Suzuki DL650 V-Strom 650: review, history, specs

Suzuki DL650 V-Strom 650
Manufacturer	Suzuki
Production	2004 - 2009
Class	Sport touring
Engine	four-stroke, liquid cooled, 90 degree V-twin, DOHC, 8-valves
Bore / Stroke	81.3mm x 81.3mm
Compression ratio	11.5:1
Horsepower	67.05 HP (50.0 KW) @ 9000RPM
Torque	47.21 ft/lbs (64.0 Nm) @ 7600RPM
Fuel System	Electronic Injection
Transmission	Gear box: 6 Speed, manual Final Drive: #525 chain Clutch: Wet multi-disc, manual
Suspension	Front: Telescopic, cartridge-type, oil damped, adjustable preload Rear: Link-type, adjustable spring preload and rebound damping
Brakes	Front: Sual 310mm discs 2 piston caliper Rear: Single 260mm disc 1 piston caliper
Front Tire	110/80 R19 M/C 59H, tubeless
Rear Tire	150/70 R17 M/C 69H, tubeless
Wheelbase	61.18 inches (1554 mm)
Length	90.2 inches (2291 mm)
Width	33.11 inches (841 mm)
Seat Height	32.28 inches (820 mm)
Weight	217.0 kg (wet)
Recommended Oil	Suzuki ECSTAR 10w40
Manuals	Service Manual

The Suzuki DL650 V-Strom 650 was a four-stroke, liquid cooled, 90 degree V-twin, DOHC, 8-valves Sport touring motorcycle produced by Suzuki between 2004 and 2009. Max torque was 47.21 ft/lbs (64.0 Nm) @ 7600 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 67.05 HP (50.0 KW) @ 9000 RPM.

Engine

A 81.3mm bore x 81.3mm stroke result in a displacement of just 645.0 cubic centimeters.

Drive

The bike has a 6 Speed, manual transmission. Power was moderated via the Wet multi-disc, manual.

Chassis

It came with a 110/80 R19 M/C 59H, tubeless front tire and a 150/70 R17 M/C 69H, tubeless rear tire. Stopping was achieved via Sual 310mm discs 2 piston caliper in the front and a Single 260mm disc 1 piston caliper in the rear. The front suspension was a Telescopic, cartridge-type, oil damped, adjustable preload while the rear was equipped with a Link-type, adjustable spring preload and rebound damping. The wheelbase was 61.18 inches (1554 mm) long.

2004 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom 650

The 2004 MY V-Strom 650 is the smaller sibling of the DL1000, and it shares its character and streetability. The bike was designed as a slightly scaled-down model of the big Strom, but many of the features present in the flagship tourer are present in the smaller one, too, including the gauges and the looks of the dash, and all the amenities which make life easier on two wheels.

Adjustable suspensions, enhanced ergonomics and good weather protection are key features of the bike, too, just like the generous fuel tank and the good loading capacity.

2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom 650

The 2005 model year Suzuki bikes have received a new color for the frame, wheels and swingarm. Suzuki decided that black is the new cool, so all the metal parts went this way, and the V-Strom 650 makes no exception. The bike retains the all-rounder character, without neglecting the sporty street vibe. If you're thinking about some hardcore off-roading, you might choose a different bike, because the cast wheels are not the best for such a purpose.

If you're envisaging occasional gravel however, the 2005 MY V-Strom 650 is a great bike which can do city and countryside effortlessly and which is also a glorious touring companion for the vacation.

2006 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom 650

The 2006 MY DL650 V-Strom 650 is a neat choice for road adventures. The bike sports a comfortable riding position, good ground clearance and compact, easy-to-flip profile inspired by the off-road machines. The suspensions are also taller and more compliant, making riding on any types of roads easier and more pleasant, with the enhanced comfort of touring-focused engineering.

The 650 Strom can also receive side cases and a top case and becomes a very efficient travel bike. Effortlessly carrying two persons and their gear at highway speed and being equally fun and agile in the urban environment, the V-Strom 650 is a perfect middleweight all-rounder.

2007 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom 650

The 2007 DL650 V-Strom 650 brings new cylinder heads with dual spark plugs for better fuel combustion, increased efficiency and reduced emissions. Otherwise, the small V-Strom has not received radical changes, and riders will be able to enjoy the same nimble bike with compact, easy-to-flip design, moderate weight and excellent luggage-carrying capacity.

A bike much better adapted to road touring, the DL650 V-Strom 650 can also do off-road, but riders should never forget they are rolling with cast wheels, which do not take kindly of boulders, potholes and rough terrain. But if only a fire road and some gravel are in your way, you should definitely to just fine.

2008 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom 650

Suzuki has not added significant upgrades to its middleweight adventure bike. The 2008 MY V-Strom 650 arrives in two elegant color schemes, with the all-time favorite black one complemented by the bright yellow traditional Suzuki livery.

The 2008 MY V-Strom 650 sports the same awesome streetability and worthiness on light off-road trails, but remembering you're riding on cast wheels is always a good thing prior to venturing into harder off-road sectors. The bike can do well, especially when equipped with more off-road tires. Highway speeds are no problem for the V-Strom, even with luggage and a passenger, while weather protection is much better than what DR-class dual-sport bikes offer.

2009 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom 650

The 2009 MY V-Strom 650 retains most of the character of its liter-class sibling, but addresses the needs of riders who are more fond of a middleweight travel bike. Indeed, the 650 version of the V-Strom is a tad smaller and lighter than the DL1000, and this also enhances maneuverability at low speed and stability when straying from the asphalt strip.

The V-Strom 650 has versatile suspensions and will also offer a good ride on hard-packed trails and light gravel, as long as you bear in mind the fact that the wheels are cast and you have no tubes inside. As for the long-range versatility, the V-Strom 650 can receive panniers, a top-case, engine guards and more amenities like it.