Suzuki V-Strom
The two Suzuki V-Strom models are Suzuki’s entries in the adventure-touring segment populated with bikes such as the Triumph Tiger, Ducati Multistrada and BMW R1200GS. What Suzuki offers with the V-Strom is the choice of a smaller, mid-displacement model where the others do not. The name of the Suzuki V-Strom is a combination of the German word, strom, meaning “current” in English, and the letter V corresponding to the Suzuki V-Strom’s V-Twin engine.
First to enter the market in 2002 was the Suzuki V-Strom 1000, powered by a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 996cc, V-Twin engine sourced from Suzuki’s own TL1000S sportbikes. The Suzuki V-Strom 1000 also incorporates technology from Suzuki’s other sportbikes, its fuel injection system coming from the GSX-R models. Even with 98 horsepower and weighing 520 lbs. wet, the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 manages to get a respectable 40 miles per gallon.
Not much has changed on the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 since its introduction. In 2004 it received an upgraded ECU, increasing from 16 bits to 32 bits, a redesigned instrument cluster was added as were stronger handlebar and mirrors. The Suzuki V-Strom’s bellypan was also redesigned and an adjustable windscreen was added.
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The Suzuki V-Strom 650 was launched a couple years after the V-Strom 1000, in 2004. The 650 immediately proved its worth winning awards from enthusiast publications. Powered by a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 645cc, V-Twin engine sourced from the popular SV650, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 was a perfect blend of performance and comfort for a very affordable price. Weighing 485 lbs. wet and producing 64 horsepower, the V-Strom 650 with ABS gets a remarkable 54 mpg. Considering its 5.8-gallon fuel tank, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 can travel 300 miles before requiring fuel.
Like its larger counterpart, not much has changed on the Suzuki V-Strom 650 since its introduction. In 2007 Suzuki lengthened the V-Strom’s wheelbase a half-inch with a longer swingarm and retooled the cylinder head to accept two spark plugs, but the big news was the addition of an ABS-equipped V-Strom 650.
With long-travel suspension, high-mounted exhaust and equipped with available luggage, the adventure-touring Suzuki V-Strom offers both on- and off-road versatility (biased more for street riding than serious off-road fun). The two V-Stroms provide neutral seating positions for long-distance comfort and adequate fairing protection from the elements.
The only V-Strom listed in Suzuki’s 2011 American lineup is the ABS-equipped V-Strom 650, retailing for $8,011.
View all ReviewsSuzuki V-Strom Reviews
![2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS Review: First Ride [Video]](/images/content/1strom-main1107_rdax_166x83.jpg)
2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS Review: First Ride [Video]
Regarded as a well-balanced bike by the powersports media as well as motorcycle consumers, a notion supported by sales figures far in excess of its 1000cc counterpart, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 continues its legacy with the 2012 iteration.
2011 Suzuki V-Strom Review & 2012 Preview
In advance of our ride on the 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650, we went to task refamiliarizing ourselves with the 2011 iteration garnished with ABS and hard saddlebags. It took only a short period for the Suzook to remind us what a great all-’rounder it is.
2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS Preview
When the first images and specs emerged however, the perception was the 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 was, as the cliche goes, more evolutionary than revolutionary. But perhaps that isn't such a bad thing.
Suzuki V-Strom 650
It's difficult to argue with the success of the Suzuki's SV-650 or to argue with the acclaim that the DL V-Strom 1000 has earned from the press.
2002 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom
When I first clapped eyes upon the V-Strom in the flesh, I though it looked like a huge motorcycle.
Suzuki V-Strom Videos
2012 650 Adventure-Tourer Shootout - Video
If you’re on the hunt for an all-in-one, Swiss Army Knife-type of motorcycle, consider the BMW G650GS, Kawasaki Versys and Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS.-
2004 Middleweight Standards
After reading your answers from our recent "Middleweight Standards" poll, we decided to round-em-up and shoot-em-out.
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2005 Adventure Touring Comparo
Looking for an bike that can handle your on- and off-road adventures? We found four bikes we knew you'd be interested in, plus one you should be interested in: the Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom, Triumph Tiger, KTM 950 Adventurer, BMW R1200GS and Kawasaki KLR 650.
View all ComparisonsSuzuki V-Strom Comparisons
2012 650 Adventure-Tourer Shootout - Video
If you’re on the hunt for an all-in-one, Swiss Army Knife-type of motorcycle, consider the BMW G650GS, Kawasaki Versys and Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS.
2004 Middleweight Standards
After reading your answers from our recent "Middleweight Standards" poll, we decided to round-em-up and shoot-em-out.
It Ain't The Tool: Revisited
Three very different motorbikes with three very different jokers to ride those bikes and one, timeless principle to guide them. That's probably not exactly what Fred Rau had in mind when he penned his editorial, "It Ain't The Tool."
2005 Adventure Touring Comparo
Looking for an bike that can handle your on- and off-road adventures? We found four bikes we knew you'd be interested in, plus one you should be interested in: the Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom, Triumph Tiger, KTM 950 Adventurer, BMW R1200GS and Kawasaki KLR 650.2013 Suzuki V-Strom Specs
 2013 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure |
 2013 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS |
2012 Suzuki V-Strom Specs
 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure |
 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 Adventure |
 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 |
 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS |
2011 Suzuki V-Strom Specs
 2011 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS |
find Suzuki V-Strom Specs
Choose your Suzuki V-Strom to build, configure or compare
Looking for a specific make, model or year of Suzuki V-Strom, and how it compares to the competition? Looking to design your own Suzuki V-Strom? Use our Motorcycle Finder, below, to get everything you need on 2004 to present Suzuki V-Stroms.Suzuki V-Strom Forums
- Suzuki V-Strom Forum The leading Suzuki DL650 and DL1000 motorcycle forum. Our Suzuki V-Strom motorcycle enthusiast site includes tech information, regional clubs, and plenty of V-Strom travel forums.
