Comments on: New Suzuki V-Strom 650 Pictures and Specifications Hit the Web (Bike Reports) (News)

By: Two Plugs

Two Plugs — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 05:55:47 +0000

Despite the fact that I’m a real Honda-man, I think – no I am convinced! – that Suzuki has made an spot-on decision with this overhaul of it’s most successful model; listening to their customers demands. Look what Honda did: they destroyed the Transalp, deleted the Africa Twin legacy and fed us up with an totally unwanted ‘adventurous’ trim on a ’98 based VFR Interceptor selling it as ‘The All New Crossrunner’. Unwanted, ugly, thirsty and (over) expensive.

You guys should praise Suzuki for what they did. Is an 800cc adventurous bike a better choice than the Soes 650? I don’t think so if you look at the huge price difference between a full spec Triumph Tiger 800 XC or a full spec BMW F800GS.

I have tested the old Strom 650 in the Belgian Ardennes and despite the fact that I’m used to a big, 100 Bhp Honda Varadero (the bike which the Strom DL1000 was mend to compete on the EU market) I never had the feeling that the Strom 650 had lack of power – not at all.

The fuel injection was (in those days) one of the best you could get.

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By: randy

randy — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 11:13:37 +0000

The Wee divides motorcyclists into two groups – those that are content with soft performance and low power to weight, and those who think lively performance is a necessary component of the bikes they own. To each their own, why get bothered if someone has different requirements then you?

I’ve test ridden two Wee’s looking to possibly buy but can’t get around the wee engine performance. Truly a bump to 750 or 800cc would have made them more universal. Like them otherwise and even (gads!) don’t mind the styling.

The Versys on the other hand does hurt my eyes but it sits nice, and feels loads lighter. Now if I can find one to test ride…

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By: Ed

Ed — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 16:42:34 +0000

Rick, bashing looks to be reasonable in this case. Suzuki teased us for weeks about a ‘new V-Strom’. this mild update of the old unit is far from new. Shortening the range and increasing the seat height don’t make it more of an adventure bike. The reduced range handicaps it compared to last year’s Strom. Calling a narowed tank and new shrouds a redesign is a poor marketing plow in my opinion. Adding the security chip to the key is another bad idea. Has been a major pain for the high dollar adventure bikes. Stroms can now fail just like Beemers.

I love bikes too, just don’t like having my chain yanked by a marketing department when engineering does not have real improvements in the offering.

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By: Zombo

Zombo — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 00:11:05 +0000

Liquid cooled bikes are heavier than the bikes of yesteryear , but can go over 100K miles without an engine rebuild . No offense to anyone , but based on the many of the riders I see out there today the best thing to reduce rolling mass would for the riders to go on a diet !

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By: Gronde

Gronde — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 18:03:20 +0000

Suzuki could do a lot better. Remember what motorcycles of 650 cc’s weighed in the old days? Look up the weights for a Triumph 650 and tell me what you think. Technology and 40 years of development haven’t helped one bit in making supposed adventure bikes any lighter.

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By: Rick

Rick — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 02:21:50 +0000

Gentlemen, I can’t believe the comments here. It’s ok if you don’t care for the wee, but there’s no bashing to be done. This bike has been a Suzuki staple for years. I have the ’07 and been nothing but pleased. And I own an ’09 KLR as well. Two different classes altogether as far as I’m concerned. The BMW 800 GS? Love it. Wished I could get one. 650′s just as cool frankly. I did look at the Kaw Versys a couple of months ago and was quite impressed with the sportier design, but ultimately didn’t feel like it was enough to rid myself of the Wee. I do like this new design of the Wee, and again, may not be for everyone, but definitely a great bike I’m sure. We all love our individual cycles, but the important things is, we all love motorcycles right? ’nuff disagreements with politics, religion, etc.

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By: MikeD

MikeD — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 18:42:53 +0000

“I think the product managers are just having fun with us, wondering how ugly they can make a bike that people will still buy.”

+1.

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By: Nicholas Weaver

Nicholas Weaver — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 18:05:48 +0000

Our household owns one of the first-of-the-dealer-lot VStrom 650s. Its the GF’s. We love it. And both my and the GF’s reaction was, well: “Meh”.

They didn’t drop weight beyond the savings from shrinking the tank.

They didn’t add any more power of note (yes, the WeeStrom has all the power you NEED, but we’d WANT more. ).

They didn’t make it better off road, OR change the tires to something better on-road.

They RAISED the seat (BOO).

Basically, if something happened to her strom, we’d probably replace it with a Versys, not another strom. At least the Versys is lighter and takes better rubber if you are sticking to things called “roads”.

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By: Don

Don — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:49:39 +0000

Excellent comment, at least a few people get it!!

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By: Tommy See

Tommy See — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:49:19 +0000

The last 3 comments make me smile! I`ve owned an 05 and now an 09.
Suzuki has a 650 following and they have won with this new design.
They are not after the KLR group or the 800 plus crowd.
Marketing has a machine that offers what the mass wants.
Reliable, fuel efficient and bang for the buck.
Plus better looks! You win Suzy. I want won !

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