Suzuki V-Strom 650 as a beginner bike?

[@timtimmy2256]

I don't think it was foolish. I'm a beginner too (licence since May 2018) and bought the exact same and brand new bike :-). I did some test rides with it and felt safe on it, the moment I started the engine. I also tested some other bikes, like the Versys 650, the NC 750X and the F 650 GS. After all that, I think the V-Strom is the perfect beginner bike if you have the body size, strength to controll the 213 kilogramms and the brains to use the 71 hp wisely. I defently has the best price-quality ratio. You made a great choice. Have fun with it!! Greetings from Germany.

[@jimstapley8551]

Hey I am also a newbie. I also got the '17 V-Strom 650 as my second bike. Practiced with a 250 V_Star for 3 months first. I love the Strom. Started at the age of 64. Bucket list you know.

[@victorherrero4790]

Awesome!!! Respect!!

[@awesomeinforensics]

Outstanding!

[@TheKonstantinius]

I watched this 4 times. Just as a mantra. I have little experience with small 250 bike but this beast seems big to me. This video gives me some hope 🤣

[@beomsukim3929]

I think vstrom 650 is one of perfect all around bike. You made a wise decision. Just be careful and enjoy riding

[@nightfury6836]

Great video!!! Hope that you're doing well. 😉

[@NYCZ31]

Hello, I’m still riding though I no longer have the V-Strom. Now I’m riding a Harley Low Rider S. I should make a video on that bike

[@nightfury6836]

@@NYCZ31 You should make a video on it!!! 🔥A lot of things about this video resonated with me. I lived up in the NYC/NJ area my whole life but now I live down here in NC, been here for a couple of years. Hearing ya talk about that Strom reminded me of my old home lol. I just got a '23 650 Strom after riding an R3. Everything you said about how the bike felt was spot on. You should come down here and ride for a bit. Western NC is a motorcyclist paradise. Everything is mountains, curves, and grade changes- and you just cruise!!😎

[@mar1video]

In 2017 I bought my 16 year old kid a 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 and he loves it ! As a first motorcycle the V-Strom is the best. Daily commuter, off-road and winter (snow) ready. An SUV in bikes.

[@NYCZ31]

mar1video “The SUV in bikes” is exactly how I describe this machine to others. It’s nothing to get super excited about but it will do almost everything you ask it to do. And the height allows you a great view of the road

[@Aurrrrrrrgh]

I’m just now starting to ride and I have a 2007 V-Strom 650. It’s a little heavy for my small self to maneuver but I love it either way!!!!

[@volt8684]

I am a bike of 46yrs and got a new vstrom 650. It’s fast enough for me and can never ride flat out on uk roads. The torque is fat in the mid range and is quick enough let alone a beginner bike. I followed a hyabusa in welsh mountains last week and he could not lose me

[@nicflatterie7772]

I started at 40 with a 2009 vstrom 650. Never an issue. The power curve is not too agressive, and very forgiving if you do not manage your transmission very well. It is powerful enough to scare the shit out of you! You can get a used one with all the accessories installed, especially crash bars! It is tall, but I am too so it’s ok.

[@brucesn6414]

Thank you for the great video. I was browsing if this bike right for me , for my height and weight prospective. But I think it should be all right, I'm 5'11 , don't have athletic lower body. I'm considering myself as a new rider here in US, but I used to ride a 560 lbs soviet motorcycle 10 years ago.

[@brothermanv]

Thanks so much for this review! God-willing, I'm going to take the MSF this spring. Been researching heavily so when the time comes, I know what I'd be interested. The Strom Trooper has been the main bike I've been looking to get as a first bike. The upright, comfy seating position is a big selling point as I'd be commuting and touring. I'm half an inch shorter than you. So, it was great to hear your honest feedback on the height. That and it feeling top-heavy are my only concerns. Especially when learning slow speed maneuvers. I didn't want to get bored with a 300/500 in a few months. But this video got me reconsidering what may be best. Thanks again for the video! Ride safe, brother

[@tahirpatan]

Your exactly my height. And I too am on the balls of my feet in the showroom. Mind you I was wearing sandals that day! I'm going to get the yellow colour soon here in the UK ( God willing)

[@taylorreis1]

Next week Im going to do my test to take the motorcycle license, until last month I had never driven one. In two weeks I get my Vstrom 650 xt at the dealership. I do not think it's an impulsive attitude, this bike is full of safety features, such as abs and traction control, which smaller motorcycles do not have, at least here in Brazil.

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

You mentioned the height of the bike... I noticed your shock was on the lower setting, thus making the bike taller. Raise your shock to the higher hole to shorten it. Also, I believe your shock has a pedestal looking thing at the bottom. Release the tension on your shock while the bike is on a jack, by adjusting the pre-load, and you can remove that piece with no tools required. Then replace it upside down, where it looks like a bowl instead of a pedestal. That will also lower it without reducing ground clearance. You should also adjust your forks to keep the bike at the same level, front to back. I know this video is a little dated, but... I hope that helps, and I hope you're enjoying your bike.

[@metagrazer]

Thanks for your perspective with this bike. Rarely do we hear firsthand from an actual beginner on what is a good bike. As someone who's on the taller and overall larger side of the scale, I feel much more reassured that this bike will do me well.

[@i94yeh2p]

I'm fascinated as well by this bike, it's growing on me. We have the same height and inseam too.

[@paullangford8179]

I have plenty of experience: and survived a few years on Kawasaki Mach III a long time back. When I was working in Australia, I used a DL1000. But the power was wasted, as there were very few places you could go at any speed. Now in the U.K. I got the V-Strom 650: the engine is quiite a bit lighter and I think a better match for the frame. Mostly riding in heavy traffic I get 66 mpg (imperial); by my calculation I will get 20 % more miles between refills! Brakes work good: I only felt the ABS a few times: pedestrians who don't look(!). No stoppies (which I count as a good thing with a 1/4 ton bike), although on the baby Honda XL125R I would be standing on the front wheel at least once a month. Good handling, lots of torque, lots of room (especially with Givi panniers and top box). But I wish it came with cruise control.

[@windfall35]

I commenced riding motorcycles in 1970 and have owned bikes all my life. My three most recent bikes were bmw's, the last being an R1200 GS- a wonderful piece of engineering. This summer I sold my GS and purchased a '19 V-strom 650 and have driven through this summer and fall. I think the vstrom is an excellent bike for a newish rider but would certainly recommend that a new rider gain some experience on a smaller machine (ie rebel 250 etc). With some small bike experience I don't think the vstrom represents a difficult bike to master for the new rider. The same features that make it the choice of tens of thousands of experienced riders make it a good choice for anyone - and it is very forgiving, linear power band with no nasty habits that can surprise its owner...The two features you will most notice initially is the height and weight and one should be prepared for it. Once up, it balances well and is a joy...Better yet, you will be in a situation where you are champing for a bigger bike...This machine can do it all and it will grow with you as your experience grows...

[@nicolasrap7832]

That's my second bike too man.I owned a Honda CB500X for 2 years and sold it after 14.000 km so i guess that makes me a beginner driver too.I felt very confident on the Strom right from the first meters.Like u said Traction control and ABS both increase safety.I am 183 cm (6 ft) tall and i almost flatfoot when stopped.The power is more than enough even at highway speeds like 140-150 km/h and the seat is pretty good.I bought the bike exactly 2 months ago and the only thing i didn't like much was the stock tires so last week i bought a new pair ,the Metzeler Tourance Next and after 400 km on them i can say that it's a whole different experience!!Good video,Ride safe brother!

[@NYCZ31]

nicolas rap the Tourance Next look great and I think I’ll go with those once I’ve burned through the stock tires, thanks!

[@yanshin86]

Thanks for uploading. I'm aiming this bike for my 1st proper bike. Might be 18 or 19 V-strom 650. I'm upgrading from 110cc Suzuki Revo and not sure I can handle this beautiful machine. Height is the biggest concern and I'm only 5-8 with 30in inseam.

[@maz2496]

im 25 yr rider,just sold my gs1200,ireliability issues, i now have a 650 vstrom, great bike, but a bike that goes over 100mph easily is mot a begginers, fast enough for anyone new or expierianced, unless you want to loose license or break records, enjoy happy riding

[@NYCZ31]

mario tsourou the funny thing is that the GS1200 is the bike I’d like to “upgrade” to one day but you’re not the first person I’ve heard to set aside the GS due to reliability issues. Maybe it isn’t as great as people thought, or just not worth the huge price tag

[@maz2496]

Your better upgrading to tiger 800 , all bike you will need

[@maz2496]

NYCZ31 its a nice ride, but for the money and the issues I personally do t see the point, where we the Gs can do the 650 can , in the real world

[@timothyangus954]

As an older rider (I’m 68) I have similar issues with weight etc that a beginner faces. I have had it 9 years now and in 2018 rode it around the world two up. No reliability issues, 260 miles to a tankful and comfy and did 43,000 miles.

[@betruly7894]

Great explanation, i would not say great video as it look more a picture than a video Lol .. My Harley XL1200T fall on me on my chest, the bike was at 45deg angle on my chest my back against a pylons, my chest crashed completely, for a moment i thought that's it is my end because i start having difficulties to breath, I pushed the bike back with all my little power for a last time before i gave up for good. Luckily the bike moved and i could get away and put her back on the kick stand. Both we made it safe. Damn that was scary. A got a month chest pain ....

[@eddievolkwyn]

Great Vid== My 2nd bike great for Daily commute..Enjoy

[@mobeasley8577]

Nice bike. I like the colors.

[@CindyBallreich]

You ought to take a look at the low seat for this bike. It's almost a inch lower and makes stopping on gravel or a greasy spot a lot less stressful. Also, the "engine guard" on the XT model is cheap plastic and just for looks. The main upgrade on the XT are the wheels.

[@NYCZ31]

I've added a few things in the meantime, I need to make a new video. The low seat is probably the next thing I will acquire, I just wish the dealer would get it for me so I could try before I buy - but they won't unless I cough up the money. I'm not pleased with their service so far.

[@CindyBallreich]

Yeah, I had the same problem. My dealer doesn't stock any accessories for their bikes. I went ahead and got it and I'm glad I did. I love the bike, but Suzuki needs to get a clue from BMW.

[@NYCZ31]

So you didn't notice much of a difference in comfort from the stock seat? This was the only thing I was concerned about.

[@CindyBallreich]

No, it feels the same to me.

[@danilocapellan1316]

Nice great all around bike. 👍🏼

[@chaichai9133]

On what perspectives it bike is classified as beginners' bike? Lightweight, small size, cheap. So what type of bikes can be classified as experts' bikes. Can fly?

[@patrickpitz1879]

Seems like it's not for me, but it's a very beautiful bike though. I have a weak right leg and am only 5'8. Wondering why I cant find sv650's as much as vstroms on the market. :/

[@ThePalmatron]

Good info...Thanks for posting!!

[@falchiherve2024]

hello i own a yellow 2018 in south of france.... it is the best bike i ever owned, really really good bike i am in love with it..... Question, what is the little plastic just beside the accelerator , ? near your right hand?

[@NYCZ31]

Falchi Hervé it’s called a Crampbuster. It allows you to use your wrist to turn the throttle rather than twisting it. Useful for keeping speed on the highway

[@kkhalifah1019]

Easiest way to manage the seat height problem is to send the seat to a shop and have it reshaped lower. The foam padding on that seat is THICK - you can drop the seat height a fair bit!

[@stephtraveler7378]

Not a beginner bike, but is a good bike for a beginner. 0 to 60 times match just about anything out there. At 80 mph, it gets limited... and overtaken. Not many care what happens at those speeds... If you can't flatfoot it, use the trick women riders have been using for years.... Get a boot that makes up the difference and put an orthodic in it. Helps with comfort and can give you another inch of inseem.

[@YoyoBandalore]

Could you give more details on the heat resistant, sound deadening material you used on the skid plate? Thanks.

[@NYCZ31]

YoyoBandalore it’s sound deadening material often used on cars when installing aftermarket speakers. In the end it wasn’t very successful, and I traded that skid plate for the Outback Motortek plate.

[@YoyoBandalore]

@@NYCZ31 Thanks. I took my Ravetech skid plate to a local place and had the inside of the skid plate sprayed with bedliner. That helped deaden the sound. I think 2 layers would have been even better.

[@NYCZ31]

YoyoBandalore the Outback Motortek plate mounts to the frame rather than the engine, and I didn’t notice any vibe noises from it, even though it’s a pretty thick solid piece

[@hankwojo]

Nice bike. I just purchased a 2018 leftover in black, but I love the white but there was none to be had. The rear stand, it looks like a pit bull model. What is the model number and who makes the bobbins? I'm looking for the exact same thing you have going on there. Thanks.

[@NYCZ31]

Henry Wojtkiewicz the pit bull, I’m not sure the exact model, I just bought one for bikes with double sided swing arms. The spools are from woodcraft, but there are many other options

[@c-sbotha9680]

Great review. I got myself a 2019 V Strom 650 late last year and was quite a change from my GSX 750. The GSX 750 IMHO is one of the best naked sport type bikes. Easy handling, very stable and lots of fun. Got myself the VStrom so me and my wife can do more 2 up riding as the GSX was not the most comfortable for pillions As said in the video this bike is something different to get used to because it is a big bike with lots of torque but it is an easy to learn bike and then it is just fantastic to ride. One feel safe on it because it is very stable and because of the excellent visibility on the bike including the rear view mirrors and fuel economy is up there Shiny side up! 😏😎 I am only 5 foot 6 and got the bike lowered a bit with a lower link and there is no difference in handling

[@benjamincs1]

How about the 1000? I've spent a few months on a 125, and having ridden an SV650 feel like if like more power on the motorway... Thoughts?

[@NYCZ31]

Benjamin Smith the 1000 is also an excellent bike, not much more horsepower but lots more torque. Also the newer ones have upside down forks, lean sensitive ABS, and other goodies not on the 650. Last thing to consider is the 1000 will have less range and requires higher octane fuel

[@d-day4165]

Your review gives plenty of reasons why the wee isn’t a beginners bike. Fill half a tank? If that small weight difference affects your ability to handle it: get a smaller easier to handle bike. Also, get your suspension adjusted for your bike; there is a suspension link that’s not too expensive and will correctly lower it for your height and inseam. Any competent wrench can do it for you. I’ve owned one of these for 13 years and it in no way is a beginners bike. It’s a great bike, but too fast & heavy. A better choice is a dual sport like Suzuki’s dr650 or a Kawasaki klr. Similar capabilities but lighter and dropping an off road bike is less likely to pin you under it.

[@NYCZ31]

D- Day41 good points, but the thing with the half tank was only in the first 100 miles or so while I was getting used to the bike. After that I was fine with a full tank. DR650 is a great bike but I mostly ride highway and the VStrom is better there. Same with the KLR

[@alanwright9112]

Hi any updates

[@NYCZ31]

Hello Alan, I’ve actually traded in the V-Stron for another bike after 10,000 very happy miles. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a middleweight all rounder bike. I’ll see about making a vid about the other bike, and reasons why for the trade, soon

[@mrniceguy4920]

my opinion after riding bikes only for 24 years. this is not a bike for a beginner. it is too good. you learn on shit bikes, not on good bikes. this bike is for a person who has seen it all and just wants a reliable scooter. have a good day

[@TexasMan77]

Nice! How does it compare to the versys 650?

[@NYCZ31]

TX Camper superficially they’re very similar. But the OEM tires the bikes come with tells us the versys is a dedicated street machine with 17” front and rear while the vstrom at least maintains some pretense of being able to go off-road with a 19” front and dual sport tires. Also the versys is a parallel twin while the vstrom is a v-twin. The versys weighs slightly more and the Strom has more horsepower. The Strom is a longer bike with more reach to the bars so more comfortable for taller guys. Matter of personal preference and intended use I think. Personally I’m team Suzuki and prefer the V-twin and ergonomics of the Strom

[@TexasMan77]

NYCZ31 Thank you. Was team versys until the strom was redesigned. Took The MSF class a month ago and still looking for bike #1. Am 6’3’’ and want something comfortable. Aren’t these also called dual sport?

[@geraldscott4302]

Unless you are on the really large side, I wouldn't recommend the DL650 as an absolute beginner bike. My opinion is that either a very small dirt bike or an older Honda Rebel 250 are perfect beginner bikes. I think any beginner should ride a Rebel type bike for a couple of YEARS before getting something like the DL650. It takes that long to really get the hang of things. Then once you get a bigger bike, you become a beginner all over again. The DL650 is simply too big, tall, and heavy. After a few thousand miles on a MUCH smaller bike, it might work just fine IF you are big enough to fit it. I believe that only a highly experienced and skilled rider should attempt to ride a bike they cannot flat foot at a stop. The top toe thing or using just one leg with the bike leaned over takes a LOT of practice, and is not suitable for a beginner. The DL650 is a wonderful bike for an experienced rider. I rode one from Phoenix, AZ to Deadhorse, AK and back in 2010. I was 52 at the time. But, I am 6' with a 34" inseam, and was able to flat foot the bike. Doing the valves is NOT an easy job on a DL650, if you are not a mechanic or VERY mechanically inclined, don't try it. Lastly, one HUGE negative issue with the DL650 is how much higher the rear of the seat is than the front. That seems to be an issue with most modern bikes, and is something that needs to stop. Just because you can sit on the rider part of the seat and be ok does NOT mean you will be able to get your leg over the super high rear part of the seat. I have known rides who had to stand on something just to get on and off their bikes just for that reason, even though they were fine once seated on the bike. I remember the days when bikes had flat seats. I don't think that anybody but a highly accomplished roadracer should ride a sport bike. It's not just the power, in fact that is the least of their problems. The main problem with a sport bike (and I am talking about a supersport bike, one with a string or RRRRRs at the end of it's name) is not the power but the insane riding position. You are basically standing on your head with your feet stuck up in the air. You are supporting most of your upper body weight with your arms and shoulders, and you have to bend your neck all the way back to see where you are going. And you have to keep it in that position. VERY painful. Your knees are bent as far as they will bend, and your feet are almost vertical, with your toes pointing straight down. Again VERY painful. And the position of your feet on the pegs makes it very difficult to remove them in a hurry. I have seen a couple of sport bike riders pull up to a stop and fall over, because they could not get their feet off the pegs fast enough. These bikes are designed specifically for racing, NOT stop and go riding. They are designed to go fast not normal street speeds. They really have no place on the street at all.

[@jeffferguson899]

This is not the right bike for a beginner unless you are approaching 6' in height . I am 5'7 and owned a vstrom 650 for 6 yrs. I loved the bike but I am a very experienced rider. It is very tall . a better first bike would be a honda cb500 f

[@johncee1481]

There is a CB400 from Honda ..but the V-Strom is an attractive bike.

[@pete2109]

Suzuki do a lower seat👌 they’ve taken more sponge out it lowers it about 20-30mm which will help you 👍

[@keithmason3461]

Yes you're correct. Also if you look at rear suspension it can be lowered like the suzuki dr650 at lowering link.

[@tomaskarnold3870]

metoo ;) licence since October 2018 and since that time V-Strom 650 L6 (2016) - a daily allround bike for a tall beginer like me. this movie is a proof for me I was not foolish.thx