My son bought his first real bike this year. A 2017 650 V-Strom XT. My GS is in the shop having the rear seal replaced so I just spent a few days on his doing Bruce Peninsula, Manitoulin Island and back home through Parry Sound.
My only real V-Strom experience was a 2008 V-Strom 1000 that I rented for 4 days. It was OK but Meh….
I’ll start off on a negative note. Getting off the GS the first thing I noticed was the power, or lack off it. There is nothing low down and it took a while to actually get used to actively shifting again. Having said that, the engine is buttery smooth and likes to rev, with only a slight vibration in the bars and pegs. Spending time above 6 or 7 RPM seems to be where this engine is most comfortable and after 2 days I was getting used to the engine and quite enjoying it. It’s really easy to ride and very well mannered. It would be no problem spending all day between 100 and 120. I was riding with the traction control set to 1 and it was really un-intrusive, although it was dry.
It’s a small bike compared to the GS and from what I remember of the V-Strom 1000. I’m only 5’8” but can comfortable hold the bike up with both feet. Even on some off road section with slippery loose sand/dirt and gravel it was never an issue (He has already changed the tires to TKC80’s). It seems really light as well, especially for a bike that’s probably about 500Lbs with luggage.
Ergos are great. Seat is all day comfortable and there is hardly any buffeting. All the wind went over my head and the wrap around hand guards are a nice feature. A pet peeve with the GS are the bars. I’ve had shoulder surgery and after 3 or 4 hours or so, particularly slabbing it, I need to take a long break. The bars on the V-Strom were much better. They felt narrower and in a more natural position. Maybe its time to replace the ones on the GS.
The 2 areas I expected to be disappointed with were Brakes and Suspension. The Brakes worked quite well. Two fingers for regular stops, 3 for more assertive braking. The suspension is not adjustable up front but worked well. I would have preferred a little more damping - maybe that just getting off the Telelever front end – and if it were mine I’d probably do springs and Racetech emulators. The back worked OK when I dialed up the pre-load a little. If I were going to spend money on it, it would definitely be the suspension.
I like the styling and the stacked headlights. It reminds me a little of the DR-Big. The body work does a good job of pushing the wind around you.
I think Suzuki did a good job. I liked it. If I was in the market for an Versys 650, BMW F700GS, or an NC700, I would also have a serious look at this.
My only real V-Strom experience was a 2008 V-Strom 1000 that I rented for 4 days. It was OK but Meh….
I’ll start off on a negative note. Getting off the GS the first thing I noticed was the power, or lack off it. There is nothing low down and it took a while to actually get used to actively shifting again. Having said that, the engine is buttery smooth and likes to rev, with only a slight vibration in the bars and pegs. Spending time above 6 or 7 RPM seems to be where this engine is most comfortable and after 2 days I was getting used to the engine and quite enjoying it. It’s really easy to ride and very well mannered. It would be no problem spending all day between 100 and 120. I was riding with the traction control set to 1 and it was really un-intrusive, although it was dry.
It’s a small bike compared to the GS and from what I remember of the V-Strom 1000. I’m only 5’8” but can comfortable hold the bike up with both feet. Even on some off road section with slippery loose sand/dirt and gravel it was never an issue (He has already changed the tires to TKC80’s). It seems really light as well, especially for a bike that’s probably about 500Lbs with luggage.
Ergos are great. Seat is all day comfortable and there is hardly any buffeting. All the wind went over my head and the wrap around hand guards are a nice feature. A pet peeve with the GS are the bars. I’ve had shoulder surgery and after 3 or 4 hours or so, particularly slabbing it, I need to take a long break. The bars on the V-Strom were much better. They felt narrower and in a more natural position. Maybe its time to replace the ones on the GS.
The 2 areas I expected to be disappointed with were Brakes and Suspension. The Brakes worked quite well. Two fingers for regular stops, 3 for more assertive braking. The suspension is not adjustable up front but worked well. I would have preferred a little more damping - maybe that just getting off the Telelever front end – and if it were mine I’d probably do springs and Racetech emulators. The back worked OK when I dialed up the pre-load a little. If I were going to spend money on it, it would definitely be the suspension.
I like the styling and the stacked headlights. It reminds me a little of the DR-Big. The body work does a good job of pushing the wind around you.
I think Suzuki did a good job. I liked it. If I was in the market for an Versys 650, BMW F700GS, or an NC700, I would also have a serious look at this.
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