Suzuki V strom 650

[Marcg868]

Well tell me about them. Was ooogling one at the lights and i really like the look of them. How are they to own? What sort of mpg we talking? And would they be good for commuting each and every day and also for a weekend pootle?
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JACK, MISS YOU LOADS YOU LEGEND.

[MarJay]

They have the SV650 engine, so they are basically a tall SV650 with better weather protection as far as I know. Not as well regarded as the Kawasaky Versys though, and not as pretty IMO.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[colicabcadam]

flat power band, good low down, not much power up top, fairly heavy, 45mpg in town, maybe 60mpg on a run, basic suspension, very nice riding posistion
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my rides ---->> https://img406.imageshack.us/img406/5051/ktmaudiducati2.jpg

[bencav]

I have a DL650 - love the thing!!

Never seen less than 50mpg unless two up with luggage, even then, it only drops a small amount if ridden at 90mph for a while.

Suspension is a tad soft, £200 for uprated Hyperpro springs helps lots!

Granted, its never going to beat a sports/super bike, but expecting it too would be missing the point - It is comfy for all day riding, decent in any weather, dirt cheap to buy and maintain, and above all else, very reliable if taken care of.

Customised bits (peg lowerers, sat nav mounts, screen mounts, suspension rising/lowering bones.. etc) are available ten-a-penny from the USA so the bike can be made to be just right!

Weight wise - yeah it is heavy in comparison to a R1, but unless you are a bit of a queen, they are fine! I am happy to paddle mine about with a 2 inch suspension lift at the back, 2 up with 3 piece luggage without any drama or concern.

Power wise - solo, and with the right use of the gearbox and wrist, it doent suffer at all, just have to use the torque of the V-twin to your advantage. Anyone coming from IL4 sporty number will probably find it like a bag of shit, but riden properly they are great fun! Its the same basic design engine as the SV650, but tuned totally differently! The new DL650 has the gladius engine in it, again, tuned to be more dual sport orientated. 2-up, the DL1000 wins here! I cant imagine a fully loaded 650 of any type would be great 2-up?!?!

On the Versys -v- V-Strom debate - its horses for courses, I find the Versys too similar to the ER6 ride wise, and the stupid sodding underslung exhaust is the daftest bit of dual sport design going!! The front light also looks like a cats arsehole, but then the Vstrom aint an oil painting either!!

If you want to go off road, forget it on either! The 17 inch front wheel on the versys, and silly exhaust location lets it down, the Strom suffers in the suspension deprartment! I take the strom on trails and gravel paths, but nothing more!

As for a commuting goes - they are perfect - the tall rising positiion is great in traffic! Only thing to be careful of is the width - care is needed when filtering!!

If you need any more info, feel free to pop a PM my way!!

[Knightsy]

[Clanger]

[kiddakidda]

Great Suzuki V Twin Engine, The newer version that is in the Gladius is smooth and quick. Pretty sure they put them in the new V Stroms as well.

I used to get 55-60 mpg out of my Gladius, the V Strom's a bit heavier though.
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Suzuki SFV 650 (Gladdy) > Triumph Street Triple R

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[Clanger]

[bencav]

Which year is your Versys? I rode an early model - wonder if they have changed the state of tune on them?

It is hard for me to compare the two directly to be fair, it was a few months between the test rides, but I fell in love with the Vstrom, where the versys just impressed me! The beauty of diversity eh - it would be boring if we all liked the same bikes

I would be happy to own either one really - Infact, I think I will go versys next time, as I really dont like the styling of the new 2012 vstrom.

[Clanger]

[bencav]

Now there is a point we can agree wholeheartedly on - the strom is a much bulkier bike. At 6'4 I find it great, but my old man really struggles at 5'10!

I have the extra high seat on the bike which gives me plenty of legroom, but makes the bike rideable only by us freakishly tall people!!

I dont find the weight a problem at all. With full luggage and tankbag full to the brim, and riding 2-up, you have to keep aware of the highup weight, but otherwise I manage it fine. Tis a twat to pick up if it has a little sideways rest though!

Sounds like you and the versys are well suited

[Clanger]

[Marcg868]

Well i like the look off both bikes. Which would be better suited for someone at 6ft and quite slim?
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JACK, MISS YOU LOADS YOU LEGEND.

[Knightsy]

[bencav]

[chris-red]

It's a shit TDM that will Rot and has an ugly Back end. HTH
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[Reppyboyo]

Well this certainly turned into an interesting debate for me.

Looking at buying a vstrom or versys soon but can't decide between.
Owned a versys previously and loved it so tempted to go back again.

[LeeR]

I bought a new DL650 in April trading my old DL1000 for the new 2012 model (with the Gladdius engine); I went for the Adventure pack, which added a top-box, centre stand, hand-guards, tank pad, utility/engine bars, and touring screen. I also bought the higher seat, and had heated grips and a Scotoiler fitted. I find the suspension is okay, and just about adjustable enough, though if I get around to it I'll probably upgrade it.

So far I've covered 4,500 miles and it returns 65-70mpg that's mostly motorway riding between Gloucester and Avonmouth, it's a perfect bike as far as I'm concerned, quick enough, great weather protection, comfortable, and all-round a much more sorted machine than the DL1000, my only criticism is it's not a litre bike and just doesn't have the power at the top end, but I'm learning to accomodate that, especially as it's currently saving me around £100/month in fuel.

Ask your local dealer for a test ride on the bikes your interested in and, see what you think.
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My claim to fame: Austin Vince nicked my pen...

[Clanger]

For those of you with a conundrum, I suggest you take both out for a long test ride, then make a list of the pro's and con's to both, and make your decision based on which suits you best.
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[Biker Mo]

I managed to have a quick test ride of a friends dl650...cant believe how comfortable they are!!! so in light of this ive decided to sell my 01 zx6r to fund me a purchase of one hopefully towards the end of the year/early next year just gotta get my arse into gear and give the zx6r a wash and service then its off to ebay she goes

[cyberglass]

ive owned one for a few years now and its never missed a beat hard riding can see 30mpg normal around 45-50. first thing you wanna do is throw some anakee 2 tyres on it they transform the bike.

as a commuter its great nice high seating position so you can see through traffic and get a good view of the road ahead.

the weight isnt really an issue as soon as its moving its light as a feather and you can easily do full lock turns at slow speed or jam the peg into the deck on the bends when upping the pace.

the 650 engine is nice and torquey lower down in the revs and it will sit at 80 all day long without any effort or fatigue on your part as the front screen keeps the.

all in all i love mine and could never get rid of her i even prefer it to my R1
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DL650 Vstrom 2004
DRZ400S 2003
Yamaha R1 2005

[Englishman]