I sold my BMW R1200GS and bought a 2019 V-Strom 650XT - The BMW is an incredible adventure tourer but (in my experience) felt much heavier and less 'flingable' on curving roads. the V-strom is more like flying a 'Spitfire' and the BMW was more like flying a 'P 47 Thunderbolt' (don't ask me how I know about that...) The V-Strom has a very linear power band - it pulls and pulls and pulls in each and every gear right to the redline...The V-Strom's character and ergonomics makes the rider (at any level of experience) a better rider and the 'smiles per mile' are icing on the cake. I look for reasons to ride it...
Just traded my 2016 gs1200 for a new v storm and 3k on top , BMW been in 3 times with issues costing over 2k, warranty had 30 days left so got rid of it thank god, v storm all day long , great price, RELIABLE, comfy, and don't miss the more power, in real life you never use that power
Great vid, thanks. Returned to biking after 20 years and tested 7 different bikes before buying the V-Strom 650 base model. Absolutely love it. Great torque, punchy, smooth motor, handles predictably, 30-second rear suspension adjustment for pillion (quicker than the screen adjustment!) - fabulous bike for the price. One BIG omission from your review (or did I miss it...?) - it comes with Traction Control as standard - amazing on a bike at this price point. Just click through on the Mode button to set at level 1 (moderate TC), 2 (for wet/slippery conditions) or OFF (for off-road or if you just fancy it). :)
Really nice, clear and objective video. I just started riding after years of not doing it and I bought the baby Vstrom and it is a great bike. I am planning in changing it next year for a medium size and after going to every dealer ( Moto Guzzi, Kawasaki, Honda, Bmw, Ducati, Yamaha..) i will buy this Vstrom 650, it has a good design, reliable, great value and it rides great.... Greetings from Mexico!!
You guys are awesome . Love your vids . I like the ones with Toby and mark in them together discussing something anything and the humor that sometimes comes out. Great Vstrom vid . I love the value of the Vstrom . I rode some dirt bikes years ago and want to come back to riding hence my itrest in Vstrom vids. I want to buy it as a small tourer .so many touring bikes are so big . I have sat on one & I tend on testing one on the road . I am 6’ 240 U.S. and feel comfortable on it . I think it will b a good place to start looking . Keep up the great. Work churning out awesome vids I can’t wait for the next product review or tour video .
+Cloggsy Goodwin so not adjustable on the fly, which in my opinion it should be rather than messing around with tools to make the ride more comfortable. Interesting choice from the manufacturer :)
nice review ! i had the first edition of the vstrom 650 in 2003 and i loved it verry much. had many big roadtrips on it ! these days i drive a 1999 triumph speedtriple ! but when i heard of this new version Vstrom 650 i am think replacing the triumph with this bike
Great vid! I know its been a while since you rode the Strom, but im just curious as to which bikes you rode in the bracket with better leg room? I'm 6,2, old, and am looking for leg room in the mid size adv category. Road focused for touring. No off road riding.
Hey buddy, thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the video. Our speed limits are below that and to be fair we wouldn’t be travelling at that speed “all day long”, but the bike is amazing and I would see (other than burning through fuel quicker) that it would cope with anything you throw at it :) Ride safe
These bikes are so ubiquitous that what many want to known is how they compare against previous models. Are the improvements significant or mostly cosmetic? After all, what's relevant is all relative . . . no?
+MARKINAU8 to be fair they are two very different bikes. The vstrom is more of an adventure bike where the bandit is more of a road bike. Both great bikes but depends what your looking for :)
+robert robhog thanks for the comments. It's unfortunate that the screen has to be moved with tools. Would have been great if they had made a system that it could be adjusted on the fly.
Guessing you know this but the new 1000 V Strom has the adjustable, on the fly windscreen. It's very nice, not sure why they didn't also put it on the 650 Oui? Cheers from TX. peace, e.
It’s a great bike, but can you tell me why the stock exhaust is so big, heavy & ugly. Its a very good adventure bike who is alone in a large price range; but Suzuki need to design a new front nose & a new head led lights as its so ugly & a new smaller stock exhaust would also be awesome. Common Suzuki: please do those changes, those improvements & i will highly consider an upgraded, improved, modified V-Strom 650 XT 2020 to upgrade my CB500X 2017. An aluminium bash plate would also be better then the actual plastic one.
I think the camera position on the right side of the helmet makes it appear that way. Dont really think it's an issue anyway, hes in a better position to read the road than us. Often there is a line of crap in the middle of country roads then you have to make a call whether to ride in position 3...closer to oncoming traffic or position 1, closer to driveways and maybe take the lesser of two evils. His positioning is pretty damned good to me.
Good review. This model year of Stroms are an improvement, looks wise, on last years model but it's still no good looker! I read recently Suzuki are the most reliable bike in the U.K. A big part of my buying decision is based on service costs, for instance the Honda NC750 range use locknut adjusters for the valve clearances. This makes home servicing a doddle, the Strom uses shim based adjustments, as do all the other big manufacturers, which makes home adjustment impractical as it's not practical to carry the range of sizes required. I guess it's good we have so many choices. 👍🏻😬
+buggeroff each to their own mate but I have to say that for my personal experience my bmw's have done everything asked for and without issue and suits me well. :)
+ buggeroff buggeroff is right. BMW has been at or near the very bottom when it comes to reliability for many years. All you need to do is a search using the terms "motorcycle reliability ratings".
Not when it comes to Boxer Engines, any idiot that says the Germans don't make reliable motorcycles are just fooling themselves. If BMW are soooo bad, then why are the GS/ GSA's the first bike most people buy to use for RTW trips etc... I think You must be talking about USA made Harleys, which are complete crap.
I sold my BMW R1200GS and bought a 2019 V-Strom 650XT - The BMW is an incredible adventure tourer but (in my experience) felt much heavier and less 'flingable' on curving roads. the V-strom is more like flying a 'Spitfire' and the BMW was more like flying a 'P 47 Thunderbolt' (don't ask me how I know about that...) The V-Strom has a very linear power band - it pulls and pulls and pulls in each and every gear right to the redline...The V-Strom's character and ergonomics makes the rider (at any level of experience) a better rider and the 'smiles per mile' are icing on the cake. I look for reasons to ride it...
Just traded my 2016 gs1200 for a new v storm and 3k on top , BMW been in 3 times with issues costing over 2k, warranty had 30 days left so got rid of it thank god, v storm all day long , great price, RELIABLE, comfy, and don't miss the more power, in real life you never use that power
The vstrom is a great bike and does what it says on the tin :) ride safe
Great vid, thanks.
Returned to biking after 20 years and tested 7 different bikes before buying the V-Strom 650 base model. Absolutely love it. Great torque, punchy, smooth motor, handles predictably, 30-second rear suspension adjustment for pillion (quicker than the screen adjustment!) - fabulous bike for the price.
One BIG omission from your review (or did I miss it...?) - it comes with Traction Control as standard - amazing on a bike at this price point. Just click through on the Mode button to set at level 1 (moderate TC), 2 (for wet/slippery conditions) or OFF (for off-road or if you just fancy it).
:)
thanks buddy, as you said an amazing machine and a good price too!
What did you test? Did you try the NC 750X and the Versys 650? Is the V-Strom the most comfortable of the 3?
Really nice, clear and objective video. I just started riding after years of not doing it and I bought the baby Vstrom and it is a great bike. I am planning in changing it next year for a medium size and after going to every dealer ( Moto Guzzi, Kawasaki, Honda, Bmw, Ducati, Yamaha..) i will buy this Vstrom 650, it has a good design, reliable, great value and it rides great.... Greetings from Mexico!!
You guys are awesome . Love your vids . I like the ones with Toby and mark in them together discussing something anything and the humor that sometimes comes out. Great Vstrom vid . I love the value of the Vstrom . I rode some dirt bikes years ago and want to come back to riding hence my itrest in Vstrom vids. I want to buy it as a small tourer .so many touring bikes are so big . I have sat on one & I tend on testing one on the road . I am 6’ 240 U.S. and feel comfortable on it . I think it will b a good place to start looking . Keep up the great. Work churning out awesome vids I can’t wait for the next product review or tour video .
Best review of this bike so far!
+MARKINAU8 thanks you matey :)
This bike is awesome! Thank you for your great review I have been searching for a review of this bike since winter :)
+Matthew 1 it certainly is. Thanks for the kind words. Ride saw :)
RiderCamTV you too ;-)
The screen is adjustable; but it is only manually adjustable with an Allen key. I believe there are 3 different positions?
+Cloggsy Goodwin so not adjustable on the fly, which in my opinion it should be rather than messing around with tools to make the ride more comfortable. Interesting choice from the manufacturer :)
nice review ! i had the first edition of the vstrom 650 in 2003 and i loved it verry much. had many big roadtrips on it !
these
days i drive a 1999 triumph speedtriple ! but when i heard of this new
version Vstrom 650 i am think replacing the triumph with this bike
+Benelux rider thanks for the kind words matey. I enjoyed riding this one, nice refresh on an accomplished machine ;)
Great vid! I know its been a while since you rode the Strom, but im just curious as to which bikes you rode in the bracket with better leg room? I'm 6,2, old, and am looking for leg room in the mid size adv category. Road focused for touring. No off road riding.
the VStrom is good and has lots of room, although the Tenere is taller and may be a contender for you :)
@@RiderCamTV ooooo, thanks for the suggestion, will take a look!
nice review..what about some lite off road..?! The Suzie is not pretty but the reliability stand..
+SoloRide ZX would love to but will have to have a bit of experience first :)
Has this bike had a make-over since '17? I'm a bit tempted :)
Nice job RiderCamTV. One question for you. Does this have ABS?
Yep it does :) and thanks for the kind words
@@RiderCamTV YW
Hi there,nice video.Is the bike stable at 140-150 kmh and is it possible to drive ''all day long'' at these speeds?Thank u!
Hey buddy, thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the video. Our speed limits are below that and to be fair we wouldn’t be travelling at that speed “all day long”, but the bike is amazing and I would see (other than burning through fuel quicker) that it would cope with anything you throw at it :)
Ride safe
U 2 brother,thanx for the answer!
No probs mate. Anytime. ;)
Great video. Thanyou very much. Grethings from Tijuana, MX
no prbs matey, glad you enjoyed it and thank you for the kind words :)
These bikes are so ubiquitous that what many want to known is how they compare against previous models. Are the improvements significant or mostly cosmetic? After all, what's relevant is all relative . . . no?
+Walter Wilkins definately mate. It's more refined than the old one and I'd say a little smoother, not to mention more appealing to the eye :)
how do you compare it with bandit?
+MARKINAU8 to be fair they are two very different bikes. The vstrom is more of an adventure bike where the bandit is more of a road bike. Both great bikes but depends what your looking for :)
The V-Strom or the Tracer 700? Which do you prefer?
+Luis Almeida depends what you want from them but the Vstrom 1000 is more powerful and a great bike :)
Its not a basic bike, and the screen is adjustable you just take the screws out and put it on the next holes
+robert robhog thanks for the comments. It's unfortunate that the screen has to be moved with tools. Would have been great if they had made a system that it could be adjusted on the fly.
Guessing you know this but the new 1000 V Strom has the adjustable, on the fly windscreen. It's very nice, not sure why they didn't also put it on the 650 Oui? Cheers from TX. peace, e.
+ernieD2 oh cool, thanks mate. Hopefully we will be reviewing a 1000 version soon :)
the JDM 650 does have thumb screw locking down the screen, not sure what it comes with on the export bike though
Nice review,is the v strom 1000 next.
+Kevin Westwood thanks matey. Just waiting for the 1000 to come in and then we will review it too :)
What tires are on the bike?
i think from memory they were Bridgstone Trail Wings :)
It’s a great bike, but can you tell me why the stock exhaust is so big, heavy & ugly. Its a very good adventure bike who is alone in a large price range; but Suzuki need to design a new front nose & a new head led lights as its so ugly & a new smaller stock exhaust would also be awesome. Common Suzuki: please do those changes, those improvements & i will highly consider an upgraded, improved, modified V-Strom 650 XT 2020 to upgrade my CB500X 2017. An aluminium bash plate would also be better then the actual plastic one.
its certainly is a great bike.. not sure why the exhaust is so big....
yes have to say far to over to the left with the road position .
I think the camera position on the right side of the helmet makes it appear that way. Dont really think it's an issue anyway, hes in a better position to read the road than us. Often there is a line of crap in the middle of country roads then you have to make a call whether to ride in position 3...closer to oncoming traffic or position 1, closer to driveways and maybe take the lesser of two evils. His positioning is pretty damned good to me.
Good review. This model year of Stroms are an improvement, looks wise, on last years model but it's still no good looker! I read recently Suzuki are the most reliable bike in the U.K. A big part of my buying decision is based on service costs, for instance the Honda NC750 range use locknut adjusters for the valve clearances. This makes home servicing a doddle, the Strom uses shim based adjustments, as do all the other big manufacturers, which makes home adjustment impractical as it's not practical to carry the range of sizes required. I guess it's good we have so many choices. 👍🏻😬
+DervMan that's very true matey. Loads of choices and something for everyone. It's not the prettiest bike but I kinda liked the look.
thank you very much for your awesome video review. I'm owner of a Dl650 2010 and I'm glad to see what you showing. +++++
+Aitor Arroyo hey matey, thanks so much for the kind words. Awesome to have you along for the ride. Ride safe :)
Thanks. Ride safely too. looking forward to seeing more videos
English man rides motorcycle in England, and talsk about Kilowatts of power.
Wow 😂
Brake Horse Power Please !!!!!!
+Glenn Fryer lol
your on the wrong side of the road mate
Looks cheap and nasty to Me. For that money, would be better to get a second hand BMW GS/GSA.
+Craig Sellars agree although the GS and gsa aren't for everyone though ;)
+buggeroff each to their own mate but I have to say that for my personal experience my bmw's have done everything asked for and without issue and suits me well. :)
buggeroff would like to read that report myself (tag it if you can). My BMW has 93'000 kms on the clock and still going strong.
+ buggeroff
buggeroff is right. BMW has been at or near the very bottom when it comes to reliability for many years. All you need to do is a search using the terms "motorcycle reliability ratings".
Not when it comes to Boxer Engines, any idiot that says the Germans don't make reliable motorcycles are just fooling themselves. If BMW are soooo bad, then why are the GS/ GSA's the first bike most people buy to use for RTW trips etc... I think You must be talking about USA made Harleys, which are complete crap.