Is the V-Strom 650 good offroad? Traveling the world with a V-Strom 650 and my offroad experience.

[@harshdeepsingh102]

Short, sweet and informative videos from you, Gustaf! Always! Greetings of a fellow Champion Yellow rider from India 🙏

[@hoihoihoi1951]

Two tricks to turn of the ABS on Vstrom 650: 1. put it on centerstand, set gear to 2 and just let it run for 10 secs and abs will turn off (will also give engine light) 2. do a ' burnout' in the sand, i.e. put it in first gear and pull your front brake and let it 'burnout' for 5 seconds. No engine light will come on. You are welcome.

[@jagoan4109]

How to turn it on again?

[@hoihoihoi1951]

@@jagoan4109 Switch off your bike and turn it back on.

[@Kevin-hp5fk]

Or... just wire a switch to the fuse. Safer, faster.

[@Rairooo]

im really looking forward your suspension upgrade vid!

[@mrcreative6020]

Thanks gustav, Great honest review from somebody Who has done many miles on the rough stuff on the vstrom. I too was slightly worried about whether it would be okay to use on green lanes and B roads, but you have helped me feel assured, which is helped me decide that it will be my next bike. cheers

[@donison-xu3qf]

Yup, me too.

[@mountainmikeoutdoors]

You can wire in a V-strom ABS bypass to disable it. Effectively does the same thing as pulling the fuse, but it's just flipping a switch. It's a bit invasive and not for amateurs but it's a mod that can be done.

[@BikerGirlTraveler]

I like the V-Strom but I only wish that Suzuki did a few things to it. What they did to the 1050 in suspension. And that for 650 and 1050 they had one version of each model all beefed up to go off roading. Which included a 21/19 setup, rather than the 19/17 it now has. And a bit more ground clearance. As much as ai like the V-Stroms and hope to one day buy one, for my adventure ride through Central and South America, I am seriously considering the African Twin 1100. The new 2020 model is just amazing and Honda did the right thing, they listened to clients and what they were asking for. Here is the problem with bikes such as the 1250 GS, African Twin, and the like, bikes that rely heavily on electronics can turn into a huge headache if you break down in the middle of no where, like some small down. Good luck finding someone who can trouble shoot your bike and get it fix. The more electronics your bike has the more you need someone with the knowhow and electronic tools to trouble shoot it and get it fixed. And on top of that, you may need parts that are not easily found or at all available in the country you are in. Make sure you have the financial means to order the part from another country and pay for express shipment, because otherwise you could be stuck in that little town for days even weeks in some third world country.

[@willmcgregor7184]

The tires on any vehicle is the most important thing re traction. Sprocket change for more low/mid power I think is needed on VStrom.

[@douwe4549]

Project WeeStrom 7.5 about creating 7.5 inches of suspension travel, front and rear, on Stormtrooper.. Very usefull idea and not all that complicated.. If covid ever ends, I will take my 650 from Holland to Mongolia, but first will do exactly what is displayed over there.. thank that guy for his idea and write up..

[@falconlips5474]

Hey, did you go then?

[@douwe4549]

And I like your travels..and spirit.. after all, its not the bike, its your mind that takes you places..

[@nobodyinparticular709]

The 650 with TKC80s is phenominal offroad, I would go so far as to say, its better than my 1200gsa. I have taken the 650 places my GS would bog permanently, the only gripe is the lack of "tractor factor" in slow technical stuff

[@empowerd1]

Tractor factor you mean torgue on a slow speed?

[@Imsurethishasnotbeentaken]

Awesome and clear video man! Love your bike!

[@GustafN]

Thank you, i appreciate it!

[@michaelwrigley5438]

I owned a vstom 650 for a few months. It got me where I wanted off road, but always felt like it was out of it's league. I am now on a klr650, and it feels a lot more confident off road. The vstrom felt kinda like a crossover off road. It would do it, but didn't feel like it belonged in the same way the klr does. That being said the engine in the vstrom is way better. Find the power on the klr to be a bit underwhelming. Hoping to get into a tenere 700 next year to get the offoad features of the klr with the more powerful engine I miss from the vstrom.

[@filippocorti6760]

One online review claimed the V-Strom doesn't give up much to the KLR offorad.

[@davidmatthews3093]

A poor workman…

[@violjohn]

I agree with this review completely. Looking forward to the suspension vid. Thanks 🙏

[@KahroSynetic]

I’ve done some off-road with vstrom including moderate trails, gravel roads, muddy trails and it’s always been alright

[@douglasjude714]

InstaBlaster...

[@bazz6670]

Good points, it's not a racing machine but slow and easy now worries.

[@richardwhitehead4684]

I own an ‘06 650 Vstrom. It is definitely not a dirt bike. IMHO, It’s off-road limitations are due more to pavement oriented weight distribution (more firward than a true dirt bike chassis) and steeper steering head and more road focused offset/trail. What gives the bike such lovely manners on pavement makes it want to tuck of loose gravel. If you come upon loose conditions, whatever you do, don’t chop (close) the throttle. It’ll just put even more weight on the already overloaded (for dirt) ft wheel. Best approach is to move as far back as possible and proceed at a slower (but not too slow) and always try to maintain momentum. I don’t find the bike particularly fun on loose or sandy conditions. Whereas the same conditions on a DR 650 will leave you smiling. And that’s the thing, a 650 Vstrom is NOT a dirt bike.

[@rapoliit]

Interested in your future videos about the mods you intend you do it. Thanks for pepping up with good things about this bike.

[@MOTORCYCLECOLOMBIA]

excelente vídeo!!! saludos desde Colombia!!

[@wilfredgarbutt5949]

Were you in Belize. Thought I recognized some land marks like the Sleeping Giant. Definitely recognized Flores Peten Guatemala.

[@OzADVRider]

I agree, the V-Strom is very capable off road as long as you take your time. My old gen 1 doesn't have ABS so no problem there for me but it should be switchable on newer models

[@bloodybonescomic]

Years ago, before the adventure bike craze, my friends and I rode through dirt with whatever we owned. I used a 78 CB 750 for example. My Strom 650 is much better. At age 62 I still ride rough dirt. With rhe Strom I feel confidant I can pull it off.

[@GustafN]

Today's ADV market is crazy, i hear daily about people saying that 650cc bikes have too little power for for dirt/off-road or travel. Look back 20 years and the 70hp that the V-Strom 650 has would be considered extreme. That's just crazy! People have walked round the world, anything with two wheels will do really.

[@DCUngelled]

I have a '17 vstrom 650xt and I absolutely love it! Great video! I also agree...It is not going to take me over the continental divide super rocky terrain but it will get me where I want to go and it will be in for the long haul..... I am just a newbie on You Tube and enjoy making videos of my travels... New Sub...Look forward to more of your videos! Can't wait to set out on my 5 month cross country trip around the USA next year with this bike

[@nicholaschin7733]

Its a fantastic bike. Off-road the biggest prob is going down steep gravel roads without being able to turn ABS off. You tend to clench alot..

[@coconuciferanuts339]

Good point.The abs tends to keep huntng forward in the lower gear.Sometimes I get by this by moving into neutral & then braking seems more controlled.

[@michaelking9818]

Thanks great review

[@michalk5108]

Hi. I made ABS on off switch. Work while you're riding any time on and off. One switch 1.5m cable

[@GustafN]

That’s cool, got some more info on it?

[@danharrington2976]

Thanks for the video. I am surprised that with all the traveling you do you don't have a taller after market windshield. I put one on my dl650 and it made a big difference.

[@GustafN]

I have a adjustable Givi windscreen, I'm super happy with it! It's even one of my favorite modifications to the V-Strom 650. It's nice to be able to lower it for slow riding or warmer days or put it up for the highway. But most Central American countries are very hot, and the roads are slow (sub 70kmh), so it stays in the lower setting most of the time.

[@ecalzo]

looking forward to see the video for the suspension .. i got the same bike .. Vstrom 2018 650xt

[@adriangonzalezramirez5821]

I'm thinking of doing off road trips with my vstrom and people like you helps me a lot. So, first of all, thanks! Now I am wondering if my 650's (not XT) cast wheels will be a problem. While I am thinking it, I would like to tell you that ABS can be switched off if you put the bike on the center stand, put the first gear and give some gas to make the rear wheel roll for a few seconds over 5kph (3mph) . It is quite annoying to do it every time you start the bike, but it is one way to do it.

[@WillardTurner]

Never skip leg day... 🦵🦵

[@filippocorti6760]

How much better would it be off road with either 50/50 tires or 90% dirt/10% street tires.

[@petarvojinovic3156]

Name of the remix song at the end plsss😍!

[@15lastone]

In V storm 650 we trust 🙏😊😊. Awesome 👌 👏 👍 safe riding 🙏 and thanks for sharing 👍

[@marcosaureliotavaresdesous13]

A Motoka é Fantástica......para o off será necessário um pneu apropriado.....

[@chriskneifl3290]

Debating doing the same suspension upgrade that you did. I'm a bit lighter (75 kg), though, so maybe I can get away with the stock shock for a while. Those TFX parts are super nice, though.

[@shoakman]

I'm your size, how's the vstrom like to pick up? Hearing Gustaf (a big guy) say the strom is heavy kinda scares me a bit 😳

[@chriskneifl3290]

@@shoakman It's not easy to pick up, especially if it falls to the low side of a slope. You can always practice at home, but if you want some added security, you could purchase something like the Eastbound Motorcycle Hoist MotoWinch. If you're going to mainly be doing offroad, you could also consider the Suzuki DR650, which is a bit lighter.

[@s11039858]

Like your videos man but please keep it longer like atleast 10 mins

[@petarvojinovic7003]

name of the song at the end :D

[@bepacman]

All very very true

[@N5Gunner]

Thanks for the video. May I ask what specific RAM Phone Mount you have, and where you have it hooked onto the bike? Thanks

[@GustafN]

Thank you for watching! I got a AdventureTech bracket, works OK but it could be better. Wish it was metric instead of imperial and had 2 more threaded holes for additional RAM mounts. The RAM mount is just the standard X-Grip, nothing special and a short RAM grip arm. RAM Mounts are great, it broke in Guatemala and i got a new one on warranty.

[@hpkiunzy]

For abs, just remove the ABS fuse.

[@advorlando9855]

Even KLR650's are not that good off road because of their weight and height. Still the KLR is a bit better of road than the 650 vstrom, but few prefer it for steady off roading. I've seen the KLR650 on the road more than dirt riding, so given that I'd say the vstrom has solid footing in this arena.

[@petarvojinovic7003]

love the rmx :D !!!

[@petarvojinovic7003]

i cant find that rmx pls tell me what is it

[@kymstock1852]

I added stronger front springs and different valving to the front end of my 2013 model to make it react to sharp edge hits better. It was OK for $300 Au investment. The back end would pack down on corrugated corners when I hit them at higher speed ( didn't see it in time) . Control wasn't great when that happened. I bottomed out the bike a few times too. I sold it and bought a 2015 Tiger 800 XCx. Great suspension and handling on rougher dirt roads= safer .

[@bhisham2687]

can u do a video on 0 to 100

[@ralphcantrell3214]

NO. The DL650 is NOT good off-road. I've been owning/riding all types of motorcycles except cruisers for 50 years. I LOVE my 2013 DL650A Adventure, but it isn't a true dual sport at all. There simply is not enough ground clearance to consider it a dirt bike under any stretch of the imagination. Plus, the undercarriage is WAY to vulnerable. The pipe, oil filter and oil cooler is there, waiting to be smashed. Mine has a SW Motech aluminum skid plate to better protect that area, but while it does afford me some piece of mind, in reality it transfers the impacts to the engine cases and also robs me of even more precious ground clearance. Now, I can go down forest roads, gravel roads Etc, and at a decent clip if I'm careful. I've even done some pretty serious and rocky trails, but I wasn't comfortable at all. I quickly ran out of ground clearance and had to turn around. I knew all this going in of course, and still purchased the bike for it's intended purpose - a street oriented adventure bike that can get you to isolated campsites at night. And for this it is nearly perfect.

[@DragosDreamer1989]

Did you ever have a situation where you felt the ABS endangered you in the dirt?

[@violjohn]

Yes; going really slowly down a steep rocky slope the front wheel slipped and the Abs kicked in. No brakes! It was really scary. So i take the fuse out for really bad stuff.

[@rjma1822]

IM 5'6 would these be a good bike for me. ??

[@GustafN]

The V-Strom 650 has a huge aftermarket. If you don’t fit originally there’s modifications that will make it work anyways.

[@willmcgregor7184]

Your inseam is more important than height. Probably neeed the lower seat option. V Strom-High Ctre gravity, so you will likely prefer the lower seat.

[@Toroloko444]

I tour with my v strom 650, you can do light off roading. Any heavy bike isn't good for offroading. If you are a professional ok, but like the 99% of bikers....no. if you want go dirt road, well get a rm 250 or 450.

[@vladaloshyn5433]

You can use heavy bikes on the roads like this, but they are terrible on the mud

[@OverItAll954]

I had a 2007 DL650. For me it sucked off road.

[@gray-stromer-pt]

Love my -Vstrom but it certainly is no good for off-road or even dirt-road bike.

[@troymholmanify]

Poor guy still hasn't gone south :(

[@TERRIERPACK]

V-STROM How to turn off ABS kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2WyqZqZpcqip9U

[@zzxx33mh]

Don't have vstrom but subscribe.. #soloride_zx