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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by herbie

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

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.

[herbie]

Awesome color and a beautiful bike!!

[1cylinderwonder]

Originally Posted by herbie

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]

Originally Posted by 1cylinderwonder

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

[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! Chinarider approved. Now get that Japanese junk out of here, it's a Chine bike forum. Enjoy the ride.

[herbie]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

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

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

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by herbie

I'll get some Chinese stickers and put on it, how bout dat!
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.