Suzuki VStrom 650XT review by a former KTM rider

[@tugaminhoto4969]

Just one correction, Vstrom 650XT dont have 56Hp how he said but 71Hp

[@akagray3292]

56hp a2 rider

[@Nora_adventurism]

Thank you for pointing that out 🙏🏻

[@tugaminhoto4969]

@@Nora_adventurism love yours videos :D.

[@chrishart8548]

56hp would be about correct at the wheel. 85hp is usually 71hp at the wheel. And A2 is 47hp (not 56hp,)

[@anonym3017]

@@akagray3292 a2 is 35kW or 48hp.

[@luziosalles324]

Many consider this motorcycle to be one of the best motorcycles ever made. One of the few bikes that came very, very close to perfection. I totally agree. A legend

[@1nicko29]

its a reliable bike with a comfi seat but one of the best? i dnt know. im sure it wont hold its value very good due to all that plastik. its a workhorse and can be easily adjusted for taller riders that rarely go offroad.

[@grantwtk]

@@1nicko29 I have this bike but totally wanting another one which is better offroad but can still travel the globe.

[@rclines001]

I've had big 130hp/120tq cruisers, big sport bikes, small sport bikes, and recently traded one of my cruisers for a 2019 VStrom 650. 9 days and 1200 miles later, I couldn't be happier. I freakin love this bike. Good power, but not overwhelming. Good weight to the bike. Great handling on road(not done much off road with it). Engine is so smooth, and the power curve just doesn't feel like it has a low spot at all. I'm 6'3" @ 245lbs, and I live in Texas where we see a lot of 70mph and 75mph speed limit signs(translated into Texan, that means 90mph), and I was having absolutely no issues doing 80mph to 90mph for hours on end. It took 12 years and half a dozen bikes, but I finally found the one that was made for me.

[@lassebrustad]

reading stuff like this makes me so happy, because I bought the 2014 model as my 1st bike, which I bought in august 2023. I just have to get my drivers license done, then I'll be riding it a lot to get good at it

[@manokbesi]

Nice to hear about ur experience sir

[@acort10]

Nice to hear from a fellow Texan. I’ve been watching a lot of dual sport bike reviews and people saying they can get 65mph without too much trouble I’m laughing cause you’ll be road kill in Texas.

[@timothyangus954]

I’ve had a Gen2 650 for 9 years now, bought as an ex dealer demo bike. In 2018 I rode it two up over 60,000kms around the world, with some bad roads in Canada and India to cope with. Still have it today and rode it around Scotland and Portugal in 2023.

[@paulcosgrove6160]

Excellent video. Only real Adventure Riders can genuinely review this type of bike, and you have accurately stated why the Suzuki 650 is precisely the right class of bike. I also love it as it is so much more reliable and easy to ride in seriously difficult conditions than any KTM / BMW / Triumph and only recently bettered by the Yamaha Tenere 700 which is simply perfect. I hope this helps to destroy the myth that Elephant sized BMWs or bikes with electronics that cannot be fixed in the middle of nowhere with a hammer, pliers and duct tape are the best!

[@jelau4851]

You got it Right, it.s the KISS princip , Keep It Simple Stupid, thing, no offense meant, Cheers

[@willmcgregor7184]

ADV-if you’re having fun or learning or challenging yourself, it’s likely going to get dropped (Oh My 😆) a few times. Mmm complex tech usually doesn’t do well being dropped? 😳

[@JohannesDalenMC]

I traded in my V Strom 650 for a T7. The V Strom is a hell of a good deal and in most cases, its the rider who is thr limiting factor, not the bike. About that T7 being perfection: oh yes!

[@kymstock1852]

Maybe I pushed my DL650 too hard, but I found the limits of the suspension often. It wasn't compliant with sharp edge bumps at speed and the rear end packed down on corrugated dirt roads. The motor was fine. Handling a bit vague. I have owned several Suzukis and consider them good value and reliable. I bought a Tiger 800XCx and it out handled the Suzuki in the dirt. I owned it for 5 years and it was reliable.

[@simonodell2103]

The only people that think Big Bmw's are great adventure bikes are the uneducated sheep type that probably never do real travel .

[@kyoko61400]

Because of you Nora & Jojo - or thanks to you - I bought a 2019 VStrom 650 XT. I think it is one of the best bikes I ever had. For the price of a big KTM (I had a 950, a 990 and a 1190 Adventure before) or a BMW GS, I was able to get this VStrom (new) + a Triumph Bonneville T120 (new). So I have a motorcycle to travel and another one to show off in front of my friends. Thank you for sharing your wonderful adventure and for making me want to hit the road. ✌️😉

[@mickmack2001]

Bought a 2018 v-Strom 650 attached to a Watsonian sidecar as my first bike after a near fatal crash. So blown away by these amazing bike that I have now bought a 2023 xt as a solo. (I still have the combination too 😀).

[@bloodybonescomic]

I used to take a 1978 Honda CB 750 on road trips where I would drive it many miles on very washed out dirt roads and get to places you wouldn't believe possible on such a ride. Many bikes later I now roll a DL 650 and never have a problem. My advice to adventure riders is simple. Master your machine, travel at a pace that suits you, avoid riding with egotists and above all keep your ride light. My v strom is a pure delight.

[@richkeylor787]

People have mixed feelings about the way VStroms look, but to me, they are like Glocks. They are inexpensive, easy to maintain, will run forever, not a lot of over complicated moving parts, they work bone stock or slightly modified, and are dead reliable and won't let you down. And yes, if you haven't already guessed, I have both :-)

[@philmoreau8082]

I had a 2014 model and very very happy with it to do miles and miles in a total comfort✌ Now riding a 700 Ténéré,better capacities off road and more fun to drive on twisty roads,but still regreat the V strom engine,Will go back to it when my T7 will become to high to climb (I'm 63...🙄) Thank's for the video 👍✌

[@dawudgt]

Inspiring comment, I’m 51 trying to decide which one to pick, (tenere 700, V Strom 650, CBX500, DRZ400S, KLX300, CRF300RL, BMW300 or 650 GS) Im experienced rider, I did many enduro races in my country but Im 5’8 so that’s why I was considering light bikes after 8 years without to ride a bike and more oriented to trials and off road. And now, I want and I hope to write a comment like yours in 12 years. I was being condescending with my wife but now sorry for her 👿 Back to life! Thanks again!

[@indodeal]

Very nice review! I'm proud of how good the V-Strom did as I also take my V-Strom off road and in some crazy trails! You guys did great!👍

[@AirJarvis]

Just picked up the 2021 650xt. So looking forward to many future rides! Really enjoyed your evaluation. Great job!

[@thealvaco]

I have 220 000kms on my DL 650. Rock solid.

[@J2Wlz]

Thanks for this great real-life review! Glad to hear you and your bikes made it through this tough trip. I didn't expect the v strom to be such a capable machine.

[@toby7504]

Very few people who has tested this bike, have not fall in love with it. They are absolutly fantastic bikes in every way. I bought my vstrom afther 24 years on sportsbikes just for commuting, but it ended up beeing the bike l loved the most. A trip to the grosary store could easy end up in the nex town. Miss it a lot and regret selling it.🇳🇴☕ Nice review on this

[@tedsalmon2533]

I have a 2019 Vstrom 650xt and I love it as well. Definitely a do all bike and a ton of fun.

[@PeteR-ed9nd]

After following your trip, I think your observations are good, honest, objective, and experience based. The bikes did not seem to give you a lot of problems at all, even in the most rigorous climes, plus they have great camera storage spots that are out of the way.

[@joaocarlos8875]

It was great to hear you talk about the V Strom and how incredibly user-friendly this bike is. I just bought a V Strom 650 and I hope I fall in love with it as much as you did. Greetings from Brazil.

[@jimdoolan2277]

Good review had a 2018 v Strom 650 was a great bike put over 107 000 kms on it just upgraded to the new 1050 xt v Strom it's amazing Cheers 🍻

[@aderiley6592]

Congrats on completing your trip guys, it's been a pleasure watching your vids. I Love my 650xt too, both on and off road. It's a great, simple, reliable, comfortable and fun to ride motorbike. Barkbuster Storm handguards for me. They are not only stronger for off road use, but have equal wind protection to the stock items on road too. Very interesting to see how the stock guards and weight bolts failed. Wasn't expecting to see the stock bolts fail like that! The Barkbusters bar end weights are much lighter than the stock ones and make the bike a few hundred grams lighter up top. In conjunction with my Cosmo bash plate which is a heavy duty item, that not only made a noticeable difference to how top heavy the bike sometimes feels at low speed, but definitely made it more flickable in the twisties too 🙂 Front spring change for me next 😉 All the best to the three of you xxx

[@RoadRunner_POV]

Vstrom is like family.. you cannot sell it.. because you cant buy a better bike.

[@PedroPedro-jm4lk]

A lovely, humble yet realistic appraisal based on some tangible experiences. Thank you (Namaste)

[@lyubengeorgiev1751]

Thank you for this honest review and the shared experience! I have Africa Twin 650 and this Suzuki is one of the few bikes that fells in this weight category. However, I was thinking that the big drawback for me to pick this bike would be the stock suspension during sections of more serious offroad but you prooved me wrong.

[@violjohn]

Met you in Cape Town at WMC. I like my vstrom more and more; it’s a fantastic all round useful bike with off road capability. Nice to see you again!👍👍

[@SKLSNAPS]

Thank you Jojo for your constructive review. With so many miles on your bikes in different terrain and weather conditions it is good to hear first hand experience what the bike is capable of. I got excited about the mileage you got out of your Mitas tyres. I have driven KTM myself, and after years on the tarmac switched to a XT660Z thumper, which I just provided with a set of E-07's! Curious to see how they perform on- and off road.

[@coconuciferanuts339]

This is the most pos.+ vid on the suzeestrom650.I've got the'17yellow tank mod as Nora in vid. Finland must be cold for camping but great video girls,thanks.

[@D.E.X]

The Suzuki is the low maintenance/low cost ADV bike. I'm on the DL1000AL8, and all I want for Christmas is another 3 inches of clearance. I added the barkbusters, headlight grill, radiator guard, crash bars, bashplate, and some off-road LEDS. I guess I'll have to upgrade the front forks for more travel, same with rear shock, that will give me my three inches. I cannot make up my mind as to whether I wish it was a 21" front tire or not. The 19" is good until you get into babyheads. I guess I'll take it to a 21" if/when I upgrade the forks. Its a Volkswagon. Cheap, easy to wrench, not a lot of bells and whistles. And reliable. Not a Cadillac (or BMW) and not a Lamborgini (KTM). Once had someone tell me you cannot pick up girls on a motorcycle like that. I told him I don't want to pick up girls. I like the ones that come with their own motorcycle. Then we can just meet up and go ride. Thanks Nora.

[@Nora_adventurism]

Hahaha, that is great! I can highly recommend a partner that comes with a bike 🥰

[@nickbenfell4327]

Probably the most honest review of any motorbike

[@PetersJourney]

Thx alot for your tips and recommentations. It was a pleassure to follow your trips. I have the V Strom for 1 1/2 years now and i really like it as a "going everywhere" machine. I changed the suspension. I have now a longer Suspension travel and a little bit more ground clearance. i am using the Andy Straps Softbags and really like them. I should think about to rise the front fender. Thx for the advice. Hope i can make my trip to Africa next year. Best wishes from Vienna and safe trips in the future.

[@grantwtk]

Which suspension did you put on the V Strom?

[@AGardenShed]

Loving my vstrom 650. Great to see your thoughts one the bikes after such a large trip. I went with bark buster handguards. Really good would highly recommend as they have a steel brace behind the plastics so they don’t bend.

[@markdearlove8634]

Thanks, great review. I might get one one day but many of your comments hold true for my my Suzuki xf 650 freewind which is still great. I call it a 'pre strom'

[@jelau4851]

Thank you, Jojo, and have a safe Return Home, cheers from Montreal

[@hellderson]

Haha I was surprised when you talked about the handguards, after hearing you about the radiator protector and the bashplate and the crashbars I thought the barkbusters were there and didn't mention it as so obvious. You were lucky you could continue with the Handbars like that. I just subscribed, will watch your trip during the next days! Thanks!

[@kuladeeluxe]

What an adventure.

[@Jimo368]

I broke my clutch lever as well and always carry a spare now.

[@paulolson2411]

My '07 Vstrom has 67 K miles and still craves adventure. Thanks for your advice and comments

[@govindarajann7646]

Nice video, Nora & Jojo. I ride a V-Strom XT 2016 model, which is close to your 2018 models (lacks Traction Control), but also an amazing bike. Good to know about your offroad experience. Congratulations on your cape-to-cape trip! It must have been the most memorable adventure. Cheers, Govind

[@John_Ridley]

Loving my 2019 650XT. Bought it early 2020 just in time for lockdown so have not yet done anything but go to the store and light hiking, hope to do a little adventuring with it but sadly will never do the sort of things you do. Can only live vicariously by watching your videos and others.

[@juvenalaugusto6342]

A very reliable bikeand user friendly best regards from france what a big road trip !

[@dkindig]

Stellar review! Shame about the sound but worth it. Very accurate coverage of the most important aspects of this bike and your experience with concrete, real-world feedback.

[@jozsefsipos7541]

thanks, and congratulation for your trip!

[@bbkim_world]

Thanks for sharing ~ and Nice Review JJ You are the best in the world!!!

[@danwang6043]

Very comprehensive review. I had my Vee this year and I really enjoy riding with it. But I could only have a max 400km fuel range in China. very less range than yours.

[@busyflyin]

I love my Vstrom. 2019 XT Tour.

[@russianguy1341]

Thank you. I got one last year in Japan, 2019 XT, for US$6,800 total price. Good bargains here. Only 1,700 kms., dealer owned.

[@mrcreative6020]

Thanks for this great review. I was on decided about this bike, but now I am really sure about buying it as my next bike. I too had a KTM 990 adventure, loved it but it had lots of issues and I never felt it was very reliable. It was also very jerky

[@arturmarcio630]

Best all around ADV bike, incredible reliability

[@l.a.raustadt518]

Yes on the lame handlebar weight set up. I have hammered mine "straight" 3 time's and at least am getting good at it. I have 2 older V-Strom's (650/1000) and the 650 seen more dirt than the 1000 ever will. Very good vid,sound a little quiet . Peace from Minneapolis Minnesota

[@victorherrero4790]

Cool video and I agree almost with everything. The bike is balanced and performs really well. Two things I dont agree with you: 1. As far as I Know and Here in Mexico the Vstrom 650 has 70 Hp... so it does not match what you said.. 2. The Mitas are an average tires, Metzeler or the Pirelli Scorpion are way better and performs better. The rest you hit the nail right in.

[@mikelsh9827]

I drove the K8 for a couple of yrs. It never let me stand in the rain. Now I´m driving a Honda Crossrunner but I´m thinking about going back to the VStrom !!!

[@Jerrybasel]

Wonderful to see you and Jojo again. Nice to let jojo make your videos😃😃 if you give the bikes back, so you go back to ride "suki"? I'm still very happy with my old 2004 vstrom. See you soon on your chanel. Say hello to baby-nijkamp😃

[@falchiherve2024]

Thank you for this Nice review....i m so happy with the Nice and positive review about this fantastic bike.....i own the exact same yellow as you......i m in love with it.......the best bike i have ever had.....absolutely no complaint about it......a blast and joy To ride all day along......

[@michaelhrivnak1719]

Excellent video sir! Thanks for sharing it.

[@joaogabrielolima]

The Strom is amazing.

[@cherylvankerkhof825]

Very good review . As you mention travel is about racing reliability is far more important . The ready to race slogan doesn't apply .

[@jaywhoisit4863]

I’ve got the big brother 1000. Excellent bike.

[@v.t.6890]

Awesome video. Love, health, and support from India.

[@heinschwartz7941]

Saw you guys in Norway at a small outdoor cafe. We were on a 800GS

[@doublex632]

Really thinking about one of these, most of the dualsports just seem to have to much vibration for me. Great review, man you really tested this bike out, thanks

[@NVK85]

Thx for review. I wanted to buy 650 v-strom last year when i was looking for a new bike. But it happened other way and i got a 1000 v-strom for half of a price of 650, so i could not say no. Now i have the same e07 on 1000 v-strom, and they perform very good! But for offroad 1000 v-strom i too heavy, so now i think maybe i should sell my 1000 and get a 650 =)

[@pacopetepnw3434]

Wee-Strom! Barkbusters might have saved your lever. A lot of off road riders in the States add them as soon as possible.

[@wipperwil]

Great review. Pity the sound volume wasn’t quite high enough. Maybe a remote mic next time. Thanks for posting.

[@yoyo5069]

He should do mic reviews

[@firesail6707]

That's a great endorsement for the Vstrom from a Versys rider:)

[@87Slabside]

Too bad for the audio but still a nice video. Looking to do more adventuring with my V-Strom XT and I've noted all your feedback to adjust on my own bike!

[@rilke_roca]

Great video, but as a gentle advice, it would be nice if you could improve your microphone. Ride safe!

[@jsveiga]

Great review, but are you sure about the 56hp? I had a CB500x that was 54hp, switched to the V-Strom 650xt; the manual says 71hp, and it really feels more powerful than the CB.

[@andreteixeira5635]

Great trip, and thank you for the review!

[@joaogabrielolima]

The audio is not good at the moment. Have to turn up the volume and when the wind picks up becomes very loud.

[@damien6685]

Excellent appraisal This bike is on my shortlist to be my next purchase Pity about the sound, even with my volume maxed I couldn't make out what tyres were used.

[@pilgrimspassage8834]

Been looking forward to this ...

[@sayuas4293]

It was probably one of the best options when you were starting your trip, but now there is a better bike on the market for only a little more expensive, the T7

[@fifter7]

Great bike! I have also V Strom and it's amazing!

[@Randomas32]

I used to own a vstrom 650 ,it’s all as you described it. For you and Nora I’d recommend Yamaha T7 for a lighter setup and more off-road oriented. For big adventures I’d want a 21 inch front wheel. My current bike is a Honda ATAS 1100. Finally all you said was true 100%. Vstrom uses the old SV motor which is a blast. Even with the same oil you could do the whole trip from north to south cape. Vstrom is the best all around bike though, but for pavement I think 10-20 more hp would be perfect. 180 Kms top speed is a bit boring

[@peterlabiak1051]

I think it is time to invest in Lavalier type personal mics otherwise really good review. thank you.

[@Nora_adventurism]

You are completely right 👌🏻

[@docrjay]

What about the suspension. Did you think it needed to be upgraded?

[@sunnyandair3062]

Hope you had a nice Sinterklaas!

[@ricksmith1842]

You covered it all and it sounds like this 650 engine is "bulletproof". A lot of bike for smaller money. If there's anyone who knows this bike, it is certainly you two! Thanks for your thorough review!

[@zzxx33mh]

My next bike,as ex owner if Vstrom 1K,first gen,..I was going for T7 but you cannot justify the dealer price tag here in middle east..with difference amount you can put accessories that suit your type of ride..

[@versyschris]

Nice review. Glad you did this. It shows that you don't need the super tricked out bike to do an adventure like you did.

[@T7DesignCreate]

Can’t make out the tire make on the second set but they look great (just after he mentions Metzler). Can you list that? Thanx!

[@TopsailBound]

Very informative. Thank you!

[@سواح-ص9ذ]

Thank you so much I was watint for this episode since long time

[@mintudutta9157]

After watching all of your vedios finally i a v strom

[@bikenbush]

Nice review 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽!!! Do you think it would matter to go with the standard DL650 and the XT version, say firstly for light off roading and? touring me secondly for the trip that you did and just described? Do u think it would make a difference?

[@valentijnwesterveld4483]

Zeer goede informatieve review over een bike die ik zelf ook wel wil. (Ik rij nu ook een Vtwin, een (zware) Honda Varadero XL1000V (275kg) die ook fantastisch rijd, maar ben op zoek naar een lichter alternatief. En de Vstrom 650 XT gooit bij mij hele hoge ogen.

[@tristan1983pio]

what height are you? I am 188cm, 6,2 feet... would it be too small for me?

[@passionandcommonsense]

Hey guys one question. Did you do any to disconnect ABS in the rear wheel? For off road I mean.

[@bobvincent5921]

Thanks. Useful information.

[@louiebodenstaff6772]

Awesome machine! Great review too!!!

[@nikoszaios5723]

This is a very down to earth review,thanx!would you take the ktm 950 to trip like this?sa far as the reliabilety goes!

[@stephenchapman8344]

Great motorcycle.👍

[@andrewshore262]

I suppose if you own a BMW or a KTM this must seem almost unbelievable, if you already own a Strom you’ll know just how tough and reliable they are - they get the job done and won’t dump you at the side of the road

[@ukasznowakowski7367]

Really nice review and great trip! Congratulations on making something so spectacular. I am thinking of buying V-Strom 650 xt, but I have doubts about the position on the bike. Will it not be too low with the height of 188 cm and the angle of the knees will not be too tight? Can I ask about your seat/ride position feelings on this motorcycle and how tall are you? :) Once again great respect for such a trip!

[@xianandy4191]

Do you adjust the clutch for offroad ride ? I find the default clutch is not support 2 fingers .

[@georgecarroll6981]

Good job.

[@maroskn3008]

But you got some error message on display in one of your video, how did you solved it?

[@alexdb77]

Big Thumbs up!

[@danharrington2976]

Thanks, What did you carry for tools?

[@dnsHate]

check the sound before you post videos

[@pauldub5767]

You did such a trip without spare clutch and brake levers?????😳😳😳