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2004 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom |
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Monday, 20 September 2004 |
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Page 3 of 3
| So there's no argument about that motor, the ergonomics live up to the task too. With a nice comfortable bum shaped seat we managed over 220 miles on our outing that contained a fair about of monkey business with absolutely no monkey butt. The credit also goes to the excellent wind protection. That front fairing is very aerodynamically efficient and guides air up and around your upper body. The screen is three-way adjustable and I tried both the lower and upper positions - just like Goldilocks I found the middle position to be "just right". Also, if I leant into the fairing at speed I experienced absolutely zero noise (apart from the motor). |
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Bigger is better sometimes though, in this case a nice size tank pays homage to a 22 liter capacity (nearly 6 gallon) tank. Storage is sportbike typical but Suzuki has promised some natty trunk and hard bags for those long stages on your personal Paris-Dakar trip. A Suzuki labeled tank cover is coming too, as is a center stand and alternative windscreen sizes. |
| By the way, the top speed of the bike (late 120's) was obtained (apparently) either sitting up or laying down. It made no difference. Deflection from truck wash also declined to upset the bike either - Good job with that fairing. The instrumentation wedged within that bodywork is specifically doo-dad free. It's an easy to read set of old school analog-style tachometer and speedometer with some LCD trickery between, namely a clock, digital fuel bar and temperature gauge and the usual array of idiot lights. |
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At the rear of the bike we have a pretty substantial alloy luggage rack that offers plenty of tie down points and a decent set of pillion grab rails as well. The exhaust is tucked in nice and high and tight. There's also a remote preload adjuster nearby and it certainly sharpened up the steering when cranked to the upper end of its range. That adjustability will be especially handy for loaded or two-up sorties. |
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So what we have here is a very capable shake and bake version of the SV series. It's rider friendly and as a proper do-it-all bike, it's the ultimate urban commuter. The bigger V-Strom is very sought after in Suzuki's demo rides proving an interest in this genre. This bike is the right size and most certainly the right money at an amazing $2400 bucks cheaper than that 1000. That's a lot of money to put towards your gas bill and consequently the potential of a considerable amount of fun (s)mileage on this newbie.
Mike Emery
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| Specifications |
DL650 V-Strom
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| Engine: |
645cc, four-stroke, lc, 90 degree V-twin, DOHC, 8-valves |
| Bore Stroke: |
81.0 x 62.6mm |
| Compression Ratio: |
11.5:1 |
| Fuel System: |
Fuel Injection |
| Lubrication: |
Wet sump |
| Ignition: |
Digital/Transistorized |
| Transmission: |
6-speed |
| Final Drive: |
#530 chain |
| Overall Length: |
2290mm (90.2 in.) |
| Overall Width: |
840mm (31.9 in.) |
| Overall Height: |
1390mm (54.7 in.) |
| Seat Height: |
820mm (32.3 in.) |
| Wheel Base: |
1540mm (60.6 in.) |
| Ground Clearance: |
165mm (6.5 in.) |
| Dry Weight: |
189kg (417 lbs.) |
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Suspension Front:
Suspension Rear:
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Telescopic, cartridge-type, oil damped, adjustable preload
Link-type, adjustable spring preload and rebound damping |
| Brakes Front/Rear: |
Dual hydraulic disc/Single hydraulic disc |
| Tires Front/Tires Rear: |
110/80R-19 - 150/70R-17 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: |
22 liter (5.8 gal.) |
| Color: |
Blue, Black |
| Price |
$6599 |
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