Suzuki DR 650SE or V-strom 650

**David Hickson** · 10th February 2012, 19:52

Starting to think about what bike to buy when I get my full license.

Lots of options and choices.

Tempted by either:

Suzuki DR 650SE

or

Suzuki V-strom 650

Any thoughts / comments would be much appreciated.

**Magnum Noel** · 10th February 2012, 20:53

Originally Posted by David Hickson

Starting to think about what bike to buy when I get my full license.

Lots of options and choices.

Tempted by either:

Suzuki DR 650SE

or

Suzuki V-strom 650

Any thoughts / comments would be much appreciated.

Mate either bike will be great. You have to decide what the majority of your riding will entail. If its commuting to work with the occasional longish road trip the DR will be OK. If you intend doing alot of road traveling far and wide then the V-strom will be better. Heaps of DR riders use theirs for adventure riding [with modifications ] so you need to take that into consideration as well. I have a DR which I only use on the tar but had to lower it the 40mm factory setting because I keep falling over in the drive way. Also most DR riders either modify or replace the factory seat as you need an iron backside to travel more than 40minutes on it. Anyway have fun choosing. Maybe take each for a ride before making that final decision.

**Zedder** · 10th February 2012, 22:06

Horses for courses. The V Strom is an adventurer/tourer but not really for off roading while the DR is primarily an off roader. Either can be used for commuting but I'd go for the V Strom every time for long rides.

**White trash** · 11th February 2012, 06:51

Buy both. The price will still come in around half the price of an R1200GS.

**paturoa** · 11th February 2012, 07:02

V strom = think roads of all kinds and lots of them, very comfortable, good range, one of the most reliable bikes ever made, heavy, good commuter, excellent pillion confort, ugly grandpas bike (new 2012 version not so ugly)
DR = think roads and medium off road, not comfortable with std seat, pillion as last resort, limited range, cheapest around, uber reliable, parts anywhere, budget adventure bike, excellent commuter.

**David Hickson** · 11th February 2012, 20:16

Thanks for all the comments and advice.

I feel like it will soon be play time.

Not 100% what I want or what type or riding I plan on yet.

Currently riding a wee Scorpio Zmainly for commuting.

Would love to take a ride round the south island..... (one day)

**Ender EnZed** · 11th February 2012, 20:59

For long road rides the V-Strom will be much better. For commuting they'll both do it well but the DR will be cheaper.

Where the DR really has the advantage is the number of roads and tracks available to you that you wouldn't dream of taking a V-Strom along. In the roudh stuff it will become obvious that it's no enduro machine but it's about as good as it gets for a bike you can ride on the road that doesn't need an oil change every second time you start it. Some people don't like the stock seat but I don't mind it, even after 700+ km rides. Even if you do go for all the add-ons to make it a real adventure tourer it'll still only come to about half the price of a V-Strom of the same age and milage.

**niiiick99** · 15th February 2012, 20:22

I have the 650 V-Strom, i commute to the city with it during the week and take it out on the weekends to wherever we end up. Comfortable for both me and any pillions with plenty luggage if you get the panniers/top box. Took it to Auckland - Taupo and back in December in a day and was as comfy when i got home as i was when i left. Its pretty big and heavy to go too far offroad but it has been done!

Nick

**Laava** · 15th February 2012, 21:26

This is a heavily modded v strom 650- that has had about 40kg shaved off it from stock and had lots of tasty fruit added. From the Stromtrooper forum, by Gitch-Oz
http://www.stromtrooper.com/australi...0-mongrel.html

**David Hickson** · 16th February 2012, 19:36

Nice V-strom. :-)

**Eddieb** · 16th February 2012, 20:23

Originally Posted by Laava

This is a heavily modded v strom 650- that has had about 40kg shaved off it from stock and had lots of tasty fruit added. From the Stromtrooper forum, by Gitch-Oz
http://www.stromtrooper.com/australi...0-mongrel.html

Glitch has done I think 4 of those 'thin'-stroms now, all in different styles. Glitch also owns and runs http://www.austouring.com

Originally Posted by paturoa

V strom = think roads of all kinds and lots of them, very comfortable, good range, one of the most reliable bikes ever made, heavy, good commuter, excellent pillion confort, ugly grandpas bike (new 2012 version not so ugly)
DR = think roads and medium off road, not comfortable with std seat, pillion as last resort, limited range, cheapest around, uber reliable, parts anywhere, budget adventure bike, excellent commuter.

Paturoa sums it up pretty good. You might need to ride both and then have an honest discussion with yourself about how you will to use the bike.

A decent rider can take a Wee-strom up some good gravel tracks.

**David Hickson** · 12th March 2012, 20:01

Have just passed my full test.

The New 30 min full test- it was easier than than the old restricted test.

Hard part will justifying a new bike.....

Still it will be fun to look.

**Bikemad** · 12th March 2012, 20:42

congratulations David.............have recently purchased a new DR with a bunch of mods suggested by other experienced adventure riders on KB and am stoked with the end product although i too will be doing a seat upgrade in the near future............good luck with your riding and soon to be new purchase whichever way you go but it's DR for me