Suzuki DL 650 vs DL 1000 race & acceleration

Suzuki V-Strom DL 1000 and Suzuki V-Strom DL 650 performance comparison.
Note that both of the V-Stroms present significant speedometer error so the actual speeds would in fact be lower than shown and the acceleration times would be a bit longer.

Still, it gives an adequate view on the real-life performance of the two, which has been a hot topic in the V-Strom owners society since Suzuki had launched the 650.

DL 1000 is equipped with K&N air filter and Two Brothers exhaust so it produces around 102 HP while the 650 - being stock - 67 HP.

Also, the head-to-head race and the accelerations have been performed in different places so the times are correct - the terrain was completely flat there.

[batcave]

I've owned the 650 is a much nicer bike to live with

[benjamincs]

I was like, "how do we know which ones which?"... 2 seconds later, I SEE which one's which.

[charakable]

Tested both in 2006 and chose the 650. Difference in power was not that big. Clutch force on 1000 gave me tendonitis. Sold the 650 after 10 years cause I wanted to try something new. Looked for alternatives like bmw 1200gs... Nothing convinced me. Going back now to the 650 Strom, with abs. ;)

[fredrikkhoffman]

The DL 650 stands no chance up against the DL1000... 35 % more Torqe 30 % more horsepower....   It is way faster, if someone thinks differently they have not ridden dhe DL 1000....
But, the DL650 is one fast 650 that's for shure !

[tobywoodard]

Very informative video for comparing the two. I am really hoping to purchase my first 650 V-strom next year. The thought alone excites me greatly! Also, thank you so much for not polluting your awesome video with some loud, rude, and obnoxious rap (or other garbage) soundtrack!

[artisan]

a friend of mine had a two brothers exhaust on his 06 Strom and i miss the sound of that bike. My next two wheeled investment will be a Strom with that exhaust. LOVE IT!

[JGStoopy]

No fair, looks like the Wee rider had his left turn signal on the whole time! :)

[johnnyViDeO]

I've owned both: a '06 1000 and a 2012 650A. IMHO, the DL650A is superior in most respects: ABS, better economy, smoother, quieter engine, better overdrive gear, nicer styling, less expensive, and a bit lighter. The only advantage to the 1000: POWER! Specifically, 30+ HP advantage over the 650. That translates to more excitement when you twist the throttle. Something's gotta

[westfletcher]

Great video. I now own both . Fantastic motorcycles.

[RealJayPowell]

good vid. Now you need to do a head to head on twisties. I suspect the wee will have a slight advantage there.

[alxx]

The point is that you can travel all day with 170 with the big one. Ancona Milano in less than three hours. Coming from Greece.

[enigmaa]

is this bike ok for many hours long mileages a on motorways at high speeds ? Or this is more a bike for cruising at speeds up to 120-140 km/h?

I imagine DL 1000 is somewhat better with passenger and full load or it doesn't matter much?

[ylism]

The horn honker was at a disadvantage, they could not rev it's motor as easy, or it would have been a little faster. 

[lltnfdi]

great video! This excellent editing may give high merit to which bike I buy. For a reliable long distance bike, do you prefer the 1000? I plan to cross some gaps with this moto.

[Motobobber]

Speedo read 9% fast.
The 650 is great on lanes, B roads and A Roads even two up.
Solo I gave a 701 sm a run for its money on a fast twisty road, its a genuine 110 motorcycle.
Only on the motorway two up you miss some grunt, it feels like it needs another gear but then it probably wouldnt pull it.
I normally cruise at 6-6.5k in top about 75-80.
If your prepared to hold it around 7k rpm it will hold 85 with some left for overtaking but Its probably not so frugal then.
Ive never ridden the 1000 but I imagine it must feel like my 1100 Guzzi, not really faster but more grunt.??
That said its alot lighter and Im gonna fit some 50/50s and take it on some easy offroad tracks.
If it had 10 more bhp it would be perfect as is its 8/10

[zbyszkozbogdanca]

Cześć czy jak bym chciał zmienić wydech w dl 1000 z 2007 to muszę coś jeszcze dłubać oprócz tego?

[IRQConflict]

Nice. So which one is better off road?

[MaximilianScott]

Something is wrong with the 650. My 650 was going up to 200 km/h on worn engine and then up to 210 km/h on a new healthy engine. But the acceleration here is the same as mine was.

[fireoil]

bit disapointed for the 650, have same engine as Suzuki sv 650s and it can't go up to 180km/h easy. My sv 650s gone 226km/h i remember it was funnier. But yes the dl strom is more comfortable, i did 5300 km trip with my svs 650, great bike and nice looking, but for sure the comfort is a mess if you plan trip in small roads