So - I traded my DR650 for a VStrom 650 from Colemans back in January this year as I wanted something more comfy for the work-airport run once a week as well as longer range touring. I also wanted a good and comfy bike with relaxed ergonomics for my IAM NZ riding too.
Thus far I've clocked up some 7200Kms on the Wee Strom and it's ruddy brilliant.
Engine and Transmission
Smooth, effective and fantastic fuel economy (I'm getting some 23-25 Km/Litre) this is probably the bike's best feature. The gearing's sensible too so you can leave it in top gear above 80 Km/hr without feeling as though you've got to change down to tackle a gradient or pass something.
Chassis
The front and rear are adjustable for preload and the rear also has rebound damping adjustment. Thus far I've actually softened off the front a little and hardly touched the rear and I haven't felt the need to do anything else to it. It simply does what you want it to and you end up not really thinking about it. I guess that's as good a sign of it being effective as any.
Comfort
One problem I've found on some adventure style bikes in the past is that the bars can be too wide. My 2004 BMW R1200GS was guilty of this but the Strom doesn't have this problem. The only real criticism is that the seat to pegs distance could be a bit greater but we're talking really minor stuff here. I have a Givi Airflow screen fitted which is manually adjustable (At a standstill only) which is more effective than the standard screen. I also have the Suzuki hand guards fitted which help keep some of the windblast off your hands. In all it's a comfy machine that rates as being one of the best I've come across in all my riding career.
Should you buy one?
Yes - I'm amazed that more people don't if I'm honest. This is something of a hidden gem in Suzuki's range and is a rare example of where the whole is somehow greater than the sum of the individual parts. Yes it only has 68Bhp plus it's over 200kg and it has 'Normal' brake calipers and no electronic suspension. Guess what? You don't need those things. Yep, They're great to have if you can afford them but this bike proves that sometimes less really can be more.
If you're curious or want a bike that'll tour, commute and still be a bit of fun when you want it to be then I'd recommend you take one for a spin. This year's model even has Traction Control fitted just like the 1000 model.
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