Suzuki V-Strom 650

[herbie]

I am looking for another bike and the wee strom has piqued my interest. Has anybody here owned one before? Any thoughts would be appreciated!

[wheelbender6]

I never owned one. The magazine reviews are all favorable. The engine is one of the strongest in the middle weight class. Just find one in good condition.

[herbie]

I never owned one. The magazine reviews are all favorable. The engine is one of the strongest in the middle weight class. Just find one in good condition.

Thanks! I went and looked at a yellow one today, going tomorrow to look at a blue one. :)

[Megadan]

It's an SV650 with some off road credentials. That motor has been around for over 2 decades, with constant improvements over its life. Probably one of the most bulletproof engines out there.

[herbie]

It's an SV650 with some off road credentials. That motor has been around for over 2 decades, with constant improvements over its life. Probably one of the most bulletproof engines out there.


Thanks Dan, that's good information to know! A lot of people seem to be very impressed with the wee strom. I am in active pursuit of one now. I have a few in my sights. The guy with the yellow v- strom I looked at today just bought a new VFR 1200 and boy it's a beautiful bike, I can see why you have one, his has a single sided swingarm. I can't remember if yours has that or not but it's pretty impressive looking, I'd like to take a rip on it :tup:

[Megadan]

Thanks Dan, that's good information to know! A lot of people seem to be very impressed with the wee strom. I am in active pursuit of one now. I have a few in my sights. The guy with the yellow v- strom I looked at today just bought a new VFR 1200 and boy it's a beautiful bike, I can see why you have one, his has a single sided swingarm. I can't remember if yours has that or not but it's pretty impressive looking, I'd like to take a rip on it :tup:

I think you will be happy with the 650 V-strom. It has just the right amount of power, it isn't overly big, and overall a fairly comfortable and utilitarian bike.

As far as the 1200's, yes they are very handsome bikes, and they all had a single sided swing arm.

https://i.ibb.co/gm5PTn5/38392469-10156500101786992-5378621925994004480-n.jpg (https://ibb.co/VJ7QSK7)

[herbie]

Awesome color and a beautiful bike!!

[1cylinderwonder]

Thanks! I went and looked at a yellow one today, going tomorrow to look at a blue one. :)
I’ve owned both, in both colors. I first purchased the 2003 V-Strom 1000 in yellow, and then the 2008 V-Strom 650 in blue.
I liked the V-Strom 650 the Best. It has a smoother running engine, with smooth performance, weighs less and performs better. And the 650 weighs a lot LESS! It’s also easier to work on!
Good Luck!
PCG

[herbie]

I’ve owned both, in both colors. I first purchased the 2003 V-Strom 1000 in yellow, and then the 2008 V-Strom 650 in blue.
I liked the V-Strom 650 the Best. It has a smoother running engine, with smooth performance, weighs less and performs better. And the 650 weighs a lot LESS! It’s also easier to work on!
Good Luck!
PCG

Thanks for the info, that's interesting! I test rode the blue one today and I was very impressed with the power and the smooth engine. I used to have a 2014 Kawasaki Versys 650 and I loved the power of that little twin but it had quite a bit of vibes but the Suzuki was butter smooth. I was cruising I thought at 60mph and looked down and was running 92mph! I love it, now to find the right one, I absolutely love the blue color but the yellow bike had tons of added stuff with it, I figured somewhere in the $1500 worth of stuff and he only wants $3300 so I may go back to the yellow one. Decisions decisions

[herbie]

Picked it up today, man what a sweet ride! I almost forgot what a little spunk will do to the old ticker :tup:

[Megadan]

That is a really nice blue. Congrats on the new bike!

[herbie]

Thanks Dan! I'm looking forward to the warmer weather and spending some time riding.

[JerryHawk250]

Nice Herbie! :tup: Chinarider approved. Now get that Japanese junk out of here, it's a Chine bike forum. :p Enjoy the ride. :yay:

[herbie]

Nice Herbie! :tup: Chinarider approved. Now get that Japanese junk out of here, it's a Chine bike forum. :p Enjoy the ride. :yay:

I'll get some Chinese stickers and put on it, how bout dat! :p
Thanks, Jerry, I'm definitely enjoying the new steed, can't wait for a good long ride.

[JerryHawk250]

I'll get some Chinese stickers and put on it, how bout dat! :p
Thanks, Jerry, I'm definitely enjoying the new steed, can't wait for a good long ride.

I know I've caught myself looking at getting one myself a few times. The price always killed that idea. They're proud of them around this neck of the woods. They do seem to be a perfect all around bike. Just the right size.

[herbie]

Just a shameless pic :tup:

[JerryHawk250]

Looks good Herbie. :tup:

[herbie]

Thanks, Jerry! :tup:
Lets see I added a belly pan, Grip buddies, Tech spec snake skin grips, alarm system, gear position indicator, cup holder, phone ram ball mount, new battery, replaced clutch lever, etc etc It's a sickness I tell ya! :lmao:

[Megadan]

Thanks, Jerry! :tup:
Lets see I added a belly pan, Grip buddies, Tech spec snake skin grips, alarm system, gear position indicator, cup holder, phone ram ball mount, new battery, replaced clutch lever, etc etc It's a sickness I tell ya! :lmao:

Nah, just business as usual for any motorcycle owner.

[herbie]

Nah, just business as usual for any motorcycle owner.

For some strange reason the wifey doesn't understand that :shrug: :D

[herbie]

Well don't I feel like the fool! My wife surprised me yesterday with a brand new genuine Suzuki center stand for my bike! Boy, I'm one lucky guy :tup:

[Megadan]

For some strange reason the wifey doesn't understand that :shrug: :D

Well don't I feel like the fool! My wife surprised me yesterday with a brand new genuine Suzuki center stand for my bike! Boy, I'm one lucky guy :tup:

Foot, meet mouth. Mouth, meet foot. :lmao:

That boys and girls is what we call "irony."

[JerryHawk250]

Well don't I feel like the fool! My wife surprised me yesterday with a brand new genuine Suzuki center stand for my bike! Boy, I'm one lucky guy :tup:

You got yourself a keeper there.

[JerryHawk250]

Well don't I feel like the fool! My wife surprised me yesterday with a brand new genuine Suzuki center stand for my bike! Boy, I'm one lucky guy :tup: Okay, it must be something to do with the corona virus. I told my wife i think i want another bike. Her replay was what kind? :wtf: I wasn't expecting that. :lmao: Hmm maybe i should before she changes her mind. lol

[herbie]

Foot, meet mouth. Mouth, meet foot. :lmao:

That boys and girls is what we call "irony."

Pardon me while I eat a little crow. :hmm: :lmao:

[herbie]

You got yourself a keeper there.

Yes I do

[herbie]

Okay, it must be something to do with the corona virus. I told my wife i think i want another bike. Her replay was what kind? :wtf: I wasn't expecting that. :lmao: Hmm maybe i should before she changes her mind. lol

I think your on to something Jerry, because this is awfully strange behavior she's exhibiting.

"Buy it before she changes her mind" That's my motto! :lmao::lmao:

[JerryHawk250]

I think your on to something Jerry, because this is awfully strange behavior she's exhibiting.

"Buy it before she changes her mind" That's my motto! :lmao::lmao:

She also asked me "You're not going to sell my other two are you? :hmm: The world is either coming to an end soon or she wants something. :lmao:

[Kenstogie]

i know it's an oldish thread but i also have wee.... 2012... its super comfortable for all day rides and really likes to carve the road.... i love it. of course its well farkled....givi luggage, givi windshield, motor guard, skid plate, usb ports, gel seating, shinko 705s....and a bunch of stuff i can't think of right now. :hmm:

[Kenstogie]

Gotta throw up a pic or 2...

[herbie]

Sweet, love the copper color, what year is your bike? Looks pretty new, never mind 2012 in your signature line. It looks newer than that

[2LZ]

Resurrecting an old thread. Seriously looking at a 2011 VStrom 650 at the moment. I think there was a redesign in '12???? How are you guys liking them at this point???
I hope you surface!

[herbie]

I still like mine, getting ready to put a new chain and sprockets on it along with tires and a oil and filter change. The only thing about it that I don

[Oddball Matt]

Interested in this too, currently have a 1300 XJR towards which I have no interest and only bought it cus it was dirt cheap. I've heard people say the 650 is actually better than the 1000 as the latter is too big and heavy

[herbie]

Interested in this too, currently have a 1300 XJR towards which I have no interest and only bought it cus it was dirt cheap. I've heard people say the 650 is actually better than the 1000 as the latter is too big and heavy

Yeah I've read that too, I think the 650 has plenty enough power and yet light enough to make it enjoyable. I average in the 50's on gas mileage, probably could do better but I'm a little heavy handed sometimes :lol:

I'm not sure why my response in the other post didn't have the whole thing show up but the only thing I don't like is the speedometer inaccuracy. Like the China bikes it is off about 8mph at higher speeds. Other than that no complaints.

[Megadan]

Yeah I've read that too, I think the 650 has plenty enough power and yet light enough to make it enjoyable. I average in the 50's on gas mileage, probably could do better but I'm a little heavy handed sometimes :lol:

I'm not sure why my response in the other post didn't have the whole thing show up but the only thing I don't like is the speedometer inaccuracy. Like the China bikes it is off about 8mph at higher speeds. Other than that no complaints.

It depends a bit on the years in question, but the 1000 is only about 30 or so pounds heavier than the 650. I think the real difference just comes down to the center of gravity and physical size of the bike being higher and bigger that makes it more cumbersome feeling.

I have had an interest in the CRF1000 aka Africa Twin because there are still some brand new 2017-2019 bikes out there for about $4000 off MSRP. Now, I am a big guy... I can straddle a CRF450 and think nothing of it. The Africa Twin is a big bike, but the giant fuel tank being up so high and the big 2cyl engine also being fairly high off the ground makes it feel HUGE. My VFR1200 weighs 60lbs more, but is much easier to handle because of how low the weight is in comparison.

Honestly, to you guys considering one of these bikes. If you find one, give it a test ride. the 650 twin is a gem of a motor and makes great torque and just the right amount of power. The bike itself is nicely proportioned, and the chassis is very neutral and comfortable.

P.S. I wish my VFR would average 50mpg lol. I can get low 40's if I sustain a constant speed on the highway. Lead throttle hand though? 30? maybe? I've gotten as low as 23mpg - never left first and second gear through a winding back road. The price of power...

[Oddball Matt]

Problem with me and ADV bikes is I'm a smidge under 5'7 with hairgel and a 30" inseam means I can't flatfoot almost anything other than some custom bikes but I've more or less used to that. I reckon the 650 would be enough for me to do some fair weather gravel roads in the woods and an occasional daytrip to see my friends on the other side of the country.

[herbie]

Dan, it

[2LZ]

Dan, it
Hiccups??? ;-)

[2LZ]

Well dammit. We drove all the way down to Rancho yesterday to check out that 650 and they already sold it, even though it's still on the website.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcd/d/rancho-cordova-2011-suzuki-strom/7252756949.html

[herbie]

Hiccups??? ;-)

lol :lmao::lmao:

It seems this site doesn't like my I phone :hmm:

[herbie]

I'll try it again;
Dan, It's funny that you mention those two bikes. I know you own the VFR and you mentioned one time that you would like to have an Africa Twin. Not too long ago a dealer close to me was offering a left over VFR1200 for $9999 and a left over Africa Twin for $8999. Both were steller deals! The africa twin was a huge bike in every way and would make a great commuter and trail bike but was too awkward for me. Now the VFR on the other hand just screamed buy me now! I was tempted but wasn't really in the market yet for a new bike. I still have that bike on my mind though. Want I would like to have is a used 2 stroke bike, I have even been eye balling the new GPX TSE250. We will see I guess

[herbie]

Well dammit. We drove all the way down to Rancho yesterday to check out that 650 and they already sold it, even though it's still on the website.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcd/d/rancho-cordova-2011-suzuki-strom/7252756949.html

You may want to keep your eye out for left over V-Strom bikes, they still carry the full factory warranty and usually are a lot cheaper. There was a new two year left over a few hours from me for sale at $5499. I'm not sure if you get those kind of deals in Cali or not.

[2LZ]

Oh....the dealers have great deals here right now.....but then there's the extra costs they refuse to wave. I can get a brand new 2020 Kawasaki Z400 right now for 4295! Then there's dealer prep, documentation, this, that and the other thing, plus then CA DMV, taxes, etc.....and you can add another 1700.00 to that 4295!

I have a few irons in the fire....... We'll see. At least with a used bike shop, its' price, tax and license. That's fine with me.

[Megadan]

I'll try it again;
Dan, It's funny that you mention those two bikes. I know you own the VFR and you mentioned one time that you would like to have an Africa Twin. Not too long ago a dealer close to me was offering a left over VFR1200 for $9999 and a left over Africa Twin for $8999. Both were steller deals! The africa twin was a huge bike in every way and would make a great commuter and trail bike but was too awkward for me. Now the VFR on the other hand just screamed buy me now! I was tempted but wasn't really in the market yet for a new bike. I still have that bike on my mind though. Want I would like to have is a used 2 stroke bike, I have even been eye balling the new GPX TSE250. We will see I guess

Now Honda has me more interested in another bike. The new Rebel 1100, which takes the Africa Twin engine and puts it in a medium sized cruiser chassis, for 9300 bucks new.

I also agree, it would be fun to have a two smoke to ride around. It would be fun to put that TSE250 engine into a small road bike frame. You can buy the engine itself from GPX, and being so compact it would probably fit into whatever your hear desired.

[2LZ]

Got a call from a buddy who has a VStrom 1000. Found this on his forum and sent me the info. First day on the web. Got some miles on it (42k) but always serviced and babied. It's an '06 and a 650.....and comes with service records and Givi bags. Picked it up for 2800.00. Get it tomorrow.

[herbie]

Wow, congratulations! That looks like a sweet bike in great condition at a nice price. Actually the color of your bike was what I was looking for when I bought mine. That's a beautiful color! I like my blue too though. :D
I hope you enjoy it and get many miles of fun out of it.
I just reread your post, with Givi bags! You got a steller deal!
The only thing I would suggest if you plan on doing any off road riding, I would invest in a skid plate. That oil filter sticking out unprotected made me nervous. I bought a cheaper plastic one on ebay that came from Greece. The cost was under a $100. It has been great and looks good on the bike.

[herbie]

Sorry, my bike is filthy

[2LZ]

Thanks herbie! I'm pretty excited....
I was wondering about that oil filter. I won't be doing any serious off-roading but we do have our fair share of dirt roads around here. I think I'll start shopping...

[Megadan]

GGot some miles on it (42k) but always serviced and babied.

42k with full service records and a known history? That bike has a ton of life left in it. I think people get too hung up with miles on motorcycles for whatever reason. I have had two bikes with well past 100k miles on them. Age does more damage than mileage in most cases.

[2LZ]

SON OF A.......!

Hit the bank today to get the cash....new hours due to Covid!!! CLOSED SATURDAYS!!! That bank has been open 9-noon on Saturdays forever!!!

Contacted the seller. He's fine with it. His work schedule is super heavy all week so we'll get together next Saturday morning. Gonna be a REALLY long week.....

[herbie]

SON OF A.......!

Hit the bank today to get the cash....new hours due to Covid!!! CLOSED SATURDAYS!!! That bank has been open 9-noon on Saturdays forever!!!

Contacted the seller. He's fine with it. His work schedule is super heavy all week so we'll get together next Saturday morning. Gonna be a REALLY long week.....

Sounds like my kind of luck. I had a deal one time where the banks were closed and I had to get it that day or I would loose the deal. So I withdrew the max out of the ATM which I think was $1200 and had my daughter take the max out for me and I just squeezed out enough to make it. What a hassle that was!

Well may be the anticipation will make it that much sweeter when you pick it up in a week. :tup:

[2LZ]

Well, hell, got it. It has a few minor cosmetic things I need to do but it runs like a top, shifts like a watch and no smoke or leaks from anything. Came with a nice array of added farkles including the Givi removable trunk. Nice young guy. Had all his ducks in order including informing me about all the known good and possible bad. Felt good about the deal.
This is after I unloaded it at home after a long drive. It now resides on my bike lift for a damn good butt sniffin'.

[herbie]

Congrats, Looks good in the sun! Enjoy your new ride, I'm still pretty impressed with my Wee.

[2LZ]

I learned something this evening, after years of China riding. ANYTHING for a Japanese bike is expensive, regarding farkles.
Like hell if I'm going to pay 200.00 for a freaking skid plate, Time to bust out the metal work.....

[deBard]

Good deal on the bike. I've owned three V Strom 650's the last being a 2017 XT. It is by far the best - love this bike. T-Rex crash bars, Givi Air Flow screen and Hepco Becker side case mounts with a set of Harbor Freight cases modified to fit. 8" snow outside with 6"-10" more forecast for today here in PA. But only 46 days till spring.

[2LZ]

Good deal on the bike. I've owned three V Strom 650's the last being a 2017 XT. It is by far the best - love this bike. T-Rex crash bars, Givi Air Flow screen and Hepco Becker side case mounts with a set of Harbor Freight cases modified to fit. 8" snow outside with 6"-10" more forecast for today here in PA. But only 46 days till spring.
It's amazing how deep the torque band goes, even for just a 650. I can ride around in 3rd gear all day.

[JerryHawk250]

Nice looking bike. :tup: I always like the V strom 650.

[2LZ]

Nice looking bike. :tup: I always like the V strom 650.
With our tight canyons up here, it's actually bigger than I was looking for. My eyes were seriously on a particular Duke 390.....but them this came along and I couldn't pass it up.
Now the "making it mine" begins.... That really is the fun part. Like your big bore kits, etc.....