Suzuki V Strom 650 test ride and first impressions

[@TrustyZ900]

Had a '17 3rd gen DL650. Now have a '22 650 Adventure. These bikes are superb. Took it on a 2500 mile trip to the Sierras. Totally overloaded and pulled Nevada's long mountain grades and 105 degree heat on the interstate at 85 for hours. Still got 50 mpg. Bulletproof engine and relatively simple. Had a GS 1200 with all the electronic gizmos that failed. Sitting in my foyer till the snow melts and back on the road again. Seen one with 300k miles on original engine. Wouldn't be without one.

[@sbistline]

I've ridden the VStrom 1000 for many years and enjoyed the bikes handling. It is a nice middle ground between my big touring bike and my dirt bike. It worked well for trips up to the cabin on winding mountain roads and then straight onto forest fire trails.

[@vincenttarquini4235]

Gene, I think you are making a wise decision. I am also going to make a change. I will be 69 years old in 2 months and while I am still strong and also muscular at 6'4" and 270Lbs, my Victory Vision is getting to be a pain in the butt to lug around, especially around town. I recently went out looking and the salesman looked me over and took me to a BMW 1250GS. I mounted it and just could not believe the difference. It was like holding up a motor scooter and so light, but fit like a glove. I realized then just how much easier and less taxing it would be to scoot around with this kind of ADV and so much better off tarmac. Also, in your case, you will not sacrifice reliability and ease on maintenance with a Suzuki. They are extremely reliable and will go the distance. You might also want to check out the 800DE. It is a little too light for me, but is extremely capable both on and off road.

[@themotorcyclegene]

Yeah, my Indian Roadster weighs 908 pounds before gas and oil and is not great around town or on dirt or gravel. I think I’m going to go with a middleweight adventure bike.

[@phils4life777]

Did they give you a good offer for your bike?

[@themotorcyclegene]

They gave me a reasonable offer on my bike. Not as much as I could have sold it for privately, but it was a reasonable offer and I wound up trading it. I’ll have a video up on it soon.