1 Year Review - 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 650

[@nelsdude]

My Vstrom is same as yours, 2023 base model blue. I bought it in January this year. After my ride today it turned 3800 miles. Before I bought this I had a 23 CB500x. It was a nice bike but I’m enjoying my vstrom for the extra torque & hp. It’s really a joy to ride. It’s super smooth, nimble, & economical. On my fill up today I got 68 mpg last tank. 2 tanks before were 70 & 71 mpg. I’ve added barkbuster brand hand guards, SW Motech bash plate, & a Givi wind screen. I have no plans to take it off road like all my previous dual sport bikes which is fine with me. A couple months after I bought her my son purchased the new Vstrom 800 DE. If I was to get that bike it would definitely be the SE or base model. His complaints are the vibrations around 5k rpm & the extensive heat on the right side. He’s also still struggling to find a wind screen that will eliminate the buffeting. I like my little 650 for the smooth, tried & true V twin engine. Also, unlike the DE it’s not the new euro 5 version that seems to be more plugged up & runs leaner. I really have zero complaints with my Vstrom 650 & believe it will bring me many miles & years of fun riding. I have no desire & see no need to switch to the 800

[@ThatThrottle]

Great to hear you're enjoying your V-Strom 650! Putting 3,800 miles on it since January is impressive-you’re definitely getting some quality saddle time! I’m glad to hear you opted for the base model and customized it with the upgrades you mentioned. I also went with the base model, as I found an unbeatable deal from a dealer here in VA. I haven't added a bash plate yet and I'm still using the OEM windscreen. Being a shorter rider (5'7"), it works fine for me so far. I absolutely love this bike and was considering upgrading to the 800RE, but after some thought, I've decided to stick with my V-Strom 650 for all the reasons you mentioned about the tried-and-true V-twin engine. I’ve heard similar complaints from other 800DE owners about excessive engine heat, vibrations, and issues with the OEM windscreen. I hope your son is still enjoying his bike despite these issues! The 2023 CB500X is a great-looking ADV bike-just curious, did you trade it in for the V-Strom 650? I've never had the chance to ride one, so I’m interested in how it compares to the V-Strom 650. And you’re right-the V-Strom 650 will provide us with years of fun and trouble-free riding as long as we keep up with the basic maintenance. Speaking of which, do you work on your own bikes? I’m not a mechanic, but I’ve started doing some of the maintenance myself. So far, I've cleaned and lubed the chain, and replaced the oil and filter. The oil and filter change on the V-Strom 650 was surprisingly easy! I couldn’t believe how straightforward it was the first time I did it. I watched a few videos online beforehand just to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Thanks for tuning in and commenting-I really appreciate your support. Ride safe, and cheers!

[@nelsdude]

@@ThatThrottle The CB500X is a sweet little bike. It’s a tad shorter in wheelbase & also super nimble. It’s geared lower so really turns some rpm at highway speeds. That was one of my main reasons to switch. Also the extra ponies with the 650 is nice & noticeable. I was getting around 80 mpg with the CB which was nice. However, the larger tank on the Vstrom makes up for the range. I’ve been filling up at about 275 miles & only pump in 4 gallons to fill it…which means I still have over a gallon left to go. The Vstrom is smoother & feels a lot more planted especially at higher speeds. Both are a joy to ride but I would pick my smooth little 650 every time. I do my own maintenance but will probably have the shop check the valves when it comes time. I sold the CB outright vs trading it in.

[@ThatThrottle]

@@nelsdude Gotcha, the reasons you mentioned for switching to the V-Strom 650 from the CB500X make total sense. I’m a fan of the fuel efficiency too, but given the two options, I think I would’ve made the same choice and gone with the V-Strom 650. I agree with you on having a shop handle the valve clearance checks and adjustments-better safe than sorry. Smart move selling the CB500X outright; you probably got more than what the dealer would’ve offered on a trade-in. Cheers!

[@danledbetter9535]

I saw one on craigs list with 112,000 miles, I sure hope my KLR 650 will do that, I understand the Vstrom is a great bike.

[@ThatThrottle]

@@danledbetter9535 The KLR650 is another incredibly reliable bike, and I’m sure either choice is a great pick. If you take good care of it, I’m confident it will last well past the 112,000-mile mark. Thanks for tuning in and commenting! Ride safe and cheers!

[@GeorgePro-c7c]

I have the xt model i am really happy i drove the 800 de didn't like the ride and how the bike is set up i dont know about the road edition the only thing it was impressing it was the power sow i said how can increase my power i installed an akrapovic exhaust system and air filter reprogram the engine and finally i got the perfect motorcycle 😊

[@ThatThrottle]

@@GeorgePro-c7c Nice! I also considered the XT model but ultimately chose the base model due to a special deal the dealership was offering. It’s great that you had the chance to try out the 800 DE! I agree with you about its setup-I’m not a big fan either, especially since I don’t do much off-roading. That’s why the 800 RE appeals to me more. I’ve heard from others that the power increase with the 800 engine is a noticeable step up from the 650, though I haven’t had the chance to test ride one myself yet. I’m glad to hear you’ve found the right combination of upgrades for your bike. Your recommendations definitely piqued my interest, and I’ll be looking into those upgrades when the time comes. It’s awesome to know you’re enjoying your V-Strom 650-I love mine too! Thanks for watching and commenting, cheers!

[@Nigriff]

The 800's engine isn't as smooth as the 650. The new engine has a non-sequential firing order for better offroad use, but it vibrates more at speed

[@adolfgerhardhermann5952]

Munching through.

[@ThatThrottle]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ComfyDadShoes]

I don’t know if I’d trade up for the 800re, but I would definitely trade up for the 800de. 👍

[@ThatThrottle]

@@ComfyDadShoes I hear you! The 800DE is definitely a great option for off-road enthusiasts. I actually thought about trading up to the 800DE myself, especially before the 800RE came out. Each bike really caters to a different type of rider, but both offer excellent value for the money with that signature Suzuki reliability. Are you seriously considering making the switch to the 800DE, or are you still on the fence? By the way, what year is your 650? Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! Ride safe, cheers!

[@Nigriff]

The 800 DE is better offroad, but the engine is more vibey bc of the non-sequential firing pattern

[@Nigriff]

Save your money. 800 engine isn't as smooth

[@ThatThrottle]

Agreed! The longer I hold off on upgrading to the 800RE, the more I feel like I might never make the switch. I’ve heard some people aren’t completely sold on the new engine and actually miss the torquey V-twin 650. It’s definitely a tough call! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts-cheers!