Why V-Strom 650 XT is the best adventure travel bike in 2021 for international motorcycle travel

[@bigbearbangalore]

And this is also why I bought a V-Strom 650. Cheers!

[@lee53597]

I had made the same choice and purchased one that I picked up the last week of April 2020, only to have someone do a u-turn in front of me on my third ride, with less than 200 miles on the odometer. I broadsided that car at 50-60 mph, totaled the bike, disabled the car which had to be towed away too. The other driver was ticketed; I was med flighted to a nearby hospital, spent 4+ weeks in a hospital and rehab and went home in a wheel chair, feeling lucky to be alive. I'm almost completely recovered and riding bicycle and motorcycle again (my 2000 SV650). Soon we'll hit the other driver's insurance company up for hundreds of thousands of $ to settle the claim. Keep the shiny side up!

[@coconuciferanuts339]

Really sorry about your accident Lee.Bike crashes can be fatal so it's great that you're getting over it & I hope you go for millions mate.It hasn"t scared you off bikes so use the biker saying,"it might not happen",which helps me.

[@stevecrocker6904]

I make a point of half expecting that sort of thing from car drivers so ride to suit. Don't look at the speedo or anything else when there's someone close enough to do that - watch only that driver

[@willweeverknow696]

100% agree with your analysis. I bought one in 2017 in Germany. Have done about 18.000 km so far. No problem at all. Lots of fun. I ride on country rooads, autobahn, Alps, everything work fine. Its really great. SInce Suzuki seems to be giving up on the line in 2021, I'm glad I have mine.

[@broadsworddannyboy5057]

Where do you find out Suzuki are giving up the 650 xt?

[@willweeverknow696]

@@broadsworddannyboy5057 there were some reports end of last year that Suzuki may not upgrade it to Euro 5 specs. I was surprised to see it on the 2021 pricelist. Actually I'm glad that it is still on the list. I hope the news reports were false. It is an absolutely great bike and I enjoy every minute on it.

[@broadsworddannyboy5057]

@@willweeverknow696 l spoke to Suzuki in Cuper Scotland, not heard anything about discontinuing. Cheers

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Difficult to argue against the value, reliability and practicality of these machines for intercontinental projects.

[@rileymarc3646]

You probably dont care but does anybody know of a method to get back into an Instagram account..? I somehow lost the password. I would love any assistance you can give me!

[@casonlionel7121]

@Riley Marc Instablaster :)

[@simonodell2103]

@@rileymarc3646 you're right ..

[@DavidKD2050]

I fail to comprehend how someone so tall can be comfortable on anything other than the tallest adventure bikes 🤷‍♂️. But hey, congrats. So glad that you have found a bike for a reasonable price that works for you. I have the 650. 2011 model. Seems tough. No off road manners mind. Front end is a pig. But delightful on some twists. Solid bike indeed

[@TheWanderingGeezer]

I had a 2012 V-Strom, it was a great bike. I rode it about 50,000 miles with no big issues. I now have a BMW GSA and love it too.

[@richardhretczak536]

Very accurate comments. One of the best here. That's why I'm on my 11th V Strom 650. 5xWee, 5xWee2 and my first Wee3 (it is the best and best looking BTW). And that's beside my first 2 Vee.

[@12lionwhelps71]

They do rock. I've been through puddles up to my knees. I love mine, and will get another one when I upgrade.

[@coconuciferanuts339]

11 vees!That's got to be the best comment ever.Suzuki should give you a free one.

[@richardhretczak536]

Dennis Burton. No it was 13 V Stroms (11 650). I wouldn't mind to get one free😀 but I don't think Suzuki will do this...

[@coconuciferanuts339]

@@richardhretczak536 So it must be 2 1000's.Mmm,you must have got them as soon as they came out in 2004.I love my 650.The 1000 have power but thirstier.

[@richardhretczak536]

Dennis Burton .Nope. I got my first V Strom (2008 1000) back in 2010.

[@filtro-d-aire6843]

M1 regular one, only road, mainly twisting roads but like a daily vehicle. Excellent 👌🏼 If you don't have ego problems or don't feel insecurity because it's cheap price vs other bikes, it's s really good choice

[@saptarshisutradhar9379]

Best bike if your budget is not sky high & a team to rescue you from north pole if needed..Its a great bike & one of my dream bikes..cheers mate,ride safe..

[@timothyangus954]

In 2018 I rode my V Strom 2 up around the world. 43,000 miles and no reliability issues

[@markdearlove8634]

Very good review full of practical points. One day I'll get one. At the moment I'm still happy with my Suzuki xf650 Freewind. Or Pre Strom as I like to call it😀

[@nikosdimitrakopoulos5139]

I love my freewind too!

[@empowerd1]

I have absolutely same steps. My first is the Freewind and now I hit the DL650XT. Awaiting for snow disappearing :))

[@ararami1]

Yep, that's why I got the V-strom. An Impresive Motorcycle.

[@bradevans3815]

I met a guy in Havana, went across the Mexican border with his friend, both riding KTM's. Stolen that day. I doubt they would go after my 650. Its a great video as right on all accounts.Easy to get parts and bullet proof engine. Heck, I think it looks pretty good too.

[@coconuciferanuts339]

It's interesting why thieves don't target the strom!?Too heavy.Not sporty enough.Are they a conservative bike.You only know how good they are after a few years of faithful service.A 90 degree workhorse twin that just does the job & more but doesn't brag about it!

[@jrbass62]

I have a 2014 1000, If i had known my wife wouldn't ride much I would have bought the 650. Love mine! Has been many places it shouldn't have!! MODS: K&N Air filter, Delkevic Exhaust, Pro Taper Risers, Tusk Bars, Tusk Brush Guards, 1" Footpeg Lowering Kit, Shifter Relocation Kit, Heated Grips,

[@sophiab7379]

I looooove my V Strom :)

[@archermoody9746]

I was gonna get a 650 last year, but dealership was having a rebate on 1000 that brought it down to the same price as the 650. Still get good range. 200 to 250 miles depending on the roads I take, but 650 range is hard to beat

[@MRTPR]

Great comments Mate, I totally agree. I don't have one but I would love one in my garage along side my GSX S 1000. Take care and greetings from South Australia.

[@BlueRidgeKat1]

2012 just rolled over on 60,000 miles.... it's good for another 40,000!!

[@grapewater123]

Why just another 40? That bike will go on until you get bored and choose something else as long as you take care of it

[@BlueRidgeKat1]

@@grapewater123 I get rid of all bikes after a 100,000. Ready for something else then.

[@jandre281]

I do own a model 2012 too and I've ridden 42000km in the past 4 years. Still not a single issue. First break pads not even a light buld died. Only my exhaust got a little louder

[@manueljulianobando]

Thanks for the video Mr. Gustaf, i have the V Strom 650 and i love it, all you say in your video are some of the reasons i had to buy my bike, also watch your videos help me to decide about this specific motorcycle, thanks again and keep sharing your adventures with us, bog hug from Colombia.

[@GustafN]

Thank you! It's great to hear that you enjoyed it. As soon as the pandemic is over I'll come to Colombia and explore your beautiful country!

[@manueljulianobando]

@@GustafN that's great, you will enjoy our country, Colombia is full of great people and beautiful landscapes, hope you can come soon, and maybe we will meet 😃😃🏍️💨💨

[@stephtraveler7378]

Love the vstrom but the lack of ground clearance is a big issue. Streets and two track or gravel is where the bike really shines. Hearing the T700 is gonna give it a run....

[@MrAlps26]

It is truly a wonderful bike to own,first hand experience

[@rideplanet7593]

Toughest servant out there. V-💪

[@arcelleching5460]

Great moto reviewer... Watching from 🇵🇭

[@kseropigado]

i agree,special for the money that you save istead of bmw,and you spend them to travel,because this is all about.a perfect machine

[@antonhausen6694]

A convincing report :)

[@UncleWally3]

As a rider lucky enough to have ridden many years on many bikes over many miles I must say Wee Stroms are fantastic motorcycles. I’ve bought new and owned three (‘09, ‘12 and ‘15) - cumulatively, they’ve been ridden well over 300 000 kilometers, virtually trouble free. Sure, the newest models are getting long in the tooth, the suspension is outdated and the brakes are just adequate. And yes, they’re farkle monsters that may eat more cash than you ought to feed them. But still - that little engine? A jewel. As long as I’m riding, I hope to always have one in my garage. But, come on Suzuki, I’m not asking to fix what isn’t broken, but isn’t it time to offer a “limited” fully farkled and upgraded version?

[@coconuciferanuts339]

3ook!That's amazing.I've only done 15k on my'17 'strom650.I've dropped from standstill 5 times.Did you ever find them abit top-heavy?No worries when moving juat at parking etc.But I do love it.

[@UncleWally3]

Dennis Burton. Seems every bike has their own dance floor mannerisms; some like to be gently ballerinad and others want to be sumo wrestled. I find the ‘Wee ‘Strom easy to dance with, the Big ‘Strom requires a tad more persuasion, but neither are as easy as a Grom nor hard as a Harley.

[@jeremyjohnson6438]

Had to lookup the definition of farkle. Hilarious

[@rodolforodriguez2592]

Farkled? Long in the tooth?

[@williamng1693]

Community from Malaysia 🇲🇾 🤝👍

[@TheScatman89]

Hey what action camera are you using? great video love the content! Cheers from Denmark

[@GustafN]

I use two GoPro Hero 7 Black, great little cameras. But looking at getting a 360 camera soon.

[@ralphcantrell3214]

I love the 3rd generation XT models, but I dislike the wire wheels. I do know and understand all the reasons why wire spokes are superior for off-road use, but I have owned about 40 bikes with wire spokes in the last 50 years, and I just hate the maintenance required of them if I don't actually need them for spirited riding on rough trails. My 2013 DL650 ABS Adventure model has all the factory Suzuki bells and whistles - engine guards, aluminum bash plate, hand guards, removable panniers and top case, touring windshield, locking tank bag etc - but with wonderful, maintenance-free alloy wheels, and I think that is the ultimate configuration for this particular bike. The DL650 in ANY configuration will never be more than a great, comfortable, do-anything "street bike", than "can" go off-road - a little bit, if you have to. (And by the way... gravel roads and fire/forest roads are not "off-roading" in my opinion.) A DL650 will never excel as a bonafide dirt bike no matter what you do, because of the excessive weight, lack of ground clearance, extended wheelbase, unsuitable steering geometry, highway gearing, exposed/vulnerable/sensitive components etc. So why bring on the maintenance woes of wire spokes when alloy works great for everything but the worst off-road conditions? The bike was only designed with enough off-road capability to get you to that perfect, secluded campsite just beyond the roadside treeline, and it is nearly perfect for that purpose, even with alloy wheels. NOW... with all that being said, I certainly wouldn't argue this point with someone about to embark on a transcontinental journey with vast expanses of mostly undeveloped and uninhabited landscapes. In that unpredictable and unforgiving scenario, wire spokes might be worth it simply for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you enjoy the finest degree of durability available.

[@ralphcantrell3214]

@@arc001 I bought my Wee-Strom to be my primary retirement bike (I'm almost there! 😎). At my age, I just don't want a huge, heavy, or blistering-fast bike, nor an overly expensive one - already been there and done all that in 50 years on motorcycles. I plan to do rides of 1 to 4 weeks while mostly primitive camping along the way. I say it will be about 75% asphalt of every type to get somewhere worth exploring; 24.5% gravel/dirt/other roads while just exploring in the boonies; and .1% true "off-road" stuff just to find a suitable place to pitch the tent at night. I will do a motel or campground here and there too, just to freshen up a bit. At least that's how I envision it. And the bike is perfect for that purpose, even with the wonderful aluminum wheels.

[@ralphcantrell3214]

@@arc001 I did a 4 day adventure ride a couple of weeks ago with some friends and it got pretty rough and dirty. Did a muddy water crossing up to the side panels and lots of really rough dirt "roads". Was running half-worn Shinko 705 tires. They did okay. Definitely not the best in the mud but pretty good everywhere else. Running an SW-Motech skid plate. I don't like that it bolts to the engine cases, but it held up. I'm just waiting for a big hit to damage the engine though. I'd recommend one that bolts underneath somewhere and then to the nerf bars up front. Either that or just stay completely out of the rough stuff. A friend went forest roading without a skid plate last year and DESTROYED the oil filter 20 miles from asphalt. He had a cheap plastic skid plate on the latest trip and it did okay. $.02 Happy trails!

[@wundermax1993]

how did you modify the vstrom? I'm asking because I'm planning to buy one and am also 2m tall.

[@ozziejim8472]

Compelling argument you make, any suspension mods?

[@Ahduciekwndnbbbsvvvghhhyyyyy]

Fantastic points. I'd love to know what modifications you made to fit you? I'm 2 meters too, and thought I'd have to go with the 1050xt for the height.

[@GustafN]

I got the Suzuki OEM wide pegs that can be adjusted down 2cm and a 2.5cm handlebar riser. It’s very comfortable! I’m considering a taller seat too, but it’s just a added luxury. I don’t know about the 1050, but the 650 and the old 1000 is very similar in size and share a lot of parts.

[@noostNL]

@@GustafN That's basically the SW Motech footrest. And it is adjustable only 15mm down.

[@GustafN]

@@noostNL the Suzuki one is adjustable 2cm. I read reviews for the SW-Motech foot peg and a lot of people had complaints, so I went with the Suzuki OEM ones.

[@noostNL]

@@GustafN I just looked it up on the official Suzuki website, and it definitely says 15mm. Maybe it is different in europe?

[@willweeverknow696]

I'm ,190m and unfortunately a bit overweight. I have a custom made seat which brings it to about 900mm and 2 cm risers for the handlebar. I also use the mirror extenders from Suzuki and the touring windscreen.

[@alli333o]

Since you are so tall: What kind of windshield setup do you use? I myself am about 1,93 m and have a really hard time, since every shield I ever tried on any bike just kept blowing the wind directly in my face.

[@virendradr]

Great experience sir I shall Own it soon Please Guide me. 800de is there now' Which one to buy?

[@empowerd1]

Price difference is about 2 thousands Euro and the new untested engine. The decision is obvious 650XT

[@kesuti81]

Yes, its right, the best adventure bike, if you ar not rich man, and want to travel a lot.

[@davidc1961utube]

The only comparable two cylinder bike, especially for South American travel, is the CB500X. The Honda is less powefull, smaller, 40 pounds lighter and cheaper. A big advantage the Vstrom has is the spoked tubeless wheels on the XT version.

[@kumonojuuza]

My First bike 😍

[@GustafN]

Good choice! Ride safe

[@zardportugal]

110% TRUE.

[@UnclutchedSprints]

what are the mods should I go for as I am not much tall, I am 5'6" only, can you please suggest the mods should I go for.

[@GustafN]

Wish i could help you, but i have the opposite problem. I'm 2.06m (6'9"). Maybe a lower seat would be enough? I'd advise against lowering the rear suspension without lowering the front.

[@juvenalaugusto6342]

You're right Just need to modify fork and rear suspension to be better on offroad

[@GustafN]

Thanks for watching and commenting! You're right! It's depending on what offroad is, if you're blasting down the trails riding it like a dual sport it does need a upgrade. But for long days getting from A to B on bad dirt roads a soft suspension will make you feel less beaten up when you reach the destination. I have upgraded the suspension on mine with TFX shock in the rear and upgraded springs in the front + thicker oil, but I'm also a heavy rider of 150kg with gear and over 2m tall. It's on the softer side compared to a dirt-bike but i can comfortably do a 8hour day on the worst roads imaginable and feel ok when i arrive at my destination.

[@doctorstrangelove8587]

Well i have a 2020vstrom 650 and my range is not more than 400 km.

[@zzxx33mh]

.. Thinking seriously to get one if $ helps..what are first things to add..?!

[@richardhretczak536]

Kickstand enlargement.

[@genevievebarnhart2888]

Are you using 37 liter or 45 liter panniers?

[@GustafN]

I run 2x37L

[@everready19373]

Working on my 2013 is a complete PITA. I would never take that around the world. IMHO, I think a DR650 is a much better option.

[@sayuas4293]

Cant shell out 9k for one with T7's being so close in price, and 2nd hand vstroms are so expensive now, 4-5k for a bike thats more than 10 years old and has like 60 to 100k km on it. Ridiculous.

[@johnschotz1614]

A Vstrom 650 is indeed way cheaper than one bmw Gs but these bike are also not comparable in any way. We have a Vstrom 650 latest version and a BMW GS1200 so not from hear say but own experience.

[@tolga1cool]

If Suzuki were to put this engine into a Tenere style offroader I would buy one in a heartbeat

[@GustafN]

That would be a interesting combination!

[@richardhretczak536]

All depends how much off road you do.

[@jsveiga]

I bought my V-Strom 650 XT (new) in Brazil in January 2020 after much research and cost/benefits comparisons, and I love it, but since then Suzuki went crazy with the prices, and now a V-Strom 650 XT costs more than a base Tiger 900. Wtf Suzuki?! If I was shopping for it today, I wouldn't even consider the V-Strom at its current price tag here.

[@GustafN]

That’s interesting! Any reason as to why you think? Neither in the US, Sweden or Mexico has the prices changed significantly. Cold it be a new import tax specifically in Brazil?

[@Labaht]

Similar here in Alberta, Canada. But, only at certain dealers. You’ll see the price vary from $8500 to $10500 for the exact same bike. Similar story for the Versys though. I’ve got my eye on one for $7300, and 3 hours away it is posted for $10000. Dealers are weird.

[@jsveiga]

@@GustafN No new tax; the currency exchange rate went nuts with covid, but that would affect other brands too. The Versys 650 and Honda NC750x, both which I considered when choosing the V-Strom, are still at about the same prices they were back in January. The honda is now 3000USD cheaper than the V-Strom 650xt, and the Versys is 2650USD cheaper (MRSP for the Vee is now 9750USD here). I already had to explain a couple of times I'm not that crazy or wealthy, to people who looked up the price of my bike on the web!

[@tuanoful]

I had one, until I had an accident and almost died. My question is, WHY IS IT SO EXPENSIVE!

[@canpalawan]

after the xt660z

[@GustafN]

The XT660z is a great bike sure, but it’s not available new in 2020. It went out of production a few years back sadly.

[@ChristofRoeyaert]

I agree the V-Strom 650 is a great bike, but you shouldn't compare its price with that of a BMW GS 1250. I believe the new V-Strom 1050 is more of a match for the GS 1250. Which is a lot more expensive than the 650 but still beats the GS 1250 for price...

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Good point..

[@michals1108]

I choosed versys 650 because I'm riding 99% asphalt

[@GustafN]

The Versys 650 is a great bike, enjoy it! You could travel round the world on it without any problems. Ride safe!

[@stevegandalf4739]

And unlike the current Suzuki SV650, it actually has a comfortable seat ! LOL Suzuki, why not fix this problem with the SV650, unless you enjoy seeing people buying Z650s.

[@joakimf4868]

This guy: the Vstrom 650 is the best adventurebike to take around the world. / Yamaha Tenere 700: hold my beer

[@GustafN]

The new Yamaha T7 has potential, but it's still a very new bike and not sold everywhere. Revisions are to come when they work out the bugs and eventually spares will be available globally. But as it stands now it's not sold everywhere. Also i can't find any published GVM/Payload capacity for the T7, the V-Strom 650 has a payload capacity that matches many 1000+cc bikes. The 700cc parallel twin is very nice tho. Looking forward to see where the T7 ends up.

[@empowerd1]

Will you compare the Honda CR-V and the Toyota Land Cruiser? Same difference is here man

[@joakimf4868]

@@empowerd1 if someone makes a video named: ”The Honda CR-V is the best car to take around the world”, then YES I will say ”Toyota Land Cruiser: hold my beer!”. That was literally my point!

[@joakimf4868]

Two years later I stand by my word: / Yamaha Tenere 700: hold my beer

[@empowerd1]

@@joakimf4868 got it 😁.

[@jnjspencer7815]

Hi, agree with your review completely, while it’s not perfect it’s a great bike. My wife and I shipped our 2012 vstrom 650 from Australia to Athens and started a 19 month European adventure covering 72,000km’s and visiting 43 countries. It’s hard to explain but the bike gave us confidence to travel into places we never dreamt we’d visit... It now has 160,000km’s and going strong and still has its original iridium spark plugs in it, try that on a BMW or KTM !!! Here’s our travel blog if your interested: jnjspencertravels.com/

[@brothermanv]

Your photography is so amazing!! Thanks for sharing. Traveling via bike is a dream of mine. Hope you're still able to ride in spite of the pandemic.

[@diyardiyar7310]

Turkey Yalova Blok is very beautiful, thank you, I will look at it in more detail, I wish everything is as beautiful as you want

[@jnjspencer7815]

@@diyardiyar7310 Thank you for your kind words, keep well and safe riding.

[@peterl7354]

1 GS == 2 VStroms == 4 Himalayans 🙂

[@GustafN]

Thats true, but the Himalayan comes with its own set of problems. Mainly the distributor network is tiny outside of South Asia. There’s some in the US, Europe and I know one in Mexico. But other than that it’s going to be hard finding spares.

[@peterl7354]

@@GustafN no doubt that there are more Suzuki dealers in remote places than RE ones, but the point is that Himalayan is so simple that one does not need a dealership to fix it. Any mechanic can do it. If Himalayan was good for Itchy Boots / Norely then it is good for everybody. No denying that Vstrom is a great bike. I'm actually thinking of trading Himalayan for the Vstrom myself! Buy only because I not going to go around the world anytime soon, just commuting on European motorways. Otherwise I'd keep it.

[@sayuas4293]

Itchy boots only got the himalayan bc she was in india. Outside India she knew it was shit so she got smth else

[@peterl7354]

@@sayuas4293 It's an interesting concept: the quality of a bike as a function of the geographic coordinates it rides on ...

[@sayuas4293]

That it was made in

[@maroskn3008]

I was long time avoiding to think about suzi v-st 650 xt because of really ugly look. Generally all suzuki lookin ugly for me (besides katana and v-s 1050). I thougt that guys from suzi are really stupid to put such a bike to market. Then after studiing it I understud that guys from suzi are actually very smart. 1. Comparison to honda cb 500 x (2019): suzi v-st 650 xt has the same 19' front wheel but spoked which makes triple layer of damping (forks, tires and spokes). 2. Comparison to honda cb 500 x (2019): suzuki v-st 650 xt is little bit more expensive and is cca. 20kg heavier but has "normal" motor which is fun and can be used also on highways. Motor of cb 500 x is too weak and vibrates more. 3. Compairing to honda cb 500 x (2019): suzi v-st 650 xt has better riding positon. Footpegs are little bit more in front so not so unconfortable sporty position as on cb 500 x. Handlebar on suzi is little bit in front but can be adjusted by handlebar risers. 4. Comparing to yamaha tracer 700 and kawasaki versys 650: suzuki v-st 650 xt has similar motor but bike can be used for offroad because of 19' spoked front wheel. (I do not care about other than japanese bikes, for long distances you need reliability) 5. Comparing to yamaha tenere 700: tenere is lighter but seat is too high for me (178 cm) (and is more expensive, no discounts yet because it is new and everybody wants it) 6. As you mentioned already, suzie looks pretty stupid (seating duck) that's why nobody (young hooligans) wants to steal it. 7. Electronic cruise control can be get from mccruise ( www.mccruise.com/collections/suzuki/products/suzuki-dl650-v-strom-third-generation-from-2017-new-product-featuring-our-compact-electric-servo ).

[@alfurio]

Really ugly look? It looks beautiful to me!

[@richardhretczak536]

To me to. And specially 2017 and up

[@FrozenMadLad]

The 2020s look really good now

[@SuperMegaSammy]

i do agree the 650 v-strom is fugly but 1050 i like it but not the price. Is all in the eye of the beholder.

[@willmcgregor7184]

Most ADVs look pretty much the same. Just different paint

[@BikerGirlTraveler]

I have two huge turn offs for this bike. One, the 19"/17" wheels set up. I would prefer a 21" front and 18" back, but I would still be OK with a 18" rear if I have a 21" front. And two, the weight. it is a monster of a bike with the XT Adventure being heavier than a the base model Africa Twin. Twenty seven pounds heavier. And the African Twin is a full size 1100 CC bike. For a mid size bike, 528 lbs is too much. Might as well buy a full size bike. AND, the XT Adventure is more expensive than the Tenere 700, which is much lighter at 452 lbs wet. Actually being a cheap bike it can make it more a target for thieves. As the demand for parts is higher than a B!W which much less people will own. A great example of that in cars would be the Honda Civic. The most sold car in the US, but it is also the most stolen. On the other hand something exotic can also attract thieves, or keep them away. In some third world countries the registration of stolen bikes is not uncommon. A bike too exotic can be a turn off as the parts are more expensive, hard or impossible to find in that country. Making it less desirable for those seeking to keep it.

[@nyedavis922]

Not sure where you've got your figures from but the crf1100 is heavier than the DL650 perhaps you're looking at the DL100? Anyway the Africa twin has a much poorer fuel range too and parts availability is limited. It is also a very electronics laden bike. The 17/19 wheel combo helps keep the vstrom low, real world traveling does not involve technical rocky terrain where you need ground clearance but more often mud, where you need to be able to get your feet down. The DL is for easier as a soft roader. If you want a genuine off road focussed travel bike your best option is the WR250R, or a 701 enduro if you want more power but are willing to risk reliability

[@BikerGirlTraveler]

Perhaps you need to read my commend again. Because either you don’t know the specs for the different versions of both bikes, or you missed the part where I mentioned TWICE something about the “ADVENTURE” model of the V-Strom. The ADVENTURE model IS heavier than the Africa Twin with manual transmission. Even though the Africa Twin is a bigger bike, with a 1100cc engine and a tank capacity of over a gallon more. The weights I gave are from the Honda and Suzuki US web sites for 2021 models (when I wrote that commend). I don’t go by anybody else’s figures, only by the manufactures’ own claims. Here are the specs for both bikes, again, per the manufactures’ own web sites in 2021. If you disagree with the weight figures you may want to contact Honda and Suzuki to correct them. -2021 Suzuki V-Strom 650: $10,449, 528 lbs (XT Adventure), seat 32.9", Gnd Clearance 6.7," 5.3 gl tank. 19/17, 5.9" SFT, 6.3" SRT For your information, the 2022 650 XT, at 476 lbs is lighter by only 24 lbs than the African Twin base model, but in my commend I was comparing the “XT ADVENTURE” version to the AF, T7, 850GS Adventure. Which were three of the four bikes I was considering buying back then. -2021 Honda Africa Twin: $14,399 / $17,199 Sport Adventure, 501 lbs base model (530 lbs for the Adventure model without auto trans), seat 34.3" or 33.5 in low position, Gnd Clearance of 9.8", 5 gal tank base / 6.5 gal Adventure, 21/18 Based on those figures the V-Strom 650 XT ADVENTURE is heavier than the Africa Twin based model (501lbs) and lighter than the Africa Twin Adventure with manual transmission (530 lbs) by only two pounds. Now, when it comes to weight, one problem the 650 V-Strom family has is the very thing that makes it a great bike, it’s engine. By Suzuki’s own admission, V-Twin engines are heavier than their parallel twin competitors due to the extra gearing required. The shape of the engine is also the reason for the long wheel base. All V-Strom 650s have a very long wheel base. Which makes it stable but less agile. Some people see that as a disadvantage, while some see it as an advantage. I see it as both. An advantage for a nice street or hwy cruise, but a disadvantage for off roading. Where quick direction changes are often needed to navigate technical terrain. Making an agile and even lighter bike more desirable. There is evidence that Suzuki will be scrapping the V-Twin engine. Suzuki as filed pattens for a new engine and a new bike that will either replace or update the V-Strom 650. The new engine being developed is the normally aspirated version of the Super supercharged XE7 engine that was displayed at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. Switching to a lighter and more compact parallel twin, Suzuki will be able to bring down the weight and wheel base. There was a magazine that had a good article about this. They included pictures submitted by Suzuki for the patents. The V-Strom 650 is a great bike and I almost bought one for my Central and South America trip, but after watching videos of people encountering some pretty bad roads and often times muddy roads in those parts of the world, I could not justify paying more for a XT Adventure 650 than I would for a Tenere 700. A more capable bike, specially for that type of road conditions. I am not putting down the V-Strom, I think that it’s stupid to compare the Tenere 700 to most other bikes. Their design and purpose are very different. I do not believe that the V-Strom and the T7 are even in the same class. The T7 is as close as adventure bikes get to being a Dual Sport. In fact, some have argued that the T7 should be considered a Dual Sport and not an Adventure bike. That can not be said or has been said about the V-Strom.

[@grahamsmith8122]

just needs a 21'' front wheel