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SMTAU
- 13 reviews
- Verified purchase
Simple and reliable
As a returning rider I decided to get the Suzuki VStrom 650. It has all the possible extras and is in a good shape. The bike does everything I ask for effortlessly.
Purchased in December 2021.
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WillberforceHamilton, NZ
- 7 reviews
Practical Jack of all trades
I bought my 2016 DL650XT ABS 2nd hand May 2022 with 20,000 kms on the clock.
I have added Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires which are a little noisy on smooth asphalt but great on dirt and gravel roads. They are actually quite good grip on roads too.
The bike goes well and handles better than I ever imagined it would. My longest day riding so far has been 740kms and I had a sore butt at the end of this. I have just completed a 3600kms trip down to Invercargill to the Burt Munro rally and she went like clock work.
I'm getting 22.9 km per litre
I think it might need the throttle bodies synchronized now so will get this looked at shortly.
I have modified the ABS system so I can switch off for gravel roads, works perfectly.
Purchased in May 2021 for $9,000.00.
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Almost perfect except...
I purchased the 2017 DL650xt version so that I could explore the countryside off road. This bike has been great. It keeps up with anything on the road, is nimble and has great acceleration even fully laden with bags. I no longer have range anxiety as it has a range of at least 400km, more than all bikes I ride with.
It has a couple of faults, its obviously heavy and will never keep up with lighter off road bikes. Its biggest fault however is not being able to turn off the ABS. Whilst this has not been a problem till now, I recently nearly me...Read more
Purchased in November 2021 at Dss red baron lower hutt for $14,000.00.
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Find out how Suzuki V-Strom 650 compares to other Enduro Bikes
Know better, choose better.
Greed gets you in trouble this bike gets you there
Purchased the first Suzuki 4 stroke GS750 after years of Hondas and was hooked. My 650 vstrom abs 2012 is without doubt the best money can buy. Its seat was a pain in the butt so found a site on the web instructing how to make your own on the standard base and now a brilliant seat. Lift the screen to its top position as cruising is a breeze. We travel two up most of the time and it is loaded down to the gun rails yet it barely notices it. The victorian alps loop over Falls Creek is a blast and the only difference from cruising is using more rev...Read more
s and heavy engine braking. This engine excels at this. Most servicing is a breeze except the engine valve shims. It can take 4 hrs to do as it takes so much time to get at them . Checked them twice in 55,000 k and still original shins. I am not looking forward when they do need adjusting as it will add on another hr or so, still most riders today never touch there own engines so not an issue for them. The Trail Wing tyres are perfect and hold at full tilt but deadly on clay base gravel roads when wet as they literally become slicks. The abs is brilliant and in 48 yrs of riding motorcycles this is the first one l have had the courage to brake into a corner apex without any fear of losing the front end, don't try that on dirt though. The height of the seat is a watch out, as even at 5' 10'' l had to put thicker soles on my boots to get better leg spread when still or unloaded. It on a cambered surface it can give you a bit of a fright when you feel no road under your foot when you expected it. Anybody wanting more power will only be able to use it in a straight line and in the curves will only be able to keep up with the Suzuki and spending more on a bike is in my opinion a misplaced ego trip. Well done Suzuki on this gem.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
paracinSydney, NSW
- 30 reviews
Simply perfect for may needs
Just as the previous reviewer, this is the best bike I had in nearly 40 years of riding. Disregard my suggested areas for improvements that will give it features of a $20K bike - at the price, it is simply brilliant.
Overall impression:
• Power is more than adequate for one-up touring.
• Fuel economy and range - according to my Fuelly database, I'm averaging 3.9L per 100km. That means that I regularly get 450km per tank, with some reserve left.(My previous bike RF900R was getting 180-220km).
• Instrumentation is modern and informative.
• S...Read more
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Jason HAU
Top Bike love it
Talk to anyone that knows bikes about the V Strom and you will only hear things like bulletproof reliable dependable handles well and It’s all true.
They tick all the boxes. Very good on the road and soft off road work.
I was going to use this bike as a stepping stone to a BMW 1200 GS but pretty sure I will stay with the 650 V Strom maybe the 1000 V Strom one day if they ever come out with cruise control.
If you’re thinking about this bike just get it at worst sell it and get your money back as they hold there value.
As they have been a...Read more
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aussie-riderSydney Surrounds, NSW
- 25 reviews
- Verified purchase
Best bike I've ever owned.
I bought my V-Strom 650-XT in November 2016, after a quick test ride, only to see why the V-Strom is so popular.
I love the bike even more now than I did back then & this is why:
*Very comfortable for long distances (have done multiple 850km/12hr rides with no discomfort)
*Handles surprisingly well for such a tall/kinda heavy bike (have managed to keep up with multiple sport bikes in corners) & when fully load handling is not at all affected.
*A rather good amount of torque for its displacement.
*Decent fuel economy (I avg 3.9-4.2L/100km general riding, 4.6L with full touring kit fitted & 5L offroading) ...Read more
*Suprising off-road performance/handling for a road based ADV bike (though I do have MITAS E-07's fitted), I do take it on 4-WD only tracks where it honestly shouldn't go but the Strom always makes it! *Typical butter-smooth Suzuki gear-box. *Tubeless spoked rims I have added a fair amount of accessories, mostly luggage & off-road protection kit. Coming up on 2-years & 16,500km of ownership, with many adventures ridden, I can wholeheartedly recommend the DL-650 to any rider, looking for a comfortable, inexpensive, reliable, do-it-all motorcycle. It may not be the best looking bike, but it certainly is one of the best that you can buy.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
RobNSW, 2620
- 3 reviews
650 V Strom, 2006 model
Fantastic bike. Maybe not the most eye catching bike around but these are brilliant all rounders. Ugliest bike Ive had, but by the far best after 40 years of bike riding. There are 18 others in the garage, but the Strom is the best. Ive found it to be very reliable, easy to service, parts are cheap and available, and for $265 reg in NSW a year its a bargain commuter.
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richard bullockCAIRNS
- 9 reviews
- 2 likes
A good example of a well thought out product
Purchased a 2017 vstrom 650xt with 1600km on the clock a month ago.Previously i had done a lot of research on mid range motorcycles, and this seemed to be the machine for me.
So far i have travelled 2000km,and it has exceeded my expectations, i am delighted with it.It is very easy and user friendly to ride,i use it for touring,as well as around town commuting,ect.
The controls,instrumentation, even down to the mirrors, are well thought out and practical. The seating,for driver,and pillion, is comfortable, and a good riding position, eliminates fatigue.Power,and handling,are good,it feels very sure footed and predictable, one feels really confident,when riding this bike.
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Find out how Suzuki V-Strom 650 compares to other Enduro Bikes
Know better, choose better.
Bobby Downing
- 18 reviews
- 2 likes
Solid and (reasonably) dependable
This is my 3rd bike and my first Fuel injected machine. I purchased this bike second hand and for the most part it behaves like a new bike, typical Suzuki strong and reliable.
My only complaint would be the MY2007 (K7) non-ABS model does seem to have a known issue with Throttle Position Sensor wear at around 25000km+ (depending on how the bike is ridden) so if you spend lots of time commuting at city speeds you can expect to have to spend a little money replacing a ~$110 part plus labor.
Otherwise an all round good bike, part Street, part Dirt. all Fun. As you can expect its not Hyabusa on the road nor is it a DRZ in the dirt however with the correct application of tyres and will this bike will take you most anywhere.
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jakeBlacktown
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
Cant live without my baby
I love this item. and enjoy using it, it has endless amounts of power.
My son also loves riding it with me, he enjoys the back, while I like to ride up front
it's a great investment and well worth purchasing.
Thanks Suzuki for the great item and a wonderful ride.
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Chadsydney
- 4 reviews
- 6 likes
Good all Round Bike
I have purchased this bike around 4 months ago and have ridden it 10,000km since then.
The pros:
All round this bike is great. In terms of comfort, the seat is plush and the riding position upright. You can ride several hundred km's on it with no worries. The adjustable front and rear suspension makes it easy to tailor the bike to your weight. fuel economy is ~4.5L/100km on the highway and ~5.5L/100km city riding. Engine is my favourite part of this bike, the 650cc EFI V-twin makes great power all through the rev range and had enough horsepow...Read more
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KenNewcastle
- 9 reviews
great bike
purchased for dual rides, Wife enjoys being on the back, more comfortable than the old bmw k1100 lt (had poor seat)
Tyre's a bit dear as they are not a common size, (500-600). Going to risk some Shinko e 705 for 350.
Bike is tall and on the heavier side. Had an issues with lights wiring.
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BevoWangi Wangi
- 10 reviews
What a great bike
Bought my bike new in April 2007 and just sold it about 6 months ago - should have done a review before now .... it was such a wonderful bike
I rode mainly on the road, although the bike was quite capable in basic rough going - I am not a dirt rider, and not confident there, so would not have done the bike justice
Did some 1000km days on the bike and pretty relaxed at the end of the day - so seat comfort quite good although I did add a sheep skin cover and also tried an Air Hawk at times for longer rides.
The performance was excellent and fu...Read more
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Jacob C.West Footscray, VIC
- 8 reviews
- 3 likes
Rode it across Australia - no worries!
Had the bike for over a year now. Managed to do over 30000km in that time. It's super reliable and super simple so when things do need fixing it's generally quite easy. The bike has plenty of power to ride 2-up in any situation and also has plenty of space to strap on weeks worth of luggage. Would recommend.
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Find out how Suzuki V-Strom 650 compares to other Enduro Bikes
Know better, choose better.
HelgoBusselton WA
- 3 reviews
Pretty good,reliable,economical to run,all rounder.
Bought the bike as a all round tourer when I rekindled my love with motorbikes and I am pretty happy with her,can go where the noisemaking Harley's can't.Not the most attractive looking bike but I am also not the most attractive looking bloke.But we both get serviced regularly.
Can keep up with all my mate's in my motorcycle club,have a huge range of 400 km plus,per tank.When riding conservatively,I get away with less than 5 l a 100 km.Done more than 70 000 km,never missed a beat,just changed chain and sprockets at 55 000 km,still got the orig...Read more
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tdphillipsMetropolitan Adelaide, SA
- 15 reviews
Impressive bike
Bought a 2012 650 strom in 2014, has nearly 60k on it now, used for touring, dirt roads, tracks, spirited twisty blacktop and has been a satisfying problem free ride, I mean zero problems, nothing, runs perfectly. For a 650 it never feels lacking in power, has good torque at low revs and nice power up to the redline to keep it fun, very smooth engine and sounds good with a pipe. Not the most attractive looking machine, makes up for it though in delivering a great ride over many different road surfaces. There are heaps of mods and information av...Read more
ailable too, and they are quite cheap to buy used. I don't think you could go wrong with one of these bikes, makes changing to something else hard to justify. it's easy to service yourself, no fancy oil needed, however the owners manual has not been changed from the earlier model, no need to change the iridium plugs at 12k kms.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Gotta love it !
Just picked up my 2016 vstrom 650 XT and am very, very impressed. Did a lot of research before purchasing and the bike has lived up to every accolade it has received in numerous reviews I had read . Power, comfort, features, fuel economy... the list goes on . I have no doubt I have found the perfect all rounder and at a price that is hard to beat or match compared to other makes and models on the market . I now know why Suzuki have sold a squillion of these around the globe !
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The best bike EVER!!!!
I purchased my Suzuki V-Strom in December 2009 and just yesterday I clocked 200,000 km. Yes, that is correct and I have a picture to prove it.
I live in Gembrook, Victoria and I ride to/from work in Melbourne CBD “EVERY DAY” no matter the weather (150 km return trip).
I started to work in Melbourne CBD in January 2010 and I didn’t want to take public transport to go to/from work. I always had motorbikes and I thought that it was going to be a great idea to ride a motorbike to/from work so I can save time and enjoy my passion.
The cha...Read more
llenge was to find a reliable motorbike that could last long enough to make this economical and safe. After a lot or research I decided to buy a Suzuki V-Strom from “Peter Stevens” dealer in Dandenong – Victoria. To cut a long story short, after 6 and a half years of riding almost 150 km every day (return trip) I can say that this is the BEST MOTORBIKE EVER!!!!Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
SteveSydney Surrounds, NSW
- 6 reviews
- 8 likes
Great Ride & Bang For Your Buck
Was looking around for a medium sized bike that was capable of touring plus good around town.
Test rode a BMW F800GS and must say was very disappointed with it's performance on the tar.
Decided to take a look at the V Strom 650 - now I can see why they have such great reviews!
Comfortable, fun to ride, smooth acceleration & the 650 V Twin is a punchie little motor.
Haven't done any big trips yet but It seems like it would gobble up the K's no worries.
And the price... 4k cheaper than the BMW and in my opinion a much nicer bike to ride.
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Questions & Answers
Jack casked
I ride a vstrom 650xt 2018 and I am want to put a slip on aftermarket exhaust, I don't want it overly loud and give a me a headache cruising at 100ks I like a deep note any suggestions
No answers
Jack casked
I need help guys I own a 650xt 2018 and my misses finds the passenger seat very uncomfortable, I don’t mind my seat so what are the options what have you guys done, I was considering getting a passenger air hawk cushion or a complete touring seat which won’t be cheap or get my standard seat redone, and if none of those work maybe just change the misses.
Alan M.asked
What is the ABS system like on dirt roads and steep inclines. Thanks Al.
4 answers
Not bad on dirt roads, its not intrusive and you don't really notice the ABS. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for steep inclines when going downhill on gravel. I have had a couple of scares on gravel which has caused me to lose confidence when descending and I tend to be a bit more cautious these days - probably a good thing. The bike is a 2017 XT version fitted with Shinko 805's which are great for gravel though can be slippery in wet and smooth conditions. .. Nick
Thanks for that Nick, I am using Heidenau Scouts on my F650 GS which are brilliant on both surfaces. I need to upgrade my bike but don't like the idea of ABS on our mountain dirt roads. Someone has suggested, tongue in cheek, that I would only need to remove the ABS fuse. Food for thought. cheers Al.
I have had issues on steeper gravel roads once and so I made the modification found on vstrom.info website. https://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,8792.0.html
It took about 2-3 hours to do it properly and mount a handlebar switch. The cost was about $10 all up. I can switch on/off on the fly at any speed. The ABS light will come on when switched off and go off when switched back on. It works perfectly. I found that placing the switch on the left side of the handlebar worked best as your left hand is generally freer than right hand to operate the switch on the go.
I'm using Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres. They are really a great tire for the V-Strom, grippy on road and pretty damn good on gravel inspiring confidence. Not fantastic on soft sand though.
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