Is the Suzuki V-Strom an Adventure Bike?

Here's a video I produced to address the capabilities of the V-Strom 650 as an adventure motorcycle. Let me know what you think in the comments. For more videos featuring my V-Strom go here: • My V-Strom 650 Videos

[@davidinghram2494]

Most forms of motorcycling are basically an adventure and I have been riding for 56 years. Some of the most fun I have had was on a TS185 Suzuki with a buddy who had a similar 175 Kawasaki. We went all over the place, and many times took our ultra light rods and caught fish in small remote ponds. It was great, miss those times, too old now.

[@iRideuWatch]

Yes and you can also have adventures in cars. The point here is a motorcycle that is designed and designated to be especially conducive to adventure riding. What are those features and how closely does the Vstrom achieve that?

[@AzPauly]

My firs bike was a TS185👍

[@marclyons8637]

Suzuki TS series was awesome! I had a TS250 and my mate had a TS185 - actually preferred his. Memories.

[@timothyangus954]

In 2018 I rode, two up around the world. 43,000 miles and no issues. We rode on some very bad roads in Canada and India and it coped well.

[@antonioperez1624]

I ride a 2005 VStrom 650 and I am always with a huge smile in my face when I ride it. One of the reasons is cost, the other is the bike’s capabilities... it will take you pretty much anywhere.

[@wolfe1970]

I just got a 650 DL Vstrom K5 and love it

[@indodeal]

I'm totally with you! I have a 2006 V-Strom and I love the ability to go pretty much anywhere other than deep Mud. It is the best all around bike that I can imagine!👍

[@garmit61]

Ted Simon is regarded by many as the pioneer in global motorcycle travel. He rode an original Triumph Bonneville. I’d say he had plenty of adventures. Adventure riding has developed lots of snobbery. Not all adventures involve riding through deep sand and mud. Ergo any bike is an adventure bike. The adventure is what you have with it. Clearly if we had unlimited resources we’d take a fleet of bikes and use the right one for the right terrain but that’s delving into fantasy. I’d say the Vstrom and many of its 500 to 750 cc peers are perfect compromises that allow you to have fabulous adventures. Thanks for posting this wonderful footage. I wish I was as competent on the loose stuff as you are. The scenery across the pond is fantastic.

[@mixflip]

Great video. Very helpful. I think I would call it an "all roads" bike. Pavement. gravel. dirt. And trails. I have 2 friends who ride cruisers and they barely leave their city limits. I want to keep going when the pavement ends. Thats my kind of adventure. Thanks for taking the time to film it.

[@iRideuWatch]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching. The best thing to help that bike off road would be more dirt oriented tires.

[@stanleyling6116]

You read my mind and answered my questions I had for this DL 650. Thank you for the upload

[@eveRide]

Whoa this is an EXCELLENT video! Nice job Massimo!

[@iRideuWatch]

Thanks man! I noted your desire to ride to Argentina. I gotta admit I thought it would be nice to join you as I'm not working right now either. But I don't have the funds or I would!

[@Honk_Clank]

Review the Strom That is all😎

[@sierrafoxtrotgolf3638]

The back road you were taking with ruts, rocks, and washouts is as rough a surface is all I'd want. Thanks for a great review.

[@alexhormann8931]

Your definition of an adventure bike is simple but definitely the best I've heard so far. :)

[@iRideuWatch]

thanks!

[@JonathanAlvarezC]

I love your video , awsome landscapes and great music background. Superb bike. I have the Strom XT 2015.

[@officalNAT]

Nice video. I have a 2012 V-Strom 650 with 35,000 miles on it. This bike has opened up the this great country we live in to me. The thing I love the most is being able to travel almost any road we have any place. Again thanks for a well done video.

[@iRideuWatch]

Thanks friend. Keep the rubber the side down.

[@mikemanley3759]

I have a 2015 Vstrom 650 and it's a truly amazing bike ! It's like a swiss army knife of bikes it does everything more than adequately anything you throw at it, it will surprise you. It carves up the turns like 80% sport bike, it off roads, it tours comfortably . It is super reliable and gets 60 mpg, what else could you ask for and it's inexpensive. If I paid 20k for mine I would still be satisfied luckily I got a really good deal on mine from sitting in the showroom for a year . I'm am beyond satisfied.

[@kanenas6447]

You are right. Exhaust higher than the wheel = adventure bike (water crossing etc).

[@AdamSuperAC]

Great vid man, been looking at getting one of these for the exact reason you define adventure..... well deserved title

[@passareaadvriders102]

Great video and attitude sir. My brother rides a Vstrom, I ride a Super Tenere, we have rode with much smaller and more dirt oriented bikes and we do just fine. My brother and I ride to the trails while our riding partners have to truck or trailer their "more dirt appropriate" bikes. Keep the videos coming sir, its an adventure bike to you and my brother haha.

[@coyote102076]

wow. I thought --->thought

[@iRideuWatch]

COYOTE ADVENTURES Thx for your comment.

[@GIGABACHI]

No stupid beak ! Looks great ! Awesome vistas in the Video.

[@motomoshpit7152]

Thanks. This answered some real questions of the off road capabilities. What youtube is supposed to be. Suits my next bike purpose.

[@eltigrechino3390]

Great video! Thanks for highlighting our beautiful state: O Fair New Mexico!

[@vistazo9]

Thanks great soothing views, fair comments of an affordable reliable bike 😊

[@markbartlett6287]

Nice video, and the info is still true in 2022. I've got a '13 Wee-Strom and I do 80% of my riding on pavement, but it's perfectly at home doing dirt roads like what's shown here. My plan is eventually to ride from here in Colorado up to Deadhorse, AK. Again, mostly on pavement, but with the right tires I'm sure it'll handle the haul roads up north.

[@pickledoctapus1]

Road all over Tasmania on a hired one..came back and bought one..love it

[@tbHighlandRider]

Awesome footage and vistas, good music too, Thanks for sharing

[@iRideuWatch]

Tibor Imely Thanks!

[@davids4795]

Excellent job and vibe. Enjoyed it!

[@iRideuWatch]

David S Thanks!

[@YeahWhyNot12]

Dude...you are living my dream. I have plans to move to NM, buy a Vstrom 650, and do exactly what you are doing. I have missed the wide open spaces of NM big time. LOVE your vids. It's so beautiful there.

[@iRideuWatch]

Thanks. To what part of NM are you planning to move? Let me know if/when you do, I'll show you around.

[@YeahWhyNot12]

FYI, I am not one of the chicks.....I'm the dad of one of the chicks....but thanks for getting back to me. I'll be moving back to the ABQ area but not for another 2+ years. I lived there in the 80's and I've missed it ever since. I am not a rider yet. Taking lessons soon, though. My first bike will be the Vstrom650, and maybe moving on to the Vstrom1000 once I am comfortable. Funny, I was so anti-motorcycle most of my life. Funny how life experiences change you. I can now picture myself out there on the open range going to new places, seeing views you can't get from a car. I'll be looking for other adventurers like you...safety in numbers.

[@iRideuWatch]

ok, well let me know. I'll be glad to help out.

[@mountbell1911]

***** I laughed so hard I was crying when I saw that reply.

[@wolfe1970]

My heart says buy a BMW GS, my head says buy a Vstrom, i went with Vstrom, its cheaper, lighter, better community, i plan on doing 80% tarmac and 20% green lanes with my Vstrom, and it will cope with both perfectly well

[@bloodybonescomic]

Good choice. I went from the gs1100 to the 650 v strom. A great decision

[@wipperwils2111]

Excellent video mate. Thanks.

[@zzxx33mh]

Beautiful outdoor..so awesome nice wee 2,cool..keep riding.. Every ride is adventure..ride safe..look around..

[@nickvancaeyzeele692]

A nice video I love the wat you talk about your (fabuleus ) bike. Long live the VStrom...

[@golbis]

Being cheap is the least attractiveness of the 2nd generation WEE (vstrom 650). First, its engine is a engineering pearl, it has lots of bottom grunt, it can pull better than the 1000 on low revs (or at least that's how it felt), second, it's one of the most comfortable bikes I have ever ridden, maybe even more than the GS1200.

[@lawmand]

Good video, well narrated. You have a good voice for it my friend.

[@apairofstroms]

Nice video, and some beautiful country there that you are riding on. The V-Strom is definitely an adventure bike and more than capable than many riders give it credit for. The worst part is, many of those naysayers are also V-Strom owners!! Remember, Every Ride an Adventure :)

[@byzantineruins]

They don’t want to scuff it or pick it up. I would say the keys to good wee adv riding are crash bars and the willingness and ability to pick the bike up.

[@690ADV]

great video keep them going!

[@kuladeeluxe]

Love my VStrom. Modding the form maks a big difference on dirt roads. I wish the air filter and spark plugs were easier to access. Great bike. I don't want more power on gravel at all. I paid less for mine brand new than my friend's gravel bicycle.

[@GeezerWheels]

Great vid. I have a 2017 650XT and love it. I live in the hills of SW Colorado and have to ride 5 miles just to get to pavement. The Vstrom is doing great, even with OEM tires. (I plan to add Dunlop Trailmax Mission tires for my next set.) My favorite bike for an all-rounder. Does back roads just fine. I have a dirt bike for serious off-road stuff but the Strom is FAR better on trips (ask me how know!) Thanks for the vid!!! -Ray in SW Colorado

[@bazz6670]

I like your review, it confirms my own thoughts. I ride a 2015 versys and find it is to much a street bike even though I have done many dirt roads. And man your bike looks awesome in black.

[@jacobglen8880]

I pretty much had the same definitions of n adventure bikes.. Nice review brother!

[@RainchildAdventures]

Very nice! I'm sure it will go anywhere you will take it!

[@jimbob7559]

I recently purchased a DL1000 which is admittedly heavier and thus less suited to the roads/trails than the 650 you show in your video. (which is excellent) Some of the stuff pictured would be no man's land for me, but gravel roads and logging roads criss-cross British Columbia and I've ridden more than a few on my V-Star. Finally decided to get something more appropriate, thus the DL1000. At 77 years of age, I wanna get out there on some of those roads I've been eyeballing for years before I get too old. Thanks for the video! Ride safe.

[@iRideuWatch]

Get a true dual sport like a DR650. Be more enjoyable off-road.

[@MNKid83]

I have an '09 Wee Strom and I agree, it is not a dual sport. I bought it because it did have bad road capability and I am satisfied with its abilities on gravel & dirt roads. If I was going to ride on anything rougher I'd get a KTM Enduro for that duty.

[@premiercconstruction]

Nice vid great info

[@ridewithgnr2116]

Nice video as others have said. You might get a kick out of knowing I just did Black Bear Pass on a 2015 V-Strom 650. And I would not do it again! Not without gearing and two more inches of clearance.

[@iRideuWatch]

You're crazy. I did Black Bear pass on a wr450 I would not want to try it on a V-Strom.

[@premiercconstruction]

Great vid, nice and relaxing... nice job. Looks pro.

[@iRideuWatch]

Thx! I appreciate it.

[@27jollytall]

An excellent video, sir, thank you. You make your point very clearly and back it up with good video evidence. I agree with you; especially as most people's adventures consistent mainly of paved roads. I can see that with the right tyres and maybe a suspension tweak the V-Strom is a real competitor in the Adventure market. I have a 1200GS and I can see that the V-Strom with its lighter weight, excellent tank range and off road capability is a real competitor in the class.

[@iRideuWatch]

27jollytall Thank you!

[@bloodybonescomic]

I was puzzled by the question. I used to roll a BMW R1100GS for years. Put over 100000 miles on that. Many dirt road trips. Some on very rough roads. Now with the 650 V-Strom I do all that and can go places where due to its weight the GS was too horsey. But for the real badass adventure I take my DR 650. Because the strom is too nice a ride to destroy.

[@jeffloucks2120]

Great input. I've been thinking hard on a DR650 for several months. Having not ridden the road in the last decade I don't know exactly what my adventures will involve. I'm leaning more towards a used Vstrom now (I've had 4 SV's) and maybe pick up a good used DR for the right price should one pop up. Could very well have two great bikes for about 8k. Still have a Husky 2 stroke for the nasty and true single track.

[@spignetti]

I have the Wee....it's wonderful...on the hwy? simply fan effing fantastic...moving up to the 1000 for better 2 up....great bike folk....90 thousand miles, it's still using the same headlamps....

[@LATAMbiker]

I've ridden my VStrom all over Mexico and Central America including dirt roads. It's always an Adventure for me, so therefore......drum role.....it's an Advernture bike.

[@Freespiritphil]

I'm looking at these and the Versys. It has just enough off road capability to make me happy but not so much to degrade the road riding capability. Good video!!!

[@iRideuWatch]

+Freespiritphil Thanks man! I haven't yet ridden the new Versys but it seems like a real contender, especially for street riding.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

The availability of dirt-oriented tires for the V-Strom is the bigger selling point vs. the Versys or FJ or some other ADV-sportbike.

[@4Borings]

Nice job on your video! I really enjoyed it. Beautiful country. I have a an FZ1 but, i may switch to this type of bike... Nice job! U rode- I Watched

[@iRideuWatch]

If you like to riding anywhere comfortable, you'll love the V-Strom. It's still sporty enough to tackle the twisties too.

[@zzxx33mh]

i saw it on line but the guy didnt reply yet..i will consider what you said..thnx..keep riding,be safe..

[@azdesertdog]

Well I am biased because I own one. Yes it IS an adventure bike. I think your video proves the case. I have been on some of the same types of trails you were on. No its not a KTM it just does it with a little less grace. I believe it is every bit as good as a BMW for 1/2 the cost. I'll need to get over there and ride with you some time.

[@iRideuWatch]

Yeah, I can show you around and take a ride through the Jemez Mountains on our V-Stroms!

[@tonilopez9164]

La verdad, que disfruté de esos paisajes, me das envidia sana, puedo apreciar que disfrutas de la moto igual o más que muchas personas que conozco. Saludos y un abrazo desde Spain, sigue así!

[@iRideuWatch]

Alejandro, if I'm spending more than 30 min. on dirt I air down a little to about 22-25 psi. I wouldn't go lower since the tires have no tubes and you could break the bead and get a flat. The Anakee 3 does really good on dirt, rocks, gravel for a 90% street tire. Not so good on sand. Haven't tried mud as it hardly ever rains here.

[@alehoaguirre]

Thank you! :)

[@samrowland5838]

+iRide uWatch ok question here, the newer V-Strom Adventures have spoke wheels instead of the cast wheels, but the specs still say "tubeless" I am wondering if they are true spoke wheels or not really tubeless.....Guess I need to get to the dealer and check it out...

[@iRideuWatch]

+Sam Rowland Yeah, I really want those wheels. They are tubeless indeed and spoked. The spokes do not go through the rim.

[@paullangford8179]

Yes, they're both spoke and tubeless. The rim is one piece, with a ridge down the middle that the spokes fasten to.

[@allsearpw3829]

Hi , nice video well explained , just out to enjoy your selves and take in the views .

[@davidtaylor372]

Unless you live in a country with wide-open wilderness cut through by passable dirt tracks then an Adventure type bike can look like a pose for a pseud in an wholly urban environment , however you did make a good job of illustrating its capabilities.

[@iRideuWatch]

+david taylor Thanks! I have many other videos of the V-Strom on dirt as well. kzbin.info/aero/PLhUrYNHXLIDWwX1W3ZFcagAxt6cWLOljg

[@RideWithRen]

david taylor The V-Strom is also an excellent commuter. This bike is the best jack of all trades on the motorcycle market. It's doesn't do anything excellently, but it does many things very well. Off road, commute, touring, track riding, iron butt... the V-Strom does it all.

[@richardwhitehead4684]

Amazing riding footage. Where is this? Thanks for posting. Fwiw, I’ve owned KLR’s in the past and just bought a Vstrom 650.

[@rsa2387]

The best adventure bike is the one in your shed!

[@cmcmillan22]

I rode my Vstrom pretty hard at times, I was very happy with it's ability! I have a few vids on this channel if you want to check them out!

[@alehoaguirre]

Great video! I also have an anakee 3 Rear tire on my K7 Vstrom. i have a question: What tire pressure did you set on both tires? Can the anakee 3 handle dirt or rocky roads? thank you!

[@danledbetter9535]

I watched a video of a v strum riding over Black bear pass, I'm fond of my KLR but the v strum cannot be looked over!

[@TheYotamaster]

Nice video thanks for the information. I recently bought a used 04 and love the bike. Haven't had it off road yet and was wondering how it would handle your video answered that question for me. How does it handle in the sand? How do the street tires handle?Where was the video shot awesome scenery.

[@iRideuWatch]

Shot the video near Placitas, NM. I have Anakee 3 tires. Not good in sand as they are 90% street tires. With knobbies I'm sure it could do it but it is top heavy so I wouldn't lean it over too much unless you are an expert rider who knows how to maximize throttle control.

[@timhays4290]

1/2 the price of BMW or KTM. Also, have to quote Mikhail Kalashnikov, the guy that invented the AK-47. "Perfection stands in the way of good enough".

[@michaelvanvleet746]

I've never had a problem with mine in rough environments. Use heidenaugh scout tires for soft dirt and sand. Of course you wouldn't ride the Dakar rally on it.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Yes of course it's an adventure bike......for the paved and well-maintained unpaved roads (depending on tires). It's not a KLR650, but then a KLR isn't going to do nearly as well on paved roads. I'm glad there are such a wide selection of bikes these days. 2017 V-Strom looks really appealing. Lower exhaust, more narrow tail, central headlight, traction control, more power, more refinement.

[@DustySquitoNM]

If you know the limits of your bike and ride accordingly, that bike is very capable. I have the DR650, so I got a more "dirt" oriented adventure bike, and for what I ride 95% of the time, I constantly find myself wishing I had picked up the VStrom instead. That bike will let you get damn near anywhere where there's a line on a map, and for my money, that makes it an adventure bike.

[@iRideuWatch]

Ha, ha, it's funny you wished you had a more street oriented bike. I wish I had a more dirt oriented bike like the DRZ400S or WR250R since I have become addicted to dirt riding. I ride my KLR right down the middle of the Rio Puerco but it's so damn heavy!!

[@DustySquitoNM]

Do you commute on your bike? Also, since you have multiple bikes, you can diversify a bit. For me, I ride my bike to work like 80% of the time, and I only have the one bike. The KLR has always impressed me with how well it handles off road. My buddy had an 08 that could ride circles around me.

[@iRideuWatch]

dustysquito . Not so much anymore, but I used to. I was using the V-Strom to communte 33 miles each way. Now I leave my car there and use the work truck during the week. The DR is better off-road than the KLR since it's something like 80 pounds lighter. I would love to shed 80 pounds when off-road. The rider is the biggest factor. Keep practicing and stretch yourself. You'll be amazed what you can do with that DR!

[@motokev2727]

I have a 2008 1000 v-strom. I never take it on the dirt. I use it to zip around locally.

[@captsam54]

I have one and LOVE it..!!! Expensive to outfit with all the new Farckles though.... Where did you get your Chevron Decals for the Pannier corners???

[@iRideuWatch]

Those decals are just reflective tape from the hardware store.

[@algesbrek5695]

it becomes more off road depending on tires,travel speed etc.

[@jaypence1911]

Nice video...how would you rate it for 2up riding

[@UncleWally3]

So, it's not a street bike, it's a road bike. It's not a dirt bike, but it can ride on a Driveway, Lower capacity highway, Alley,, Avenue, Backroad, Boulevard, Byway, Collector road, Crescent, Court, up a Cul-de-sac, back down a Cul-de-sac, Dirt road, Drive, Frontage road all kinds of Gravel roads, Highway, Lane, Living street, Toll roads, Place Roads, Route, Single carriageway, Dead End Street, Woonerf, Way, High capacity highways with medians, 2+1 road, 2+2 road, Arterial road, Autostrasse, Dual carriageway, Expressway, Fire road, Farm to Market Road, Parkway, Trunk road, Turnpike Limited access grade-separated highways even an Autobahn or the Auto-estrada, Autopista, Controlled-access highway and most shallow ditches. Really, the 'Strom is a great motorcycle - ride one, you'll like it!

[@ilukatube1972]

love my 2010....

[@donaldheine6243]

The only problem I have with the vstrom is ground clearance. It just isn't enough. I ended up with a used klr instead. If I could afford it I would get a Tenere 700. Power of the vstrom with the ground clearance of a klr.

[@iRideuWatch]

Different tools for different tasks. The Vstrom has some strengths the KLR lacks. One thing I always liked about my KLR was the ergonomics.

[@chazlyle41]

Thank goodness it's not a KTM or BMW! Better in every way for the job it's intended to do! :)

[@d.m.4815]

Great video, looks like a great place to ride. What kind of skid plate, engine guards and luggage racks are you using?

[@iRideuWatch]

Gomez G Thanks! It's an Enduro Guardian skid plate, engine guards are Suzuki ones that came on the Adventure edition (made by SW Motech) as are the luggage racks.

[@zachbrand]

Good video! What skid plate do you have on there?

[@iRideuWatch]

Enduro Guardian aluminum with highway pegs

[@zzxx33mh]

nice terrain..really cool..keep on moving.. confused between KLR and Wee..!there is used 2013 for sale,good price, what will be things to check b4 buying..?!

[@iRideuWatch]

2013 Vstrom? I want to know how many miles, was it kept in the garage, what are the condition of the tires and the change the air filter was regular oil changes performed

[@bryanreeves8786]

This is an old thread, and I hope you still check it, but this is the kind of riding I do with my best friend on my '16 VStrom 650(base model)... I loved the song with the soft guitar, what is it called?

[@iRideuWatch]

That music is from the royalty free assortment they have on KZbin

[@yeniboyut]

Hi! do you believe that the new single headlight can brighten better than the old twice headlight?

[@nickcalderone75]

Outstanding video! Do you still own it? Thoughts today on it?

[@iRideuWatch]

I do it's still a great bike only thing I would change is I would have the 1000 for more power and get the tubeless spoked wheels.

[@paullangford8179]

No. It's 50 / 50 (half an adventure bike). Front wheel too small, and too much weight on it. But it's a really nice tourer, and excellent handling. It has room for two people, unlike most of the street bikes!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Adventures can be had on any road, paved or not. ADV bikes cover a wide range. They are typically a street bike with taller suspension travel, more leg room, bigger fuel capacity, and possibly more dirt-oriented tire sizes.

[@woozyrocketman1784]

I used to ride on dirt-tracks on my Honda 90.

[@SULTAN-nv2cm]

Thank you for this good explanation, I own Vistrum 650 2012 I bought it used and uninterrupted 40000 km, in your opinion what maintenance is required in order to last with me a longer distance. Thank you .

[@johnross7285]

Great video. I'm a new rider and really am interested in the adventure type riding. The vstrom seems like a great bike to start enjoying this lifestyle. My question is do you think I should consider something different (smaller) since I'm only 5'7"? Thanks again for the video, the scenery was spectacular.

[@iRideuWatch]

+John Ross It depends. How much dirt riding do you plan to do. The more time you spend in the dirt the smaller your bike should be, IMO.

[@johnross7285]

Thanks. It will be primarily road. I assume 80% or more. But want the ability to take some dirt/gravel roads or trails. Nothing to technical. I would assume if I graduate to that level a more pure dual sport would be more appropriate.

[@iRideuWatch]

Try to test ride one and a few others to compare.

[@alexan2dros]

HERE IS YOUR ASNER The best video for the V-STROM Offroad!Amazing skills!!For all the V-stromers!! (part1)

[@mathieuclement8011]

Did you raise the handlebars? If yes, what did you use? Any other aftermarket parts?

[@iRideuWatch]

The Karot Yes I installed 30mm risers from Tusk available at RMATVMC.

[@goranromersombor5923]

Adventure is You Nothing else

[@Radioactive_Slime]

Anakee 3 performed well for your adventure? Tires seem to be such a debate topic when it comes to ADV bikes. Too much on road bias vs more off road bias? Wet grip vs mud or sand?

[@iRideuWatch]

Yes they are more street oriented though. For more dirt traction I like the Shinko 804/805.

[@roeurotigres]

Beautiful picture at 1:40 ... where is it? Great video also

[@iRideuWatch]

Near Albuquerque, new Mexico

[@paulsilva3346]

I liked your video so much I bought one on eBay last Oct.. Flew to Las Vegas and rode it back to The Sierra Foothills. 600 miles. Now tell us about those HIGHWAY FOOT PEGS. please.?.? I have looked, just not in the correct place.,.

[@iRideuWatch]

Thanks for your comment! The highway pegs are from Enduro Guardian and mount to the EG skid plate. They make long highway rides bearable. Safe riding!

[@paulsilva3346]

I've had a Huge skid plate and it vibrated terrible at 4-5,000 rpm. It seems to me that it is RPM that effects vibration.

[@iRideuWatch]

I sprayed rubberized under coating on the inside of the skid plate and used rubber washers on the mounting points to try to absorb some of the vibrations. www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Automotive-15-oz-Rubberized-Undercoating-Black-Spray-Paint-Case-of-6-248657/202913971

[@iRideuWatch]

Wrong link. It was this one. www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Automotive-15-oz-Pro-Matte-Black-Undercoating-Spray-Paint-Case-of-6-248656/202436435

[@paulsilva3346]

I just watched your accessories video. And I'va already ordered the Highway Pegs ! Thanks.

[@matthewevans4296]

Where was this, it looks awesome!

[@iRideuWatch]

Placitas, New Mexico north of Albuquerque

[@matthewevans4296]

Looks amazing, thank you!!!

[@jackrabbit8703]

Have you done any of the passes around Ouray, CO.? Engineer, Black Bear, Cinnamon, Imogene or such? Im wondering how the V-strom would do on those....some are a bit gnarly.

[@iRideuWatch]

Yes I have the videos on here from that but I was on another bike

[@iRideuWatch]

I wouldn't attempt Black Bear Pass on the Vstrom but the others would be doable assuming you have a skid plate and some big block knobbies like Shinko 805.

[@stevenjohannesen88]

Don’t get me wrong ,but the background music was just a little to loud, I would have preferred to hear the sound of the engine!

[@zzxx33mh]

Every ride is adventure..

[@paullangford8179]

Only if you change the tyres! And the suspension! Otherwise, handling is quite precise, and the power is predictable from 3000-6000 rpm.

[@iRideuWatch]

Paul Langford That would certainly help. The ergonomics on my KLR were much better for offroading and riding while standing. And the Vstrom does feel top heavy.

[@paullangford8179]

I was looking for KLR, because of the off-road handling, but alas, not available in the UK.

[@BubbaSatori]

Nice video. Well done reply to the posts over at Cycle World about the dirt road capabilities of the Wee Strom. Great way to show the knuckleheads dissing the Wee and demanding 21" wheels and less weight how capable the Wee is. They just don't get the concept of a ride anywhere adventure bike. Thanks.

[@dorull83]

Getting my license and a V-Strom 650 04-08 for next summer. Wish we had roads like that here in Norway. We got some good roads here but i don't know about offroad/adventure roads like that. How tall is the bike? i'm 5'9 - 6'0 (181cm), was thinking about the bmw gs 650 or Aprilia pegaso 650 because of the low seat wich is perfect for beginners. But they both look bad and can't compare to the v-strom, specially the Pegaso.

[@iRideuWatch]

the height is not bad. I'm 5'11" and I can put both feet on the ground, but I have a 2012 and they redesigned the seat to make it easier to reach the ground on the new generation of 650s.

[@oldmadandkiwi]

In last 3 months Iv just crossed Simpson desert,out to Cameron s corner, bridal , Barrington ,then 7000 ks on to Queensland birdsville, rig rd Alice springs,all dessert back to sunny coast austraila, some of the harshest country on earth ,50 degrees in Cameron s corner. I wouldn't trust any other bike but that's just me .

[@ylism]

Interesting video, and a long way to be standing while riding. lol Do have a question, have you done any work to the suspension & seat ? I have a Sv650 naked, but looking for a more applicable bike for various road conditions, and your bike seem better suited for that job, then mine ever could be. They both has the same down sides, not the best suspension & seat, your bike is still better in both departments. Thanks, yl

[@iRideuWatch]

***** No, still have stock suspension and seat. For longer rides I throw a AirHawk R seat pad on it. I do have highway pegs that make it nice to stretch out my legs on the highway. By the way, I wasn't standing the whole ride, just when I'm going over ruts, rocks, or loose surfaces.

[@ylism]

The bike is doing really good then for being stock. How is the AirHawk R seat working out for you ? I was considering one for my SV650 naked, that or another seat, but if the AirHawk seat really works, just may get one to see how good they are. Most of what I've seen have been sorta commercial related, so a opinion from a owner says allot more. Thanks again, yl

[@iRideuWatch]

***** A custom made seat that is specially made for you would be ideal. But the Airhawk is nice for long hours in the saddle as you can vary the amount of air in it and change up the pressure points. The R version has special cut outs for man parts. Here's another video that shows the V-Strom can handle rugged forest roads. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2GwdWmQfcxrgtU

[@ylism]

Thanks for input on the seats, I agree a custom is the best way to go, for the fastest to get maybe the Airhawk will work just fine, and I can swap it to different bikes as needed. Watch the other video too, nice but rough, need to Airhawks ..lol

[@aymanjoudar5425]

How did the klr 650 in the vid measure up to the v strom??

[@iRideuWatch]

I owned a 2008 KLR650. It's more capable off-road while the Vstrom is smoother and better suited to highway riding. It just depends on the kind of riding you do. There's a bike for every niche.

[@stephenharriau1406]

I consider my Tracer an Adventure bike, it takes me on Adventures. First gear is a bit tall for the dirt, stock.

[@iRideuWatch]

What's a Tracer?

[@RPV777]

hello could you help me out please- i want to buy my next bike max of 650cc adventure bike, most of the time i will be on the road and i want it to be comfy passenger seat as i will take people at the back for longer journey, i really was thinking about this S v storm adventure. any recommendation of other bikes or something?

[@iRideuWatch]

***** You can't go wrong with the V-Strom. It does great with a passenger. What kind of riding to you intend to do?

[@RPV777]

iRide uWatch i want to tour adventure, don't think i will do any offroad as in Uk there is hardly any

[@iRideuWatch]

***** check out the new Versus 650 too. Looks really good.

[@RPV777]

iRide uWatch oww that is nice bike too :) will go to local kawasaki shop meybie there )

[@aymanjoudar5425]

I still love the klr 650, cheaper, but only thing i hate about it is the carburetor issues, and very low HPs