Tiger Sport 660 vs Suzuki V-Strom 650 | Which is better?

Hello!
In this video the new kind on the block, the Triumph Tiger Sport 600 goes up against the veteran Suzuki V-Strom 650. Hope you enjoy this video and hope it helps you choose if you happen to find yourself in this situation.
Cheers!
/ artofunwinding
#vstrom650xt #tiger660sport #adventuremotorcycle #artofunwinding

[@GeezerWheels]

Great review! I bought a new Vstrom 650XT 18 months ago. My favorite bike of all time. Comfort and handling are excellent. I'm 6' 3" (190 cm) so I raised the bar 2 inches and lowered the pegs. Favorite bike I have ever owned. I live 5 miles from pavement and she takes the gravel roads (some good, some not) very well. Power, curved roads, smooth as butter transmission, zero problems. I did add a Givi adjustable wind screen. Add the legendary reliability of this engine and the very linear power and it's almost the perfect bike (80% pavement, 20% gravel / mild off road). Thanks... great video! (BTW, I'm 74 and still ride this and two other bikes, inducing a dirt bike on Jeep trails!)

[@bigbearbangalore]

Awesome to hear. Best wishes sir! Keep riding. Cheers!

[@jorgeiturberendon446]

I have a 2021 strom and love it. Trifty to maintain and repair comfortable in 14months 30,000 km and very happy

[@bigbearbangalore]

👍 super!

[@jeevanrajb]

8000km in 2 months.. In love with We

[@bigbearbangalore]

@jeevanrajb 🙌

[@stoatsngroatsuk5012]

Nice, gentle and interesting, thanks for your thoughts. I have an L4 VStrom, for 7 weeks, and one 2000miles. It’s a beautiful bike, my first motorcycle, and I don’t think I will ever need another, or a different one…. VStrom does everything I want, need or desire.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks! Congrats! Happy riding.

[@bertholdg.6936]

I have a 2020 V-Strom 650XT, the blue one and I'm so happy with this bike. Greetings from Germany!

[@bigbearbangalore]

Nice color. Greetings and best wishes.

[@glennbowditch1277]

Love the V-Strom excellent engine, most comfortable compared to most bikes and the fuel range is great most similar bikes run out at 300km V-Strom still has up to 100km in the tank, just lacks a little horsepower and could do with better brakes but what is the perfect bike ? (KTM890 maybe but not at the price) thanks guys.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Yes! Agree with all points. Cheers!

[@sajjanj]

Don't know much about the Tiger Sport, but I've had the vStrom since 2019 (brand new) and it has about 36K miles on it so far. It's become my all-terrain bike. I use it for commute, weekend rides, cross-country trips and occasional gravel. I have a few things that I wish the Vstrom would have - for example ABS can't be turned off, no good skid plates & no electronic cruise control (I installed a mechanical cruise control). Looking forward to the new 2023 VStrom, which I believe has 21" front (I could be wrong) and has the options that I mentioned above. Heated grips would be nice, but not a deal breaker. The bike becomes a speed-demon only after 6000 rpm I think, so it is not a fast bike like the Tiger Sport. I wonder if the ECU could be reprogrammed to be more aggressive from the beginning. But overall, the VStrom is a great bike and very reliable, but ofcourse, proper maintenance is required, which is inexpensive compared to European bikes.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Happy to hear from a long time Vee owner. Yes we too are looking forward to thr all new Vee. Cheers!

[@heretohear8662]

Agree, that is one ungainly front-end on the V Strom, yet it is a very nice bike!

[@bigbearbangalore]

Yes!

[@pritamkukillaya1031]

a very well balanced, well thought review. thank you.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks for watching! Cheers!

[@samirsait]

Fully agree, go with the bike that tickles your fancy. Between the two I would pick the Vstrom being a sedate rider. Among the middle weight tourers in India my pick is Versys 650 as i own one😉 Bosky, Kora and Bosky's bro (dont recall his pseudonym) are a great team- you're killing it!

[@bigbearbangalore]

The Versys is a great touring machine at a great price. Top value for money pick in the middle weight. We hope to get hold of one soon for a review. Glad you enjoy our videos. Cheers!

[@chintu306ify]

Wonderful review! Simple, to the point and interesting. Thanks for making this video!

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thank you! 🙏

[@rjeepster8640]

I just bought a 650 strom 3 months ago. I’ve had about 12 other bikes and this is by far the most comfortable and enjoyable ride. I put a slightly larger windshield on it. I’m going to go one tooth taller on the sprocket for perfection!

[@bigbearbangalore]

Great to hear! Cheers!

[@kkiwi54]

Greetings from New Zealand - I chose a Vstrom over my previous GSX750F for comfort (including for the pillion) safety (abs & tc) reliability and fuel economy. All good so far 👌(oh, and price 😉

[@bigbearbangalore]

Greetings! The Vee is indeed a super comfortable for 2 up riding.

[@jeevanrajb]

Thanks for the videos . I'm watching all of ur videos and at last I decided to get a V Strom650 .booked 1 yesterday . awaiting 8-10 days Transit from Delhi to Kerala.. I did test rides on both triumph 660 & V Strom 650 but Suzuki let me ride it a bit longer and that made all the difference . Once u like V Strom u will somehow get it .. thanks again. .see you some days on road .tc

[@bigbearbangalore]

Congrats! The Vee will deliver you years of joy and traveling pleasure. Best wishes.

[@jeevanrajb]

Thanks bro

[@rahulvikramaditya9911]

I took v Strom 250 SX 😃.. n no regret till now ... Suzuki rocks 🥳

[@bigbearbangalore]

Congrats! Best wishes.

[@jeevanrajb]

@@rahulvikramaditya9911 I was using 250 naked Gixxer .. SX 250 is better at seating.upright .

[@rohansehgal9798]

Loved the metaphorical comparison between the 2 bike in terms of dessert 😅🤣

[@bigbearbangalore]

Glad to hear. Cheers!

[@TrustyZ900]

Commented before on the gen 3 DL 650. I love the way it looks, especially my new XT Adventure. Nose cowling and all. This bike looks as good as my Z900RS and my Z900. You know when a gen 3 shows up. All the rest of it's competition looks alike. Proud to ride one. No complaints and I ride this thing hard.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. We agree. Best wishes.

[@stewartleese561]

Great comparison. Thanks for helping me make up my mind which bike would be more suitable for me.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thank you and glad to be of service. Cheers!

[@varvarabalogh7869]

I do appreciate your honesty, yes ...Suzuki it is a much better bike for most man !

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks.

[@masacheku]

Love the cent-centralli Kannada bits

[@bigbearbangalore]

Namaskara. 🙏😊

[@raviniranjan5707]

Please make a video on the Africa Twin

[@bigbearbangalore]

Yes, we hope to try out the 100L. We have made one on the older version and you may view it here...... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWfOZoqDhZJ7i7M

[@TCDEWE]

Great video, very helpful... I can't make my mind up between the two bikes, leaning towards the v strom

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thank you. And that would be a great choice. Best wishes.

[@ryanaugustine5940]

I loved this conversation. I want to grow old have such a conversation with my friend. I hope to buy the Tiger 660 this coming summer.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Glad to hear. Enjoy your journey. Cheers!

[@chrisburnard5157]

Great review, thank you.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Welcome sir. Thanks.

[@lynmaitland9226]

wonderful presentation... the words paint a marvellous picture of the character of the bikes and what sort of individual will fit each bike..

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks much. Glad you liked the video. Cheers!

[@astrostrotch]

No mention of off road capabilities, surely the vstrom would win hands down with it's 19" front wheel? Also much better on really rough roads.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Yes we did not mention that aspect. Both are not suited for off roading. As you say, the Vee will fare better due to the 19 front wheel but has poor road clearance and the Tiger is lighter to handle but has a 17 wheel. And the suspension on the Vee can handle rough roads better.

[@TheSujanroy]

Always a joy to watch your videos. Perhaps it helps that both of you are my age. In fact with a full beard I could easily impersonate CK :) What would you recommend a 51 year old who's never ridden anything more than an Activa ever before? 5'11" 95 kgs, heavy built. City with occasional highway.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Hello! Glad that you enjoy our videos. 😀 CK V2!! Coming back to motorcycling after decades of no 2 wheels or from a scooter is something we see often. Choices are available depending on ones budget. So, knowing the budget can help narrow the choices. Cheers!

[@bigbearbangalore]

The CB is a good choice. Happy to hear that you've diligently gone thru what is available and made a choice that suits you best. That's the way to go. Best wishes.

[@TheSujanroy]

@@bigbearbangalore thanks for the prompt response. Budget is ₹1.5L to ₹8L max. Looked at the CB500X, CB300R (for lightness), H'ness RS, Hunter, Ronin, Xpulse 200 4v and finally the Yamaha Aerox (never ridden a geared bike). Huge affinity to Honda as you can tell.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Amongst these I suggest you go for 500X.

[@dattubevin]

Hi there, I'm also 54, 5'9", and wanted to buy Honda 500x. But, it's not available now. Nobody knows whether it'll be relaunched or not. That's why I am looking for some other bike. Versys 650, V-strom 650.. or come down to bmw310gs. Very difficult to choose.

[@toby7504]

Vstrom all day long,awsome machine. I have a tiger800 now, but my old 04mod vstrom was as good as the tiger.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Happy to hear this. Cheers!

[@thisisganesh]

vstrom for me

[@bigbearbangalore]

Cheers!

[@vaibhavdubey8647]

My vote is for vstrom 😄

[@bigbearbangalore]

So is ours! Cheers!

[@yogeshavl]

I love watching your long format videoss.

[@bigbearbangalore]

🙏

[@peterbuxey4355]

On my second vstrom 650 xt fantastic bike under dog but good all rounder

[@bigbearbangalore]

2nd?? Wow! How many miles have you clocked?

[@peterbuxey2151]

@@bigbearbangalore 25 k on first one only 3k on new one only had it for a couple of months like to do 1k/1.5 k trips planning 2k trip in new year trip around Scotland living the dream my friend

[@bigbearbangalore]

Best wishes. Cheers!

[@SalvadorLim]

Great video! I am considering one of them - I am leaning towards the Tiger Sport because it is more compact and seems better for commuting - how the V-Strom compares in that regard?

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks. Yes the Tiger is lighter and faster and is easier to use in traffic and for commuting. The V feels heavier and more planted ,on highways.

[@davgb7904]

Great video. Informative, amusing commentary...Thanks.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Glad you enjoyed watching. Cheers!

[@itaymitra1030]

A great review,, you guys are Fantastic,,Real fun,,,,

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed watching.

[@glenndelacruz2906]

2023 will be the last year a vstrom will have V-twin engine, so better buy them now. Next model will be inline-twin

[@bigbearbangalore]

Possibly.

[@americanflyer4126]

Finally someone did a comparison between these two bikes. I've been thinking of a new bike and these two are my top choices. They are similar in many ways. I have a V Strom 1000 now but honestly I would be just as happy with a 650. But sometimes I miss my old Kawa ZR-7S. It was sportier. I think you're right in that the bike I would choose would depend on my mood that day. I'm glad you mentioned fuel consumption, I've been wondering about that with the price of fuel right now. Right now I'm leaning towards the Suzuki. Its reputation is spotless, it's the more versatile bike and I love that v twin! Even though the Triumph has about 15 more horsepower I'd bet on the road the V Strom can keep up because of that v twin torque. True?

[@bigbearbangalore]

Glad you liked the comparo. Happy to hear about your choice. And I doubt if the Vee can keep up with the 660. The triple has far better acceleration.

[@Sriram-dn6ck]

awsome 🥳

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thank you!

[@md.farooqpeerzade2717]

Hi Guys, I follow all your videos. They are very informative & helpful. My request is if possible make a detail video on the Yamaha Aerox 155, Like pros & Cons & ownership review. ......

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thank you. We shall make one on the Aerox. It is in the plans. Regards.

[@md.farooqpeerzade2717]

@@bigbearbangalore thanks...

[@silenteagle5614]

Almost finalising on versys 650 but before I close I wanted to have a second look on tiger 660. I wish I could have considered vstorm unless dealer reopens the booking. So given you have pretty awesome garage both previous and current ride, what’s your thoughts on versys650 in terms of TCO.

[@bigbearbangalore]

It's a reliable and fast tourer for sure. Personally am not fond of how it looks, a bit too sports-bikey and perchy seating position. Other than these it's smooth, stable and reliable. And the maintenance I have learnt is reasonable too.

[@BibtheBoulder]

Between the V-Strom and the Tiger Sport I would choose the Hayabusa all day long.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Great choice! 👍

[@mackan67an]

Me too, i have a busa😁

[@bigbearbangalore]

Congrats

[@robshef718]

They are two different bikes. One is geared for off road, and other is a street bike alone. But Triumph makes a great bike. "cant" always say that SUZY is 'soooo reliable' though Suzy is a bit better than kawy in my opinion, but I had carb issues on my suzy and the fork seal was defective. so, not 100% anyplace.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Yes they are different. And they are quite reliable and yes agree there could be an odd issue or two with some. Cheers!

[@robshef718]

@@bigbearbangalore purdy subjective Aye> :)

[@Xplomania]

had a classic 350 before ( first bike) ... But due to its lathergic nature I sold it and bought vstorm sx... It is faster.. Have great high speed.. Light weight etc... Performance wise excellent.... But don't know why it does not feel good to ride..just there is not character but speed... Can you explain this difference technically??

[@bigbearbangalore]

Hi! We rode the SX and felt disappointed. We hoped for so much when it was announced. We've done a comparo in one of our videos too. The problem is that it's a street motorcycle dressed up as a tourer. Poor touring ergonomics and poor suspension and a street bike chassis. And that's the cause of the below par feeling when on it. No way around it sadly.

[@Xplomania]

@@bigbearbangalore yeah I saw that video... But too late... Actually when I had classic 350 ..I am enjoying in the mountains... It feel good with the thump and throttle response.... But sx did not.... I'm not comparing it with adv... Just comparing with 350.... I wanna know this thing with you... As I can choose wisely next time... Concerned about riding character... I'm pretty sure I never felt happy riding 390 adv...they just fast.... Nothing at all... Chao...im pretty much depends on your analysis

[@bigbearbangalore]

Hmmm ok. Have you tried the Himalayan? It's got that easy going character of a Royal Enfield combined with adventure touring capability. I've had many a great adventure on my Himalayan. Since you've owned and enjoyed a Royal Enfield, the chances that you'll enjoy the Himalayan is high. Take it for a long test ride. Or rent one for a weekend and feel it.

[@Xplomania]

@@bigbearbangalore yes I rode one in my Sikkim ride once.. It feel good...but in the high sloppy turns it's handle just tearing my shoulder blade apart cause may be permanent damage in my right shoulder... Still I feel punching sensation sometimes... It's handing was too heavy.. May be that particular bike... And it's greatest problem to me that it's tube tyre...

[@Xplomania]

And I heard its built quality is not that good.... You talk Himalayan as " retired "...so technically how Enfield ride quality differ from others.. My question is...if I wanna buy a bike rather than royaleenfield...which bike make me happy and forget about RE..Himalayan is top heavy also

[@marksparks59]

Enjoyed your video and the methods of comparison. Head might say the V Strom, but the heart is with the new Triumph all day long

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thank you. Well said.

[@sunnyvannali1405]

Everyone are saying v storm 650 Means triumph tiger is waste aaa?but v storm looks big and bulky it can't be manuver in city traffic condition and whenever you want to take quick you can't Actually sir i have apache RTR 160 4v its been 5 yrs now its good and fast and reliable also now ive crossed 1,50000 kms. My only negative to this bike is 1. Manuverability (it can't take u turns and turning in small radius) 2. Pathetic servicing That's why i want to upgrade from 160 to 600 cc category My main requirements are Bike should atleast resmble like yamaha fazer 155 v1 or v2 (design wise😅) Bike weight shouldn't cross over 200kgs bcoz you can't turn a elephant easily 😅 My choices were tiger 660 ,versys 650, nx 500(design is 🤮), f900xr (it's bigger cc) Can you suggest Is the tiger 660 reliable? Mostly I'll ride calm but sometimes i want to ride aggressively Will there any problems ? My apache gavd headache in electrical issues 😢

[@bigbearbangalore]

Please take a test ride and choose. They are all good in their own ways. Thanks.

[@sunnyvannali1405]

@@bigbearbangalore thank you sir Bless you ❤️

[@walterpastorino8230]

… and the better isssss … Suzuki !!!

[@bigbearbangalore]

👍