I don't own v strom, l have an 800cc Suzuki cruiser 2008 model, looking to buy a v strom 650 or 1000 .I have tried th e m both from local dealer, l think the 650 will be quick enough for me, looks good have good rep, is a bit tall for me as l am only 5.10 but this looks good as a replacement for the cruiser. Will look for someone to buy my cruised as the dealer is not keen to trade .Why ? Bike perfect with 17000 ks but that's the way dealers are

Maybe that should be safe, responsive and fast! Returning to riding after 25 year break and been riding the 2012 DL650A V-Strom for 12 months now - hugely reliable, nimble in city traffic and smooth on country roads best bike I've ever owned.

On my third 'Strom, put over 180 000 kms, 50 000 off pavement, from Labardor, Canada to Honduras, Central America - twice. Not one problem. I've owned BMW's and other bikes. The DL 650 isn't a perfect bike, but it's the perfect bike for me. I'd also add that every model improvement addressed the minor issues with the model before - and the new 2018 model seems to be the best of all . . .

97,000km mostly on dirt and still going strong. Front sprocket one tooth bigger is perfect for me. I give it a hard time every time. Replaced sprocket seal due to dirt riding. Got some dirty juice and had to dismantle fuel pump to flush it out. Did it myself, carefully! Not planning to replace it anytime soon as engine still quiet and doesn't use oil. Half price of anything comparable, but I haven't been passed by one yet!

Great for road use, handles well, good on fuel, comfortable on long trips, plenty of power for the size. I found the 650 was a better ride than the 1000..
Bad pionts, ABS in my opinion is dangerous on dirt or gravel roads and the rims are increadably soft. I wrote both back and front rims off by simply riding down a gravel road (bike hasn't even done 1000klm's) Suzuki also don't like paying up for waranties. Other than that the bike is a great ride.
comfort, fuel economy,
ABS brakes, rims, Sukuki waranty claims

Had my wee storm since new in 2007. It has done it all from commuting, touring and the bush. Fuel economy is excellent and riding position good. I have added crash bars, hand protection and heated gripes. Mine has just hit 40,000 kms with no mechanical or electrical issues.

I changed the windscreen for a smaller unit to reduce buffeting and increased the front sprocket by one tooth. The bike is so good that I can't bring myself to upgrade. I have dropped it in the bush a couple of times at low speed with no problems.
Price, reliable, parts availability.
Windscreen buffeting

I have now done 7000ks on my 2012 vstrom 650 including more the 600ks in a day more than once. I have had many large touring bikes over the last 47 years including a Goldwing and the previous model vstrom 1000 and I can say with authority the 2012 650 vstrom is a very special machine.
Bullet proof handling comfort and reliability.

Got my 2012 model at a bargain price and couldnt believe my luck ... ive been in the biking scene forever and had hundreds of bikes and this is "the" best all round bike ive ever had [ it really is that good ] it handles, comfortable [ one and two up ] smooth with no vibes, excellent on fuel, ..went touring around norther france and then camping up scotland ..it just did everything with ease ...i love it ..

Services every 3,500mls is a pain

One great bike! I have bought the 2008 model with ABS. Its very economical, seating position is very comfortable. I have put 62,000Km in 2 years, riding from sunny days to freezing cold thunderstorm, never let me down. The ABS kicks in when needed, giving some feedback to your left foot (rear brake) and generally you can just feel it acting, this is good as it gives you a sense of how much to modulate braking. It is incredibly stable, I have hit pot holes while leaning on a corner and it just kept going, as if nothing had happened.
Just about everything.
The screen could be a little bit better, mounting get noisy after a while.

I purchased a non abs model new in 2008 and have been completely happy with the bikes performance. Have toured throughout NSW and it is a hoot on Thunderbolts Way with its excellent ground clearance in corners and strong engine. The bike has been fitted with Hepco and Becker engine bars and centre stand, together with a givi top box and suzuki hand guards to to improve touring performance. Highly recommended if you cannot afford a BMW GS1200.
Fabulous engine, very comfortable riding position, economical and heap of accessories available to enhance touring
Should come with a centre stand and have found access to airfilter is difficult.

Love my bike and owned it for 18 months now and done 30,000km on it.If i had to replace it I would struggle to pick anything else. I run Michelin Road Pilot 2 tyres on mine and still travel dirt roads. I also commute 100km every day I have to go into the office with the bike and it has never missed a beat. Got nearly 25,000km out of last back tyre.
Great all round bike.cheap to run fun to ride anywhere. Good riding position. Very good screen when set up properly. Great headlights for night riding.
Seat is to wide, very top heavy they should take a hint from BMW and put the tank under the seat. Lots of plastic very easily damaged. Screen could be a hole lot easier to adjust with some thought from Suzuki