General Comments:

The Suzuki V-Strom is the motorcycle for those who actually like to ride motorcycles rather than just keep them in the garage. Many claim that the bike is not sexy and not exciting enough. I would somewhat agree with the former, but definitely not with the latter. The motor is bulletproof and powerful enough for anything that any sane person would like to do. It does well on the highway (especially with an exchanged 16 T front sprocket) and has ample pulling power from low RPM. While the fairing may not be sexy, it is absolutely useful and well thought out. The V-Strom is a long-term love affair.

There are ample aftermarket options that anyone can use to customize and personalize the bike. Add a set of panniers (The Givi line offers excellent options) and your possibilities broaden from day rides and overnights to year long expeditions. I've found the bike no worse on fire and rougher dirt roads here in Colorado than any other street-oriented bike, but this one can be trail ready with a few of the before mentioned options, especially a skid plate. Anything that the V-Strom cannot do, and you are probably looking at dirt-oriented bikes such as the KLR or motocross.

If you want a motorcycle that is usable, generous, problem-free, and will serve you for many years, I can highly recommend the V-Strom.

Faults:

Replaced factory seat with Gel seat... works better, not great, but better.

Replaced windscreen with Givi unit and with some tweaking, it works better than the stock shield, again, not perfect but better.

No parts failures unrelated to normal wear. Just replaced brake pads, chain and sprockets. Pads still had about 1/3 to 1/2 left, chain was shot, starting to kink up.

General Comments:

Great fuel economy. Between 55 and 60 mpg most of the time at speeds less than 65 mph. Over 65 it gets worse quickly.

Great power anywhere above 4000 rpm.

Good handling especially with Works rear shock and stiffer spring. It can keep up with faster bikes in the twisties.

This is a great motorcycle to do everything with. Reasonable in cost, reasonably cheap to own. Performs well in many kinds of usage.

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

My first upright bike and I love it. Handles great and I can ride for hours at a time. Does not beat me to death.

Great torque. Zero to sixty time does not compare to my YZF600R, but the comfort is worth the trade off. Hardly no vibration.

Passenger ergonomics are good. Adjustable wind screen cuts down on buffeting; very quiet while riding at 70 mph.

Faults:

Nothing, so far.

General Comments:

Highway buffeting is a bit of a problem, but with the windshield raised it is not too bad. The bike is bigger and heavier than I expected for a 650 adventure-tourer, but this is good for highway riding.

The bike is much faster than I expected. It is quite easy to ride and very easy at speed. The seat and riding position are very comfortable.