Why I sold my Suzuki Vstrom 650
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- čas přidán 31. 10. 2023
- 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
- Auta a dopravní prostředky
Wow 😂 I went the other way. I just picked up a 2015 650 and like it much more. 😊
Same here 😆
A lot of other reviewers wouldn't agree with you that the 1000 is the "better" bike. The 650 is a budget bike, it sounds like your expectations were too high if you want adjustable forks etc. Just sounds like you tried something which had better components and you got disproportionately down on the 650. If you have realistic expectations for the money then you won't be disappointed.
True different reviews for different reasons. But if the 1980’s 43mm non-cartridge non-adjustable front forks are such an amazing fork, please tell me why Suzuki doesn’t use them on their V800’s or V1050’s ?
Why do the V800’s and V1050 get USD fully adjustable front forks?
And the V650 gets the different marginal front brakes. Suzuki has such a great bike with the V650 but they cripple it with weak little legs.
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.
Really "for me" I would rather be on the Vstrom 1000/1050 for everything street and dirt, the fully adjustable USD forks and better brakes give the bike an solid updated feel, and adjustable so you can dial the bike in. This was my 3rd V650, I have had all the generations, but one ride on the Vstrom 1000 was a game changer. In my eyes Suzuki could have had a bike that rivaled the Tenere T700 if they would have installed the Vstrom 1000/1050 suspension on the V650. Who puts nonadjustable, non-cartridge conventional forks on a 2021 machine? I like the bike but it needs better suspension. No other Vstrom has these wimpy crummy forks. The Vstrom 800, and V100/1050 all have modern USD front forks and brakes. Thank you for the comment.
@@verbalwidget7267 And those all cost more than the 650. If you want that for 650 money buy Chinese.
I use to feel the same way, I have had all 3 generations of Vstrom 650’s , a Vstrom 1000, and now a v1050, some of the first mods made to the V650 if it is to be taken off road are better Race Tech forks springs, drop in cartridges and a fork brace. I had all three of those on my gen 2 V650 and the front end was worlds better. But now your up to the price of a gen 2 V1000.
I never thought there would be much of a difference between the bikes but there is. And the front brakes on the V1000 make the V650’s brakes feel pathetic.
If you look at the vstrom 650’s competition they have had USD forks for years. Verseys, Tiger660, and CFMoto 650. You may think it’s ok to produce an almost $10k motorcycle with 1980’s 43mm non cartridge, non adjustable front suspension but I do not and that’s where we differ. There is no excuse why the gen 3 updated Vstrom 650 did not get the better forks and brakes from the V1000. Thank you for your comment.
Congrats on embracing the 1000 Dave! - Frank
You know all about the bike having rode one across the USA Frank. That was a great series that you did on the journey.
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.
Thank you, I'm glad that it is finally cooling down here in AZ, if only we could get some clouds and a few showers. It was a long dry blistering hot summer across the state that kept me inside more that I wanted. The Dakar jacket with something underneath would work fine but the vented Induction pants and jacket I picked up would be a bit cool right now in Prescott 🥶🥶🥶Cheers.
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.
The DL650 is a good reliable motorcycle, but ... Suzuki refuses to update the bike into the wonderful machine it truly could be. They do the same with a lot of their lineup, The DR650, DRZ400 and DL650 come to mind. They have a take it or leave it we don't care attitude. The V1000 has had USD forks for 10 years? Why not the DR650? If the DR650 suspension is so great, then tell me why didn't Suzuki choose to fit it to the Vstrom 800? That's just my opinion. The 1050 is a very nice machine.
@@verbalwidget7267 Get off of the usd fork bit. You're wearing it out. Seen your same comments on other channels. I doubt you push your 1000 hard enough to make use of them. I guess you like the pretty gold anodizing or somehing. You're a broken record. Toystrom my behind.
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.
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!
Hi JR, yes, the ride to get the Klim gear turned out to well worth it, scoring 3 items for the price of one, plus the guy was enjoyable to chat with. Money is always well spent upgrading your gear with snooty foo-foo Klim gear. Thank you JR
THE MIGHTY VERBAL WIDGET !!!! - Just amazing video, as always - And CONGRATS with over a Thousand subs !!!! - Thanks a lot asshole, now multiple commercials LOL - I think you made the right call for the riding that you do. Just awesome !!!!
OBI-WAN !! Hi brother, I'm not monetized I don't know why the commercials? You think I would be getting a pile of cash or something like that? The V1000 is a mush better and updated bike than the V650, just a joy to ride.
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.
Hi Tim, after riding both and having Gen 1,2 &3 V-Strom 650's (Toystrom) the V650 feel dorky and unfinished. Suzuki has a great motor but missed the boat (IMO) by not giving the bike the USD forks and brakes that they did on the Gen2 V1000. It is a squishy mess on and off the road. My Gen 2 V650 had RaceTech valves/springs with a fork brace and was better but not V1000 USD better. What Suzuki did to the V-Strom800 RE is what the V-Strom 650 needed. I am very tempted to go that route and kick the V1000 and KLR to the curb.
@@verbalwidget7267 I like the 800DE as well. Also the new road biased version.
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…..
That’s a good plan, I’m happy with the switch Bearded Grump was right the V1000 is such a better bike, even though it weighs more it feel lighter.
@@verbalwidget7267 good to know!!
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.
3? Why'd you keep buying them? DL 650's are excellent machines as is. I doubt most guys could tell the difference in performance of upgraded forks and brakes. No matter how many upgrades you guy's still wouldn't be happy as long as some other bike had something so called better.
Congratulations on selling the 650! All V-Stroms are great bikes but the 1000s are definitely better!
I agree with you DOC650, to me the V1000/V1050 is a more refined and modern package. As much as I hate heavy bikes the V1000 feels lighter than the V650 when riding, and the adjustable USD forks SHAME the 1960's oil/spring forks Suzuki insist on using with the V650. Maybe next year I will update to a Green V-Strom 800RE but the Montana V1000 (Monti) is paid for and check all the boxes.
Doc! VW is now onboard.
@@ParallelCamper You know it Rob!
are we talking the 1050 or the older 1000 vstoms
Saying goodbye to a friend. The 1000 seems to be the right solution for the big mileage adventure. Enjoy!
ROB!!! I was glad to see V650 go to a good home, the guy has already invited me to go ride but I had prior commitments. Big Red is still in the corral, and I will be thrilled to see it go and be down to just one V-Strom 1000. But, I must admit, Big Red took me on a bucket list ride that I had been wanting to do for years.
I would love a V strom 1000 but only allowed one bike and have the GSX S 1000. 😎 Take Care Mate
That's a heck of a machine, @ParallelCamper does videos on his beautiful GSX s 1000. Thank You
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 😞
Fortunately your VStrom is replaceable; you are not.
Greg, it's wonderful to see you online, I hope your recovery is going well, one day at a time, you are very blessed my friend. I do remember your comparison video on the V650 and V1000 and you sir were spot on. It's hard to believe the V650 is made by the same company as the V1000, there is that much of a difference. Sorry to hear about your damaged V-Strom 1000, I don't carry replacement coverage either for a $5000, 10 year old motorcycle. Cheers.
@@vtrack1963 You are so right Tim, being able to walk away from a crash like that is what's most important. Motorcycles and money come and go in this life and at the end of the day it is just stuff that can be replaced.
@@verbalwidget7267 FNA !!!! - I got a shed / house full of stuff... In the big picture, doesn't mean shit - Good Will, or maybe a garage sale....
OBI-WAN!!! @@pilotdane1
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.
Vstrom 800 looks to be a good bike, it features updated suspension and motor.
In fact I believe the vstrom 650 would be a great machine if Suzuki had only updated the V650 with the same USD forks and rear shock as the larger V1000/1050 had. The V650 motor is bulletproof it is held back by the chassis and suspension in my humble opinion.
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.
I own a 1000 so may be biased, but to me the weight difference feels negligible. Also, the gas mileage isn't that much better on the 650 from what I heard.
@gerloczyek you are correct sir. I have owned 2 Gen 2 V1000’s and my current V1050. I agree 100%
Save some $ and buy an older Kaw Voyager 1200 like I did, and you'll have less wind, more comfort and storage, and a really nice handling machine. An even cheaper option is to put a larger front sprocket on the 650 which makes it "less nervous" on the freeway.
Hi Jordan, I have already picked up a nice Vstrom 1000 that I really enjoy riding and sold the 650. I have put the 16 tooth countershaft sprocket on this and my Gen2 Vstrom and it really makes the bike a better machine. I have seen the Kawie Voyager's and they look like a great bike and very reliable. Thank you.
The fuel requirements and better mpg negate what little pluses the 1000 has for me. If I want better highway cruising and adv wouldn’t be my choice anyway. Imho the strom is a practical bike for a practical person. The 1000 is just less so
I consistently get 45-50 mpg , the wimpy front forks and weaker front brakes on the V650 make the bike feel incomplete, it wallows through the corners, dives during braking and flex off road. I’ve had all 3 generations of Vstrom 650 and they are reliable, my gen 2 needed heavier springs, drop in cartridges and a fork brace. My gen 3 needed the same but I rode a V1000 from Montana to Phoenix on and off road and the difference was amazing.
Did you sell/trade you DL650?
I did sell the 650, It was a very nice bike and had everything done to it to make it fit my needs, but after one ride on the Vstrom 1000 there was no comparison. I really think Suzuki neutered the bike with the wimpy front forks and brakes. The Vstrom 1000/1050 USD forks and
front brake would really transform the DL650 into another level.
Bro you're whack! The 650 is way better than the 1000
For me, it’s better, the V650 could have been a better bike if upgraded with the same front end as the V1000. The lack of modern suspension is its down fall.
Yeah, I hate my VStrom 650 too, 600 miles in and I'll never get to bond with it, awful bike for me. Top heavy, log, just hate it.
Would the 1050XT be a better bike for daily commute and moving through traffic? Traffic hates top heavy bike. I just sold my 247kg, 500cc bike and was eyeing the v650, but it looks like the 1050XT will be better. It's 2000usd more though.😢
@@ontwo-wheelsIf you want a lighter bike for traffics, stick with the DL650. The 1050 is significantly heavier with higher center of gravity.