A new Suzuki adventure bike? [Archive]

ADVGD

2nd June 2011, 22:01

I wonder how long till we get to see a pic or see specs, but more to the point when it comes on the market.

Surprised Yamaha made a smaller version of their XT660Z Tenere, but did it in a god damn 250 :blink: seriously, wtf, a lightweight Tenere around 450cc would have been awesome

Eddieb

2nd June 2011, 22:07

http://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle_news/first_looks_articles/11q2/suzuki_s_middleweight_adventurer_-_first_look

My phone can copy and paste ;)

bart

2nd June 2011, 22:26

Yawn :yawn:

Another soggy, fat, road bike, pretending to be a hard core, adventure/duel purpose machine? I guess we will see. :shutup:

About time they upgraded the DR though.

Crim

2nd June 2011, 22:35

Another soggy, fat, road bike, pretending to be a hard core, adventure/duel purpose machine?

That's funny - replace "road bike" with "balding middle aged bloke" and I think I have heard that exact same sentence from my wife :facepalm:

and my 8 year old daughter come to think of it.................... where has all the respect gone?

bart

2nd June 2011, 22:42

That's funny - replace "road bike" with "balding middle aged bloke" and I think I have heard that exact same sentence from my wife :facepalm:

and my 8 year old daughter come to think of it.................... where has all the respect gone?

Hahaha....nice one

Crisis management

3rd June 2011, 07:39

The rumours I heard via ADV rider were a strom with panniers and a bash plate, focused on stealing buyers from the Tiger and F800 market, interestingly enough the summary was the F800 was the better buy but the stom may cherry pick some of the market with a lower price.

young1

3rd June 2011, 08:01

Woodman

3rd June 2011, 08:16

Its a hard job finding the perfect adventure bike lad.

NordieBoy

3rd June 2011, 08:54

Its a hard job finding the perfect adventure bike lad.

There's plenty of them out there. However they're usually owned by other people :(

Monstaman

3rd June 2011, 09:09

Woodman

3rd June 2011, 09:18

If that IS the design silhouette then is kinda looks like it might be a RF900 with high pipes.

Let hope they see sense and stick with honest basics, i.e 21 front, 17 rear. not too much breakable (note expensive) plastics etc.

They should just keep rolling out the DR. Maybe start a Suzuki accessory line similar to all the farkles you guys put on anyway.

The truth is that the old DR probarbly won't be emission friendly enough for a lot of markets soon so will have to go or have a major revamp e.g. efi etc. Shame really cos they are the last of the breed e.g. simple.

Monstaman

3rd June 2011, 10:08

Shame really cos they are the last of the breed e.g. simple.

My woife sess that too me as wal :blink:

Some nice suspenders, a better seat and a proper tank would see the DR steal more people.

... maybe a snorkel for deep crossings too :shutup:

clint640

3rd June 2011, 10:55

My woife sess that too me as wal :blink:

Some nice suspenders, a better seat and a proper tank would see the DR steal more people.

... maybe a snorkel for deep crossings too :shutup:

It's always baffled me why the Japs dont make several versions of their dual purpose machines, If a small outfit like KTM can make several different flavours of LC4 for various tastes you'd think Suzuki could come out with a better suspended & FCR carbed DR650Z, a big tank, comfy seat & windscreen DR650RS, a 17" wheeled DR650SM... Instead they seem happy to let the aftermarket make that money off their customers.

Simple & basic might not be dead yet though, I read recently that Honda have re-released the XR650L in several markets, totally unchanged from the last 10 years ones.

Clint

Crasherfromwayback

3rd June 2011, 11:21

It's always baffled me why the Japs dont make several versions of their dual purpose machines, If a small outfit like KTM can make several different flavours of LC4 for various tastes you'd think Suzuki could come out with a better suspended & FCR carbed DR650Z, a big tank, comfy seat & windscreen DR650RS, a 17" wheeled DR650SM... Instead they seem happy to let the aftermarket make that money off their customers.

Simple & basic might not be dead yet though, I read recently that Honda have re-released the XR650L in several markets, totally unchanged from the last 10 years ones.

Clint

It's because KTM are a small niche market maker of mainly off road bikes. It's what they do. Just like Suzuki don't make several versions of the DR650, KTM don't make cruisers Busas etc etc

Monstaman

3rd June 2011, 11:35

KTM don't make cruisers Busas etc etc

Imagine if they did ..... cruisers and Busas that handle, look cool and are lite weight .. .endless possibilities.

Crasherfromwayback

3rd June 2011, 11:53

Imagine if they did ..... cruisers and Busas that handle, look cool and are lite weight .. .endless possibilities.

Nothing wrong with the way a Busa handles I can assure you mate!

clint640

3rd June 2011, 12:01

It's because KTM are a small niche market maker of mainly off road bikes. It's what they do. Just like Suzuki don't make several versions of the DR650, KTM don't make cruisers Busas etc etc

But many manufacturers make several versions of the same bike, & the bigger the company the cheaper it is to do so. eg Harley have 4 or 5 models wrapped around a 1200 Sporty engine, BMW have a similar number based on their 800 twin.

It would seem like a no brainer for Suzuki to have a rummage in the parts bin & turn out some mildy blinged DR's, probably cost them $200 worth of bits & they could add $2K to the price plus steal a few sales off the competition. Maybe the Freewind sold so poorly that it scared them off anything else based on a DR650?

Clint

mazz1972

3rd June 2011, 14:56

I can only hope that its low enough for my short wheel base, and vaguely in my price bracket.

Wont be holding my breath tho

dino3310

3rd June 2011, 16:09

.

Simple & basic might not be dead yet though, I read recently that Honda have re-released the XR650L in several markets, totally unchanged from the last 10 years ones.

Clint

sure have, the yanks have got it

LBD

3rd June 2011, 18:21

Its a hard job finding the perfect adventure bike lad.

Yup...you create a think tank of experts to develop the perfect adventure bike and they will come up with a number of concepts equal to the square of the number of people in the group

.chris

3rd June 2011, 18:34

Yup...you create a think tank of experts to develop the perfect adventure bike and they will come up with a number of concepts equal to the square of the number of people in the group

But if you make them pay for them, they will be different again.

It is about time that Honda got a bike right, has been a long time since the XR650R and the Africa Twins (IMO the 2 bikes they got right).

Ender EnZed

3rd June 2011, 18:52

It is about time that Honda got a bike right, has been a long time since the XR650R and the Africa Twins (IMO the 2 bikes they got right).

Build one with the VTR1000 engine, 21 inch front wheel and under 200kg.

.chris

3rd June 2011, 18:57

Build one with the VTR1000 engine, 21 inch front wheel and under 200kg.

Nah too big.. 500cc v twin 20l fuel and 120kg.

*and so it begins*

gazzerklr

3rd June 2011, 18:59

Time to grab the last Dr's
They will never come again

Gremlin

3rd June 2011, 19:01

Its a hard job finding the perfect adventure bike lad.
No it's not :facepalm:

http://www.raptorsandrockets.com/images/BMW/r1200-gs-adventure-6rc.jpg

:wings:

NordieBoy

3rd June 2011, 19:38

Nah too big.. 500cc v twin 20l fuel and 120kg.

*and so it begins*

A better suspended 650cc BMW boxer would be quite nice I think.

650cc twin, 20L, 21" front, 150kg max wet.

Ender EnZed

3rd June 2011, 19:40

Nah too big.. 500cc v twin 20l fuel and 120kg.

*and so it begins*

*It does*

I think my idea was more practical and immediately achievable. Honda doesn't have a 500cc v twin (that I can think of from the last 20 years) and what bike has ever had a 20L tank and been under 120kg wet?

Half a VFR1200 engine in an XR650 frame with a 20L tank.
EDIT: And a 21 inch front of course.

Oscar

3rd June 2011, 20:06

No it's not :facepalm:

:wings:

That bavarian pig is at is maximum depth before this happens:

http://oscar.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Cold-Kiwi-Weekend/DSCN3955/370171283_DEtPT-M.jpg

Water tight they ain't..

tri boy

3rd June 2011, 21:03

Nah too big.. 500cc v twin 20l fuel and 120kg.

*and so it begins*

Kannys KLE500 comes very close to that,
para twin though.

Eddieb

3rd June 2011, 21:14

Build one with the VTR1000 engine, 21 inch front wheel and under 200kg.

Too thirsty, you could never get very far from a gas station.

Woodman

3rd June 2011, 21:29

2 cylinders (or one )
6 gears
20 litre tank
21 inch front wheel
160 kg weight max

Also needs:
Good easily/factory upgradable suspenders.
Handling and ergos biased to off road.
No easily breakable bits hanging off it.
Comfy seat.
Must be simple.

young1

3rd June 2011, 23:31

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2010/08/is-the-u-s-ready-to-embrace-adventure-bikes/

on that web page, half way down is the Yankee vstrom with bags and an engine guard

young1

3rd June 2011, 23:39

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/598/10198/Motorcycle-Article/Coming-Soon--Suzuki-Adventure-Touring-Bike-.aspx

This is what motorcycle USA has to say.

Monstaman

4th June 2011, 10:10

An 800 entry would be mint, parrallel twin? .... and with Suzuki reliablity... hmmmmm

DR still wins us over for height, weight and simplicity tho, those three things alone make it a great contender and I agree with Clint completely that a DR650R or S etc with better suspenders and the like is something that would drag money out of my pocket.....even being dutch as I am.

dino3310

4th June 2011, 11:06

dino3310

4th June 2011, 11:13

What ever Suzuki bring out i hope it has the reliability and the longativity the DR has givin us, i just hope it dosent look like another adv tourer like the rest of them

Taz

4th June 2011, 11:33

There can be only one.

marks

4th June 2011, 12:24

There can be only one.

that with a triumph scrambler engine would light my fire.

even a modernised 640 with a 690 motor in it would be pretty awesome (with normal tank/subframe/perimeter frame etc)

its a great pity that the 640a/e/sx had such a paint shaker motor and such a high (relative to dr/klr) new price.

pretty close to the perfect weight/suspension/riding position compromise for a mid size adv bike.

pete376403

4th June 2011, 12:46

Kannys KLE500 comes very close to that,
para twin though.
Parallel twin is the most compact multi cylinder layout possible. If you want the firing characteristics of a V twin, use a 270 degree crank.

There are several threads on advrider about using the versys 650 twin as the basiis for an adventure bike engine. Double the power of a klr650, only 7kgs more weight (engine).
It's really hard to understand why Kawasaki are not doing this, the KLR motor is real old tech and having a carburettor, won't pass coming US emissions regulations

tri boy

4th June 2011, 12:55

that with a triumph scrambler engine would light my fire.

Your not worthy to even be within ear shot of such a fine sounding engine:bleh:

So, a little recap then.
Tri boy has the scrambler in the garage, and an XRL, and a KLE500.
All I need now is some 1970's acid, and motivation, (extremely rare with me)and a hell fire adv beast could be produced.
Either that,or I would consume the acid, and watch dairy cows do take off and landing practice while the trees did a samba in pink leotards.

dino3310

4th June 2011, 13:34

mmmmm the LSD sound good :woohoo:

Taz

4th June 2011, 14:32

With bikes having only one rear wheel I think an LSD would be wasted :weird:

dino3310

4th June 2011, 14:49

With bikes having only one rear wheel I think an LSD would be wasted :weird:

was relating to Triboys post..... 70s acid commonly known as LSD ya nob

BMWST?

4th June 2011, 15:03

i have always thought a kle 500 would be good,but they got a little tank and they are too heavy for what they are

nooles

4th June 2011, 15:39

There can be only one.

There can be only THREE:shutup::love:

dino3310

4th June 2011, 18:36

There can be only THREE:shutup::love:

ya only need the DR bro

Oscar

4th June 2011, 19:12

Actually what you need is in yer shed now.

I did some fantastic rides on my XR400 (and one I borrowed in Andorra) and my DRZ400. Some great rides on my TDM, my V-Strom and whatever was handy.

Riding the 950Adv up the Turkina Valley was an adventure, but I have to say that the first trip up there on my old TDM was probably more fun (and certainly more of a challenge) because of the road tyres and the old bike..if you get my meaning.

gav24

5th June 2011, 20:36

gav24

6th June 2011, 20:27

[QUOTE=Oscar;1130079177]Actually what you need is in yer shed now.

QUOTE]

I think this combo has some serious merits...

http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46633

Reads like a fairly straightforward conversion too...
Usually a few CX400, 500 or even 650's around as well - If you can find one that hasnt been "triked"!
Didnt Honda also build a Turbo cx as well? :facepalm::shit:

Just found this...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=381845186

Better MX type forks and 21' front wheel and brakes, longer shocks, some adv tyres and good to go...Hmmm.
The voice on my left shoulder says NO NO NO! You dont have time, you'll lose interest before you run out of $$$:facepalm:
BUT
The voice on my right shoulder keeps saying YES YES, and how it will end up better than a Beemer HP2 for under $500:rockon:

So... Who should I listen to? The voice of reason or the voice of treason?:blink:

Damn you imaginative Texans, and your detailed 'how to' forum posts!:angry:

warewolf

6th June 2011, 20:52

its a great pity that the 640a/e/sx had such a paint shaker motor and such a high (relative to dr/klr) new price.The run-out 640E was pretty good value at $11K-ish. Compared to a DR/KLR at $9-10K it was outstanding value, and that's the apples-to-apples bike.

The 640A was always an expensive beast, but again, bang for buck. Much of what gets fitted after-market on DR/KLR bikes the 640A has factory standard. There aren't many bikes in the class that you can buy and ride away. I looked at DRs but decided I didn't want to build up from that base; I had a DR-Z at the time and it wasn't economic to do so to it. I looked at getting a crashed F650GSD and doing a Touratech Rallye rebuild on it, but that would cost $30K and still not be as dynamically capable as the 640A is out of the box. Easy decision in the end, I only cried once when I wrote the cheque.

warewolf

6th June 2011, 20:56

Actually what you need is in yer shed now.Yep. I've said before, my first adventure bike was a CBX250. I didn't know adventure had a name, and I didn't know you weren't supposed to load up a road 250 with camping gear and ride dirt roads.

clint640

7th June 2011, 17:39

No it's not :facepalm:

[IMG]lardy-beemer.jpg[/IMG

:wings:

Ride across island in comfort; check

Ride hell muddy track, fall off multiple times, cartwheel into ditch, recover without aid of heavy machinery, ride home with intact fibulae having fixed all damage with 2 zip ties; Not a chance.

Defintions of adventure vary... Crashability has got to up there for me :yes: Overlaps quite a bit with lightness I reckon.

Cheers
Clint

Gremlin

7th June 2011, 23:27

Ride across island in comfort; check

Ride hell muddy track, fall off multiple times, cartwheel into ditch, recover without aid of heavy machinery, ride home with intact fibulae having fixed all damage with 2 zip ties; Not a chance.

Defintions of adventure vary... Crashability has got to up there for me :yes: Overlaps quite a bit with lightness I reckon.
Actually... I happened to know of one that bounced/tumbled into a field. Happened in Oamaru, rode it out of the field and rode it back to Auckland... it was mine :facepalm: OK, so it wasn't two zip ties, it was a couple of months, some excellent practise for the mechanics, and insurance picked up an $18,500 bill.

Crisis management

8th June 2011, 08:11

Crashability has got to up there for me :yes: Overlaps quite a bit with lightness I reckon.

Cheers
Clint

That about sums it up for me, crashability is something I make an earnest attempt to test on my bikes. :shutup:

pete376403

8th June 2011, 17:12

Do Suzuki have anything in the line up that could be converted to adventurer like this? (The 'strom motor is physically too big / long)

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/100977-KLR-riders-out-there...?p=1130081371#post1130081371

XF650

8th June 2011, 17:22

What about the Suzuki 700 / 750 quad bike motor in a decent adv bike?

dino3310

8th June 2011, 17:40

sv650 motor be a good 1

pete376403

8th June 2011, 21:15

What about the Suzuki 700 / 750 quad bike motor in a decent adv bike?
Is that a single or twin?

warewolf

8th June 2011, 22:45

What about the Suzuki 700 / 750 quad bike motor in a decent adv bike?

Is that a two-stroke or four?Fixed.

:woohoo:

NordieBoy

9th June 2011, 07:28

Is that a single or twin?

Fuel injected single. With reverse :yes:

warewolf

9th June 2011, 23:01

With reverse :yes:Important for extraction from gorse.

tuska

12th June 2011, 18:01

wouldn't it need a reverse beeper then too??

Box'a'bits

12th June 2011, 18:04

wouldn't it need a reverse beeper then too??
Most riders can provide that function, :mad: especially after riding into gorse.

Eddieb

22nd June 2011, 10:52

Pics and specs have been released, it's a reworked Wee-Strom

http://www.globalsuzuki.com/motorcycle/moto/sport_enduro/v-strom650/

http://www.globalsuzuki.com/motorcycle/moto/sport_enduro/v-strom650/imgs/Media/DL650AL2_Diagonal_YUK.jpg http://www.globalsuzuki.com/motorcycle/moto/sport_enduro/v-strom650/imgs/Spec/DL650_YUK.png
http://www.globalsuzuki.com/motorcycle/moto/sport_enduro/v-strom650/imgs/Spec/DL650_YVB.png http://www.globalsuzuki.com/motorcycle/moto/sport_enduro/v-strom650/imgs/Spec/DL650_YPA.png

Engine Type 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90°V-Twin
Bore x Stroke 81.0 mm x 62.6 mm (3.2 in x 2.5 in)
Engine Displacement 645 cm3 (40.2 cu.in)
Compression Ratio 11.2 : 1
Carburetion Fuel injection
Oil Capacity (overhaul) 3.0 L (3.2 / 2.6 US / Imp qt)
Starter System Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Lubrication System Wet sump
Transmission 6-speed constant mesh
Primary Reduction Ratio 2.088 (71 / 34)
Final Reduction Ratio 3.133 (47 / 15)
Rake/Trail 26°/ 110 mm (4.3 in)
Suspension Front Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Rear Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Brakes Front Disc, twin
Rear Disc
Tires Front 110/80R19M/C 59H
Rear 150/70R17M/C 69H
Fuel tank
20.0 L (5.3 / 4.4 US / Imp gal)
Overall length
2,290 mm (90.2 in)
Overall Width 835 mm (32.9 in)
Overall height
1,405 mm (55.3 in)
Wheelbase
1,560 mm (61.4 in)
Seat height 835 mm (32.9 in)
Curb mass 214 kg (472 lbs)

marks

22nd June 2011, 11:11

Pics and specs have been released, it's a reworked Wee-Strom

Curb mass 214 kg (472 lbs)

Nice looking road bike

Eddieb

22nd June 2011, 11:44

Nice looking road bike

The Strom's have always been aimed in that direction, much like the KLR:girlfight: It's still lighter than the old one by 6kg and looks like it has much less breakable plastic.

Thats kerb weight too, so full of oils and fuel, not a pile of metal with not a drop of fluid in it.

Monstaman

22nd June 2011, 12:09

Pics and specs have been released, it's a reworked Wee-Strom

FAIL

What is it about adventure they don't understand? :mad:

Tis just a roady in reality capable of shingle roads

888

22nd June 2011, 12:09

And here I was hoping that the new bike was going to be an amazing dr650 with all the trimmings. Nice looking road bike, but nothing too impressive.

ADVGD

22nd June 2011, 12:39

Curb mass 214 kg

The bike is being advertised as "Suzuki’s Middleweight Adventurer". If 214 kg (without food, toolkit, travel gear, sleeping gear, etc) is middle weight then I'd hate to see the specs for the "Heavyweight"

To be fair I'm a little fella, weight is an issue for me and the type of riding I do, it may not be for others...

XF650

22nd June 2011, 12:49

And here I was hoping that the new bike was going to be an amazing dr650 with all the trimmings. Nice looking road bike, but nothing too impressive.

You have described my Freewind - wanna buy it?

Eddieb

22nd June 2011, 14:33

FAIL

What is it about adventure they don't understand? :mad:

Whether it is a Success or Fail depends on the design brief it's being compared against. I bet that design brief covers european gravel cruiser, not kiwi nutter who likes to take his bikes stupid places that really should be ridden on a trail bike.

As a successor to the Wee and a 'budget' competitor to the XC and 800GS it looks good on paper.

The bike is being advertised as "Suzuki’s Middleweight Adventurer". If 214 kg (without food, toolkit, travel gear, sleeping gear, etc) is middle weight then I'd hate to see the specs for the "Heavyweight"

I suspect middleweight in this context applies to engine capacity, not weight.

Night Falcon

22nd June 2011, 17:22

200kg + adventure bike.....bin their....broke leg...sold it...got lighter bike...done that....nice on the road though :corn:

Phreaky Phil

22nd June 2011, 17:26

They used to be the Toyota Camry of Adventure Bikes. Looks like that wont change. :zzzz::zzzz:

young1

22nd June 2011, 17:43

They lose weight by partly giving it a smaller tank!

V SNOR!!!

marks

22nd June 2011, 18:11

we are all adventure snobs

well we seem to have upset them with our disparaging remarks

they've taken the page off of the website....

Eddieb

22nd June 2011, 18:45

we are all adventure snobs

well we seem to have upset them with our disparaging remarks

they've taken the page off of the website....

mmm, Maybe someone pressed the publish button earlier than they should have. I see all the images are broken links now also. It still shows up in some of their menu's but they go to the same 404 page.

young1

22nd June 2011, 18:47

Here it is;

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/06/new-suzuki-v-strom-650-pictures-and-specifications-hit-the-web/

clint640

23rd June 2011, 08:38

The bike is being advertised as "Suzuki’s Middleweight Adventurer". If 214 kg (without food, toolkit, travel gear, sleeping gear, etc) is middle weight then I'd hate to see the specs for the "Heavyweight"

To be fair I'm a little fella, weight is an issue for me and the type of riding I do, it may not be for others...

I'm with on that one. I reckon a 'lightweight adventurer' is something that you'd happily enter in an enduro, 'middleweight' is everything else useful & 'heavyweight' is glorified road bikes that I can't pick up like this one. The fact that it's only got a motor with barely more hp than a KTM 690 doesn't make it ok :nya:

But, as an upgrade to the Weestrom, it looks ok, lighter & more crashable, it's a step in the right direction.

Clint

Night Falcon

23rd June 2011, 16:49

The fact that it's only got a motor with barely more hp than a KTM 690 doesn't make it ok :nya:

Clint

couldn't find the hp specs on the info provided....so guess your talking about the 1000cc version :nya:

chasio

27th June 2011, 16:09

Is it a coincidence that the colour code for the orange (http://www.globalsuzuki.com/motorcycle/moto/sport_enduro/v-strom650/spec.html)is YUK?

I like it and I'd buy one. Plus an adventure bike. I find my Freewind is enough of a challenge for my limited skills and size, so if someone were to give me the money, I reckon a WR250R and one of these puppies would do me nicely.

Chasio

PS The white one might look a bit like a police bike, which is useful when lane splitting.

chasio

27th June 2011, 16:18

Check out the rad and oil cooler detail (http://www.globalsuzuki.com/motorcycle/moto/sport_enduro/v-strom650/360-degreeViewer/index.html)... It says they have applied for a patent for holes.

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that holes have been around since back in the day.

Crim

27th June 2011, 17:57

is that the oil filter sticking out the front / bottom in the same (here rock, here I am) place as the S10

Eddieb

27th June 2011, 18:14

young1

27th June 2011, 20:40

More details;
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/06/suzuki-reveals-full-details-on-the-v-strom-650-abs/

chasio

27th June 2011, 21:17

is that the oil filter sticking out the front / bottom in the same (here rock, here I am) place as the S10

Worry not, the mighty under cowling made of resin will stop anything getting through.

The under cowling was developed together with the bodywork design. Emphasizing an adventurous image, its shape blends neatly with the body.
A combination of a black resin cover and a metal emblem with the "V-Strom" logo engraved on it enhances the solid feel.

Let's hope the nasty rocks only hit the metal logo on the side of it... :facepalm:

Monstaman

27th June 2011, 21:49

Ah, they must be using holes in new and improved ways.

Placemakers have holes on special at the moment, might be a bit costly getting them powdercoated to match the bodywork tho.

Woodman

27th June 2011, 22:09

Worry not, the mighty under cowling made of resin will stop anything getting through.

The under cowling was developed together with the bodywork design. Emphasizing an adventurous image, its shape blends neatly with the body.
A combination of a black resin cover and a metal emblem with the "V-Strom" logo engraved on it enhances the solid feel.

Let's hope the nasty rocks only hit the metal logo on the side of it... :facepalm:

OMG it was designed by the Harley Ferguson skunkworks team:facepalm: too-wit Image Image image.

mazz1972

28th June 2011, 10:35

That's supposedly mid-weight??? Whatever!

young1

7th July 2011, 22:01

First test I have seen. Maybe they are not so bad when you read That 97% of VStroms never leave the pavement. Maybe like a lot of adventure bikes, us oldies buy them for the upright riding position?

Here is the link;
http://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle_roadtest/first_rides_articles/11q3/2012_suzuki_v-strom_650_abs_-_first_ride

Crisis management

9th July 2011, 17:21

"I also sampled a short dirt section. Frankly, anything more than that would have totally trashed the bike."

Extracted from the road test and about sums it up, non switchable ABS seals the deal. :no:

Pity really, as I always thought the Strom had potential, a bit of stripping down, DRZ front end and you had a capable mid sized bike, a couple of Two Wheels journos punted them around Aussie a while back and they survived ok.