I have had my DL650 (as filmed) for one year. Have travelled 16000km and it is brilliant in every way. It is the most comfortable ride I have ever had, with all the power you need and great handling.
A very well made review, the on-board one, and the walk-around. A TDM 900 rider for the last 10 yrs looking for a change, and i think you have sold me on this bike. It will do everything i want from a bike. Thanks Mark.
I just bought the 2015 V-strom 650 and wish I got it in red. I got the matte black and silver one and really really like that red. I also ride sport bikes and this is my first adventure bike and riding in an upright position. I have a 2014 GSXR 1000 and a 2005 GSXR 600 and I can't ride for more than an hour on either without pain. It's winter here in the US and I only rode this thing home from the dealer 2 weeks ago and winterized it until the weather gets better. I ride all year long usually but this winter is cold and we have snow everywhere. I can't wait to get some miles on this thing and make my own review. Great video by the way. It's made me even more excited to get out there and ride!
Owned mine for a year now , I bought it after doing months of research and reviews and after watching your other on board review I made my mind up and decided to buy one , It's a brilliant bike, probably the best bike I've ever had for doing everything on from commuting everyday fifteen miles each way, and then doing a couple of hundred miles at weekend , and the fuel consumption is amazing .As far as comfort goes it's all day comfortable and I'm looking forward to a trip round Ireland .Great review Cheers Mel
I just got an L4, in part due to your thoughts on this. First ride after passing my test was 188 miles collecting it from Devon and riding back to Sussex. Thanks Mark! 😀
had previous one, made once 480kms on one tank which I think is impressive for this little fellow. Also rode once 900kms in one day, my arse was bit tired but to be honest after having dinner and rested for one hour I was ready again to jump on it :) loved it
Hi Mark, thanks for the great videos. Sorry to hear you swapped the V-strom for something more exotic because this should be the only machine you ever need. I have a 12 plate in white and 13k miles its still superb. I was riding 200 miles on a Monday morning to work in Glasgow most weeks last year. Rain, cold, wind and even sometimes sunshine this bike is great. Could do the trip without stopping because its so comfortable and plenty left in the tank. My tip is to bin the trail wings and fit battle wings, even better handling and cornering. Down side - the full beam light is too bright! Nothing else to complain about. Great ride around Bovi. Watch out for the Megatron. Mike
Hi Mark your spot on with your appraisal of the Suzuki.. I've owned and ridden many different motorcycles in the 50 odd years in 'The Saddle'. My first ever Brand New bike is a V-StromXT. There are many similar, faster and vastly more expensive machines out there for the poser to flaunt their wealth on, or load up the credit card for. I rode BMW 1200 GS, TriumphXC and the 1000cc V-strom. The 650 Strom XT fully loaded was cheaper than the basic Trumpet XC, which I did not like, the ride was nothing special. I had ridden over from Loch Lomond on my old Kwaker GT550 G9 to Edinburgh to test out Trumpet. I was surprised how mundane the ride was, the 'fly by wire throttle had little feel, the indifferent brakes. The major annoyance was the whine from the straight cut primary gears it kicked out, the engine needs balance shafts keep the vibes in order. More trouble than the'er worth.! Rode home on the old comfy GT.. Next day I checked over a BMW GS, one look at the on the road price and the MPG convinced me to keep my wonger in he bank. The day after I rode over to Cupar in Fife to try out The 650 V-StromXT, I only took it for a short spin and I was hooked. Pound for pound its head and shoulders above the rest, cheaper! fantastic road holding, and amazing MPG, on the computer I average 65+ (if you keep the right hand under control). wot not to like ?
Forgot to mention ..3 in portent specs I love ...and believe contribute greatly to the RIDE..1)LONG WHEEL BASE.62.5 "..3) OVER 6""WHEEL TRAVEL FRONT & REAR..3) HUGE POWER BAND
just bought one,2016 to replace my well loved transalp 600.will be keeping that as i cannot part with it,its been a great bike but as soon as i tested a strom i new it was time too change
Hello Mark, Thanks for your V Strom videos and review, also been a Sports bike rider for many years, however this V-Strom is a different bike altogether, forget the price, but in comparison to other 'Adventure Bikes' the V-Strom delivers an amazingly comfortable ride and yet is isn't a slouch either. Whether to commute daily to work or ride on weekends, one up or solo, this bike fits the bill for me. I would say to anyone looking to buy an 'Adventure' style bike to at least test ride the Suzuki, you'll be impressed when it comes to, value, reliability, safety and comfort. Although I am not into leaving the black stuff per say but here in Queensland Australia, our roads do more often then not require some off-road capability :) and the V-Strom delivers.
Im going to be starting my bike test next year due to things happening this year but ive saw this bike and its a good solid bike and perfect for my height at 5ft 7 compared to the ones ive looked at
Hi Mark, I have the same bike herein Istanbul / Turkey and I totally agree on all your comments. It is just a fantastic bike. Just a quick question; Do you also experience a friction noise on the engine most probably arising from the clutch bearing when the clutch is not pressed? When you press the clutch, it is all over. Meanwhile, both your videos are awesome. Thanks.
Emre Fidan Hi emre ,no sorry havnt heard that friction noise,my bike only has 3000 miles maybe thats why ,I know the noise you are talking about as I had a similar noise on a honda blackbird .It never really bothered me and I lived with it for 5000 miles :)...enjoy your vstrom regards mark
mark pulling Well I went for a test ride today, really didn't want a blue one, but it was yes Blue, not to be put off I went for a long test ride and yes really liked it, back at the dealer did some sums and came home with a 2005 model with 9k on the clock, full service record. I have been out this afternoon and just done 65 miles and my left shoulder blade is aching so I need some handlebars to come back to me about 5 inches or as far as the clutch cable will allow, then I think getting it sprayed that nice orange and the bike will be great.
***** Hi ,I generally fit aftermarket cans to sports bikes but on touring bikes I always leave them standard because I like the quietness when I tour long distances ...thanks mark
How easy are the centre stands to pop the bike up on to the stand ? I am 5" 7 and tested the Wee Strom 650 and its a little too tippee toe and would do the lowering links.How is the screen on top level going? They are a easy bike to ride and turning around is a joy . They make a good all rounder , and with Australia , not all roads are smooth highways and lots of dirt roads out west . Suzuki has listened to owners and are bringing out spoke wheels on the 2015 650 model options . Both reviews were spot on and i think they may have a sale in 2015 with my name on it.
Roger Brown Hi roger ,im the same height as you and I find putting it on the centre stand no problem ,and the screen in its highest position is great im not changing it ....enjoy yours if you get one in aus :)
Hi MarkLove your tests, so real world stuff and comments, I live in Melbourne Australia and are considering Triumph Tiger XRx but also the VStrom because they seem such good value for money. I saw your test also on the Tiger. Do you think they are worth the extra money over the Vstrom. My riding is mainly going to be touring with a bit of minor road / firetrail type stuff but not serious off road or desert etc.Look forwards to your comments.Cheers from Aus, lets not talk cricket.....
Hi trevor ...Both are brilliant value bikes here in the uk a new vstrom can be picked up for as little as £6000 the xr about £8000 or the higher spec xrx about £9000 ... if power is not too important to you then the vstrom is better value its still lots of fun but the tiger 800 has lots more power cruise control rider modes etc ...its a tricky choice try and demo both ...either way you won't go wrong ....all the best mark
I have the 2014 and have done 6k miles all around Iceland, tarmac and gravel. Nice review, but ..... What about the seat ?, its the most horrid seat I on a bike I have owned, my but goes numb after 1.5 hours ride, 4+ hours ride is very hard. Also, the fuel gayge is weird, it shows full until its just over 1/2, then all of a sudden the meter is blinking, saying its almost empty, still there is over 1/4 left.
Eirikur Kjartansson Also ..... when ridden on the motorway over 6k rpm ..... it uses alot of gas, I get 36 mpg. The motor is very nice up to 150 km per hour, but after that is dead slow.
Eirikur Kjartansson Hi eirikur,yes the seat isnt brilliant but not the worst ive had,with mine i found every half hour i had to shift around abit then I was ok ,i found i was getting an average of 65 mpg from mine and yes fuel guages do have that nasty habit of showing empty early my multistradas fuel light comes on with with about 80 miles to go ! ... all the best mark
Hi Mark, how do you find the seat height as you say you are 5ft 8 ? Do you have your bike lowered a bit as you can see the forks are about 1 inch above the top triple clamp.
hi mark great video im thingkin off to get one. because this the the only affordable bike which abs as standard. my question is. im 5ft 7. if i lowered it wont it chang the original setting, any kit for lowering the bike
+Adam Suffian Bin Ali Hi adam you get the lowering links off ebay for 30mm drop £30 ish then you drop the forks through the yokes about 10 mm ..it makes no noticable difference to the bikes settings ..all the best mark
Hi again Mark how easy was it to bring the forks through 20mm of the triple clamp ?did you place the bike on the centre stand to take the weight of the front ?.regards Richard 👍
Hi Richard yes it's easy ...on the centre stand and slowly undo the triple clamp bolts ...I may have also put a jack or some blocks of wood under the belly pan just in case they went shooting up through ! But they didn't ...quite an easy job if i remember cheers mark
MENSFORTHHILL99 It looks nice ,good value for money ,typical honda build quality...less power than a vstrom,more of a fun commuter in my opinion ,the vstrom would be better for touring ...nc700 is more vstrom equivalent ....thanks mark
Why is it every video I watch on the V-Strom has a dude from UK doing the review. English Anyone ? Tea Anyone ? Not trying to be cheeky or anything. Any way, Nice video.
+TheSteps62 hi yes i did but i prefered the 650 ,just found it to be a nicer engine alot of people on the forums recon the same too ..all the best mark.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 78 | คู่เอก "ปกรณ์ vs ฟาบิโอ"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LSOmgl0Th2c/mqdefault.jpg)
I have had my DL650 (as filmed) for one year. Have travelled 16000km and it is brilliant in every way. It is the most comfortable ride I have ever had, with all the power you need and great handling.
I just picked up a 2013 and your review is quite accurate. I love everything about this bike and can't stay off of it.
A very well made review, the on-board one, and the walk-around. A TDM 900 rider for the last 10 yrs looking for a change, and i think you have sold me on this bike. It will do everything i want from a bike. Thanks Mark.
deltdm1 thanks very much del...you will love it ..its an amazing bike ..mark
Yeah I have a 2012 DL 650 and absolutely love it. Your on board review was spot on!
picking one up this week. thnx for the video
Great overview, just bought this bike 2 weeks ago. Absolutely love it and agree with what you say. Comfortable and fun to ride.
I just bought the 2015 V-strom 650 and wish I got it in red. I got the matte black and silver one and really really like that red. I also ride sport bikes and this is my first adventure bike and riding in an upright position. I have a 2014 GSXR 1000 and a 2005 GSXR 600 and I can't ride for more than an hour on either without pain. It's winter here in the US and I only rode this thing home from the dealer 2 weeks ago and winterized it until the weather gets better. I ride all year long usually but this winter is cold and we have snow everywhere. I can't wait to get some miles on this thing and make my own review. Great video by the way. It's made me even more excited to get out there and ride!
Owned mine for a year now , I bought it after doing months of research and reviews and after watching your other on board review I made my mind up and decided to buy one , It's a brilliant bike, probably the best bike I've ever had for doing everything on from commuting everyday fifteen miles each way, and then doing a couple of hundred miles at weekend , and the fuel consumption is amazing .As far as comfort goes it's all day comfortable and I'm looking forward to a trip round Ireland .Great review Cheers Mel
Great review. Had a 2006 and loved it.
I just got an L4, in part due to your thoughts on this. First ride after passing my test was 188 miles collecting it from Devon and riding back to Sussex. Thanks Mark! 😀
had previous one, made once 480kms on one tank which I think is impressive for this little fellow. Also rode once 900kms in one day, my arse was bit tired but to be honest after having dinner and rested for one hour I was ready again to jump on it :) loved it
Hi Mark, thanks for the great videos. Sorry to hear you swapped the V-strom for something more exotic because this should be the only machine you ever need. I have a 12 plate in white and 13k miles its still superb. I was riding 200 miles on a Monday morning to work in Glasgow most weeks last year. Rain, cold, wind and even sometimes sunshine this bike is great. Could do the trip without stopping because its so comfortable and plenty left in the tank. My tip is to bin the trail wings and fit battle wings, even better handling and cornering. Down side - the full beam light is too bright! Nothing else to complain about. Great ride around Bovi. Watch out for the Megatron. Mike
Love it. Just sold my ZX-6R and am picking up my DL650AL4 tomorrow. Everything you said, I agree with from my test ride.
Thanks Greg .... great choice 😊
love my vstrom
I cant wait to get mine!! Great Video Mark!!
Hi Mark your spot on with your appraisal of the Suzuki.. I've owned and ridden many different motorcycles in the 50 odd years in 'The Saddle'. My first ever Brand New bike is a V-StromXT. There are many similar, faster and vastly more expensive machines out there for the poser to flaunt their wealth on, or load up the credit card for. I rode BMW 1200 GS, TriumphXC and the 1000cc V-strom. The 650 Strom XT fully loaded was cheaper than the basic Trumpet XC, which I did not like, the ride was nothing special. I had ridden over from Loch Lomond on my old Kwaker GT550 G9 to Edinburgh to test out Trumpet. I was surprised how mundane the ride was, the 'fly by wire throttle had little feel, the indifferent brakes. The major annoyance was the whine from the straight cut primary gears it kicked out, the engine needs balance shafts keep the vibes in order. More trouble than the'er worth.! Rode home on the old comfy GT.. Next day I checked over a BMW GS, one look at the on the road price and the MPG convinced me to keep my wonger in he bank. The day after I rode over to Cupar in Fife to try out The 650 V-StromXT, I only took it for a short spin and I was hooked. Pound for pound its head and shoulders above the rest, cheaper! fantastic road holding, and amazing MPG, on the computer I average 65+ (if you keep the right hand under control). wot not to like ?
yes I agree one of the best all round bikes out there all the best mark
its a 650 but it feels like a 800
Really good video Mark. Would have loved to see a short ride-along but I suppose there are enough of those on TH-cam. Thanks for sharing!
Daniel Balfour see my other video for a ride on this bike David :)
here you go th-cam.com/users/edit?o=U&video_id=JlQRCIZyHXQ
Forgot to mention ..3 in portent specs I love ...and believe contribute greatly to the RIDE..1)LONG WHEEL BASE.62.5 "..3) OVER 6""WHEEL TRAVEL FRONT & REAR..3) HUGE POWER BAND
Getting mine on the 15th July and can't wait.
great stuff ..have fun :)
just bought one,2016 to replace my well loved transalp 600.will be keeping that as i cannot part with it,its been a great bike but as soon as i tested a strom i new it was time too change
Thanks for both reviews, it's one my short list for my next bike.
Cheers,
Loren Davis thanks ,im reluctantly selling this bike now if your in the uk :)
mark pulling I'm not :o(. I live in USA, Oregon
I have the same year, excellent machine
Hello Mark,
Thanks for your V Strom videos and review, also been a Sports bike rider for many years, however this V-Strom
is a different bike altogether, forget the price, but in comparison to other 'Adventure Bikes' the V-Strom delivers an amazingly comfortable ride and yet is isn't a slouch either.
Whether to commute daily to work or ride on weekends, one up or solo, this bike fits the bill for me.
I would say to anyone looking to buy an 'Adventure' style bike to at least test ride the Suzuki, you'll be impressed when it comes to, value, reliability, safety and comfort.
Although I am not into leaving the black stuff per say but here in Queensland Australia, our roads do more often then not require some off-road capability :) and the V-Strom delivers.
+lutz gollub Hi lutz ..thanks for the comment ,i do miss my vstrom its a great bike ,got a multistrada now :)..all the best mark.
Im going to be starting my bike test next year due to things happening this year but ive saw this bike and its a good solid bike and perfect for my height at 5ft 7 compared to the ones ive looked at
Jamie Wilden hope all goes well with getting one jamie ..youll love it
I got one coming soon waiting for voyager kit to be fitted.
I like your presentation it was very detailed better than the official test men
very good
Bill
Bill Nikolaou Thanks bill :)
welcome I am thinking to buy a new vstorm and your presentation was the best.
Great salesman, I want one now.
Great review Mark.. Thanks for sharing
Very nice bike . I must have one soon
Be good to see a follow-up re: long term review?
Hi Mark,
I have the same bike herein Istanbul / Turkey and I totally agree on all your comments. It is just a fantastic bike.
Just a quick question; Do you also experience a friction noise on the engine most probably arising from the clutch bearing when the clutch is not pressed? When you press the clutch, it is all over.
Meanwhile, both your videos are awesome. Thanks.
Emre Fidan Hi emre ,no sorry havnt heard that friction noise,my bike only has 3000 miles maybe thats why ,I know the noise you are talking about as I had a similar noise on a honda blackbird .It never really bothered me and I lived with it for 5000 miles :)...enjoy your vstrom regards mark
Great Video and informative as I am thinking of one of these.
dozerblade go for it dozer...you will love it !
mark pulling Well I went for a test ride today, really didn't want a blue one, but it was yes Blue, not to be put off I went for a long test ride and yes really liked it, back at the dealer did some sums and came home with a 2005 model with 9k on the clock, full service record. I have been out this afternoon and just done 65 miles and my left shoulder blade is aching so I need some handlebars to come back to me about 5 inches or as far as the clutch cable will allow, then I think getting it sprayed that nice orange and the bike will be great.
Great review! love the BIKE ,I'm trading my 400 burgman for one in the spring
You'll love it al !
its the best...
Great review. I'm 6'4" and sat on one today. Think it could be the bike for me. Bit surprised to see you are selling it though!?
Nic Hallam yep miss it alot,its a great bike but really wanted a ducati multistrada ...:)
good review, thankyou
Love the colour! Are you planning on putting an aftermarket exhaust on it? I see Scorpion do a lovely carbon one, sounds epic too!
***** Hi ,I generally fit aftermarket cans to sports bikes but on touring bikes I always leave them standard because I like the quietness when I tour long distances ...thanks mark
Ah, that's no fun ;) But I see your point! Enjoy it mate :)
How easy are the centre stands to pop the bike up on to the stand ? I am 5" 7 and tested the Wee Strom 650 and its a little too tippee toe and would do the lowering links.How is the screen on top level going? They are a easy bike to ride and turning around is a joy . They make a good all rounder , and with Australia , not all roads are smooth highways and lots of dirt roads out west . Suzuki has listened to owners and are bringing out spoke wheels on the 2015 650 model options . Both reviews were spot on and i think they may have a sale in 2015 with my name on it.
Roger Brown Hi roger ,im the same height as you and I find putting it on the centre stand no problem ,and the screen in its highest position is great im not changing it ....enjoy yours if you get one in aus :)
Here as well
Hi MarkLove your tests, so real world stuff and comments, I live in Melbourne Australia and are considering Triumph Tiger XRx but also the VStrom because they seem such good value for money. I saw your test also on the Tiger. Do you think they are worth the extra money over the Vstrom. My riding is mainly going to be touring with a bit of minor road / firetrail type stuff but not serious off road or desert etc.Look forwards to your comments.Cheers from Aus, lets not talk cricket.....
Hi trevor ...Both are brilliant value bikes here in the uk a new vstrom can be picked up for as little as £6000 the xr about £8000 or the higher spec xrx about £9000 ... if power is not too important to you then the vstrom is better value its still lots of fun but the tiger 800 has lots more power cruise control rider modes etc ...its a tricky choice try and demo both ...either way you won't go wrong ....all the best mark
I have the 2014 and have done 6k miles all around Iceland, tarmac and gravel.
Nice review, but ..... What about the seat ?, its the most horrid seat I on a bike I have owned, my but goes numb after 1.5 hours ride, 4+ hours ride is very hard.
Also, the fuel gayge is weird, it shows full until its just over 1/2, then all of a sudden the meter is blinking, saying its almost empty, still there is over 1/4 left.
Eirikur Kjartansson
Also ..... when ridden on the motorway over 6k rpm ..... it uses alot of gas, I get 36 mpg.
The motor is very nice up to 150 km per hour, but after that is dead slow.
Eirikur Kjartansson Hi eirikur,yes the seat isnt brilliant but not the worst ive had,with mine i found every half hour i had to shift around abit then I was ok ,i found i was getting an average of 65 mpg from mine and yes fuel guages do have that nasty habit of showing empty early my multistradas fuel light comes on with with about 80 miles to go ! ... all the best mark
If you were to keep the bike forever fjr or dl650. Why? Mariusz from Exeter
great bike mark. but then you have to buy all the add ons .
Neil Widdison yes i know wish they would include them as standard :)
Hi Mark, how do you find the seat height as you say you are 5ft 8 ? Do you have your bike lowered a bit as you can see the forks are about 1 inch above the top triple clamp.
hi mark great video im thingkin off to get one. because this the the only affordable bike which abs as standard. my question is. im 5ft 7. if i lowered it wont it chang the original setting, any kit for lowering the bike
+Adam Suffian Bin Ali Hi adam you get the lowering links off ebay for 30mm drop £30 ish then you drop the forks through the yokes about 10 mm ..it makes no noticable difference to the bikes settings ..all the best mark
Hi again Mark how easy was it to bring the forks through 20mm of the triple clamp ?did you place the bike on the centre stand to take the weight of the front ?.regards Richard 👍
Hi Richard yes it's easy ...on the centre stand and slowly undo the triple clamp bolts ...I may have also put a jack or some blocks of wood under the belly pan just in case they went shooting up through ! But they didn't ...quite an easy job if i remember cheers mark
Nice looking bike. Btw do u have an opinion on the Honda CB500X ?
MENSFORTHHILL99 It looks nice ,good value for money ,typical honda build quality...less power than a vstrom,more of a fun commuter in my opinion ,the vstrom would be better for touring ...nc700 is more vstrom equivalent ....thanks mark
Thanks for the reply. Happy & safe riding to you!
Why is it every video I watch on the V-Strom has a dude from UK doing the review. English Anyone ? Tea Anyone ? Not trying to be cheeky or anything.
Any way, Nice video.
Hi Mark as the bike was lowered did you have to cut down the side stand .?.regards Rich
Hi Richard ...no it worked out fine with the lean angle ...no cutting needed :)
hi Mark, if person is only 5'5" would it be a problem to enjoy this bike? thanks
hi you would definitely need it lowered ..its not too heavy I think youll be ok ..its an easy bike to ride .All the best mark
Hi Mark, did you ever test ride the new vstrom 1000?
+TheSteps62 hi yes i did but i prefered the 650 ,just found it to be a nicer engine alot of people on the forums recon the same too ..all the best mark.
Groundclearance is low ..........We need 220+mm. up
Hi, what make and model are the handguards?
golbis hi they are the Suzuki ones
mark pulling Thanks!
Love my bike but the seat is harder than rock. .having seat fixed
Are there helmet hooks under the seat ?
Yes there are on both sides.