The O’l Boys’ Gen 1 VStrom review. 12 year ownership 

Had my Gen2, 10 years now. In 2018 rode it 2 up around the world doing 69,000kms with no issues. Planning a Europe trip this summer.

A smart, practical bike with plenty of power. I love that you’re getting over a decade from this bike!

I've got a Gen 2 , 2014 , I've had it nine years now and 63,000 miles, never had any problems from it , and will never sell it , it's taken me and my missus all over the UK , yeah they're bomb proof, hard as an anvil and as reliable as the sunrise . One of the best bikes ever built 👌 Great accurate review, cheers 🍻

Great Video. I've got a Gen 3, gearbox is like butter.

Hello from Maryland USA! Great vid!! It is just amazing how many gen 1/2/3/etc are out there on the roads and trails. I believe it may be more than any other brand- they are just that reliable and have such longevity. I bought my gen 2 Vee (w/beak) when they first got to the US in '14 and have loved it ever since-it still seems really new to me and over the years I have tweaked it into a pretty good off and on road bike-especially the off road tweaks of gearing/suspension/protection and getting rid of all the exhaust stuff with a nice inexpensive can. Suzuki had put in a new ECU shortly after I purchased it as it would just stall for no reason-especially in heavy traffic. They added a new one right away and the low torque I love and the height to look over cars is amazing and stil makes me smile. I have taken it so many places year round. It got me to be a sponsored rider and a BDR Ambassador. I love it. Everyone keep rocking their gen1s and on!!! Keep rolling my friend!!! Stay safe all.

My V strom is my daily commuter to work. It’s a bit big, a bit heavy through traffic , but it can do a bit of everything.

Mate, Hello from NZ. I have a 2010 not sure if it is gen 1 or 2. doesnt matter, love it. I agree with every word you said. I got mine off a 74 year old who had velco straps to hold his walking stick! Bike had got too heavy for him as he had dropped it in the driveway 3 times in a week. With a tear in his eye he sold it to me. I asked "are you giving up riding" he said "hell no I am off to buy the little brother, the 250 cc , do you want to come with me for a running in ride?" ( 500 km 1 day trip) There is hope for us all.

They are great bikes, i had a 2009 model. They were really a gen 1.5 as from 2007 they made the engine twin spark. Then the gen 2 was more curvy bodywork and the engine had a few changes which also made it smoother. Then the gen 3, different bodywork style again and a few more bhp added. I now have the gen 3 which i'm extremely happy with.

Thanks for taking the time and effort, I enjoyed the video, it's nice to see folks riding older bikes-I'm sure the new stuff is amazing but not in my budget..I had a gen 1 DL1000 for 6 years, great bike except the clutch basket gets loose and causes the dreaded "chudder"-had a fellow in the UK rework it, sold it off years ago, I'm now 2 years in on a gen 1 650, amazed at how good of machine it is for the $$ (gave just under $3000 US for it). A little down on power but for everyday "sane" riding is just fine and I find it more manageable off tarmac than the bigger 1000.. recently added a Seat Concepts seat foam and cover kit and a ebay fork brace..at 34k miles it's still like new...hope to at least double that ;) cheers!

Good onya old boy! I can vouch for the V Strom, seen Steve riding it in all conditions over the last 12 years on his many day and night trips to Shepparton. Must have good lights aye! Great to see you at Omeo this weekend mate. Catch up agains soon. Hughesie

Apologies it’s actually a 1st Gen

g'day from the UK ive got a 2005 version just ridden down to central Morocco did 5000 miles last year rode to greece did 7000 miles bike hasn;t missed a beat , super reliable work horse , can't really understand why there not a bigger seller

Great video mate. I just bought a brand new V Strom 650XT learner approved (blue and white) yesterday. Placed my order with the optional rear case, crash bars, 20mm lower seat (as i'm 5 foot 8) and the extended mirror set. I took the advice of a very close friend of mine who has almost 50 years riding experience and he was adamant that this is the bike for me especially as a first motorcycle. Plus i will use the bike to do touring and long distance riding. I love the bush so this bike will be able to get me down dirt roads as well which is great. Your review further reinforces so many other reviews of its reliability, riding ability and comfort. Thanks for sharing mate, might see you on the road!

Great work mate 👍

Gen1 best bike made simple and easy to work on, reliability+.

Thanks, Rob Halford.

Thanks for sharing. Those bikes looked good up till 2016. Seems like from 2017 on, Suzuki was trying to make it the ugliest bike possible. I've been researching for a possible 2014 model for sale near me.

Have three 05 and 07 in South Africa dirt bike heaven. All family ridden for over 60,000 miles each, never an issue mechanically given proper maintenance, oil,air filters. The bikes are fantastic. Do not listen to the ass holes who review bikes they must find something wrong just to justify their existance. Today power is fuel mileage the 650 has sufficient power and speed to put you in a us jail for long time. Also have an unreliable bmw gs1200 2017. Touted as a premium bike, trust me ride it with while carrying your wallet, do not go far from home, carry a cel and phone for pickup. Also own a bmw 1984 r100rs air head, the last of on the road repairable BMWs. All my views, sorry bmw, cheers Suzuki.

Get a Seat Concepts seat kit and get rid of that stock padding. Its worth the cost. Stock seat is awful. These bikes are great, once you do the valve adjustment once its not too bad - otherwise pretty easy maintenance!

What makes you say it's a gen 2? A 2010 is a gen 1 in most of the world.

Abs is another source of issues in the waiting!😮

Gen 1 that.