Things to know about the Suzuki V Strom 650 before buying 

Be even better if they added mossey to the team

I agree, it's a cracking bike and the 3rd Wee Strom I've owned which shows how much I rate them.

Falachi Hervé I own the 2018 Black 650 Vstrom, but fully equipped it with Givi Knuckle guards, engine/rad guards, skid plate and trekker outback top and side cases(all in black).. I also exchanged the street tires with Heidenau K60 scout tires and use it mainly for gravel and hard packed dirt.. It's all about what you do with it and so far this is also the best bike I have ever owned for what I do..

me too.... went down to Nice in France, passed thru the high passes in the Alpes and the French Atlantic coast... its a good travel bike, full cases all around from Givi, i got mine from the dealer with an exterior package, worth 1000€, for the regular prize... motorguard, main stand and tank bag and aluminum chain guard, i skipped the tank bag for a bigger windshield and the chain guard from my old bike, also for my heat grips.. its a pretty good travel bike, i owned the 2014 before... drove me well thru Scotland and Northern Europe, my present thru 10 countries from the North to the South Europe, even Italy... and i had 3.6l/100km in the Alpes, not bad, and on the German Autobahn 12l/100km.... lol

Anyone have issues with the spokes ?

Not really but thanks for the 2.24 viewing time.

I haven’t ridden the versys although I have owned a Z650 and Ninja 650 with the same engine. I prefer the V Storm’s engine.

I have a soft spot for VStroms as I have good memories riding France, Italy and Spain on a 2009 650. I’m considering another to tour over here this year with.

I've got a 2007 one, I've had loads of bikes but this is by far the best. I've never kept a bike this long but I've had this one for 5 years, bloody brilliant

I had a 2009 and loved it. Took it all around Europe. Best rides I ever had.

Is that right... Im going to try that and see. Thanks for the tip 👍

I agreed jus5 close throttle to change modes on the go

@@johnhanson3977 yep I can confirm this is the case on my V Strom 1000 too.

Or just pull the clutch

Most bikes you throttle off pull clutch In....bingo

Most reviews that compare the two (vstrom and versys) say the versys has the "revvier" engine and that it is more exciting to ride. The vstrom engine's is too linear without a power band. I think this is what they mean.

@@Bass1923 By "power band" do you mean pronounced power peak? I've always understood power band to be the range of RPM through which an engine develops the most power. So it can be wide or narrow, but not absent. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_band

@@ntdscherer You are correct in what you say. I should have been more precise in my explanation. In common parlance, power band often refers to a surge of power that comes on at a specific rpm range. For instance, the inline 4-cylinder engine on my 1975 Kawasaki Z1 hits its "power band" at 5,000 rpm. This is where the power really begins to pick up and increases until peak, where it then levels off. The vstrom's power is described as more linear than the versys, hence there is never a real surge. The surge in power on a versys is perceived by some riders as more exciting. It is an opinion. This is what I gather from reviews that compare the two bikes. I have not ridden the versys and have only ridden a vstrom in the 1000 variety. But I must agree that a significant surge in power experienced through a range of rpm is exciting. But this is only one person's opinion.

@@Bass1923 spot on, the V is nice but has no appreciable power difference in the linear delivery. Nice, lazy, boring.

​@@rogerkay8603 the v-strom 1000 is not lazy, and it weighs only 15kg more, and goes for about the same used 😊

haha I can picture you now in full gear pretending to ride the bike. Don't forget to make all the sound effects :D Congrats on the new bike, you made the right choice over the Versys.

I had a Versys. My least-liked bike of all time. V-Storm WAY smoother and more comfortable.

Hey Jay welcome to the club! I have 44,000 km on my 2018 so far. Mind the bridgestones off road, but you can take them almost to the edge of the tread on the road no problem. I'm using shinko 705's now, a lot of fun on the gravel and easy ATV trails. I'm in Ontario, similar climate to yours: I recommend OEM heated grips, much easier to install. SW Motek engine guards, skid plate, panniers, Stebel horn.

@@jimsnow8004 thanks for the advise Jim! I'll be sure to mind these bridgestones off road until I get some new rubber. And I had no idea that Suzuki has oem heated grips, thanks for the tip.

$6K USD for a newie! Cracking Covid pricing? Whilst the Suzuki OEM heated grips may integrate better, they are (in Australia) THREE TIMES the price of the excellent Oxford brand "Hot Grips". Cheers.

Agreed.

Thanks Lawrence. You can't go wrong with the Vstrom. Enjoy.

Yeh obviously it's not a major problem. It's not like I'm falling off the bike as I can't get my feet down 😂. They're just slightly in the way. Enjoy you're bike.

This! So I am not the only one doing that! :P

Yep, I realised that after this video. Thanks.

Hi Barry, I think I may have worded it incorrectly as you are right the Versys does like to be revved more. I have actually just picked up a 2019 V-Strom 1000 now I'm back in the UK. I'm currently editing the video for that one but the main improvement I see over the 650 is indeed the brakes. There are a number of other things too but that's the one I most appreciate. Thanks for your comment.

Which did you prefer, between the Versys and V-Strom? I am a new rider looking for something to handle rough Michigan roads and very occasional gravel roads. I like the look of both of these bikes

@@CarterHurd Easy... hands down, the Strom. I liked the handling better, the lower revs, the better parts aftermarket, *much* better instrument panel, traction control, easier to lower (just replace the bones on the Strom... I needed a special part fabricated by Motowerk, for the Versys). And, my *biggest* pet peeve with the Kawi was the side-by-side headlights, whereas only one lit for standard beams, and the other for high beams. You wouldn't believe the number of times I was told I have a light out... And, finally, the Versys has a funky rear extended fender/plate holder that precluded the use of my Pit Bull stands... Regardless of the above, the Versys is an incredibly FUN bike (as is the Strom)... They're both tall bikes, so, if your inseam < 32", you might want to think about lowering, especially if this is your first bike (they're top-heavy, and can be a handful for a new rider). They'll both handle rough roads, some gravel and fire roads... Beyond that, I wouldn't call either one a trail bike without lots of modification... Either one is a great choice, and you'd be hard-pressed to find an owner of either that regrets the buy...

​@@bkp100 I like the look of the V better, so it's good to hear you like it. I've got a 34" inseam and felt comfortable on the similarly sized bikes I have sat on, so not too worried about the height. I'm glad you're back to the bike you liked the best.. Thanks for the reply!

Hi, well that’s funny as I now have a Duke 390. I agree it’s a really fun bike. For the roads over here in the Philippines it has plenty of power.

Cheers Rob. New one on the V Strom 1000 coming soon.

That’s fair enough. Everyone likes something different. I wasn’t intending to put the VStrom down as I like the bike, it’s great at what it does. I should know, I’ve owned 3. Yes to KTM, that’s why I’m picking up a Duke 890R this Wednesday.

That bike is a beast! I just sold last year my mt900 too much power I wasn't sure and comfortable with it. I will try the new vstrom 650 looking forward to it.

And from the start I want to say you didn’t watch my review of the bike so don’t understand that I’ve owned 4 VSTROM 650’s and love the bike so sadly it is you who understands nothing. One point I will disagree with you on though is calling the bike beautiful. Now your opinion and mine may vary on beauty but I have a drop dead gorgeous wife and have owned multiple beautiful bikes so I think I’m qualified to say you are wrong on this point. Rugged, yes, functional yes, wonderful and reliable yes. Beautiful no. Now go enjoy your bike instead of being upset that I pointed out a few things that I think could be improved on the V Strom.

I loved mine too. Well, I had three over the years. The first one took me around Europe.

700Km, after 2 years? Just done 750 miles on mine in 2 weeks, did you mean 7000?

Thanks. I can say the VStrom handles 2up touring with luggage just fine. I travelled all over Europe with mine.

I guess you liked it then 😁

And the heavy duty frame frame

It’s a shame that people watch one video and take it as negative when it isn’t intended to be. If you watch my review of the VStrom 650 you will see that I’ve owned 2x 2009 VStrom 650’s , toured all over Europe on them plus this 650 xt which I praise in the video review. I agree with the points that you make, except it being beyond perfect but it is very good for its intended purpose. That’s why I have multiple bikes for different purposes. I’m not a speed guy, I have a daughter who relies on me which curtailed my ‘need for speed’. Acceleration is fun for me, top speed, not so much anymore. Enjoy your VStrom

I can imagine in London any bigger bike isn’t too much fun: despite its flaws I liked mine because it gave me lots of memories. Just picked up the new 800 and the engine on that is way more lively.

Not at all. I could buy a Ducati if I want to but instead I’m picking up a KTM Duke 890R on Wednesday. The Suzuki is good at what it does but that’s why I own multiple bikes so I can have something a little more exciting too.

It’s definitely enough for the Philippines roads. I’d say it’s the perfect choice for here. Unless you’re up in Luzon and on the expressways a lot you can’t use more power than the VStrom 650 has.

Hey Vince, Yeh I'm impatient with 44 teeth as I've binge watched almost all their content now.

Yes it's fine. I toured all over Europe on a 2009 VSTROM 650 with a pillion around the same weight, Fully loaded with top box and hard panniers plus a large tank bag. It still pulled fine and handled motorways fine.

Hi Tim, Thanks for your comment. Yes I’m in south Cebu. Was back in the U.K. for the last year but in Cebu again now. Most ‘big bikes’ here are overpriced with the exception of Kawasaki. I just picked up a new 2019 Africa Twin and it was £13,000 , quite a bit more than I’d pay back in the U.K. The VStrom was just as good here to be honest but I’ve had 4 so fancied a change. You have connections to Cebu?

@@Tripleb6036 hi and thanks for the reply. I don't have connections there but have been to Cebu back in the spring of 2019 on our way through to Bohol and Panglao Island. We spent a couple of days in Cebu as we traveled and visited a few of the more touristy places. I really liked it there. My connections are mostly in Dumangas, Iloilo where my wife's family (most of them anyhow) live. I also have a younger brother that lives in Quezon City and has lived full time in the Philippines for around 10 years now. My wife and I have been making payments on a new studio style condo in San Fernando, Pampanga for about 4 1/2 years now and it will be turned over to us this autumn. Being right next to the NLEx I've been thinking the 650 V-Strom would be about perfect for me since its bigger than most bikes there, although still not as big and heavy as my current bike (a 1988 Suzuki GSX1100F) I love big 4 cylinders but they don't make a lot of sense for a country like the Philippines. :) It's nice to know you're back over there, and now that I found your channel I'll check out more of your content. Take care and ride safe.

No I’m crap at them 😂

Is it brand new just older model? If so then yes

@@Tripleb6036 used, 2k miles... Thanks for replying

I can get a brand new 2020 for $8900 here so at $6000 for a 2018 sounds like a decent deal.

Hi John, Ah you got me, my two favourite things, photography and motorbikes. How are you finding the Versys?

Thanks AJ. Yep I suppose we're trying to find somewhere right. But this will be the last move for a long time hopefully 😁

Thanks. I used to have an 08 too. Rode all over Europe on it. Yeh scooters are the main mode of transport here. Cars are expensive relative to wages. Big bikes (anything over 150cc here) are fairly rare but getting more common as more manufacturers and choices become available. In my provincial town there are a handful of big bikes. Put it this way, when I see or hear one I notice it.

Compared to what? A ninja 400.. then it’s takes a bit more strength but it’s perfectly light enough.

I never noticed any. Although cruising at 160kmh was not something I did often. When travelling uk and Europe I’d cruise at 80mph -90mph with no problems.

Interesting, although I’m 5’11-6ft and can flat foot the VStom easily. I certainly loved the vStrom 650, it’s a great dependable bike although some people thought I was being negative about it in the video that wasn’t my intention. If I was still in the UK and could only have one do it all bike on a budget it would be right up there.

@@Tripleb6036 I'm looking at new 2022 GSX-S750Z ABS. I'm going to test ride it this week. Not sure I want that type of engine, the v twin experience is what I'm after right now, but we'll see. The bike is very comfortable, and it's good looking, IMO. Really like that blue tank cover/radiator shroud. Suzuki doesn't get enough credit for their design aesthetics.

Correct. My mistake.

This Pandemic is a pain in the ass. I can’t get my first service done on my Duke as I can’t go to Cebu city at the moment. Mind you, it’s a good excuse for a 600km road trip every time you need a service 😁 The VStrom is a lovely bike, I’m even thinking of buying another although the Tracer is great too if you’re staying on road. That 900cc triple also sounds great.

I just did Daniel 😃. Fantastic bike. Thanks for commenting.

Haha yeh I saw that the other day. Love 44 teeth

Thanks. Stay safe too

It’s got plenty of power. I owned one and now have the 1050XT. Rush, it depends how much power you are used to.

I have a ZX6R and a Duke 790. Plenty of thrills 😉. The Wee Strom is great for its intended purpose. Enjoy.

Thanks

Haha I’d say it’s adequate. It’s fine, good bike, not going to set the world on fire but then it’s a V Strom 650, it’s not meant to.

That's a fantastic price for a great bike. I loved mine and the issues I picked out were only tiny in the grand scheme of things. I just don't think you can go wrong with a VStrom. Ride safe.

Actually in town traffic it also helps at very low speed.

Why would like to know this, puzzled?

Bought it from GUD Motors.

Linear

The heat management is very good. I’ve ridden it in the Philippines heat without even feeling the heat off the engine.

Hi Barney, I didn't mean this video to sound negative as some people have taken it. See my actual review for the positives on this bike. It can be fun, it's reliable and economical. I can't really fault this bike except yes, it's not particularly exciting but for trips around Europe, crunching highway miles etc it's great. I don't have it any more but I have owned 3 V Strom 650's so it's obvious from that that I like them. I have a ZX6R and Duke 790 now. If you want fun get a Duke. That's the most fun I've had on a bike and I've rode loads.

@@Tripleb6036 Many thanks for the reply. Love that Duke 790 (only seen , not yet tried). As said I've a Triumph Street Twin that I adore but have many mod plans for as a labour of love over years to come. It was the 0% over 4 years + £500 off that made me consider getting a Suzuki but just not the appeal for me overall, even with that deal.

Can’t help you I’m afraid as I no longer have the bike and never tried this.

Yep, about the same as one of my legs 😂

Easily on a 400, even a 650 but anything above that is pointless dick swinging over there.

😂😂😂

I’m of the opinion that virtually any bike can be ridden by a beginner. It’s more about your attitude than anything else as if your not responsible all bikes can get you into trouble. Just take it steady, ride defensively and I’m sure the V Strom will be fine for you.

@@Tripleb6036 thanks for the reply. Ride safe!!!

Thanks. I’ve not tried the versys 650 but have owned the ninja 650 which is basically the same engine. I think I’d ridden hard that engine can give you a rush. But honestly of all the bikes I’ve ridden the Duke 790 is the wildest/ offers the most excitement. That thing just wants to go fast all the time.

Hi Peter, I also have an Africa Twin now. Personally if I could choose again I’d go for the VStrom 650xt. The Africa twins engine is lovely, it’s comfortable and great build quality and finish. However the VStrom is just as comfortable, build quality is a notch below but still good, engine is not as nice but still decent and plenty fast enough you just have to Rev it more and the main thing is it handles way better on road than the Africa twin. The VStrom is also lighter but it’s not a huge difference to be honest.

@@Tripleb6036 Thank you for your reply.Africa twin The frustration is very obvious in the first and second gears. The worst part is the seat. The long time travel and the butt pain is very painful. However, I modified the seat several times and it was still not very comfortable. I tested the BMW 1250gs and it was very comfortable.This is actually the main reason why I have to change africatwin. Of course I am also considering new nc750x 2021（wait it ）, and I also like 650xt

The full review with price and other details is here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bxAg2BL29EQ.html

Thanks Ghurkz and ride safe.

Thanks Riven.

Could do but to be honest it's probably not worth the effort on a V Strom.