Almost 90000km after 12years. So far so good. Regular maintenance, no problems at all, descent power. Overall a bike for a lifetime. Suzuki, thank you for this great machine!!
@@walkerfharris 23,000 miles in the 29 months I've owned mine. I spent one year on a KLR prior. No problems, still fun, fine on paved or gravel and fine 2up. Mine will not be sold.
I had the 2005 and it was the best bike I've owned. Never a problem for 100200 miles. Very comfortable for me and any passenger I carried. Great bike and would love to find another one. I've been riding for over 50 years and have had many bikes. First bike was a 1958 BSA.
Got a 16 years old one, some people still ask me if it's a new bike 😄It feels like one for sure. I love the way it looks with the black racks, crash bars, heatshield and engine plate. My first bike. Very forgiving and versatile. Bought it cheap and never ever regretted my choice. Once I bought a high end helmet that I ended up returning because it muffled the engine sound that I really enjoy.
I roll a 2012 V Strom 650. I sold my high mileage R1100GS before I bought it. I was, at first, a bit apprehensive that I'd miss the power of the 1100 but the 650 has sufficient power and most definately handles better. The GS had a high center of gravity which takes practice to manage. The V Strom is wonderfull. I absolutely love it.
Have had an "06 DL1000 for quite a few years. I wouldn't say that the 650 is the more desirable bike. I think that it depends upon your intended use. I ride two for most of the time with luggage, so the extra power and torque of the bigger engine is very desirable. As for the "wish list" of items that you think Suzuki should have added, all of them would have significantly raised the purchase price point of the bike, one of the great things about this bike is the fact that straight off the showroom floor, it is very usable, that the owner can add items to as finances allow. My DL1000 has been totally reliable for many years, only requiring basic service items. Currently has 123000 km's or about 76500 miles.
Gday i bought my 2010 a year ago and love it..comfort , reliability , easy oil change, not flashy so you go under the radar and also the feeling that this bike will take you anywhere for days without an issue.
I put 50k klr on my KLR then bought a 07 which currently has 91k and going strong! I've beat this bike hard and it still goes strong. Yes there are other bikes but for a super cheap tourer it can die in a foreign land and I can walk away from it with getting every penny out of it. Buy a used one for 4k. Sure you can spend 10k on a new one but why? More electronics to fail. Spend the money on riding. I just bought an 08 for the day my current 07 has a big engine failure. Never adjusted cams, never changed the clutch, just did regular oil changes. If you want a great bike that has little appeal to thieves and will never let you down, buy this bike!
My brand new bought, cherished and non abused F800GS had a head stock bearing fail at 8000 miles. Back to Honda for me. The older bikes are better though. My 1983 R80 is just coming up to 100k miles.
You're right when you say the price of motorcycles have gone crazy... all the technology and such. I've bought a 2009 with about 20k miles and I expect to use it for many years to come. Maybe excess of electronics will simply complicate things, don't you think? Great video! Thank you! I hope you'll enjoy your bike for years and years...
Thanks for sharing your experience. I would suggest adding a bash plate underneath, will make it much safer for your oil filter and the small radiator. I wouldn't want to go on gravel, or off-road without it. I know I did do such short rides without one on other bikes, but always feared rocks along the way.
I've got a 2009 DL650. Just under 60,000 km. Out today ( Oct.11/2020) for 2 hours. Cold in Canada. Knees and feet pretty cool. Heated grips, good gloves. Warm otherwise. I don't ride as aggressively anymore. The bike still has it though. It's one very tough bike. The motor is so dependable. I've had so many good days on this bike. Even in heavy wind and rain. Cleans up so well and a joy on a spring day. Thanks for the fair and honest review. You nailed it.
You cannot beat this bike. I'm on my second one. Bulletproof V-twin engine. Smooth gearbox. Phenomenal reliability and fuel economy. Nothing touches this machine.
Ends by stating “This is in no way an endorsement for the DL650” after producing a video that is just that. Loved the video, love the bike. Suzuki ought to give you a new one just for posting this one video. Thank you for sharing. I have a SV650, 21 YEARS old, which is also a great bike!
I do own a 2018 yellow one...... it s just the best bike a have ever had..... truly a joy to ride......believe me the engine and the bike in general is a true blast......cheers from south of france
I have the 2019 yellow one :) and I love it but it is my 1st bike and only had it for two months now so ... I can't compare with others ... cheers from the south west of Germany :)
I just put a down payment on a 2015 vstrom 650 yesterday getting it for 2500 cad taxes in with low kms. I've seen bikes with over 4x the kms priced at double this one I'm getting. It has a couple small scuffs from being dropped and has frame sliders on it. I test drove it and instantly knew it was the bike for me.
@@lyubengeorgiev1751 Local sale sitting by the roadside. I actually wrote it off towards the end of summer because a lady that was roadside parked went across 2 lanes of traffic making a left hand turn into her driveway in front of me when I was going about 85kmph. I barely had any time to even react. I don't think abs even had time to kick in she was so close. Insurance more than covered the value of the bike though. I missed a day of work because I was sore but I was lucky no bones broke. I haven't rode since but I do miss it.
@@krakenthrottle2199 OMG what a story...glad that you were ok out of this situation. I had similar with a taxi driver making illegal U turn but managed somehow to avoid the crash. Wish you to buy something else soon and ride again.
Hello from Finland. Great review, thank you. I have 2005 model too. Bike has over 100 000 kilometres. I have also givi racks, heated grips, knuckle-guards and 12V outlet. I have had the bike for 3-4 years and just love how reliable it is. It is 15th or 16th bike for me and this one I"m going to keep 🙂
I have a 2008 Vstrom 650, and I just finished my second year riding it. When I bought it in May 2018, it had just under 10K km (just under 6000 miles), and it now has almost 36K km (22K miles) and it has been rock solid. Other than oil changes, my only maintenance has been spark plugs, cleaning the air filter and 1 set of tires. I used Heideneau K60s, and got about 16K km on the rear. Haven't replaced front yet, used a cheap one for the rear to finish the season. Have almost new set of Bridgestones for next season. You hit all the nails on the head with this review. The 650 Vstrom is fun and capable bike... do not overlook one!
@@skutty5773 I didn't get it checked until I was past 45K miles. I had more than one motorcycle tech say that unless there was running issues, it was likely fine. When I had it checked at just past 75K km (46K miles), all the valves were still in spec.
@@skutty5773 What is your current mileage? The following was from a page about valve checks... If the bike develops a hard starting issue when hot, or starts to pop on deceleration under engine braking when it never did before. Have the valves checked. If your bike is suffering from symptoms like difficulties to start especially in the morning or lost of power even though you’ve sent it for regular servicing, it’s time to get the valve clearances checked out. Out-of-adjustment valves can make themselves known in a variety of ways, the most common being a distinct clatter from the valve area indicating loose valves, while tight valves may cause hard starting or a poor idle.
@@estoguy absolutely no problems with the engine at all. Starts first time and no strange noises from the engine. But I had heard that if the valves were out of spec then damage could be caused to the engine and you wouldn't even know it was happening until it was too late. Difficult to know who to believe in this case.
WOW😮 Loved your thorough review. So detailed. 9 years ago when I first discovered "dualsport" it was a toss up between the KLR and the DL. I chose the KLR. I rode that KLR like a dirt bike. Since then I kept going down in weight with 5 more dualsports. Now I'm on my 6th which is the Royal Enfield Himalayan (still had the KLR until this past summer). The Himalayan is ok but my riding preference is changing from dualsport to "adventure". Now I'm ready to go back to my original 2nd choice; the DL650. There's a used '09 at my local dealer with 15,000 miles for $4k. I'm gonna go see it.
Thanks mate. I think you will like the vstrom, specially after you forget the way it looks. But the looks grow on your like the klr650. And it's non aggressive looks blend in with the sorroundings, so cops aren't as obsessed with it. Let me know how you like it.BTW i was thinking of renting a royal enfield on ride share to try out, i hear its a nice bike.
@@skannal Good to hear!. I have just discovered these great bikes, and looking at one tomorrow at the local bike shop, a black 2011 model insane condition , with only 2200 kms on the clock.
Great review. ....I owned a 2008 dl650 for 4 yrs......I'm a big guy (6'2" 270)......my only complaints were the half hour stock seat and I felt the clutch pull fatigued my left hand after a bit.......but what a great bike to ride
That's a really really good review you hit right on the head just found a 2013 with 28500 heated grips kaoko throttle lock ,engine guard, front suzuki engine cover, suzuki aluminum Panniers and new tires for under 4 and the bike looks great and it ride Great. And he did a oil change for me😁🙋♂️
That sir is simply the best review i have ever heard on this bike thanks and best regards from Austria soon the good weather will be here and i can get going on my Vstrom again.
I have a 2014 vstrom 650 with nearly 57,000 trouble-free miles. Just replace the normal stuff like oil, tires, filters and chain and sprockets. Other than that not one failure, not even a burned-out light bulb. I'm 6'2" and weigh 280 and it hauls me just fine with sufficient power. I was thinking of upgrading to a Kawasaki Versys 1000 or an Africa twin but after listening to your review it affirmed what I already knew. I have a damn good motorcycle. I'm going to keep it.
Thank you, very down to earth and extensive review by someone who has actually ridden the bike for longer than a few hours before "reviewing" it hahaha
Enjoyed the insights and the video...I've been riding all my life- 12 bikes- most recently three bmw's (with the most recent being the R1200GS which I sold last week). I've just placed an order for the 2019 650 v-strom XT and am looking forward to learning all about the bike and the community that is so passionate about it. Over time I've started to conclude that 'less is more' (whether you're talking about houses, boats, cars and bikes...) - The common theme I've observed about the stromtroopers is their smiles when they get off the bike - that's what I'd like to recapture....
@@cryptotron The GS was an amazing machine with a 'no-holds-barred' set of technology. Both bikes represent the end result of a long history of development and customer feedback resulting from sales to many markets across the globe. The Vstrom is very much built to a budget. Speaking for me however, the vstrom represents 'the sum being greater than the individual parts' - It is less sophisticated but more fun to ride - live a downhill carving ski. It evokes more emotion and engagement.
I owned a first generation ('02) DL1000 for 12 years, and I can confirm it's a very usable package. Great all around bike - you can get sporty, tour, do a little light off-roading, commute. Reasonably comfortable, wind management probably the biggest shortcoming.
Finally someone who rated an older version. I have a 2008 wee strom, and they're rather different from the later generations, but still absolutely recommendable!
Just picked up a 2006 v-strom 650 with only 6800 miles on it. Excited to get some miles on her. It's replacing my current sv650. Love the v twin 650. Just wanted something more touring capable.
I have a 2018 650xt for 2 years now. It has been a great bike. Put over 10,000 miles on her and not had a single issue with her. Even was riding in the winter (in Canada). It's my 3rd bike and it was a good purchase. I'm sure you will not be let down.
I bought my VStrom 650 new in 2005. It's a practical bike, almost nerdy. Great bang for your dollar though. I now have over 107000 KM. In that time my only repair was the starter motor replacement. The rest is the usual maintenance like tires and brakes. The factory seat wore out which I replaced with a Corbin. A good idea is get a backrest for passengers. If you keep it well maintained it will last forever.
Over 100k that's alot.Did the valves need adjusting in that time,also chain & wheel-bearings,did they get changed?I've got a 2017 650 with only 15k on it.
Love my Wee I picked up a used 04 about 5 years ago. It had 54k on it, it just cracked 81k. Still running like a champ. I have a Staintuned pipe on it, it’s my poor mans Ducati. Great affordable easy to maintain and ride bike.
Swiss army knife of the motorbike world, I have the 2012 650 and its perfect for anything I need it to do, from Sunday twisty riding to pack mule tourer love it.
I own a 2011 Vstrom 650 with 31,000 miles on it. Other than air/oil filters, oil and tire changes, and chain lube and chain tension adjustments, it has been maintenance free. Still the original battery, original chain and sprockets, original brake pads! Always fires right up. I do always put a splash of fuel stabilizer (Sta-Bil) in the gas tank. It can sit under the shed for months in the winter, and still cranks with no issues. I'm 6"3", 250lbs and my teenage son is pushing 200lbs, and it hauls both of us in and around and up and down the Blue Ridge Mountains like a champ. Stick it in fourth gear and just ride the torque! Best passenger seat out there, in my opinion. $14.00 a month to insure! Yeah, it's ugly, but beauty is as beauty does! I love it.
They are amazing bikes. Around my area lots of vstrom 650's now for under 3000$ just an amazing deal to be had if you want a adventure bike that is better than a bmw gs
Had one, they are great bikes, I got 60+ mpg quite often. They changed the motor at a certain year, since that early V Twin was designed by a Korean company. The new ones are not as ready to hit 60+ mpg.
Helpful all around, I struggled with my gas cap at first, finally took it apart and greased it, dripped Lucas into it until I could do the work , Peace3ed
The Suzi is definitely a great bike. I was undecided whether to buy the Vstrom or a Honda NC750X. In the end, I chose the Honda (2020 Modell) because of its even better fuel economy (between 65 and 75 mpg). And the storage compartment is extremely practical. The engine is perhaps a little less fun, but also rock solid and thanks to the torque at low revs pleasant to drive. Ride safe!
I have a 2008 model and a total of 31,000 miles. It’s been absolutely solid. I would disagree on ‘everything being accessible’. My gripe is the ridiculous position of the air filter. Oil changes are easy enough. But spark plugs and air filter require oil tank removal disconnection/removal. It’s a definite annoying feature.
Beautiful review! I have the same bike, reliable, comfortable, just for a pleasant ride. I complain a bit about replacing the air filter, but that's a detail. I would like to add that I live in Poland, the roads are ok, but in the east of Poland near the border it is not so good. but for this bike it's not a problem :) greetings
Very good review. Bit repetitive at times but that's ok. I've been off the road for about 15 years now since a bad accident, but finally my family have agreed to let me have another bike and this is one model I have been considering, even thought my last bikes have been more sporty, zzr600, zx6r, Daytona 955i, another Daytona 955i. So thanks for this review, it has definitely made me think more seriously about getting a V Strom 650.
This bike is in my consideration.. I'm also looking at the CB500X - Glad this gentleman mentioned his size as I'm about the same dimensions as he is, so maybe the VSTROM isn't too tall for me after all.. - Thanks for a Great Video Review..
Own a DL650 travelled around OZ few times 2up with wife had no problems just require to lubricate the chain from time to time. Taken her Outback roads and she did what was required to do. Have no guards really have no problems.
If you can see this change your front brake fluid. It's brown. You can see it through your master cylinder sight glass. If you don't it can corrode your brake lines. It's cheap and easy to do and should be done every year. Brake fluid that's left lying for years can absorb moisture.
Just watched a french review vstrom 650 versus yamaha tracer 700. The journalists always spare the goat and the cabbage. Viewers comments were not so chilly and 99% of them vote for vstrom
Great review. I got my '05 a few months ago and love it. I agree a shaft drive would be an improvement. The quiet exhaust is excellent. I replaced the windscreen with a +4 (now 19" tall) and it eliminated most of the buffeting (which was quite annoying)- I'm 5'8" and if I duck down just a few inches it's MUCH better & great on the interstate. Mine's got 35K miles and probably needs a valve adjust- I'll do it myself but I wish it had a more user friendly valve train. I love the power and handling- it pulls real nice and smooth and the long wheel base gives it a somewhat lazy feel but it tracks like it's on rails. It came with a Givi top box and I highly recommend it, or any top box. I think the stock bars have a weird bend but the rise is nice-the PO had 1" riser blocks under them but I removed them as I felt they were unnecessary. It's a tall bike for me and a bit top heavy, but it's manageable. I don't have a centerstand but haven't felt the need to rush out and get one, but it would be nice. The sidestand could be better designed & built and I 'm careful how and where I park it- I don't trust it and will probably have to modify it soon with a bigger 'foot' and close up the clevis end to eliminate the loose fit at the frame. I pulled enough staples from the seat bottom to stuff some more padding under the seat foam and that helped a lot to eliminate the discomfort under my 'taint'- a new seat will be needed some day if I cannot replace the foam for a reasonable price.
Good choice! I wanted the nc700x before. After i sold the vstrom i bought a nc700x. Both great bikes. THe vstrom definatly has more of a fun factor with 20 additional hp and the vtwin, but the nc700x is a great commuter and super efficient.
fitted a cosmo fork brace to my 2016 x made a big difference to the ride.great bike.switched from a 1998 transalp 600 which i had for 20 years problem free.hope this one does the same.
I have 2006 DL650 and I just crossed the 14k mark today. I bought this bike when it was 4 years old and it had only 4400 miles on it. Great bike and I love it! I love the design of this older bike much better than its successor newer generation of DL650. What is the name of the road and in which state is it at the time mark 16:00?
Where did you find the mount for the D2's? On my 2018, the odometer stops counting up at 100,000 km. Did yours do that and how did you workaround it? How long did you run it before doing the valve clearance check? It looks like you're running bridgestone tires. I put Shinko 705's on mine, and it was a huge difference in the gravel and easy fire roads. I recommend those, if you're interested in getting out there.
Oh and if you go off the pavement, get a bash plate. I have an SW Motech, I change the oil on the side stand, just let it run off the side of the skid plate, then wipe it down.
Gonna pick one up soon in part thanks to this video! What octane did you use when traveling? Forums say 87 is ok. The manual initially says 91, but also 87 in Canada is good.. I’m wondering what you personally used and if you think it made a difference.. Thanks for the vid!
You still need hazards even if you never break down. If you're approaching a traffic jam and people behind you are still at speed, use them. If you come across an accident and stop to render aid, you need to have them on. Other reasons too.
Most motorcycles don't have a hazards button. Also in the U.S. most people don't hit their hazards when there is a traffic jam up ahead, this happens most of the time in Europe. But here in the U.S. the only people that do it are people who have driven in Europe.
@@motardsquid I'm in the US and I very frequently see people put on hazards in slowdowns. Truck drivers in particular but it's rare here to have a rapid slowdown and not see hazards. Detroit area here. Obviously if you don't have them it doesn't apply, my point is that they have uses other than if you break down.
Hey man are you in DC? I'm in MD! I just got a 84 honda shadow. I had to put it back together. It was in pieces. It runs rough on idle and dies if gas is applied. The left side exhaust is also weak. I checked the jets they seem clear. Any advice? Wanna come help me?
Nice, maybe I will get the new 1050 2020. This is a review of us, "obscure clan", who keep their bikes for long term prefering to spend the money in travelling instead of buying new bikes... The bikes that this clan uses are the so called "boring bikes" like the V-Strom 650 or my CBF600 2004. Our bikes have been accused as boring, but life? Not boring at all, more than 160000 klm roaming all over Europe for 15 years without problems but with money in my pocket instead...
Why so many chain and sprocket replacements ? Removing the tank to change the air filter is crazy! How many times have you changed the spark plugs? Thx for vid!
It just seems like I changed the chain and sprockets. One time i did just replace a chain, and that is perhaps why it wore down so quick. I have changed the sparkplugs once, but it seems you don't really need to. They were in great shape at 40k
Ever change air filter? Why did you replace chain and sprocket? ,could you tell from riding the bike or were they worn when you checked it. Just curious as I have a 2009 Wee Strom with 26000 miles and only changed the oil and filter when needed.
