Why I sold my Suzuki Vstrom 650

After spending several thousand miles, crossing the USA Nourth to South on the 2014 Suzuki Vstrom DL1000 I will never buy another Suzuki Vstrom 650. I sold my V650 TOYstrom and keeping the Vstrom DL1000 with it's beefier motor, USD front forks and better handling and ergonomics. Bye, bye DL650 #suzukivstrom #vstrom1000 #vstrom650

[mrbienvenu]

Wow 😂 I went the other way. I just picked up a 2015 650 and like it much more. 😊

[renefeijen]

Coming from a Honda Varadero 1000 I bought a V Strom 650A brand new last week. Now got 1100 km already. I don't drive off-road. I can confirm that it is a bit less comfortable, it gets a bit wobbly, esp when winds are blowing, at high speeds than the Varadero 1000 and I suppose indeed the V Strom 1000. But I like the comfort at lower speeds, and the handling in the garage, U turns low speed riding or walking, uphill starting up on a bend in the road etc. I am getting older (60 years). The choice is very personal. You compared both for real, so you made your personal best choice. Happy riding!

[OneOldManRiding]

Congrats on embracing the 1000 Dave! - Frank

[reksubbn]

I love my 650. Riding around Tasmania with my wife for 2 weeks next week. She's 62 so taking it easy. If I updated though I think there are better options than the 1000.

[richardwhitehead]

For droning down interstate-type highways, sure. But, for those of us who prefer unlined, beat up, sometimes unpaved, paths-less-traveled, the 650 is the way to go, imo. Of course, YMMV, as they say.

[DirtFishing]

Have had three 650's and gave up on all of them for reasons like you said. Finally bought a 1000 and to me there is no contest between the two. The 1000 is a keeper for me.

[royvinator]

I really enjoy your videos. It's in the low 20's up here in Prescott this morning, you'll need a good jacket next time you come up this way.

[FrankBonessa]

Have had 2 3rd gen 650's. Just bought a '24 1050 DE. Yeah, full of goodies you don't need. Seems to be a good bike. Time will tell. The 650 surely is easier to ride in the twisties. Anyone that craps all over the 650 is smokin' somethin'. They are truly great machines and I was proud to ride them. And to tell you the truth the forks were totally satisfactory for what I put it through and the front 2 pot brakes didn't bother me at all, just had to pull the lever a little harder. I'll miss 'em. Hope I didn't make a mistake.

[vtrack]

Good perspective on the differences on the 650/1000. I still find myself wanting one in addition to the 1000; probably, because of the great value and tubeless tires. I’ve been in a quandary on what bike to get to complement my VStrom 1000.

[jrdepew]

Sounds like a great deal on the jackets. My Son has the Induction and it has seen a lot of use. It’s great. Bike and jacket collection!

[verbalwidget]

I do, I get frustrated with Suzuki’s laziness. The V650 could be so much more with very little effort. The DR, DRZ, V650 and RMZ Mx bikes all are years and years behind the times. They roll out new old designs, BNG’s (bold new graphics) new colors but decades old designs.

[GreggBennett-jp]

‘It’s only got 1, 485 miles, and I’m putting it up for sale’. Interesting. Some people are very clear about what they want. Me, I’ve owned more bikes than I can even remember. One thing I’ve learned is that it often (not always) takes some time and miles to appreciate a bike. It’s interesting to get that ah ha feeling when you get what the designers were trying to do. But then again, some bikes just don’t work for some people (I sure have a list of bikes I’d never ride). When I first picked up my ‘06 650 Vstrom, I was kind of underwhelmed with it, but as the miles accumulated and I got more in tune with the bike, I now consider it a keeper. Cest la vie.

[clayfarnet]

Question, How does the weight feel between the two? Is there a noticeable difference between the two? My 2013 bmw rt gets a little heavy by the end of the day so I'm looking for something lighter to ride on 100-300 mile day trips.

[Motoramblings]

I think I would love the 1000, but for now, I just can’t part with the 650 right now. Replacing the VStrom with a VStrom is probably what I will do eventually…..

[docadventures]

Congratulations on selling the 650! All V-Stroms are great bikes but the 1000s are definitely better!

[yinyangthang]

Why not the "V" Strom 800??? I've owned a 2012 650, a 2014 1000, and a 2017 650. After putting many, iles on those three over the years, I'm keen on picking up the 800 for my next bike. Seems like it hits the sweet spot.

[TheBeardedGrump]

The 1000 is just an all around better bike. Unfortunately I think mine has seen its last days. I didn't have full coverage insurance and I think it has too much damage to be worth repairing 😞

[roadwarrior]

The 650 is a brilliant bike, fast enough the real world, keeps your speed down too, all the bike anyone needs.

[maciejswiercz]

Since you like going fast on the highway maybe the GSXR-1000 be a better choice for you ?

[cloud]

I have the chance to pick up a 2020 650 for $6, 700 at my local Triumph dealer.
My question to you guys out there that have owned them - at that price is it a good idea to pick it up and then invest the money in a high end suspension kit for better offroad capability? I want something that is offroad capable and comfortable to get me there.
For comparison - I'm considering a 24 Transalp, a 23/24 KTM 890 Adventure (reliability scares me), or possibly this bike that showed up at my dealership...the V-Strom 650.
Thank you for any replies.