As a road tester, used V-Stroms don't tug at my heart strings, but they always manage to impress

Suzuki’s V-Strom adventure bike range has often been a case of function over form, and the very early versions quickly gained a reputation for challenging styling but excellent practicality.

As they have been made for so many years there will be a V-Strom out there to suit any wallet or level of riding experience with a 250, 650, 1000 and even 1050 in the range.

Related: Adventure riding gear buying guide

They may not be the sexiest of bikes but owners rave about the V-Strom’s ability to effortlessly soak up the miles. Here are five great used V-Strom options to tempt you…

Read on for our expert guide to the venerable Suzuki V-Strom line-up!

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MCN Recommended: 2017 – Current Suzuki V-Strom 650 – £3800 – £8999

DR-BIG influence makes for an appealing buy

Spec:

• Power 71bhp
• Engine capacity 645cc
• Seat height 830mm
• Kerb weight 213kg

In 2017 Suzuki attempted to inject a bit of pizazz into the middleweight V-Strom 650 through a substantial, and eye-catching, redesign. Influenced from by firm’s classic DR-BIG, the two updated V-Stroms were not only much more rugged-looking, they also came with traction control and ABS. Digging a bit deeper, you soon discover that the bike is pretty much the same as its predecessor, bar an update to allow the twin to meet Euro4 and a new exhaust. But if you want an easy-going commuter, the V-Strom 650 is a very decent option.

Suzuki V-Strom 650 used buying advice

• A few owners complain of rusty spokes on the XT model. Once the rot sets in you can be left facing a sizeable bill to fix it.
• The finish is generally quite good but owners do highlight corrosion forming on parts such as exhaust clamps, fasteners etc.
• If you want luggage, buy a bike with it already fitted, and check the key both works the ignition and opens the panniers. Suzuki added the ‘one-key’ system from the V-Strom 1000 on the 2017-on 650.

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2002 – 2008 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 – £1500 – £4500

This one goes better than it looks, thankfully

Spec:

• Power 98 bhp
• Engine capacity 996cc
• Seat height 840mm
• Kerb weight 230kg

The first V-Strom 1000 is an easy-going and effective mile-muncher. Powered by a version of the TL’s engine, it has bags of low-end drive and although undeniably a touch lardy, the chassis is solid and secure and it makes for a brilliant (if a bit spongy) two-up tourer. Oddly, Kawasaki launched a short-lived KLV1000 in 2004, which is basically just a re-badged V-Strom 1000 in a slightly different set of clothes.

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 used buying advice

• The throttle bodies should be balanced every 7500 miles. Failure to do so results in a jerky response and poor economy.
• If there is a C24 fault being displayed, chances are that the front coil is starting to fail. A new coil is around £100 but cleaning the connectors often sorts it.
• Don’t be alarmed if the clutch basket rumbles at tickover, it generally doesn’t lead to failure.

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2017 – 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 250 – £2000 – £3500

It’ll return 88mpg… but feels a bit breathless

Spec:

• Power 24.7bhp
• Engine capacity 248cc
• Seat height 800mm
• Kerb weight 188kg

Powered by an aging parallel twin taken from the Inazuma, the V-Strom 250 is left feeling breathless fairly quickly and is disappointing to ride as a result. It certainly has its plus points, mainly the fact it can do 88mpg and squeeze nearly 300 miles from the 17.3-litre tank, but very budget feeling suspension detracts from its handling. Thanks to its ‘big-bike’ design the V-Strom 250 is fairly comfortable but there are classier A2-legal adventure options.

Suzuki V-Strom 250 used buying advice

• ABS is standard fitment on the V-Strom 250, but low build quality can see sensor rings corrode. Be very wary of an ABS warning light.
• The shock is a weak area. Replacements are about £300.
• The exhaust system can rust, quickly. Check for holes. While replacement systems are cheap, they can be a nightmare to fit.

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2004 – 2016 Suzuki V-Strom 650 – £1200 – £5000

This do-it-all is a basic delight for not much cash

Spec:

• Power 66bhp
• Engine capacity 645cc
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 209kg

Yes, it may be ‘just’ an SV650 converted into an adventure bike but as a package it works brilliantly. The V-Strom 650 makes for a wonderful commuter that’s also more than happy to be taken touring. The V-twin is peppy enough to keep up with bigger bikes and it handles well and is very comfortable. And the 2011-onwards model even looks pretty handsome…

Suzuki V-Strom 650 used buying advice

• A few bikes develop camchain tensioner issues, so listen out for that tell-tale rattle, and also inspect the front cylinder’s exhaust studs. They are in direct line of fire from road crud, so rust terribly and can be a nightmare to remove.
• Check the front cylinder area for rust. Water gets trapped in the spark plug’s hole (there is a drain, check it is clear by poking some wire up it), leading to the plug rusting and a misfire. Inspect the radiator for rot while you are at it.

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2014 -2019 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 – £4000 – £7500

Better-looking iteration – and with more tech thrown in

Spec:

• Power 100bhp
• Engine capacity 1037cc
• Seat height 850mm
• Kerb weight 228kg

Suzuki reintroduced the V-Strom 1000 in 2014, but it was pretty similar to the old version. Is that a bad thing? Not really as Suzuki did update a few fairly critical areas. As well as increasing capacity from 996cc to 1037cc, the new V-Strom gained ABS and traction control as standard as well as upgraded brakes, suspension and DR-BIG inspired styling.

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 used buying advice

• The starter motor can suffer from corroded wires and worse. If it fails, a new unit is a terrifying £900 from Suzuki (it can sometimes be rebuilt for less by an expert).
• The shock’s preload is known to seize. Check it moves freely.
• The V-Strom’s service intervals are every 7500 miles with its valve clearances requiring checking at 15,000 miles. The valve-clearance service will set you back around £600, so bear this in mind on a higher-mileage bike.