I come home at night with a smile on my face.

I bought the VStrom 650 Adventure at the end of May 2012 and then promptly took off for two weeks of touring the back roads and trails in the highlands and Amazon basin of Ecuador on a KLR. So in about 5 weeks of riding the WeeStrom, I have 3,000 miles including a 680 mile round trip on a Sunday. ...I am 66 yrs old, have been riding for 52 years, 6’2”and weigh 215 with a 33 inch inseam and a 36 inch sleeve length. This bike is very close in comfort and performance to my old BMWs that I can no longer afford.

After the break-in period, I get 58 mpg on my daily commute that includes about 20 miles of 60 mph and 35 miles of 75 mph. On my 680 mile trip I was on I-70 most of the way at 85+ mph including climbing Vail Pass (10,662 ft) and the Eisenhower / Johnson tunnels (11,013 ft). I got 55 mpg which I think is excellent for that speed and the elevation gain. My gas savings commuting, as compared to my Toyota Matrix, more than covers my payments, insurance and service costs.

The bike is very smooth and handles exceptionally well both in urban traffic and at speed on highways. I raised the windscreen to the high position and experience -0- helmet buffeting, even at 90 mph. The wind protection from such a small windscreen is amazing. All of the controls are easy to use and the instrumentation is exceptional to someone like me whose newest previous bikes were 1982 models. While acceleration isn’t in the GSXR ballpark, it is sprightly enough to easily pass any car on the road, other than a Porsche Turbo. The brakes can slow the bike down quickly and I found, when I mistakenly grabbed a handful of front brake at speed instead of easing it on, that I really needed a seat belt. Go easy on the front brake. The saddle bags are very roomy and I could easily travel for a week in the space provided without needing a backpack, tank bag or top case.

Complaints: I really need a different seat. The standard one is too low and I don’t think the tall one, which is only 20 mm higher, will be much of an improvement. Also the rise to the passenger pillion locks me into a position too close to the bars and too low. After more than an hour I end up sitting on the rise, which is literally a pain in the butt. I found the KLR seat in Ecuador to be more comfortable, even after 13 hour days in the saddle, than the WeeStrom seat, because it is taller and relatively flat which gives me room to move back and forth instead of locking me in. Also, the seat feels pretty cushy for the first half hour, then it starts to collapse. I will be calling Sargent about seat options soon. Second, how Suzuki ever advertised this bike as dual sport, I will never know. If you have aspirations of riding on anything rougher than a well maintained dirt road, get a different bike. I tried it and when the going gets rough, this bike sucks. Third, the bike does not come with a centerstand which makes oil changes and chain lubing a matter of guess and good luck until you install one. I recommend the OEM Suzuki stand which is easy to install (except for the retraction springs which really require a pair of spring pliers, not Suzuki’s recommended tool). You can find one online for lots less than MSRP. Fourth, there is no skid plate and the oil filter is extremely exposed to potential road hazards. Fifth, the locks on the saddle bags are a little cheesy and can be hard to operate. Also, despite the advertisements, I cannot fit my HJC modular helmet in the largest saddlebag, in fact my wife’s size XS Z-1R helmet won’t fit.

Overall, I really love this bike and am very satisfied. Once I get the seat and skid plate problems resolved, I will be a very happy motorcyclist. While I would love to try a Triumph Tiger or an F800 GS, I cannot imagine that I would find them worth the extra money, and the R1200 GS is definitely way out of my price range. Every bike needs to be modified some to make it your personal dream. This one takes a lot less modification than any other I have ridden in years. I come home from work with a smile on my face.
Read Full Review

best in it's class

I have been riding BMWs all my life and they have gotten too expensive to not only buy, but to own. I recently purchased a 650 adventure and let me tell you, it is the closest to a BMW GS I have ever ridden. Not only half the price, but almost just as good of a bike. Only items it needs is a diff...erent wind screen, bar backs and an aftermarket exhaust. What a wonderful bike. It's ablility to handle my 290 pound frame is great and the pickup/power is great for a bike of this size. I would highly reccomend this bike to anyone. Read Full Review

Traveller's best Friend

This is a bike that gives that comforting feel of a machine you can depend on anywhere, anytime. It's uncanny ability to take corners and very good riding position make it ideal for long rides. Being 6'4" I had to change the stock windshield but my shorter bike friends tell me it provides ample... protection which I can agree with because ducking will immediately take me I to a very silent zone where I can still hear it's very smooths and quiet engine hum at 100km/h. It's fuel economy is very good though not as good as advertised which I attribute to my height give that shorter riders get up to a 1l off while riding it.
I love it and I would buy it again any time :) Read Full Review