2021 Suzuki V Strom 650 | Our First Ride and Review

[@patwatters8205]

Long tour? no problem.Last year I spent a month touring in Spain on my 2021 650 XT,enjoyed every km..Heading back there again this year for another month.....The joys of being retired with a small pension,widowed and kids all flown the nest..

[@timothyangus954]

In 2018 I rode around the world, two up on my 650 V Strom. No reliability issues in 43,000 miles and very economical and comfy.

[@leeinwis]

How did you drive across the oceans ?

[@rustytanks]

Be careful buying a V-Strom, you might end up with them for the rest of your life 😁👌

[@daveloubser]

One of the most underrated bikes around....I have a Gen 2 DL650 with 41k on the clock, runs well. I have toured Ireland, IOM, Germany, Scotland and Spain with no issues.

[@Onceuponatimejotaele]

Which country did you enjoy riding through the most?

[@ronfeast932]

Came from K1600GT, RT1250 Superduke G.T and FJR,s to the V Strom 650 and I live in rural Australia meaning big distance rides.Minimal tech good thing and truly an excellent machine.

[@robertbates1079]

Had an 04 650 for over 8 years, nothing broke on it,so reliable 250 miles before fill up from the 20 litre tank! At around 35 k I put hyper pro suspension all round and it handled great. Even better than a gs I test rode once on my favourite back road in the wet. Only sold it as I bought a thou v strom , not long after I seen your review on one so many thanks, best bike I've owned and will keep .

[@andreaverzicco1458]

Molle yper pro avanti e dietro ?

[@MrWhothefoxthat]

I got a 2008 plate, after 20 years of not riding, I was back in the swing within 2 hours on this bike, love it.

[@MBergyman]

I love my 09 Vstrom 650. I replaced my mirrors with some off of a Honda PCX 150. Although the PCX is a tiny scooter, it seems they compensated for a narrow set of bars with a slightly longer set of mirror stalks. This works well for anyone looking to get a wider set of mirrors on their Vstrom, and they are dirt cheap, and look/feel/work great. I'm so glad I made the change.

[@murraycharters6102]

I am nearly 78 yo. Purchased my VStrom 650 XT in April 2018. I have done 36,000 km trouble free. It is very well mannered and 100 % reliable. I believe it is the best value for money bike out there. Great for commuting and touring. It is comfortable and has plenty of power for two up. Friends with bigger bikes are impressed with how much get up and go it has. Brakes are ok but are not great. Bridgestone original tyres were so good I replaced them with the same Bridgestones

[@MrBenHaynes]

@@murraycharters6102 You're in the minority Murray for your love of the original "DeathWings". I didn't mind them, very street biased and only replaced after worn (12000km)

[@murraycharters6102]

@@MrBenHaynes Fair enough Ben, what tyres did you get to replace the Bridgestones ? Why do you think they are better?

[@MrBenHaynes]

@@murraycharters6102 Metzeler Tourance, Murray (the original version, not EXP or Next). They have great durability (puncture resistant, fronts last 20K, rears 15K) predictable on gravel, quiet and reassuring on tarmac. If you never ride dirt, stick to pure road tyres. If you want a good budget tyre, look at Shinko 705’s. Happy cycling.

[@oldmanV17]

Just found you guys as I'm looking at a V Strom 650 next year for a good allrounder and I keep seeing good reviews. Your personality cracks me up, keep it going.

[@johnyoung3511]

Got one & still running it in. Love the Easy Start system, just press and forget. Absolutely cracking bike, so good I traded in my 2006 VStrom with over 45k miles for it. A do it all machine.

[@MrBenHaynes]

I like the first Gen Strom ('03-'11) the best. It seems like Suzuki tried to save money on subsequent generations with no appreciable gain in usability. For me the twin plug, ABS equipped, longer swingarm, first gen from '07-'11 is the SWEET spot. Love analogue speedo. Digital is a distraction.

[@johnyoung3511]

@@MrBenHaynes I go along with all of this :-)

[@pacopetepnw3434]

I have had a few bikes pass in and out of the stable ...but my '06 Wee-Strom is my forever bike. Good vid Guy's.

[@MrBenHaynes]

I wish I could do the same, but could never bring myself to cheat on the wife with spicy mistresses. Meat and three veg all the way for me, I know what side my bread is buttered on! It's true love. I don't see any of her flaws. Does she have any? So comfortable, I love her handles...

[@lukaskorcak5583]

One of the best reviews I've seen. Not for the information content, that was poor, but the way you talk. I have enjoyed your humor there..keep it up..

[@alanhall7213]

Great review. You gave a great impression of what the Vstrom is actually like to ride. A couple of comments: On my Vstrom the "SEL" button on the left side is for the 3 level traction control... well 2 levels plus off. You mention the feel of the throttle near the beginning of your review. I find that using the soft/rain mode definitely changes the engine characteristics. The screen is actually adjustable to three different heights. That said it's a 5 minute job where the screen is actually removed and reinstalled in one of the 3 positions. So you're only likely to do that once to set it up to your liking then leave it in place. I'm quite tall in the seat so noticed noise and some buffeting even on the highest position. I installed a Givi Airflow screen which made a big improvement for me. That said, I know other Vstrom owners who are very happy with the stock screen so definitely horses for courses. I'm not sure that you mentioned that the preload of the rear suspension can be set by an adjustment wheel on the right side so finding your preferred settings for solo riding and for passenger / luggage is pretty easy. The instruments can be setup for metric (ie Celcius, litres/100km etc) or imperial (miles per gallon etc.)... and as others have commented, the tank has a 20 litre capacity. Hope my comments are helpful to anyone considering the Vstrom 650. Like most people, it's mainly road riding for me but where I live, it's not unusual to come across unsurfaced "farm / forestry" roads, which the V-strom handles with ease.

[@markholroyd5365]

Thanks for the comments. Ride safe

[@johnclark-e2l]

Picked my 66 plate up yesterday rode home 50 miles in the rain but loved it cant wait to get out in the dry , good vid guys

[@arnohak6964]

Nice video guys, and great bike 👍🏼👍🏼 thanks!

[@douglaskiptum]

am obsessed in owning a v strom 650 ..though i cant afford at the moment. can't wait to own it and adventure in my country kenya. thank you for the review. Great Insight

[@RiderCamTV]

it's an awesome bike, you will love it :)

[@douglaskiptum]

@@RiderCamTV thank you

[@TrustyZ900]

One of the best color combos on gen 3 DL. Had a '17 base 650, traded it 5 trouble free years later for a '22 XT Adventure. These bikes are a blast and so comfy. Average fuel mileage for both is about 59 mpg.Have two newer Z900's that may be faster, but not more fun. Love VStrom 650's!

[@ricksmith1842]

Got a Wing and Indian but this bike is my fav for sure!!

[@JPWest020]

I really like the white with gold wheels.

[@westcoastrover-m6f]

I have a 2010 bike. I get over 70 to the gallon, comfy seat which will do 240miles tank range, reasonable costs to run, good view from the seat and upright seating position. Screen can be altered with a screwdriver, but an adjustable one with a single knob or lever would be good. Cruise control and adjustable levers would make it far better! Engine is great and good engine breaking. Touring is what this is made for. I got a 9GT last year, but kept my VStrom. Would recommend it as a first big bike

[@kkiwi54]

Mine (2021) has an adjustable brake lever - maybe the earlier bikes didn't? 🤔

[@jorgemouriz9639]

Very good review. Simple and to the point. People who request more details on a review will never ride a motorcycle. Very honest without writing "honest" on the title, true biker. Greetings from Miami, FL USA.

[@aderiley6592]

Eh up Mark!! Glad you enjoyed the Wee Strom Mate, I bleddy love mine as you know. Great review, cheers! The Wee has everything you need in a main bike and nothing you don't. Though I have to admit cruise control would be good. There's loads of Suzuki and after market accessories available if you want to upgrade a few bits, plus it's cheap to maintain and pretty much bulletproof on reliability too 😉 Suspension ain't great as you said but it ain't bad either, even off road. It just needs a bit of fettling and/or getting used to, and riding appropriately. Main issue off road is ground clearance. I did a 2500 mile 10 day camping trip on mine in 2019 around the UK and was super comfy on it doing long days in the saddle. I had the ally boxes fully loaded plus a bit on top and it handled really well on all types of roads. Plus I did the 2019 ABR festival, where the Bridgestone Battlax A40s got tested around the ABR trails. They were fine off road in dry weather running at 20psi front and 22psi rear but forget it off road in the wet mate. On road though they are a great tyre in all conditions and I'm at about 6k on this set with plenty of tread left. Also as you mentioned in the review I did the ABR festival again this year on a set of more suitable off road tyres. I stuck a set of Conti TKC 80's on for the weekend and they were great for all surfaces except the really wet clay. Yes I dropped it several times and came home with mud in places Mr Suzuki would never dare mention in front of the wife, but that's all part of the fun and it's why I got crash bars anyway 😁 The Wee is a GREAT bike and I plan on keeping mine long term. Yes it's no dual sport or "adventure bike" for various reasons, but ridden appropriately it'll go most of the places an AT or GSA will go, just without the double hernia ✌ Still all that said I feel a CRF250X/L or a DRZ 400e is much more suited to the serious green lanes. There's some of those too that've gone RTW, just as the Wee has for some people. Hopefully see ya soon for more ROSPA rides boss X Ade 💛🤙

[@markholroyd5365]

Ade!!! Good to hear from you Matey. I agree with everything you have said. Looking forward to getting out when you can. Ride safe

[@aderiley6592]

@@markholroyd5365 Likewise, see you soon I hope, just been out for a quick hours ride down the lanes this evening 👍Grease n mud n all things good lol X

[@haydnkeith1658]

Love how the mirrors haven't changed in 16 years

[@MrBenHaynes]

Hopefully no sarcasm there, as the mirrors work brilliantly!

[@neilf335]

They don't need to.

[@luziosalles324]

Without a doubt, one of the best motorcycles ever made in the world. An icon, legend

[@B0M0A0K]

I had a 2009 V-Strom 650 for 7 years. It was the most reliable bike I have every owned, with THE most comfortable seat of any bike I have owned. This new version looks like they have the same engine as my 2009 version (it all looks like same thing). After all these years they still have the most pedestrian display. So underwhelming when you look at the competition. The wing mirrors were great (again, unchanged) but they caused massive wind turbulence. The engine sounds just the same.

[@MrBenHaynes]

Do you have Strom regret?

[@mihaimihai9254]

Hi! Thanks a lot for this well done review! I think the Suzuki V Strom 650 is the best and the most reliable motorcycle that money can buy today! And that's why I'll probably replace my NC 75o x with one of this!

[@MrBenHaynes]

I so desperately want to try a Honda CB500X, but in breadth of ability and value for money, the Suzuki has it! Honda is 20kg lighter and uses less fuel so wins as a commuter, but for everything else V-Strom all the way.

[@mihaimihai9254]

@@MrBenHaynes Hi, Ben! As long as I know the 2019 CB 500 X had a lot of problems with the water pump. I don't know if they have were able to solve that problem starting with the new model (the one with double front disck).

[@MrBenHaynes]

@@mihaimihai9254 Thanks, I haven’t heard of the water pump problem. Been making that motor since 2013, you’d have to think it would be sorted with so many examples sold

[@mihaimihai9254]

@@MrBenHaynes You're right but this issue has appeared starting to 2019 model. As a Honda owner I wouldn't buy another Honda. I think the so called Honda reliability is a simple mith nowadays.

[@tiagomoreira8742]

Im undecided between strom and Honda 750x , its like 100€ diference and Honda seems more updated then the strom, how you felt With the Change?

[@Jimo368]

You probably figured out that the screen is adjustable in two ways but I thought I would mention the indicators have no reflectors in them. They must have saved pennies doing that.

[@johnbeattie1225]

Great Bikes I've got the 2009 Dl650 in orange from new .Still looks like new.Average around 70mpg and like you say great engine braking being a v engine. Simple no fuss just works .The only thing that has failed twice is the voltage regulator so now has a aftermarket better one as no fun when the display stops and injectors have no power. .This was an issue across several makes and models. But great bike for trips.👍. Nice review of a great bike.

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Mine gad a regulator rectifier fail the day I bought it leaving me stranded. Fitted a replacement aftermarket stator and regulator and may now carry a spare regulator with me or upgrade to a mofset series one.

[@Motourserye]

Thank you mate for.sharing vstrom review, one of this day ill ba reviewing one here in philippines

[@stephenfoster4255]

Just brought a brand new one can't wait to go for a spin

[@davereinhart9933]

Agreed on engine size. Smaller engines a quite fun because you get to use the entire range of the engine. I went from a 1200 GS to a 850 GSA myself and am loving every minute of it!

[@markholroyd5365]

I love my GSA850 as well. Ride safe

[@MrBenHaynes]

Yes, I feel more engaged with a mid capacity engine because gear selection has consequence as opposed to litre plus bikes.

[@24603285]

Hi Dave, I have a 1250gsa and find the weight too much. From what I read, the 850 gsa there is not much difference? Is this true or do you notice a better lighter feel?

[@davereinhart9933]

@@24603285 I notice the difference. I believe i may only be about a 70 lb difference, but the 850 carries it different. I feel 100% more comfortable off road. On road the 850 has enough weight to be planted in the wind and weather. The 850 may not be every youtubers favorite between the two, but for this middle age guy, it is perfect.

[@neilmackinnon3371]

Very fair review. Can you tour on a VStrom 650? You most certainly can, and plenty d0. I did 2000 miles in seven days on mine running up to Scotland and back in September, and it never missed a beat.

[@peterbuxey4355]

I have 2017 have done 600 miles in one day very comfortable Only grip is foot pegs great when ridding not so when you put your feet down screen is not good quick fix with after market love mine to bits

[@jimjoelliejack]

Yamaha colours, cheeky Suzuki, my first bike was a DRs 400 , I had more fun on that than any bike I’ve owned over the past 40 years. Great video lads.

[@markholroyd5365]

What an awesome bike the DRs 400 is. Thanks for the comments. Ride safe.

[@jimjoelliejack]

@@markholroyd5365 I’m looking for one, they’re like hens teeth, I think they only produced them for a couple of years. I used to do a lot of green lane riding on mine in the Early 80s, I learnt a lot of my skills on that bike. You too ride safe.

[@markholroyd5365]

@@jimjoelliejack I looked at a DR800 Big…. Lovely

[@sandracornett2251]

Loved your video very informative i have a 2020 dL xt and love it

[@thegutsyninja8851]

traded in a bmw for the red xt 650… easily one of the best bikes out there. simply never want to get off it.

[@demonofthefall93]

Great review, love the banter.

[@RiderCamTV]

Thanks buddy

[@robwilkguitar4458]

Hi subscribed to your channel found you both quite funny and very friendly. Good one.

[@jokermtb]

The 4,500 rpm torque bubble is very nice on this mill. Can't seem to stop riding my heavily modded 2006 vstrom 650......it just keeps being too awesome to be rid of

[@paulblatchford4234]

I had an almost new Al2 so 2012 reg bike came with a 1000 miles on it, been everywhere you can imagine to go and found it to be really lovely, so what did I do I sold it I've bought 6 bikes since then and sold all of them and the reason is, I wish I hadn't sold my v storm so I'm going to buy another LOL.

[@johnnybloodshoes7401]

Great review guys

[@Ole.Schultz]

Great review. I have had three V-Stroms (One 650 and two 1000), now the big one is a 1050. Great reliable allround bikes. I now have a NC750X DCT and R1250GS,

[@tiagomoreira8742]

You changed for nc750x DCT its feels better or? Im undecided between this two

[@Ole.Schultz]

@@tiagomoreira8742 Before, i had a NC700X DCT, so i am biased regarding DCT :-) But if you are looking for the manual version i would go with the V-Strom.

[@tiagomoreira8742]

@@Ole.Schultz NC I believe it consumes less and hás more récent look to it (lights led, and so

[@Ole.Schultz]

@@tiagomoreira8742 Yes, the NC consumes 10-20% less but V-Strom has more power and is more fun to drive.

[@tiagomoreira8742]

@@Ole.Schultz thanks! Normaly you consume how much?

[@ALL-gr4gu]

U guys are so funny 👍🙌🙏 Now, how can u compare that bike with the Kawasaki Versys 650????????????????

[@jgee5094]

Great review and reviewer..

[@leeherlache4356]

Well done! Thanks

[@human1513]

Windscreen is adjustable up and down.

[@svaralen]

I like it also, what do you think for a beginners first bike or more the cb500x!? Will you do a review of the Moto Guzzi V85TT maybe soon!? Thanx & cheers ✌️

[@justmejohn773]

Excellent review Mark. My what big mirrors its got! Would like to see reviews on the GSX-S1000GT and NT1100 if at all possible buddy. Also, did you get anywhere in getting hold of the big Honda scooter for a tour review?

[@markholroyd5365]

We are in line for the 1100. As for the scooter we are at the whim of the dealers. Ride safe

[@justmejohn773]

@@markholroyd5365 excellent I am looking forward to seeing that one Mark.

[@volt8684]

Hate the blue wheels. Tacky. That v twin 650 is so smooth and reliable. Had a 2021 nc750x honda have lost the plot on reliability very Nasty swing arm. Will be looking at one of these next

[@volt8684]

Got one and AB’s love it

[@matthewgarland8516]

I own a 2019 vstrom xt 650 in yellow do you know if there’s much difference with the new model and I had same tires I got 15000ks out of them I now have the Michelin anakee adventures which are pretty good

[@markholroyd5365]

It’s probably just had minor tweaks. Ride safe

[@greggjarvis133]

I've got a Gen 2 with over 60,000 miles one of the greatest bikes around however I don't think any strom ever seen 67 miles per gallon

[@neilwiddison6529]

Great review. I am looking at one of these, or a nc750x

[@myjhong91]

I have a 2020 NC 750X dct. I love it and can't figure out why I still want another Wee Strom. I had a 2014 Wee. Great bike! Mpg is about the same on both. Seat and suspension is way better on the Strom.

[@MrBenHaynes]

What can this bike be used for? Everything short of single track (and some loonies take them on single as well) You start to feel the weight and "top heaviness" in walking pace on loose rock 4WD tracks. Your abdominal muscles will get a workout balancing the bike on soft sand island/beaches (firm sand is ok, momentum is your friend)

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Great little bike but why won’t they stump up for a centrestand? Yes, you can buy a £21 abba fitment kit for every bike but that’s really a poor substitute for a decent centre stand. It’s almost become a deal breaker for me but then I am a grumpy old man. If you home maintain a bike or are tight on space that’s where the centre stand makes a difference.

[@sam3d]

It's not little at all! It's midsize at least!

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

@@sam3d more reason to include a centre stand!😄

[@franciscooper.retired]

It has a 20ltr tank!

[@SumPixelz]

Are there actually any midrange bikes that have cruise control?

[@markhulsebosch1578]

If you consider 800cc midrange, the 2018 & 19 Tigers have cruise control.

[@ray8328]

BMW F750GS and F850GS

[@Dartsport94]

When you were mentioning fog lights it made me question why all bikes don't have their marker lights on all the time aswell, my tracer 900 has the front markers on but not the rears at night

[@RiderCamTV]

Trouble with the marker lights being on all the time if they are orange confuses car drivers resulting in being pulled out on all the time unfortunately. New BMW,s don’t have them now

[@mrsilbo6499]

If Jeremy Beadle had done bike reviews, this would have been one of them. "Fore-runner, follow-on, whatever..." make it up as you go..

[@redlabel3977]

Nothing wrong with Jeremy 😂

[@johnwelbers4248]

How do you compare it to your 850 gs. For the money 😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦🍻

[@markholroyd5365]

Just as good… Ride safe

[@MegaHorse7]

20litre tank

[@Boxer1250RT]

Looks like Yamaha ordered too many Purple Wheels, so they had to give it away.

[@ShineBright__]

The bike itself isn't that bad at all and the motor even better very simple no tech etc etc but nowadays looks very old and almost vintage and cheaply made considering the steps ahead that other brands have chosen

[@paulneedham3608]

tank 20 litres

[@WildBikerBill]

Which can be seen in the listed specs here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5OxZ2aped96gpY

[@motechRevolution]

Nort a bad review. Except no talk of drive modes (traction control) 0 off, 1 normal riding and 2 rain mode. The screen is 3 position, and the weird key houses the immobiliser code.

[@leeinwis]

It's kinda heavy tho .

[@RiderCamTV]

Don’t notice it while riding though

[@aleksanderasenov7491]

A word of edvaice . Please don't leave the helmet on the ground.

[@eugenewaluvengo8756]

Please tell me why? I am a learner rider.

[@aleksanderasenov7491]

It's not appropriate and its bad luck .One of the first things I heard when I started riding.

[@volt8684]

Especially if ur wearing it😬

[@MrBenHaynes]

@@aleksanderasenov7491 When you believe in things That you don't understand, Then you suffer, Superstition aint the way

[@aleksanderasenov7491]

It's just a saying we have here.Its now superstition.You diside what to make of it.And it's pretty stupid to live you expensive gear that you put on your head on the dirty ground.

[@neilanderson2374]

Too big for someone who’s just passed their test?

[@RiderCamTV]

It’s an ideal bike buddy. Great price and a lot for your money. Try it out for size first though to make sure your happy

[@francoisbosman7253]

Why dont you use kilometers and liters ? Are you Brits still living in the dark ages ?

[@RiderCamTV]

lol. we use miles over here but litres in fuel...

[@MrBenHaynes]

@@RiderCamTV So do you express fuel consumption in "litres per 100 miles"? 🤷‍♂

[@francoisbosman7253]

@@MrBenHaynes that would be even more confusing !

[@liljegren100]

Only Septics say 'Brits', so I'd say you have both feet in your mouth! You lot are Neanderthals!

[@sandwaves5642]

Great bike, only pitty that it's impossible to tell what year itis from.... 2010....2015....2013.....❓🤔 Sooooooo outdated 🤢😖 I'm not telling Suzuki how to run their business, If they like to make outdated bikes - ok, up to them.....🤷🏼‍♂️

[@MBergyman]

What about the bike doesn't work? It still seems to perform well with most of the competition, and the low cost is great for people who want a lower cost bike that will do it all. Do you think it should just be different to be different?

[@sandwaves5642]

@@MBergyman It should BE new and LOOK new

[@kodekun7267]

The design is old school. No LED light apart from the tail light. No cruise control or cornering ABS. But its all right for me. But it needs to get in the game with some of its competition. Suzuki used to be the big player. Now not so much

[@MBergyman]

@@sandwaves5642 Ok - so you just don't like that it doesn't have a new design. Fair enough. As far as I am concerned, if it was made recently and is unused, it IS, in fact new. Not everyone enjoys paying a premium for what they might perceive as useless extra features or shapes. The bike works great for so many people. It sounds like you like new shapes and think new features are useful. Maybe you like to buy new washers and dryers every few years too, I'm guessing? While I think that Suzuki could stand to gain from creating new models, I don't know what their company goals are, so I'm in no position to judge how they SHOULD run their business. There are no SHOULDs in business-running, except for the company SHOULD stay in the black, overall.

[@sandwaves5642]

@@MBergyman It's not only bikes. Their cars are too oldish, but not goldish. I had one. Nothing exceptionally positive. They cut corners in a way that repel pretty few pitential customers.

[@richarddevaottien7724]

Too long wheelbase and too ugly

[@enriquecachay7100]

I like this motorbike but she has an ugly looking headlights