Very good honest review. I have owned a 2008 and a 2012 650 vstrom and they were both terrific bikes. I now own a triumph explorer 1200 but I would seriously consider buying the new 2017 650 vstrom just because it is the best part of 40kg less than the tiger, far better fuel economy and seriously how often do you need any more than 75 hp in the real world with all of the speed camera these days.
Paul Dicken True, I have never ridden the 800 Tiger, I guess after having two 650 Vstrom in the past and no trouble with either I just have a liking for them. However I should try the 800 and maybe the Africa Twin as well. It's pretty hard to buy a bad bike these days, we're spoiled for choice.
New F850GS coming. New Tracer 900GT coming. New Tenere 700 coming. Otherwise there are no better bikes in the 650 twins than the Suzuki DL. Some say the Versys 650 but the engine is buzzy, bland, and weak in comparison.
Yeah, I’ve owned an ‘09, ‘12 and now a ‘15 ‘Strom, all bought new. I also own and ride other bikes, I’ve also ridden the Tiger 800 for quite a few miles - great bike too. But, for normal money and normal riders riding normal roads - it’s hard to beat the DL650. That said, I wish Suzuki would produce a higher spec 650, better suspension, brakes and exhaust system for, let’s say, about 15% more money? When they do that I’ll buy another one.
I own a Suzuki 2016 motorcycle and a BMW 1150 RT as well. My favorite and my honest opinión is the DL650 is easy to handle, lighter, dual road capable, just to mention a few advantages over the BMW. Just love it
Vstrom650 is a SV650 underneath 💚 this is for those who haven't realized yet 😊 but with bigger tank+better seat+traction control+other changes suitable for adv bike
Nice review clearly pointing out good and bad, not like many that fail to mention the downsides. We all know bikes have them, nothing is perfect. Great job!
And no other company offers the same formula of 17/19" wheels, bulletproof 650cc Vtwin, character to keep one interested, pavement-biased with a dash of off-pavement capability, fuel economy, lightness, and price. They just don't get better than this machine for that sweet spot. And if you need more power, the DL1000 fits the bill with better suspension and tenacious brakes. Just wish the fuel capacity also went up to 6gal.
Good review, keep it rolling guys! I like that Suzuki offers tubeless spoke wheels on an entry/intermediate level motorbike, BMW only offers such options on their top of the line. It seems like a nice bike but am not too crazy about the looks and the quality of materials, especially that square rear swing arm.
ABS yes, but I wish the manufacturers would make the rest of the technical wizardry optional .. there's a lot to go wrong - how long it will last remains to be seen, and how much would it cost to fix -> it isn't likely to be an area DIY mechanics can sort - as CanBus wiring is now so common... Personally, I'd like slightly more off road potential - still without a silly seat height < a +point on the VStrom
@@champmoto115 Seems counter-intuitive but a wider tyre needs to be dipped further to get the same turn in angle compared with a narrower profile. Narrow tyres taper faster around the edges, so you don't need to lean in as much as wide tyres which round out more gradually. Think moto gp - those bikes are near parallell to the ground in high speed corners because of the massive tyre width.
Thank you for this "easy going" and honest review. I would like to know which helmet and which backpack you are wearing? I need new ones and both seem to be quite suitable for me... Thanks for a short info. Regards from germany
Salut. Hey, great content. My Mrs and myself are looking to get into bikes. We are both novices we are going to do our tests this spring. Since some time I am looking into the VStroms for myself although I had no chance to try one yet. I am 193 tall and 85 kg. Would you recommend other bikes other than the VStom (not that I don`t like the VStrom but just for the sake of comparison) for tall beginners? Very much looking forward to your answer.
Hi mate ,I just subscribed your channel ,I like the way you telling everything about the bike. I really fall in love with the kawa versys 650 2016. Any opinion or upcoming video compare to this one in the video?
Great review. It's of great help as I am planning on traveling from New Zealand to UK by bike and I am thinking the 1000cc with all the bags to heavy but will this cope with the weight I am not small guy 220kg?
salut,frumos video...cind un video cu v-strom 1000? de ce?imi pllace foarte mult marca suzuki si un video cu un v-strom 1000 ..ar fi ceva super....chiar si o comparazie cu r1250 gs nu ar fi rau..mai ales ca avem unde in tara....un abbraccio fortissimo da bergamo...va astept nelle valli bergamasche..a fare un video....
Hey man, I want to express my compliments to you about the honest and complete review. I can see you have tested the bike fitted with an extra-protecting windshield, right? I have found the standard one is protective but very noisy, do you agree?
Mario Bondanza all vstroms has the same issue. just put wind buffeting vstrom into Google. i have a 2012 dl 650 tried 3 shielss and im seriously considering to sell because of wind. im 186cm tall.
Great unbiased video. Was debating between Triumph tiger xcx or this bike. Money wise, this is the winner, but that triple on the Triumph, man it's tough to decide.
Anyway, they are from different segments. Let's say middleweight and upper middleweight. The Strom is fighting against versys 650 and tracer 700. The 800 xcx is next level
Damelza TSUK thanks. Liked the African Twin very much. But a bit heavy for me off road. Want to ride on gravel but nothing too serious. Pick it up next week. Only 6 sleeps to go!
reksubbn Vstrom is a great choice though. Amazing engine...we had the sv650, same engine. I also LOVE the Africa Twin look but alas, also too big for me. The lovely Tiger I found was a perfect fit and already lowered. Hope you enjoy your Strom 👌🏼👍🏼 sounds like we have the same ideas for the bikes’ use!
i tried all 3 of them before making my decision on which i should buy.I'm 1,83 cm and 93 kg.The Honda is excellent for city riding but seems ''dead'',has no nerve.The Yamaha is maybe ,i repeat MAYBE, the fastest but it didn't fit me and i found it somehow cheap..The Suzuki Is BY FAR the most confortable of the 3 , it can commute all day in the city,it can travel easily with 160 KM/H on the highway , it accelerates very well and for me it's the winner.I have 2300 km in 25 days and i'm very happy with it.If you choose to buy it,mark my words,first thing u should change the OEM windscreen and go for the Givi Airflow.
They are quite different motorcycles. We'd say that the Tracer 700 is the fun-bike - an MT-07 with some fairings on, while, the 650 XT is more touring, relaxed-pace oriented.
Good review and happy to see that thu a romanian biker. Romania is a perfect biking playground for reflexes and eye training. Be a good supermario player before crossing this country 😊. But i love romania.
You can switch the ABS off, which is crap in my opinion, by removing the ABS fuse, but then you have to tape over the ABS warning light to avoid distractions...ABS is very overrated and caused me to hit a vehicle by turning off the braking when I had full control...not good, anyway, am looking forward to trying the new model in the hope that it is more comfortable for me than the Mk2 model (which is awesome apart from the seat, for me)
Miss this guy
Very good honest review. I have owned a 2008 and a 2012 650 vstrom and they were both terrific bikes. I now own a triumph explorer 1200 but I would seriously consider buying the new 2017 650 vstrom just because it is the best part of 40kg less than the tiger, far better fuel economy and seriously how often do you need any more than 75 hp in the real world with all of the speed camera these days.
Frank Perham thats why the tiger 800 exists ;)
Paul Dicken
True, I have never ridden the 800 Tiger, I guess after having two 650 Vstrom in the past and no trouble with either I just have a liking for them.
However I should try the 800 and maybe the Africa Twin as well.
It's pretty hard to buy a bad bike these days, we're spoiled for choice.
New F850GS coming. New Tracer 900GT coming. New Tenere 700 coming. Otherwise there are no better bikes in the 650 twins than the Suzuki DL. Some say the Versys 650 but the engine is buzzy, bland, and weak in comparison.
Yeah, I’ve owned an ‘09, ‘12 and now a ‘15 ‘Strom, all bought new. I also own and ride other bikes, I’ve also ridden the Tiger 800 for quite a few miles - great bike too. But, for normal money and normal riders riding normal roads - it’s hard to beat the DL650. That said, I wish Suzuki would produce a higher spec 650, better suspension, brakes and exhaust system for, let’s say, about 15% more money? When they do that I’ll buy another one.
Love that you made note of the changes made for the new generation! I was looking at an older one but I think the newer one will be worth the money
I own a Suzuki 2016 motorcycle and a BMW 1150 RT as well. My favorite and my honest opinión is the DL650 is easy to handle, lighter, dual road capable, just to mention a few advantages over the BMW. Just love it
Vstrom650 is a SV650 underneath 💚 this is for those who haven't realized yet 😊 but with bigger tank+better seat+traction control+other changes suitable for adv bike
Nice review clearly pointing out good and bad, not like many that fail to mention the downsides. We all know bikes have them, nothing is perfect. Great job!
And no other company offers the same formula of 17/19" wheels, bulletproof 650cc Vtwin, character to keep one interested, pavement-biased with a dash of off-pavement capability, fuel economy, lightness, and price. They just don't get better than this machine for that sweet spot. And if you need more power, the DL1000 fits the bill with better suspension and tenacious brakes. Just wish the fuel capacity also went up to 6gal.
Absolutely.
Abs switch is easy, splice into red/blue wire behind battery and run switch to dash
For 2017+ 650 models
what with that silly comments that bike is suitable for beginners or intermediate, just because has less then 100HP???
What Helmet are You wearing ?
Good review, keep it rolling guys! I like that Suzuki offers tubeless spoke wheels on an entry/intermediate level motorbike, BMW only offers such options on their top of the line. It seems like a nice bike but am not too crazy about the looks and the quality of materials, especially that square rear swing arm.
Wonder if braided front brake lines would help.
ABS yes, but I wish the manufacturers would make the rest of the technical wizardry optional ..
there's a lot to go wrong - how long it will last remains to be seen, and how much would it cost
to fix -> it isn't likely to be an area DIY mechanics can sort - as CanBus wiring is now so common...
Personally, I'd like slightly more off road potential - still without a silly seat height < a +point on the VStrom
I recently test rode the 2018 model 1000xt and loved it.
A question.. what helmet is this in this video? Thx for a answer! Greetings from Austria
At the 4 second mark of this video, did your cornering clearance run out?
Yep. Quite a surprise for me, actually. Cristian
DriveMag Riders
As a beginner road rider I would of "Crapped Myself" .
Although I wouldn't get the bike that low in the corners.
You handled it well.
OMG
Could oversize 160mm back tyre will be better? or 150mm stock size is Good enough cause of Suzuki engineer already calculate and test it.
@@champmoto115 Seems counter-intuitive but a wider tyre needs to be dipped further to get the same turn in angle compared with a narrower profile. Narrow tyres taper faster around the edges, so you don't need to lean in as much as wide tyres which round out more gradually. Think moto gp - those bikes are near parallell to the ground in high speed corners because of the massive tyre width.
Thank you for this "easy going" and honest review. I would like to know which helmet and which backpack you are wearing?
I need new ones and both seem to be quite suitable for me... Thanks for a short info. Regards from germany
Would love an in depth test on road and offroad with this bike, more deep dive
Good review, thank you. Keep it up guys! Cheers from Hungary
I have an 07 dl650 , wonderful bike all around 🏆
When did Dracula start to review motorcycles???
Uhh . . . This one looks like a 2018. Right?
How much suspension travel for bumpy roads..bumpy highways. Is the throttle snatchy or smooth and gradual?
dry509 it can be snatchy if you don't adjust the throttle play
What about bags on engine guards? I’m looking for something like that. Which are thise in the video?
They are Kriega. They look very good and seem to be quite robust.
First big bike target can't wait
May I know what smoke front windshield on that bike? And how was the gopro mounted? Interesting selfie angle position
Paul Goh it was a Puig windshielt. We put the go pro on the windshield and on the handlebar
DriveMag Riders the audio is recorded to a phone and then sync with the video during editing?
I really enjoy your reviews. Thank you.
Salut.
Hey, great content.
My Mrs and myself are looking to get into bikes. We are both novices we are going to do our tests this spring. Since some time I am looking into the VStroms for myself although I had no chance to try one yet. I am 193 tall and 85 kg. Would you recommend other bikes other than the VStom (not that I don`t like the VStrom but just for the sake of comparison) for tall beginners? Very much looking forward to your answer.
Hi mate ,I just subscribed your channel ,I like the way you telling everything about the bike.
I really fall in love with the kawa versys 650 2016.
Any opinion or upcoming video compare to this one in the video?
Great review. It's of great help as I am planning on traveling from New Zealand to UK by bike and I am thinking the 1000cc with all the bags to heavy but will this cope with the weight I am not small guy 220kg?
sorry 120 kg good grief lol
Nice review. Can you make review of Strom 1050xt?
Yes, it's upcoming.
What Make is Your Helmet ?
Hi there, what windshield are you using on the bike?
Paul Goh it was a puig
Dual light face would have looked much better. No idea why they changes it.
salut,frumos video...cind un video cu v-strom 1000? de ce?imi pllace foarte mult marca suzuki si un video cu un v-strom 1000 ..ar fi ceva super....chiar si o comparazie cu r1250 gs nu ar fi rau..mai ales ca avem unde in tara....un abbraccio fortissimo da bergamo...va astept nelle valli bergamasche..a fare un video....
i like ur english accent
Yep! Romanian style English! We are wearing it with pride!
Thanks for this review. I follow all your videos. My motocycle favorite channel! Can you do a Review from the new v-strom 1000?
Look nice, what helmet do you wearing
Hey man, I want to express my compliments to you about the honest and complete review. I can see you have tested the bike fitted with an extra-protecting windshield, right? I have found the standard one is protective but very noisy, do you agree?
Mario Bondanza all vstroms has the same issue. just put wind buffeting vstrom into Google. i have a 2012 dl 650 tried 3 shielss and im seriously considering to sell because of wind. im 186cm tall.
Actually the windshield In this New model is far better than the one in previous models.
Buffeting is tolerable at +100kph and minimal at lower speed.
The perfect bike for evryrhing! Love those spoked tubless wheels! Reliable, balanced, afordable go anywhere bike. What could you ask of more?...
Lighter !!
Windshield Puig or Givi is a better choice ?
Masterpolir madstat
How comes you guys don’t test the vfr1200x from Honda?
The importer didn't manage to give us one yet
What helmet are you using?
hajnus16 schuberth E1
Looks like an excellent day tripper! What kind of helmet are you wearing?
Schubert E1. Which is a kind of C3-Pro with a beak
Nice review! Can y compare to f700gs, or do some review on it?
We'll look for an F700. Or maybe the F750, rumored to appear next month
@@DriveMagRiders Hello, thank you for your reviews. Could you answer the question, what do you prefer v-strom 650 or F750gs?
07:07 Hey V!
Great unbiased video. Was debating between Triumph tiger xcx or this bike. Money wise, this is the winner, but that triple on the Triumph, man it's tough to decide.
MrBackyardMechanic I'd go for the Triumph. :) Cristian
Anyway, they are from different segments. Let's say middleweight and upper middleweight. The Strom is fighting against versys 650 and tracer 700. The 800 xcx is next level
Whats your height sir ?
good review, thanks
Love it fellas very honest !!
Excellent review. Answered a lot of my questions, thanks!
Damelza TSUK Did you buy this bike? I put a deposit on one today!
reksubbn congrats on your decision! No, I got a Tiger 800 as the height was better for me.
Damelza TSUK thanks. Liked the African Twin very much. But a bit heavy for me off road. Want to ride on gravel but nothing too serious. Pick it up next week. Only 6 sleeps to go!
reksubbn Vstrom is a great choice though. Amazing engine...we had the sv650, same engine. I also LOVE the Africa Twin look but alas, also too big for me. The lovely Tiger I found was a perfect fit and already lowered. Hope you enjoy your Strom 👌🏼👍🏼 sounds like we have the same ideas for the bikes’ use!
Damelza TSUK I hope i enjoy it. I plan on having it for 5 years! Commute 140 km a day.
Very nice review and video
Thanks for the good review 👍🏼
Suzuki or honda nc750x or tracer 700 ?...
Good idea. We'll come up with a comparison on this segment.
i tried all 3 of them before making my decision on which i should buy.I'm 1,83 cm and 93 kg.The Honda is excellent for city riding but seems ''dead'',has no nerve.The Yamaha is maybe ,i repeat MAYBE, the fastest but it didn't fit me and i found it somehow cheap..The Suzuki Is BY FAR the most confortable of the 3 , it can commute all day in the city,it can travel easily with 160 KM/H on the highway , it accelerates very well and for me it's the winner.I have 2300 km in 25 days and i'm very happy with it.If you choose to buy it,mark my words,first thing u should change the OEM windscreen and go for the Givi Airflow.
MT 700 TRACER OR WEE 650 XT ?
They are quite different motorcycles. We'd say that the Tracer 700 is the fun-bike - an MT-07 with some fairings on, while, the 650 XT is more touring, relaxed-pace oriented.
my bike good review . keep up the good work .
Unde ati filmat ?
Pe la Intorsura Buzaului.
Foarte tare
Good review 👍🏻
Puig windshield is better than original?original is so noisy!
Good review and happy to see that thu a romanian biker. Romania is a perfect biking playground for reflexes and eye training. Be a good supermario player before crossing this country 😊. But i love romania.
R.I.P.
Esti roman ??
Da
R.I.P
FPSRussia!!!
Good review guys, we uploaded ours some time ago =)
Eastern European accents rock
Pune video uri in romana pls !!
Salut, Andrei! Pentru varianta în limba română a testelor ne poți urmări pe th-cam.com/users/pemotoare ;)
Salutare. Avem si varianta in romana pe canalul de TH-cam PeMotoare. O poti vedea acolo, unde te invitam sa te si abonezi.
You can switch the ABS off, which is crap in my opinion, by removing the ABS fuse, but then you have to tape over the ABS warning light to avoid distractions...ABS is very overrated and caused me to hit a vehicle by turning off the braking when I had full control...not good, anyway, am looking forward to trying the new model in the hope that it is more comfortable for me than the Mk2 model (which is awesome apart from the seat, for me)
Nice revie motorcycle 🏍
looks like honda deo from front
2012 was about the last decent year for these. That goofy beak they came up with is like a loose tooth that flaps around.
Заебок)
おいらも乗ってる！黄色と黒のタイガー🐯カラーの2008年式の650A😎👍
I lik your Russian mafia accent :)
Та говорил бы уже по Русски! 😄👍
I have one and i don't whant to be a prick but on a 650 i don't need T.C