V-Strom 650 "The Toyota Motorcycle"

The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is a mid-weight sport touring adventure motorcycle. It has a loyal following throughout the world and is known for its reliability, versatility and value. There are many people who refer to the Suzuki V-Strom as the Toyota of motorcycles. The Suzuki V-Stroms 90 degree V-Twin engine delivers smooth power and its superior torque helps it accelerate quickly. I believe that the success of the Suzuki V-Strom is keeping things simple. You will not find any riding modes or other confusing electronics cluttering the instrument panel. Less is more in my opinion.
#suzukivstrom650 #vstrom650xt #vstrom650toyotamotorcycle

[@mr1bienvenu1]

I'm 65 and just bought a used 2015 V-Strom 650 with 15k miles on it. For the pass 17 years I had be riding my ZRX1200R and still love it but I am really starting to love the Strom for it's comfortable ride. These are incredible little bikes.❤

[@BugOutVehicles]

Awesome! The 2015 V-Strom you just purchased with only 15K miles is barely broken in! The "Wee-Stroms" can easily go over 100k with just regular maintenance. Take care and ride safe out there.

[@wm973]

Very well said. To many people are in a rush. A rush where... to work??? I've been riding off and on since 1965 and it is still my true love of motorcycles that keeps me going. I picked up my 2023 V-Strom today. From the first mile I knew it was perfect(for me). I just turned 76 and have no intension of giving up the one thing that is so enjoyable to me. So down and smell the roses is my moto no matter how many cages pass me cause I don't let it bother me. It is a little tall for me so waiting to get the low seat and hope it helps. New sub and looking forward to hearing more from you. Thanks

[@nightfury6836]

Congrats on the new purchase!!! I just got a 2023 V Strom too. I really hope that you enjoy it. Ride safe out there!!! 😉

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thank you for the comment and your insight. I appreciate it. Congratulations on your new V-Strom. It was a wise investment. I prefer to ride slow and take in all of the scenery. I'm in a hurry to go nowhere. What color is your V-Strom? Take care and ride safe.

[@rogerkay8603]

Mine has the low seat, you'll love it, much easier to handle.

[@KeepItSimpleSailor]

If the V - Strom is a Toyota amongst motorcycles, then the DR650 is definitely the Hilux 👍🏻

[@BugOutVehicles]

Agreed 100%

[@timothyangus954]

In 2018 I rode mine around the world, two up, 43,000 miles and no reliability issues. Comfy and 260 miles between fill ups.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Awesome! Sounds like a great adventure. The V-Strom would also be my first motorcycle to choose if I was going to to ride around the world. Take care and ride safe out there.

[@johnnyringorandomsubjects5707]

Everyone always says that the V-Strom 650 is not the fastest thing in the world blah blah blah, it's plenty fast I could do 0 to 60 in less than four seconds up to 100 mi an hour in no time I don't understand why people keep saying this.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thank you for the comment. I agree with you 100%. The V-Strom is plenty fast for me. Take care and ride safe.

[@Labgorilla]

I have put 5,000 miles in just 4 months on my 2009 v strom 650. It is a solid beast. New spark plugs, new air filter, new chain and sprocket and oil changes every 3,000 miles. She won’t let you down.

[@BugOutVehicles]

I agree she will not let you down.The V-Strom is an ultra reliable motorcycle. You take excellent care and maintenance of your V-Strom. Take care out there and ride safe.

[@jeanleblanc9001]

I am a 66 year old on a sv650x in northern Ontario. Love the bike and its engine. It limits me to paved roads althoughgoo there are so many gravel roads in the Great White North that I'm missing out on. For that reason I am looking to purchase a 650 V-Strom.Keep up the good work.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thanks for sharing! I appreciate the comment. The V-Strom should be a great motorcycle for you in northern Ontario. Take care and ride safe.

[@71251360]

I’m 60 and just purchased a 2023…LETS GO!

[@melfzs]

Excellently spoken! I've owned a 2014 Vstrom for six years now and 58,000 miles , me and my wife have been all over the UK on it and it's never let us down and we've done 500 mile days on it it's that comfortable. We'll never part with it , thanks for a great video, couldn't have worded it better myself !🙌👌

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thank you for the comment and your v-strom riding experience. I appreciate it. The v-strom is a great machine indeed with a proven history of reliability. 500 miles a day is allot of time in the saddle! Did you have any issues on the wee-storm doing 500 miles a day? Take care and ride safe.

[@melfzs]

@@BugOutVehicles no issues, as I say it's that comfortable, I must add that 500 mile days wasn't a regular thing, we did it on a couple of trips, one going to Scotland and the same week we went to the south coast of England, Sidmouth and back in a day, I've had the bike seven years, I'm 68 years old now and am happy with two or three hundred miles a day on a long trip, but the bike is still capable of whatever you can throw at it !

[@BugOutVehicles]

@@melfzs Thank you for the reply. Much appreciated. I purchased the V-Strom for its reliability and ease of maintenance and as you mentioned it is a very capable motorcycle. Knowing that you had no issues re-assures me that the v-strom 650😁 is a great motorcycle! Take care and ride safe!!

[@melfzs]

@@BugOutVehicles cheers 🍻

[@gasdive]

It's the Suzuki of motorcycles.

[@TrustyZ900]

I could go on and on about my past and current gen 3 DL 650's. They are superb bikes. When my new 650 black Adventure sits in between my Z900RS and Z900, it looks every bit as cool as they do. I can go thru the canyons as fast as the other two and have just as much fun. Excellent in all categories. If I had to choose one bike, this would be on the short list. NO complaints or mechanical problems. No matter who pulls up to me, proud to be riding the DL. The new PStrom will never have as loyal a following.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thank you for the comment. I appreciate your experience and insight. The DL 650 is a great motorcycle and very capable machine. I have a friend who has one. Take care and ride safe.

[@pietrovardi9583]

The Truth has been spoken. Could not agree more. Thanks

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thank You. Ride safe.🏍

[@stevewzorn]

I've owned numerous motorcycles in my life with 62yrs riding. The V Strom is one of if not the best motorcycle I've ever owned. One my 3rd one, 2004, 2007 and 2012.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Awesome! Thank you for the comment. I started riding motorcycles in 1984. I agree with you 100%! Take care and ride safe.

[@TheSteveSteele]

I did a test ride on the V Strom 650 recently and I throughly enjoyed it. I’m a life long Suzuki rider and probably always will be. I enjoy working on Suzukis and of course riding an affordable bike that rarely gives me troubles.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thank you for the comment and your insight. I have owned many other motorcycles but the v-strom for me has been the most reliable and affordable bike as you mentioned. Take care and ride safe out there!🏍

[@thegutsyninja8851]

absolutely, after years of bikes my vstrom is great. it is everything i like and it is absolutely reliable beyond anything i’ve owned

[@BugOutVehicles]

Couldn't agree more! Take care and ride safe out there. What color is your V-Strom?

[@2W_Adventure]

I was very impressed by everything that was said about the V-Strom, everything that was said is true. I was very impressed by the video. thanks for that.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Great to hear! Thank you for the comment I appreciate it.. Take care and ride safe.

[@odahithedubious2017]

Sounds like the V-Strom is like a Corolla. I've had two of those, the first went well over 230,000 miles before I gave it to my son. My first and only brand-new car is a 2019 Corolla. There have been more Corollas sold than any other car, ever. They are legendary for their reliability. My first one, the 2001, never needed any more maintenance than tires, brakes, and the occasional wheel alignment in all those years. Keep the oil changed, check the things that need to be checked, and drive it. My new one is the same way. It's never going to be a muscle car, but it's never let me down and I don't expect it ever will, as long as I do my part. Can't take it four-wheeling or bugging out, but those needs are met by a true off-road vehicle. "Right tool for the job."

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thank you for the comment and your insight. I have often called the Suzuki V-Strom 650 the " Toyota" of motorcycles. It just keeps going. Take care.

[@beactivelife]

I've taken my 250 scooter through some of these same canyons and had just as much fun (probably more) than the larger bikes. Never let me down yet. 0-60 is just as fast as most common cars would drive, yet you get to be more in tune with your surroundings while on two wheels. Got it for $700, put about $700 into it and rebuilt whole fuel system, air filter, brakes, belt, etc. When I do get a bigger adv bike I do not think I will get anything over a 650. It is plenty for getting me where I want to go.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thank you for the comment. I also have a scooter. Great fun! The V-Strom 650 is a perfect size for me. I do not want or need anything bigger. Smaller is often times better. Take care and ride safe!

[@in2ADV]

Best mid size bike out there :-) Regards from Australia 🙂 Subscribed!

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thanks for subbing I appreciate it. Take care and ride safe in Australia.

[@mitsoslee]

Bravo! You told everything in 6 minutes.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thank you. Take care and ride safe out there.

[@rogerkay8603]

Just got one, bit tall/heavy but loving that engine and keeps my 900LC for high days and holidays!

[@BugOutVehicles]

Awesome!

[@TheMotociclist]

Tears in my eyes…

[@sebbwebbo7557]

Nice video. 2 years ago I had to decide between a Versys 650 and a V-Strom 650. I finally took the Versys (mainly because I prefer the looks) and I mainly ride on tarmac as it's illegal to go off road where I live (Austria). I find a (legaly rideable) gravel road sometimes and the Versys is also doing well there but I think the V-Strom would have also been a wonderful choice. Imho you do not need to have more than 40 - 70 HP to have a blast on the road. A lot of colleagues of mine often make jokes of my little Versys and tell me to buy a "real" bike like a GS or a 1290 Adventure. But these colleagues are also guys who mainly ride to a cafe and they spend more time with their KTMs in workshops than on the streets. Japanese bikes are so damn reliable and that is one of the most important things to me. I've done more than 20k miles in 2 years and never had an issue so far. Unfortunately I can't ride the whole year as we have a lot of snow, ice and salt on the roads in the winter. I'm not sure what my next bike will be, maybe it will be a Suzuki V-Strom 650 or 800 DE :)

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thank you for the comment and your insight. I appreciate it. The Kawasaki Versys is a very nice motorcycle. I agree with you that Japanese motorcycles are extremely reliable . That is my main consideration and one reason why I have ridden them my entire life. Let me know what you decide for your next bike. Take care and ride safe.

[@hair2050]

5 weeks in on my 2011 650. A few small gripes about nothing much. Growing to love it, and the engine, sublime! I know it can tour two up with luggage, but personally I wouldn’t. I feel that ruins the beauty of the bike. The sweet spot for me is not going over a total weight of 100kg, 220 pounds. Keep it to that and you have a playful happy girl who is happy to be ridden long comfy hours.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thanks for sharing! I appreciate your comment and insight. Take care and ride safe out there.

[@ioandragulescu6063]

If one would want to make the bike lighter, doing a battery swap and an exhaust upgrade can shed some decent weigth. In my case with a lithium battery and an Arrow exhaust I lost some 7 kilos (15 pounds)

[@BugOutVehicles]

Good to know. Thanks for the tip. Take care and ride safe.

[@lotharhafner9578]

I CAN fully agree, I bought one last year. You just ride without thinking about the bike. Amazingly it had the same prize like the new Tiger 660, which I tested. I had to search two Minutes for the neutral, so you can't compare an english gearbox with a japanese, even with a blipper. So yes, I live my V-Strom, which I ride beside my SV650X. Just turn the key, enjoy the road and go.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thank you for the comment. The V-Strom is ultra reliable and as you mentioned just turn the key and go! Take care and ride out there. What color is your V-Strom?

[@lotharhafner9578]

@@BugOutVehicles it is red

[@aseer8429]

I have Dl-650 vstorm Suzuki 2020... I am 63 years old..... I live in Jordan... I agree with you.. earlier l have GSX F Suzuki 1000..... Sure each has its own taste... But I found 650 v storm more fun and flexible on of rode...my problem l can't find a friend has the same bike to go for far rides...

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thank you for the comment and your insight. As you mentioned the V-Strom is a very flexible motorcycle. It can do just about anything you ask of it. I prefer to go on long distance motorcycle trips alone but having a friend to go with you can be fun too. Take care and ride safe.

[@ericfastclip9959]

Great Video! I am 61 years old and have 8 motorcycles... One of my 8 motorcycles is my 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Adventure. I still like my 2010 Yamaha FJR 1300A for Sport Touring riding. Got videos check them out if you like.. Keep the rubber side down. 👍 But I do agree that the Suzuki V-Strom 650 is a Great motorcycle. I'm keeping mine.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thanks for the comment. The Yamaha FJR is a fantastic motorcycle. Love the shaft drive! I'm keeping my V-Strom too! Take care and ride safe out there.

[@zokiulcinj]

V Strom 650 xt, my dream. Thanks for the wonderful story.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thanks for watching. I appreciate it.

[@virendradr]

wish you decades ahead on your vstrom.healthy,stronger,better,happy and prosperous love sir

[@BugOutVehicles]

Same to you! Take care.

[@virendradr]

Appreciate you youthfulness and passion for riding advenrutre bike VSTROM

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thank you. I appreciate it. Take care.

[@jessegarman7899]

I have 2020 model, purchased new. Doubt that I will ever sell it. One thought, changing out or extending the side mirrors will greatly reduce buffeting

[@BugOutVehicles]

Awesome! Thank you for the comment and the mirror tip. ( It would be hard to replace a V-Strom!) I thought about replacing my mirrors due to some wind noise. Take care and ride safe.

[@werquantum]

Right on , Gary.

[@patgenier1965]

Great review. You make the arguments i feel are on point for me as well. Simple, reliable and dependable. Speed is for someone else. Cheers. And Thank you.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Than you for watching! I appreciate your comment. Take care and ride safe out there.

[@nightfury6836]

Brilliant thoughts on this machine. I just got one too, for all of the reasons that you've stated. I'm kind of a "bug out" connoisseur myself... 😉

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thanks for sharing. Take care and ride safe out there.

[@jmiskinis]

Wow, it has been 5 months since you have published a new video. I hope that all is well with you, and that you are having a great summer Gary, _John_

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thank you! You too!

[@somaspecialist]

I like the Vstrom...but to me it seems top heavy, how is it for you?

[@BugOutVehicles]

Mine also felt top heavy when I first rode it but after many hours in the saddle it feels much more balanced now. Take care and ride safe out there.. What color is your V-Strom?

[@rideplanet7593]

Toughest servant out there. V-💪

[@mrantone916]

I paid 2500 for my 07 and let me tell you it’s def the hilux of motorcycles .

[@BugOutVehicles]

You got a great deal for your V-Strom. I agree the Suzuki V-Strom is a very reliable machine and is the Toyota of motorcycles. Take care and ride safe out there.

[@nycbike73]

Love the bike. I had the sport bike model with the same engine, it was a wonderful motorcycle.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thank you for the comment. The SV 650 is a great machine! Take care and ride safe!

[@renefeijen5916]

Just bought a brand new 650A. Coming from a Varader1000. This one is easier to handle at slow speeds, being 60 years old now.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Awesome! What color is your new V-Strom?

[@Voovooze]

A love letter to v strom really.

[@eddiekay9019]

Very well presented by an obviously seasoned rider. BTW…have owned Corollas and Tacomas only since 1984 and 96. Although as for the bikes…my nephew has my 03 FZ 6…58k ..like new.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Nice! Thanks for the comment.

[@jmiskinis]

Happy New Year Gary, and thanks for dropping another video. I just saw it listed, and I intended to watch it a bit later. I am listening to Connie Willis's latest 4 podcasts from today, which feature a US Marine, then US Navy man, turned whistle-blower, and it is very riveting. Since I cannot drop a link, if you search for Connie Willis and Robert Treat (the name of the informant/whistle-blower) I suspect that you will be brought to the page. If I had an email address, I could just forward Connie's email, but this is my only option at this time, and based on the content, I suspect that you and the majority of your followers will enjoy these short podcasts. They are truly amazing. Beyond my expectations. Take care Gary, and everyone, _John_

[@roberthambly9926]

Great video exactly how I feel. Looking for one now.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Great! Let me know which color you get. Take care.

[@kuladeeluxe]

Liked your review. Your bike is setup like mine. I call it a Camry too if people ask. May I suggest Mirror extenders as that final mod. Really puts them in the perfect place to see everything behind you.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thank you for the comment and the tip. Mirror extenders are on my list. Which brand do you have? Take care.

[@kuladeeluxe]

@@BugOutVehicles I have Adventure tech mirror extenders. You can oder them with extra Ram ball mounts, which I did on the left side. This Mod also apparently reduces buffeting. Adventure Tech is a Vstrom owner and active on the Stromtroopers forum. makes some great products for our bikes. I also have his peg lowering kit and fork brace.,

[@BugOutVehicles]

@@kuladeeluxe Thank you for the reply. I appreciate the tips and information. I will check out the Adventure Tech mirror extenders. If it also helps in reducing buffering that is a good thing too. I visit Stromtroopers often as there is allot of good info to read with many seasoned riders. Next is a fork brace for sure! My V-Strom is basically stock. Take care.

[@giuseppe39439]

Top 🏆

[@djolecar88]

I have a 2007 V-Strom 650 with 92k miles. 23k of mine own.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Nice! Ride safe out there. What color is your V-Strom?

[@djolecar88]

@@BugOutVehicles good ol blue

[@BugOutVehicles]

@@djolecar88 Nice!🏍

[@TechStories79]

Nice bike.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thanks.

[@andy84wilson]

VStrom 650, XR 650L, DR650 and KLR650...pick your poison, you absolutely cannot go wrong.

[@BugOutVehicles]

I agree with your motorcycle recommendations 100% The Kawasaki KLR 650 is also a great motorcycle but I did have to replace the doohickey to make it reliable. Ride safe.

[@rustymacshackleford6276]

Proud 2007 dl 650 owner. bought it in 2009, and will never get rid of it - same with my 2015 5.7 tundra.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Nice!!

[@jessegarman7899]

Change out the side mirrors. The generate buffeting

[@BugOutVehicles]

I will give it a try. Thanks.

[@freewill7549]

Can you reupload the pad mount electrical transformer stealth fall out shelter???

[@pedlpower]

I keep my V-Strom in Zen Mode.

[@JM-rw9je]

Yamaha XT600z tenere is the real Toyota

[@Darkrider8500]

My 2012 Vstrom will not be sold or traded

[@BugOutVehicles]

Agreed!

[@BugOutVehicles]

How it all started for me ➡ kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnakZoqbrK1-g8ksi=GaY3IMTW7s0OO6rG

[@gmoac]

rigth! im 60 and feel the same..

[@BugOutVehicles]

Awesome. Thank you for the comment. Take care and ride safe.

[@george1984]

I’m a KTM owner. Guess why i'm here!😢

[@jean-paullanglois5452]

Very nimble even on rough pavement .

[@BugOutVehicles]

Agreed. Take care and ride.

[@sandy20654]

I don't understand why you have taken so much video of yourself instead of the view of the bike travelling the road. That says something to me, and I expect other viewers also.

[@kennypool]

You don't give the price, the fuel tank capacity the mpg just blah blah blah. I'll stick with my 2005 Honda Shadow 750 that in bought 2 years ago for 1700 dollars. Maintenance has been a bitch, I actually had to buy 4 new spark plugs. Yikes

[@coconuciferanuts339]

Couldn't have said it better,mate.Had the '17 beak for 5 years now & ir's more than enough motorbike for me. What tyres do you run on? After heidis',I've got the p.scorp.rall.strs.Which are ok but thinking of the next pair.Thanks for vid.nice colours in the trees,etc.

[@BugOutVehicles]

Thank you for the comment. I still have the original tires. What tires are thinking about getting for your next pair? Take care and ride safe out there.