The Venerable Suzuki V-Strom 650 is taking a bow in the next few months because Suzuki is discontinuing the DL650. This is because of the strict new emission regulations, particularly in Europe, which would require costly engine and R&D updates.
The great news for SA is that this ridiculously cost-effective adventure tourer is still available for the foreseeable future.
For some reason, we’ve ridden this bike a lot over the last couple of months, first on a ride out to Jericho Rock, then the guys from Bikeshop Rivonia loaned us a basically brand new one to go and visit the Cancervive team – and then our friend Tumelo used one on a Trip to Lesotho and back.
We understand exactly why this bike is a solid favourite.
We’ll be sad when it’s no longer on the showroom floors, however, Suzuki has focussed on their significantly higher performance 800.
What makes the 650 V-Strom so popular?
The first reason worth looking at is the fact that it only costs R166 650 brand new.
We use the term ONLY with gravity because we do appreciate that it’s still a significant number, but, particularly in todays world, you do get an awful lot of motorcycle for that money.
For your money you get:
Suzuki’s legendary V-Twin engine that puts out roughly 70 BHP and is as reliable as an anvil. Oh yes, the fuel injected engine comes standard with Suzuki’s “Low RPM Assist” anti stall system and a one touch starter.
A decent 20 lt tank that will see you travel in excess of 300KM’s between refills.
One of the most comfortable seats in the business and a big touring screen.
A simple, old school analogue, digital display that tells you everything that you might need to know.
3 different levels of traction control – and ABS of course.
Decent suspension with rebound adjustment out back and proper brakes, dual 310mm front discs with twin-piston calipers and a single 260mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper.
She rolls on 19, 17 wheel combination, spoked rims and tubeless tyres.
Read that all again if you like, we guarantee that you’ll battle to find better value just about anywhere.
Facts on paper (Or in this case on screen) and sales blurb from manufacturers and importers are all good and well – but a motorcycle needs to make a rider feel good and that’s exactly what the 650 V-Strom is so good at.
Suzuki built a bike that is good at – well everything really. It’s massively comfortable on the road, easily whisking a rider up to speeds well in excess of the national speed limit.
We’ve taken a few pillions along for the ride and they’ve all smiled the whole way.
Read the bit about the seat, screen, brakes, wheels and suspension.
Combine it all and it works so very well. The bike is not tall or bulky. Carving through traffic is a pleasure and touring is a rather civilised, comfortable affair.
She’s really comfortable in the gravel, but does have an achilles heel when it comes to thick sand. The smaller wheels need a bit more body english. For those endless South African gravel roads that we love, the 650 V-Strom is still a seriously accomplished option.
We’ve cruised the streets of JHB, Pretoria and Maseru. We’ve taken the bike to Bushmans Pass in Lesotho to watch the manne battling it out. We’ve been to Kruger Park, taken in the Debengeni falls and enjoyed a carton or two of Mageu under huge baobab trees.
We’ve been to Katse, ridden down Normandien Pass and up Sani. We’ve been to Val and watched sunsets on Breedts Nek.
The list is long and it’s been fun.
And every time, we’ve returned thinking…
“Damn that’s a great bike.”
We’ll be sad when it’s no longer on the showroom floors.
The yellow pre-loved one came from Bikeshop Rivonia.
It has 5600 KM’s on the clock and will cost you R149900.
Thanks guys.
The other one is from Suzuki South Africa.
A brand new one will cost you R166 650.
