A REVIEW ON A SUZUKI DL 650 VSTROM 2018 MODEL Kindly loaned by crescent suzuki uk PLEASE LIKE SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE THANKS :) Any donations greatly appreciated to help me fund these reviews www.paypal.me/markpulling
I have a 2019 vstrom. I'm 5'7 so I swapped out the seat for a low seat . Drops the height to 815mm. Now I can flat foot with one foot and on the ball of my foot with the other. No problems at all. I love it!
I owned two SV650s in the past, and I really love that this engine is still around, it is a spectacular engine to ride with. A 650 V-Strom will probably get into my stable in the future, I really miss that engine.
Thanks for the review. Very useful for me. Just bought one, wont get it until 10 days. Glad you mentioned about the lowering capability. It sounds like I've bought the correct first adventure bike. Thanks Mark. :)
Bought a brand new 2019 650xt model in may this year and have covered over 7000 miles since, and just love this bike. Recently had heated grips fitted plus bought it with a lower seat option, suzuki flip up screen, crash bars and a main stand, plus carrier and top box which has been brilliant for commuting and touring. Overall an excellent machine.
You prolly dont care at all but does any of you know a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid lost the password. I would love any tricks you can give me.
@Xavier Graysen i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.
Trade my Gs 1200, reliability issues for a v strom 650, not missed the Gs at all , done loads touring on 650 , 2 up a couple times , trust me it’s all the bike you will ever need and I know it won’t give me any real issues reliability wise and half the price of Gs if not more.... get one
mark pulling got nothing against Gs bikes but personally for the money you pay I’d expect more in build quality, I just don’t buy into all the hype advertising
I sold my R1200GS last week and put in an order for a 2019 650XT - Looking forward to learning about the bike and the community that's so passionate about them...
Bought mine yesterday, on a whim really, looking for a cheap adventure bike that didnt break the bank. I've only ridden 70 miles so far but concur with everything you have said, a great all rounder that doesn't excel in anything but is capable at most things. Nice review.
Brilliant review, Mark! Love all the small details you tend to include. I’m a returning rider after several years off. Was shopping for a Honda CBX when I spotted a new 19 VStom 650XT Touring a couple bikes down fort the same price as a base CBX. No brainer! You’re review helped to ease any buyers remorse. It rides as you say..planted, well balanced, spot on fueling...not top heavy at all. Thanks!!
@@Apollyon67 Hey Mark...to be honest, I sold her in September. Loved lots about it but the seat to peg ratio was causing hip cramps about 45 min into ride. Never had that before. I lowered the pegs, helped a little and was going for the tall saddle but a friend of mine made an offer on it that i couldn't refuse. He was retired military and plenty of time to ride. He has put over 10K miles on her traveling about the states. I think I'm back to the CBX or NCX for the next adventure. Thanks! Hope all is well
Fantastic bike. 43000 miles so far on my 14 vstrom. Brilliant bike for 120 mile daily commute and even so me European touring. Looking at the new(er) one this year.
I really like the look of these 650 Vstroms. Seems like a very well thought out no bullshit bike. I notice that here in Australia most of those available second hand have done much higher than usual miles which suggests that they are the type of bike people buy to actually get out on and see the country. I have a CB500X which I love but I would love to try this bike at some stage.
Your reviews have confirmed to me that the V Strom is the right bike for me.I’m 53 and new to the bigger bikes.Watched your review on the previous model as well....cracking job.I live on the west coast of Scotland so the 650 with luggage will be perfect.Thank you.
@@markpulling12 it’s in planning for next year after I’ve got some experience.Your reviews are absolutely spot on,you cover everything right down to new rider ability and the way you ride isn’t frightening the life out of new guys like me.Thank you again.
Hey Mark, no need to pull the clutch in to start up now like the previous models. Also traction control has a memory so if you want to set it on 1 , 2 or off that's where it stays regardless of whether you turn the ignition off unlike some other modern bikes. I'm only a couple of inches taller than you but my only grip is the windscreen is pretty ordinary in any of the 3 height settings. I've owned all three generations 2008, 2012 and now the current model and I love them. I also own a 2017 HD Road King and an XT 600 but if I were to do an around Australia trip I'd take the Vstrom in a heart beat. Very accurate review mate. Cheers Frank
Thanks Frank ,yes I sussed out later on that you didn't need to pull the clutch in ,love the easy start and the low rpm assist what a great bike best regards mark
Thanks for the review, ive just got me a 650 Vstrom 2005 model, love it so much, hope to one day work my way up to a modern version, i can see me sticking with the 650 vstrom brand for a long while yet, i do hope they add cruise control soon though, these bikes are meant to do 100's a day, would take alot of wrist strain if they added that
I've been watching a few of your great down to earth reviews. I am seriously thinking of going for a new V-strom 650XT next year. But I'm looking at the new 800DE V-strom now as well... Hhmm... Decisions, decisions...
Just pulled the plug (contract signed, delivery May 24) on my 3rd Vstrom. I had a 2008/650, then a 2014/1000 and now back to a 2023/650. I have had a couple of Hondas in between, CB1100RS at present. But none of them beats the Vstrom. I felt the 1000cc a little too brutal and heavy for my kind of driving. So now I'm back to the 650. Great bikes!
thanks mate, I will make sure to let you know :) and yea they seem amazing, I did weeks of researching before deciding, my final 3 choices were triumph tiger 800, suzuki vstrom 650 and honda nc750x.
Hi Mark I just joined the motorcycle craze in Canada there seems to be a lot of interesting places to tour. I picked up a 2019 in yellow and can not wait to ride we have loads of snow (7 foot banks) so I have to just keep riding my snowmobile for now.
I’ve got a 2018 model. Great bike but changed the standard screen to the Givi Airflow screen which is miles better and is easily adjusted. It’s also possible to buy a lowered seat for those of us struggling to get our feet on the floor
I'm on my third Givi Airflow (the split one), and it's all I will ever get, unless Givi develops something better. The split level provides perfect laminar re-direction of the oncoming wind right over my head. On a long ride, that is worth every penny.
I'm riding a 2015 Kawi Versys, but the choice between that and the V-strom was very close. Mostly highway riding swayed me to the Versys. If I lived in a more rural area, the Suzi would be hands down the better option.
Another great vid Mark, how about doing some smaller capacity adventure bike reviews like the RE Himalayan and the Suzuki V Strom 250? I’d be interested on getting your views on these.
Really glad you are road testing again Mark like a breath of fresh air ! Seeing as you are on a mission (must be 5 in a couple of weeks) could you possibly test the KTM 1290 S and the Ducati Multistrada 1260 S you will then have done the 'BIG 4 road biased' 1200 + cc Adventure bikes in quick succession. Could you then state your preference between the BMW, Ducati, KTM, and Triumph ? No other Vloggers have done this surprisingly as it's the biggest sales sector over tourers sports bikes etc.
Thanks for the comments Patrick ,I'll have a go at the other two ktm and Ducati ,but the dealership s are over an hour away ,watch this space I'll see what I can do next week all the best mark
Yes Mark I remember watching that one 3 years ago, it was the big white 1290 KTM Super Adventure (you also tested the Ducati Multistrada DVT when it first came out as well) 🤗. The KTM 1290 S (not the more off-road focused 1290 R) has now become a much more popular bike though, infact I was all set to 'pull the trigger' and buy one myself but my local dealership in Blackburn suddenly shut 15 months ago☹. The the nearest 3 'really good' dealerships are all 85 miles away in opposite directions ! there is another 1 only 45 miles away but I prefer not to spend my money there.
I own a 2013 650 . covered 32k and counting . on a trip I have done 520kms and fill up was 18ltrs (20 ltr tank) .Its a do all bike that does every task including fast back roads . Would I buy another ? YES and it can be cornered hard and fast. Overall the best bike for your buck .Suzuki nailed this gem .
Mine had superb handling. As good as my Triumph Sprint. Problem was the tendency to stall when pulling away. The clutch seemed snatchy and the auto rev increase never seemed enough. Nice bike though, not enough horses for me after the Sprint!
Hi Mark, I watched this a year ago and would never have tried this bike if I hadn't seen your vid. After a test ride last month I bought it and it's been a revelation. Thanks mate.
@@applecorp I didn't not like the last gen vstrom. Thought it was ugly. This new design has grown on me and I am super impressed with the bike. Super fun bike to ride. I have owned a Yamaha fj09 in the past (for 4 months). Hated that bike. That's why I sold it so quickly. Just wasn't for me. This bike I like way better.
@@jeffficht2230 Interesting, what was it about the FJ09 you hated? On paper there is so much to love for what it costs - centre stand as standard, traction control, rider modes, 12V socket, LED lights, lots of power, handlebar controls for the display, etc, but there is just something about the bike that niggles away at me. The poor fuelling/on-off throttle, hard suspension and the engine that just feels 'rough', for want of a better word. It's certainly not refined like my Street Triple R was.
Tough choice as they are all great ,I had a 2014 vstrom and loved it ,but now after trying the versys 650 id just be swayed to go with the that ,just loved it's comfort and handling ,plus I've got a ninja 636 at the moment so love Kawasaki's :). All the best mark
l had the 2014 650 v strom and loved it,after 2 yrs l swapped it for a 2016 650 versys which is also a great bike but l think the v strom is a better all round bike especially for touring so this year l'm going back to the latest v strom
Agree with everything you said Mark. My V Strom is the best bike I've owned (in 48 years riding!). Does all bumpy British roads and tracks well. My last bike was a Sprint SE, the Suzuki handles even better than the Triumph, could be the lighter weight?
Very good review. I recently tried this bike and I found it is just excellent for me. I am looking for a bike allowing me to trade a Guzzi Norge 1200 2V and a Honda CRF 250L for a single jack-of-trade bike. Here in France, most motorbikers do not like the look of the bike. Actually, it is a very well thought and mature design. I found it intuitive, efficient, comfortable and confident inspiring. At the same time, I did not find anything boring while riding this machine. The seat height is all right for my 1.75m (sorry, I am not at ease with feet and inches). I also tested the Yamaha Tracer 700. I found it more sporty, with a more immediate engine, but really less comfortable and confident inspiring, and probably giving less pleasure in everyday life. The V-strom seems to be a bike that one has to ride to appreciate. Judging on its stuffy and impersonal appearance is certainly a misjudgement. I want to test the new Guzzi V85TT and the KTM 790 Adventure before deciding, but the V-STrom might well stay on top on my wishing list.
In between, I could test ride the new Guzzi 85TT and KTM 790 adventure standard. The Guzzi is really plush and very well finished. It handles very well and the suspension makes a great job. But it is still heavy (its weight is slightly above the V-STrom 1000), due to the shaft drive. Its wind protection is not perfect. The Guzzi seems to be a good relaxed road bike. The KTM seems to be able to do anything, because it allies power, lightness, and real off-road ability. It pulls hard, has long travel suspension. The engine could be smoother at low rev. A fantastic bike, certainly course, both bikes are more powerful than the 650 V-Strom and seem very capable, but the budget is really higher.... So this little Suzuki still seem a good bargain.
Subscribing to your channel cos you're only half an inch taller than me! The chances are if the bike fits you, then it will probably fit me as well. Enjoyed your video, Keep up the good work.
Getting fed up waiting for a Honda cb500x 2022 and seen a 2018 vstrom 650 I like the look of can someone tell me is the seating position pretty upright as I don’t really want to be stretching too far for the bars..
Hi mark, great review as usual covering all we need to know. Sold my nc750x dct as didnt like auto. Looking to replace with middleweight. Which do u think nc750 manual or this? Very hard trying to get test rides nowadays
Ok thanks. Couldn’t find manual nc so got v strom. Loved the test ride maybe honda better looking. Hoping made right decision. Got a bargain 2022 xt 2000 miles £5995 private sale. V pleased
Hi walter ,I like the nc750x,its keenly priced and very economical,its down on power abit to the suzuki but that might not really matter in real world terms tough choice ,I must demo review one all the best mark
Do you know what I like? To show space under the seat /especially for touring bikes/. You could add it to your next videos and it will be perfect review for all future customers.
Nice review of a bike I would probably never even consider let alone own. I too would like you, if possible, to review a current KTM 1290 preferably the SA to compliment your other reviews of the BMW GS 1250 and the Triumph Tiger 1200. There are so many nice bikes to ride now. It is definitely a golden age for motorcycling. Talking about sports bikes what's the likelihood of you getting hold of the new Suzuki GSX-R1000R to test? Thanks.
@@markpulling12 Have watched your static review of the GSX-R1000 K5 you had a few years ago quite a few time now. A couple of years ago I saw a dealer down your way had two, immaculate with just couple of thousand miles on them and not too dear prices either. Wish I had bought one but it was just too far to travel. But the new one seems to be a great bike. Many thanks.
Great review Mark. I am on the short side; with only a 29" inseam I think I would struggle with the height unless the seat is really narrow. What do you think? Many Thanks Paul.
At the end of the video. I ride a bandit at the moment which has a wide seat, your suggestion is worth thinking about. I love this style of bike but they are all so tall. Cheers Paul
Great machine what more does a rider need? Anyway I must be strange I actually like the mirrors the 650 Vstrom rides nicer in all respects than the 1000 Vstrom and gives excellent mpg.
I had a DL1000 in Australia: but the engine seemed to be too heavy for the frame. Couldn't use the performance anywhere, except acceleration while passing. The DL650 goes much better mileage, and feels bettter to ride: goes a long way more on a tank.
Nice video and great bike. I'm hesitating between vstrom 650 (2015 )and Honda 500x 2017 (new). The Price difference is about 2000 €. Do you have any idea about 500x? Thanks for sharing and good continuation.
Had my Vstrom 650 for 18 months from new, put 15000 miles on the clock for my daily commute, mostly motorways. Fuel consumption averaged 67 mpg over that period, fitted Suzuki lower seat which improved confidence. Service intervals are 7500 miles and tyres last well too. Took it on some trails through the Peak District, handled them with ease. Paint finish could be better perhaps and brakes sharper but overall it’s a fantastic machine.
Good to see you back. I've been looking at the 650 Vstrom as a replacement for my TDM 900 for quite some time. The TDM has been a really good, reliable bike, but the lower RPM fuelling was atrocious and I never got it sorted. It spoilt an otherwise brilliant bike. Glad to hear the Vstrom has good fuelling, it makes such a difference to riding enjoyment. I've also looked at the Tracer 700, but though a great engine, the build quality was shabby. The CB500X is another on my shortlist, though I'd no doubt miss the extra horses I'm used to.
@@markpulling12 I already watched it a few times Mark. It was one of the videos that alerted me to the CB500X. What I love about them is their amazing fuel economy and tank range (I don't like stopping to fill up!). Putting you on the spot a bit, out of the Vstrom and CB500X, which one would you chose if you could afford either?
@@gurnstein I had a 500X for about 8 months until it was written off last August, cracking commuter and I was getting about 70-75 mpg. If you want some good power though you may be a little disappointed but it gets up to speed fast enough. I didn't like the Tracer 700 when I test rode one, I too thought it felt a bit cheap. (I bought a Tracer 900). Not ridden a V Strom but you can't go wrong with it really, cracking engine from the SV650 series, although it is a little heavy and taller compared to the 500X. Bear in mind the all new 500X is out in March, has a few nice changes including larger front wheel, led indicators and a completely new display with gear indicator. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8pt3VAmRflo.html
oh joe thats a tough one ,they are both great ,tbh its the honda by a fraction ,because even though its down on power to the suzuki I found it didnt really matter to me on this style of bike /riding ,and the fuel economy is out of this world ,i think it does something like 80 mpg with a 300 mile range plus it still had lots of punch from low down and would happily cruise at 70/80 ,but it really is close obviously the suzuki is more appealing with its more power and thats what alot of people need ,they might find the honda not quite enough ,give them both a try atb mp
@@markpulling12 Yeah I'd have to side with the Honda too, aside from being really confidence inspiring to ride and having great mpg, it's a fair bit cheaper too, you can pick up new 2018's for under £5000.
Hi Prodigy. Like Mark i have owned a 2014 650 VStrom and it was a great all round bike. I eventually bought a 2018 Vstrom1000XT for the extra power touring. I have toured on the 650 V Strom in 2017 6500klms over 3 weeks in one go and it was great and very comfortable. As a comparison I toured in Malaysia last year on a Versys 650 and it was comfortable with good power. I think the Versys is more of a highway bike with its 17inch front wheel. The VStrom 19inch fromt wheel makes it very stable and caters for gravel roads better. Anyway whatever you buy have fun.
Hi Chris ,I think on paper it's got a few more hp and torques ,but I couldn't really tell any difference tbh, possibly a tiny bit smoother and I liked the new dash but if your looking to buy used a 2014 model in good condition that would be a great buy all the best mark
@@markpulling12 I love smaller bikes too, had a 500X (which was written off) and loved it, used to have an old SV650 too so I am a fan of this engine. The irony is my Tracer is actually lighter than the Vstrom.
Seen this bike on a 17 plate for £3400 but has 63000 miles ... mixture of service history.. im tempted but was wondering your thoughts on such high mileage... cheers
Hi these Suzuki's are super reliable 100 000 miles is possible easily.... however I've had a look and there are loads with say 30000 miles for similar money ...I get one of those even if it's say a 2015 model...they ride much the same Cheers mark
How come none of the reviewers talk about the huge gap between the tank and front console from where wind flows into the rider and also causes wind noise? That ought to be a major concern while cruising at high speed.
Shame about the exhaust....really really ugly, what do you think this or 650 Versys ? Mostly town and country roads with some 2 up days out. Thanks Mark great video. 😎👍
The Versys cannot have a centerstand because of the underslung exhaust, and the V-strom can have one, so something for something. A bike with chain but with no centerstand is a deal breaker for me personally.
Nice review. I don't have experience with a lot of bikes, but I've currently got a Ninja 1K. I'm considering downsizing, but I'm not sure. In the western US we sometimes have high speed limits, and I'm wondering if the 650 will be overwhelmed by my weight and the demands of the roads. Any thoughts? I've heard it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow. I'm hoping for something more economical, but with sufficient power. I guess I could lose some weight lol.
Hi these are great and will easily cruise at 80 mph with a top speed of about 115 mph and they are so versatile also have a look at the versys 650 Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 I guess I should have also noted I live higher elevation (Utah, USA), and I've got mountain roads to deal with. I've seen other people this size bike. So, it should work. Thanks for the response!
Hi rachid. All bikes that are fuel injected have what's called a fueling map like a computer program and sometimes to get them through the noise and emmision tests they sometimes build little `holes ' in the program lean spots if you will ,what this feels like is a surging on the bike when say your doing 30 mph luckily your vstrom feels perfect to me !!
Hi , I would like a £ for every time I have ridden and drove along that road . a nice review and watch out for the speed camera van along that route to Ringwood , WHO USES ABOUT 5 different places , even on a Sunday evening . Thanks for the video , ride and stay safe .
Hi Faust ,no it's not essential ,it's a handy safety feature imo,. I rode fine without it for over 25 years ,the versys 650 is a brilliant bike even without traction control All the best mark
Top speed 115-120 ... MPH or KPH? Never know for sure with UK presenters, they tend to use both. REALLY hope you mean MPH because 120 KPH is not even the speed limit everywhere in the US, and isn't prevailing speed where I live (typically 80 to 85 MPH). You do say MPH later on, but you had just finished giving all the dimensions in centimeters.
It’s a great bike, but can you tell me why the stock exhaust is so big, heavy & ugly. Its a very good adventure bike who is alone in a large price range; but Suzuki need to design a new front nose & a new head led lights as its so ugly & a new smaller stock exhaust would also be awesome. Common Suzuki: please do those changes, those improvements & i will highly consider an upgraded, improved, modified V-Strom 650 XT 2020 to upgrade my CB500X 2017. An aluminium bash plate would also be better then the actual plastic one.
Very good review. Suzuki should address the major bugbears people have with the V Strom 650 (both XT and non-XT): 1) replace the 1960s cockpit and surrounding plastic with more modern design. No need for fancy riding modes, etc. Just decent TFT/LCD with design that is easy on the eye. 2) windscreen that is adjustable by hand pull/push anytime you want it, instead of using screwdriver. 3) LED headlight + DRL to replace the halogen bulbs. Maintain the oval shape of the headlamp, but make its surface flatter (less jutting out) Everything else about the bike are just so right.... the engine, fuel economy, ease of riding, the beak, the side & front profiles - i think it's quite a looker, really... Do these and the V Strom 650 will gain a lot more buyers and devotees..!
@@victorw5796 they are both about 65 hp but the suzuki has the vtwin which has good bottom end power the versys parallel twin is more revvy...the vstrom is comfortable but but I just found the seat and the suspension on the versys alot more plush for me personally Cheers Victor ...
Hi Mark great review of the bike ,I personally like the older model which you had 👍don’t like the look of the front end and also the exhaust is horrendous.stay safe.
@@richardmurray1411 nice one Richard I did a few hundred miles on a cb500x and thought it was brilliant :)
4 года назад
I really loved to have one, but I'll only need to change motorcycle in 5 years time, and I'm affraid they will not going to be cool and "simple" like this one, I hate to many gizmos on my vehicles.
Bike shop gave me one of these while my bike was being serviced & i thought it's the most underwhelming bike iv'e ever ridden. am watching reviews to find out why anyone would buy it.