Suzuki V-Strom 650 - Motorcycle.com
It's difficult to argue with the success of the Suzuki's SV-650 or to argue with the acclaim that the DL1000 V-Strom has earned from the press. Suzuki isn't run by dummies, they know what they have and they act accordingly, thus we are now blessed with the DL650 V-Strom.
The DL650 uses much of the mechanical and running gear from the SV-650, but it's wrapped in adventure touring bodywork and graced with upright bars, and a long travel suspension like the original DL1000. The original V-Strom has earned a reputation for being surprisingly nimble and easy to ride for a 1000cc bike. This would lead one to guess that the lighter and lower 650 version would be one of the most nimble and easiest to ride bikes you could possibly create. Does reality meet expectations? Yes and No.
In the twisty stuff, or on dirt, gravel and other unimproved roads, the DL650 V-Strom is even better than I expected it to be. It changes direction effortlessly, while maintaining good stability and inspiring a feeling of confidence. I was afraid that it might be a little flighty or twitchy, but even after riding the thing like a loon, my fears turned out to be entirely unfounded. On highways and interstates, the 650 offers good wind protection and the adjustable windscreen allowed me to create a cruising environment that was free from the annoying buffeting that often plagues faired bikes.
Unfortunately, there are a couple of issues that stand in the way of this neat Suzuki becoming the perfect do-it-all bike. First and foremost, Suzuki decided that it would be a good idea (I don't think it really ever is a good idea) to retune the SV-650 based motor, "to fit the V-Strom 650's character as a Sport Enduro Tourer". This involved swapping-out the SV-650's cams, for a set with significantly milder intake and exhaust timing. They also increased crank inertia (flywheel effect) by 4% using a redesigned starter clutch. When you couple this milder state of tune with a bike that weighs a claimed 417Lbs (about 54Lbs more than claimed for the SV-650), you get a noticeable decrease in straight-line performance. Another annoyance was that in parking lot maneuvers, the new fairing lends a
After spending some time with the little V-Strom, I'm pleased to report that it is indeed a fun and nimble bike. It flows effortlessly through canyon, secondary and even dirt or gravel fire roads. The upright seating position and wide bars coupled with the little 650cc V-Twin engine mean that quick transitions and the tightest of corners are handled with ease. It has a reasonably low seat height for its class and the ergos remained comfortable throughout a 10 hour day of riding. When you couple the added bonus of being able to have some mild off-road fun with an inexpensive and highly capable street bike, you get a package that pleases on quite a few more levels than expected. Be sure to test ride one if you get the chance.
** SPECS PROVIDED BY SUZUKI ** FEATURES
KEY FEATURES:
New mid-size adventure tourer designed for versatile on-road performance with low seat height, wind protection and all-day comfort
CHASSIS FEATURES:Slim and compact front fairing for maximum wind protection, plus large comfortable seat - fairing includes large multi-reflector 60/55W headlights
Compact step-motor speedometer and tachometer with LED illumination, plus LCD display for twin tripmeters, odometer temperature gauge, fuel gauge and digital clock
Height-adjustable windshield for maximum wind protection and comfort - can be manually adjusted to three positions in a 50mm vertical range
Large rear luggage rack with rubber-padded platform to help keep bags and luggage in place
Aluminum twin-spar frame and aluminum swingarm are lightweight, compact and rigid - bolt-on sub-frame simplifies maintenance
Preload-adjustable 43mm front fork for a comfortable ride under all riding conditions
Link-type rear suspension features a single shock absorber with adjustable rebound damping and a knob-operated hydraulic preload adjuster for easy adjustment
Dual front disc brakes with large 310mm rotors and twin-piston calipers, plus single-disc rear brake with 260mm rotor and single-piston caliper
Lightweight cast aluminum wheels - F: 2.50 x 19 with 110/80R-19 radial tire, R: 4.0 x 17 with 150/70R-17 rear tire
Large 5.8 gallon fuel tank for long-range operation
ENGINE FEATURES:SV650-based 645cc 90 degree V-twin, DOHC 8-valve, liquid-cooled engine with revised cam profile and 4% more crankshaft inertia for stronger low-to-mid-range power
Electronic fuel injection features the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve System (SDTV) - maintains optimum air velocity in the intake tract for smooth low-to-mid rpm throttle response
Auto Fast Idling System (AFIS), automatically sets throttle valve opening during cold engine starts by monitoring coolant temperature
Digital ignition system provides optimum ignition timing with separate maps for each cylinder
Lightweight shim-under-bucket valve system operates 31mm intake and 25.5mm exhaust valves, plus valve timing with emphasis on low-rpm power
SCEM (Suzuki Composite Electro-chemical Material) plated cylinders minimize cylinder size and improve heat dissipation
Smooth shifting 6-speed transmission with cable operated clutch - final drive ratio lowered from SV650 for improved low rpm performance
High-efficiency liquid cooling system for optimum engine operating temperature - includes compact oil cooler
Plastic outer clutch cover and engine sprocket cover for reduced weight and noise
High-mounted stainless steel exhaust system with aluminum muffler tuned to enhance engine torque and low-to-midrange performance
PAIR - air injection system reduces CO and HC emissions - California model equipped with catalyst in exhaust to further reduce emissions
SPECIFICATIONSEngine: 645cc, four-stroke, liquid cooled, 90 degree V-twin, DOHC, 8-valves
Warranty: 12 month unlimited mileage limited warranty
Bore & Stroke: 81.0 x 62.6mm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Fuel System: Fuel Injection
Lubrication: Wet sump
Ignition: Digital/Transistorized
Starter: Electric
Transmission: 6-speed
Final Drive: #530 chain
Overall Length: 2290mm (90.2 in.)
Overall Width: 840mm (31.9 in.)
Overall Height: 1390mm (54.7 in.)
Seat Height: 820mm (32.3 in.)
Ground Clearance: 165mm (6.5 in.)
Wheelbase: 1540mm (60.6 in.)
Dry Weight: 189kg (417 lbs.)
Suspension:
FRONT: Telescopic, cartridge-type, oil damped, adjustable preload
REAR: Link-type, adjustable spring preload and rebound damping
Brakes:
FRONT: Dual hydraulic disc
REAR: Single hydraulic disc
Tires:
FRONT: 110/80R-19
REAR: 150/70R-17
Fuel Tank Capacity: 22 liter (5.8 gal.)
Color: Blue, Black
More by Sean Alexander
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