Suzuki DL650 V-Strom as a First Motorcycle?

[@mbridewell1010]

Thanks for all the support. I have still managed to keep the big round black things on the ground. The first few weeks have been a blast, I am making a ton of noob mistakes but I'm loving every minute of it. I'm driving my wife nuts because at least 10 times a day I say, "Hey, hey guess what?" and before she gets a word out I hoot, "MOTORCYCLE!" I am still excited about getting a bike I can't believe I finally did it after so long. I'm glad someone posted this video on reddit, it's a memory I will enjoy forever and I'm happy I could share it.

[@ScoobyGSXR750]

+TheCincinnati Kid My girlfriend finally told me to shut the fuck up with all of my motorcycle nonsense. I wouldn't talk about anything other than motorcycles for like 4 months. Now about 75% of my conversations are about motorcycles. Welcome to the most exciting part of your life!

[@neboknives2212]

It's great watching a newbie on his 1st ride home. Congrats mate. So many expert riders doing reviews making lines, filtering and even gear changes look oooh so easy. Nice to see a review like this for a change. Props to you my friend !!

[@stefanb9435]

Great video Cincinati. Its always heartening to see someone going out and living their dreams. You learn by doing and i have no doubt you will be a pro in no time. Its cool to see Nutn getting around and affecting peoples lives as well. If you can i'm sure he would love to hear how he influenced your life in such a positive way. PS. Your wife seems awesome.

[@sarahmorris1527]

I want to talk so much smack about your riding but I have to make myself remember back when I was still in my daddy's ball sack learning to ride and that you are never to old to learn good on ya mate

[@galaxyzjp]

Dude thanks for the smiles!

[@TotallyL337]

You made a great choice for a first motorcycle, especially for out on those roads. Stay safe, and don't depend on that horn, cars at that range can't hear it, especially with their windows up.

[@TotallyL337]

+TotallyL337 Also, use more clutch when going slow in first!

[@1767SR]

Nice video. It was fun to watch somebody ride their very first bike home....what a feeling! I'm a bit older than you, and have owned and ridden lots of bikes...scooters to Harleys. But I recently bought a 2017 DL560, and I am absolutely loving it. After wrestling big, heavy bikes around for years, I had forgotten how much fun riding could be. I hope your first year of riding has been fun, adventurous, and safe.

[@skunkbucket9408]

Congrats on the bike and your new hobby! When I came back to riding after taking a couple of decades off to raise kids, the V-Strom is what I picked. It's docile enough to be acceptable as a first bike, but big and powerful enough that you may never need to look for a "grown up" bike. People ride these things to Alaska, across Africa, and around the world. Hope you're still riding and having a blast!

[@dinnyegodre]

This is a very beautiful bike, good choice! :)

[@nathanielcanales4776]

Fun video! Thanks for posting it. I totally agree with your first bike purchase. Like you said everyone tells you to get a small 250cc bike to learn on. I did that very thing 8 years ago, and after buying a brand new ninja 250cc I was bored out of my mind and suffering from buyer regret after in two months. So I bought a KLR 650cc as my second bike and learned to ride a tall heavy bike, every other style of bike I've ridden since whether its a cruiser, a 1000cc sports bike, or a cafe racer has been cake to ride!

[@dgravatt]

Good choice. A 2012 Dl650 Adventure was my first bike. 19,000 miles and a ton of mods later it is still the perfect bike for me.

[@talkstory-andukulele-trave426]

I own a 2004 Vstrom 1000 and just bought my wife a CHERRY 2006 Vstrom 650 for when she gets enough experience (the deal was too good to pass up and we'll be twinsies!). Thanks for posting this as it gave her a jolt of confidence. :-)

[@marklightfoot9113]

That first nervous ride done and home safe I'm sure it only got better from here 😎

[@winstonbenedict3525]

That looks like so much fun! I just sold my 400 cruiser and am looking for a dual sport.

[@wb416]

I'm on the eastside of Cincinnati and just got a used 2011V-Strom.

[@michaelkennedy2901]

Is that a reflective vest made up of several PT belts? Nice.

[@karolhaus]

Don't be afraid to rev the engine ! Although the DL is smooth (I own a 2007) a twin is much happier above 3000revs/min. Underrev can do some harm to the engine and stalling at slow speed with this sort of beast can mean a spill. Take care.

[@keaganknapp2237]

That is very funny, I bought a new DR200 and as I wanted to leave the dealership my bike did the same neutral thing, where it does not go in 1st, and they were like JUST GO, and I thought I broke it! Good times

[@danielgreen5803]

Very nice video buddy, safe rides

[@bobtheboozer15]

my son is the same he is just waiting for the 2016 model to be ready for pick up he has only had riding coarse as well.his is a run out model as well it is winter so we got extras and a good price I think it looks better than the new 2017 model

[@_zzpza]

Congrats & stay safe.

[@xXxcru3ltyxXx]

Does anyone know what the song in the background is?

[@stephenlong8269]

+Noah Weiss Crazy Game of Poker - OAR. Great drinking song

[@jasonroberts8206]

Great band. O.A.R. - Crazy game of poker. They have several awesome songs.

[@mattgotsskill]

i just got mine. my first motorcycle ever. BUT im comming off of mopeds i use to ride when i was younger, so i have 2 wheel experience. but this bike is scary, lol. its so big and bulky, i really hope it gets easier with time, so far iv only tried to ride it in first gear, around the parking lot in my complex it feels like im trying to ride a horse. i figured being 240lbs and 5'10 this was the bike for me idk tho man any tips?

[@rpiereck74]

Great bike, the V-Strom was my second bike, first was a BMW R850R. The DL650 is excellent bike, maybe a bit too much for a brand new rider. Please take the MSF course, you will learn a lot.

[@hectorcervantes5260]

congrats friend nice video

[@Nisotovski]

congrat on your new baby! sorry but i must say this i feel sorry for your gearbox :D is it still working? LOL I thoth that you have break it on the parkinglot..... it is a new bike after all and you dont need to apply so much force on it. BTW today i have sold my honda cbr250r and tomorrow am going to see one used DL650 from 2007. i hope it will be in good condition and if it is i will buy it :) it have topbox and side panniers, thats all i need. it is blue like yours not the exact same blue, but its blue :) You have a nice motorcycle and i hope you will make a lot of miles or kilometars on it take care and welcome to the club :)

[@mattshell231004]

any updates mate. hows the strom going for you.

[@ForbinColossus]

How much $ new? Just trying to get an idea of real final cost - it's just no fun negotiating at car/moto dealerships when they have the edge

[@mbridewell1010]

You should be able to get a new 650 for under $8k if you shop around. I am still loving my vstrom.

[@VirManG60]

I know this comment is quite outdated and i am sure you became a much more skilled rider by now but i have to say it. I can't imagine how can someone who has no skills (not talking about you personally, but the States in general) be allowed on the road after just an MSF course? Going back and remembering all the mistakes you made when you were a new rider don't you agree it should be like in Europe where you have to pass a closed course test in front on an authorized person and then another test with at least 30 minutes of riding in the streets in heavy traffic without any mistake to get a license? That is of course after you have done at least 15 hours of riding with an instructor on the course and in the streets. All the best to you and many safe miles!

[@connerc.6911]

I'm not sure if you're still active, but as of recording this what was your height/weight? I'm 6' and 230lbs and am VERY interested in this being my first bike (after the MSF course, of course)

[@mbridewell1010]

6ft was about 200lbs then. Bike fits me very will. Still have it and love it even more now. Been to the tail of the dragon, OH555, and all over with it.

[@zzxx33mh]

what will be first mods for The wee..?! what is the best part of your injoyment with The Wee..?@

[@mbridewell1010]

SoloRide ZX Crash bars and a skid plate lol. Haven't needed them yet thankfully. I really enjoy riding in some of the state parks.The v strom is super comfortable.

[@mattshell231004]

more videos would be great if you feel up to it.

[@mbridewell1010]

mattshell231004 I have been crazy busy at work and editing takes a long time. I am planning on doing a follow up video after I have a year of ridding in. Thanks for the feedback!

[@mattshell231004]

TheCincinnati Kid no worries mate I just got myself a vstrom this year, been loving it. enjoy yours mate look forward to your next video anyways, have a good and safe Christmas mate.

[@marks2731]

Beep the horn when trying to be cancelling the indicators.. . . Been there, thick gloves do not help, the switches are close.

[@telpan]

What's wrong with this gearbox?

[@mbridewell1010]

telpan it was the rider. It's much better now.

[@premiercconstruction]

I ride in t shirts... nice bike.

[@mbridewell1010]

premiercconstruction Thanks for the comment, I love my V strom. Ride safe!

[@dexskittles5533]

You will learn, or you wont. And if you dont learn, well... you you will learn from that if you're still alive ;D

[@IRQ1Conflict]

lol the DL 650 responsible for countless newbie deaths. The motor sounds great.

[@mylesdavies9476]

poor bike lol