2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS Review: First Ride

[Buzglyd]

Originally Posted by seruzawa

By a buzz I meant an annoying vibration rather than a noise.

My girlfriend refers to me the same way.

[The Spaceman]

FWIW: according to my survey of bikes at the beginning and end of the C2C ride this weekend, there were more VStroms than any other single model of bike. By manufacturer it was Honda first by far, but no other single model came close. Probably ST1300s and FJs were second and third, or possibly Goldwings.

[The Spaceman]

It looks like somebody at Honda noticed how well the WeeStrom is doing and decided to go after a piece of the mid-displacement, lower-cost market. Similar in performance, probably a bit less expensive, their new NC700S and NC700X even looks like the Wee:

New Honda NC700S and NC700X Revealed – Efficient, Practical and Fun « MotorcycleDaily.com – Motorcycle News, Editorials, Product Reviews and Bike Reviews

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Ne...0x-first-ride/

The "gas tank" storage area is a slick setup, but I wonder how much fuel fits in the under-seat tank. The fuel mileage is remarkable; they're claiming almost 80 mpg!

[trenttheuncatchable]

Originally Posted by The Spaceman

New Honda NC700S and NC700X Revealed – Efficient, Practical and Fun « MotorcycleDaily.com – Motorcycle News, Editorials, Product Reviews and Bike Reviews

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Ne...0x-first-ride/

The "gas tank" storage area is a slick setup, but I wonder how much fuel fits in the under-seat tank. The fuel mileage is remarkable; they're claiming almost 80 mpg!

Even the older (2007-) Ninja 250's didn't get 80mpg, so I'm disinclined to believe anyone who says that about a bike. Now, a scooter, that I might believe.

[Dennis Chung]

Originally Posted by trenttheuncatchable

Even the older (2007-) Ninja 250's didn't get 80mpg, so I'm disinclined to believe anyone who says that about a bike. Now, a scooter, that I might believe.

It is using the same engine and chassis as the Integra scooter/motorcycle hybrid, so your scooter comment isn't too far off the mark. Here's some more information about the engine itself.

The underseat tank holds 14.1 liters or about 3.72 US gallons, which would translate to a range of just under 300 miles if the 80mpg figure were accurate (Honda itself is claiming closer to 65 mpg for the DCT version.)

The NC700X and NC700S will be coming up here to Canada for 2012 and I'll be at their North American debut at the Toronto Motorcycle Show next Friday. Stay tuned for the report.

[seruzawa]

Originally Posted by trenttheuncatchable

Even the older (2007-) Ninja 250's didn't get 80mpg, so I'm disinclined to believe anyone who says that about a bike. Now, a scooter, that I might believe.

Well, my 1050Tiger got 60mpg once when I was on a charity ride and stuck doing 50mph all day. So a 650 might do pretty good if you're driving slowly. 80mpg is still pushing it though. Generally mileage is a function of horsepower.