It’s a little rainy, today. So I thought I would put together a report–my observations and experience with the V-Strom DL650–my new motorcycle.
You can download and read the full report here. I have taken the time to create a PDF document that you can read online or print and take with you.–DBrent
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Brent, I just purchased the exact same bike. I’m in total agreement with your observations. Fantastic bike. If you’re ever up in Michigan’s U.P. and want a riding partner, drop me an Email. -Jim
Alright, youve convinced me… been lurking far too long and hung up on the 1 liter thing. Lemme see, where is the nearest Suzook dealer! Off the fence.
Larry
Brent I haven’t finished reading the article but I had to say a few things now. 1) I ran into someone who has the V-Strom 1000 and felt he’d made a mistake and should have purchased the 650 after havng ridden a friend’s 650. He claims the 650 is a whole ‘nother bike compared to the 1000cc. 2) I agree with your review–so far. Although my inseam is longer than yours I’m shorter and that bike is just too tall and top heavy because of how I sit in it. Were it not too tall I could get that bike! It is priced perfectly–IMHO. 3) I’m glad you’ve worked through the litre thing. It’s so evident that you’re having fun with the “Bee.”
Mr. Miller,
I just wanted to say thank you for your review of the DL 650. My first motorcycle was an SV650 in 1999. I sold that and purchased a honda shadow sabre, for pretty much the same reasons you purchased your shadow. After 3 years I was also thinking my backside needed something better for a long ride. I heard about people sport touring on the SV 1000s, so I bought one of those. I realized that no matter how much after-market improvement I put into it, I would never be able to stand it for more than an 1&1/2 to 2 hours. While I was waiting to sell it, I was struck by a deer, and totalled the bike. I have been wracking my brains over which bike to get, and I just put a deposit on a yellow ‘08 DL650 today. I can’t wait to get going on it. I even ordered the aluminum panniers from touratech. I doubt I’ll ever do something as crazy as Ewan McGregor & Charlie Boorman, but I think I’m purchasing a bike that would allow me to go to my limits.
Thanks again. Your review was very helpful!
Rob Fox
Brent,
I just read your excellent review of the DL650 VSTROM… some interestein parallels in our experiencse…. I am looking to buy the exact same bike, though I have not ridden one yet. I also have ridden cruisers - I had a 2003 Shadow exactly like yours!! I now have a VTX 1800, and call me crazy, but I am looking to downsize, get better fuel economy and more flexibility. I am concerned about the 650’s abilities riding 2-up.. The wife and I ride about once every couple weeks in the summer (she is literally a fair weather passenger.) These are day trips, usually on level ground, though we may want to explore the mountains (Cascades or coast range, Oregon. ) It is interesting that all of the posts I have read by owners of the 650 who have ridden 2 up say it does fine, those who don’t say I should consider the DL1000, as do the DL 1000 owners. I weigh about 190 lbs, wife about 135 ( a guess.;) According to the speed tests and carrying capacity, the 650 should do fine with 2 up riding. Also, I see that it is just a hair slower than the VTX 1800 in both 0 to 60 and 1/4 mile speed -amazing!
I have not ridden anything but pavement for the past 8 years - though I had a 1967 BSA 441 Victor in college…(I am your age, btw…) Piece of crap re: reliablity, though worth a mint today (like that Goldwing you had! - the Wing was likely WAY more reliable than my BSA was…)
I also wonder about the bar placement. I have only ridden cruisers for the past few years, and I wonder if the bars may be a bit of stretch for me - I am also 5′10″, with 31″ sleeve, I think….I get what you say about cruiser seat attitude. My VTX is a bit uncomfortable after about 100 miles… though I found the Shadow to be more comfortable…
Cost is somewhat of a factor, though not critical. I am more concerned with overall operating cost, as well as resale value (which appears to be way better on the 650 than most cruisers.)
Thanks for your post…. looking forward to your reply
John, my wife has not ridden on the DL650 yet, so I can’t help you with a personal experience. She has sat on the back (during the research process) and said it was more comfortable than the Shadow.
As I read reports from riders who are riding two-up, I was very impressed. Owners are riding these things all over the Americas two-up without any issues, including Alaska to Terra del Fuego trips.
It was not difficult getting used to the riding position. In fact, some of my riding buddies have been anxious to swap bikes for a few miles because they have read so much about the V-Strom. I have found it uncomfortable to go back to a cruiser! Frankly, the bike has been the most fun and stable motorcycle I have ever owned. AND IT GETS 60 MPG!
Brent
Well, I have the same bike, same color and almost the same riding style. After just over 4k miles, I have to agree with everything you have said and then some. I am heavier than you by about 65 lbs and that means a new shock and spring is in the works, but other than the effect that has had on handling, I have no real complaints. It runs, gets 60 mpg or more under ideal conditions and with a 17 tooth front cog it will cruise at an indicated 60 (about 55 true) at 3900 rpm. 6th gear becomes a true overdrive to make 70 mph (true) occur at 5000 rpm. The package just works. Kudos Suzuki!
UPDATE:
Thank you to those who have commented above and the many, many more who have written to ask questions or reinforce what many have learned–that the Suzuki V-Strom DL650 is one fantastic bike.
I received yet another e-mail today asking about the bike’s touring capabilities. You don’t have to read too far, here or elsewhere, to know that this bike tours like a champ.
In my reply, I included this: “My ‘liter-bike ego issues’ are no longer an issue.” This bike is a joy to ride and very capable of going to the ends of the earth!
Take care. Ride safe.
Brent
My brother and I covered 5,000 camping miles last summer throughout the midwest (he from Des Moines, me from Portland) on 2006 DL650s. They are close to perfect!
Karl