DL650 V-Strom (2004 - ) review
Suzuki's V-Strom really does have something to offer riders with a wide range of requirements. On top of its versatility, it's great fun
The styling we've seen already, or a pretty close take on it, as Suzuki's one litre DL1000 V-Strom has been on sale for a year already, and visually this and the 650 could be twins. The engine is a known quantity too, coming in only lightly modified form from the successful SV650S, while the frame and other mechanicals have been diverted from the DL1000 production line.
Hardly the stuff of banner headlines, is it? But what do you want from your bike? Dramatic magazine features or a fine all-rounder with a punchy and endearing motor, outstanding touring ability and great town manners? If it's the latter then the 650 V-Strom is for you.
V-Strom project leader Etsuji Kato says the bike is aimed at a wide range of riders, in particular relative novices, women (why are women always grouped together with novices?) and born again riders, but he says it should also appeal to experienced riders.
Sexual stereotypes aside his bike is spot-on. The V-Strom's ace is its mile-eating ability.
The styling we've seen already, or a pretty close take on it, as Suzuki's one litre DL1000 V-Strom has been on sale for a year already, and visually this and the 650 could be twins. The engine is a known quantity too, coming in only lightly modified form from the successful SV650S, while the frame and other mechanicals have been diverted from the DL1000 production line.
Hardly the stuff of banner headlines, is it? But what do you want from your bike? Dramatic magazine features or a fine all-rounder with a punchy and endearing motor, outstanding touring ability and great town manners? If it's the latter then the 650 V-Strom is for you.
V-Strom project leader Etsuji Kato says the bike is aimed at a wide range of riders, in particular relative novices, women (why are women always grouped together with novices?) and born again riders, but he says it should also appeal to experienced riders.
Sexual stereotypes aside his bike is spot-on. The V-Strom's ace is its mile-eating ability.
| Length (mm) | 2290 |
| Width (mm) | 840 |
| Height (mm) | 1390 |
| Dryweight (kg) | 190 |
| Seats | 0 |
| Seat Height (mm) | 820 |
| Suspension Front | Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped, spring preload adjustable |
| Suspension Rear | Link type, oil damped, coil spring, |
| Adjustability Rear | Spring preload fully adjustable, rebound damping force fully adjustable |
| Tyres Front | 110/80R19 M/C (56H) |
| Tyres Rear | 150/70R17 M/C (69H) |
| Brakes Front | 2-piston calipers, 310mm dual discs |
| Brakes Rear | 1-piston caliper, 260mm disc |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1540 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 165 |
| Trail (mm) | 110 |
| Cubic Capacity (cc) | 645 |
| Max Power (bhp) | 72 |
| Max Power Peak (rpm) | 9000 |
| Torque (ft/lb) | 47 |
| Torque Peak (rpm) | 7200 |
| Bore (mm) | 81 |
| Stroke (mm) | 62.6 |
| Valve Gear | DOHC |
| Compression Ratio | 11.5 |
| Ignition | Electronic |
| Valves Per Cylinder | 4 |
| Cooling | Liquid cooled |
| Fuel Delivery | 39mm fuel injection |
| Stroke Type | Four Stroke |
| Drive | Chain |
| Top Speed | 114.6 |
| Max Power | 72.5 |
| Max Power Revs | 8900 |
| Max Torque | 47 |
| Max Torque Revs | 7300 |
| Standing Quarter Mile - Terminal Speed MPH | 98.48 |
| Standing Quarter Mile - Time | 13.32 |
