappointed at how aged it felt compared with fresher competition, notably Kawasaki’s vivacious Versys.

The New Suzuki V-Strom 650; However, Suzuki had been busy refreshing the V-Strom. The main updates for this late-arriving 2012 model are to the 90-degree V-twin engine and the bodywork. There are new twin-plug cylinder heads, pistons, fuel injection, crankshaft and throttle bodies, along with revised clutch operation and other detail changes.

New Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS (dl650) Black

Body Work, Outlook- The bodywork has been completely restyled and it’s much better for that. The visual mass is reduced, giving the bike a leaner, more long-legged look and it’s better balanced without the over sized headlights of the old model. There’s intelligence in the design, too, because what looks like the fuel tank is really a pair of plastic body-colored panels that are easily and cheaply replaced if damaged in a fall, instead of having to renew a complete fuel tank.
As with the old bike, the luggage rack sits flush with the passenger seat so loads can bridge the two easily, while the additional dash info such as economy and temperature can be scrolled through from the left bar switch – no need to let go to push a button on the dash itself. Annoyingly, you still need tools to adjust the headlight angle, which you’ll have to do often if your load varies, and there’s no tool supplied to undo six bolts to alter the screen height.

2013 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Black Motorcycle

Chassis: The chassis is little changed, which caused concern because the old bike tended towards the ponderous and too softly sprung. But 11lb has been shed, the centre of gravity is a touch higher (improving agility) and the suspension is a little firmer, small changes which add up to a significantly tauter feel and more assured handling.
Riding: The ride quality is firmer, of course, but still comfortable, aided by the exceptionally accommodating seat. Your backside rests just over half an inch higher than on the old bike’s, otherwise the riding position is still spacious and natural. Suzuki supplies alternative seats which are 20mm lower or higher than standard. It’s the same on the back, where there’s plenty of room and potential long-distance comfort.

The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is more about distance than dashing, with a stronger touring bias than the Versys, and it’s very good at this. Economy impressed on the press launch at about 55mpg – Suzuki says the motor is 10 per cent more fuel efficient than before. With a 4.4-gallon tank, there should be a touring range of 240 miles, a serious mileage for any bike let alone a middleweight all-rounder.

Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS (DL650) White

ENGINE: But what really seduces is the engine. It’s noticeably smoother than before with a crisp throttle response and a bubbling, liquid delivery. There’s also sufficient torque for you to leave it in top gear for much of your riding. It’s not as fast as some but it requires less effort – because of reduced gear changing, it is more pleasurable to use.
For harder, more demanding riding, there’s a more controlled and tactile feel through the chassis, and an impressive new ABS system if you get over-ambitious with the brakes. The bike changes direction with enough vigour to be exciting, although a long wheelbase like the V-Strom’s will never allow really rapid flicks.

Pricing: But that’s not what this bike is about. It’s a well priced all-rounder that provides as much bike as a significant number of riders want or need. More glamorous machines such as the Ducati Diavel will win bike of the year, but the quiet-man V-Strom deserves a mention. Suzuki V-Strom 650 Price is given in below section.
Suzuki V-Strom 650 Price,Features and Competitors:

Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS Price, Review, specifications and pictures

>THE FACTS; Suzuki V-Strom 650
Price/on sale: From £7,024/August
Power/torque: 68bhp @ 8,800rpm/44lb ft @ 6,400rpm
Top speed: 120mph (est)
Fuel tank/range: 4.4 gallons/ 240 miles
Verdict: Competitively priced all-rounder that upholds the virtues of the original version of the V-Strom and builds on them with improved range, sharper handling and better comfort – it also looks a lot better than the older bike
> RIVALS- Suzuki V-Strom 650 Competitors;
>Kawasaki Versys, £7,024
A fine bike that’s sportier than the Suzuki, although its engine is less engaging and requires you to use the gearbox more. It also vibrates more. Although the Suzuki is the better tourer, these are closely matched.
>Triumph Tiger 800 ABS, £7,749
The adventure bike style will appeal to many, as will its three-cylinder engine and British heritage, but it costs another £700 and its range is about 80 miles less than the V-Strom’s. Comfort is not as good, either.
>Honda XL700V Transalp, £6,775
Lacks the comfort and range of the V-Strom, while it’s not quite so good for hard riding. But the Transalp is still very capable, with legendary reliability and longevity. It’s also a better bet for limited off-roading.