SUZUKI V-STROM 650 XT (2017-on) Motorcycle Review
Highlights
- Tried and tested 650 V-twin engine
- Economical option in middleweight adventure market
- Softer suspension handles UK roads well
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £170 |
| Power: | 71 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.7 in / 830 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (476 lbs / 216 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesSuzuki have taken an already good bike and made it great - not because it boasts all the latest tech, but because it does the simple things even better - and that's all that really matters.
Suzuki have unveiled the new colour options available on their V-Strom 650 and SV650 for 2021. The models’ long-lived V-twin engine has also been tweaked to make it through Euro5 emissions regulations.
The more off road focused XT version is still available in the classic bright yellow with gold rims and grey with blue rims but both have been slightly tweaked for the new year. There is also a new red and black variant with black rims and a white, gold and black option with gold rims.
For 2022, Suzuki added some extra colours to the mid-sized V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 650XT adventure machines. If you want the fancy yellow paint, which is arguably Suzuki’s trademark colour for off-roading, then you’ll need to plump for the spoked wheel XT.
Also available for the XT in 2022 are white with blue and an all-black option. Both bikes come with Suzuki’s 645cc v-twin as well as simple electronics such as ABS and traction control.
The biggest draw to the 650 though is really the price, with the with its wire wheels, handguards and lower cowling priced at £8299.
For 2023, Suzuki added a new V-Strom 800 DE to the range. This parallel-twin version of the bike will sit alongside the 650 as a more powerful version that stops short of the range-topping 1050.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe rear suspension is preload adjustable, with no adjustment available on the forks, but Suzuki have done a great job dialing in the standard settings, which sit on the slightly soft side of plush. On motorways the suspension soaks up the bumps with ease, and isn’t troubled by bigger bumps.
When it comes to the cornering the suspension copes just as well, soaking up any bumps and doing a great job of keeping you on your desired line. There’s no dramatic fork drive when you hit the brakes, and the rear shock doesn’t immediately compress when you get on the gas, the bike just remains level and balanced and leaves you to concentrate on the job of riding.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe SV650 engine remains as fun and flexible as ever. Making 71bhp it's right at home up near the redline as it is driving out of corners from 3000rpm. On the twisty mountain roads in Tarragona, Spain the V-Strom almost turned into a scooter thanks to the flexibility of the engine.
Stick it in third gear and it'll drive out of tight 20mph hairpins without bogging down. There are a few tingles through the bars and seat at around 7000rpm, but nothing too intrusive. The V-twin engine used in the V-Strom should go down as one of the best engines of all time.
First used all the way back in 1999 in the 'curvy' SV, the liquid-cooled lump in the V-Strom has barely changed over the years and is a no-nonsense, torquey motor you can't help but love.
It's one of the last remaining middleweight V-twin engines in production - most have been replaced by parallel cylinder configurations - and many have assumed it would disappear from Suzuki's line-up years ago.
It sounds great with a fruity end can fitted, too.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe SV650-based engine has been around since the nineties and is pretty bulletproof. Not only have Suzuki built millions of the things, but for many years they were the engine of choice for mini twin racers who tuned and revved the nuts off them. So they should run and run on the road, no problem.
Suzuki used to have a slightly iffy reputation when it came to finishing, especially on their more budget models, but that's no longer the case. That said, have a really good poke around for rust - especially if it looks like a previous owner enjoyed a greenlane or two.
There's not much in terms of tech to go wrong either so if the service history is good, you shouldn't run into any problems. A can of ACF-50 wouldn't hurt if you ride through winter.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentIf you told me the V-Strom 650 XT cost just shy of £9000 I wouldn't be entirely surprised, nor would I turn my nose up. At £7899 it's great value for money, and if you're being honest with yourself it's likely all the bike you'll ever need.
We put the V-Strom through its paces on the UK's toughest test route, the MCN250 against the Honda NC750X and Yamaha Tracer 7 to see which would come out on top.
They may all be middleweights but each has its own approach. The Suzuki is a workhorse of a bike that would make a fabulous commuter as it just gets on with the job.
It has the best range, the biggest tank, the most protective fairing (aside from its screen’s irritating adjustability...) and the squishiest seat – but it also has the least impressive motor.
The Honda is also a workhorse but it is one with a bit more style, tech and practicality. The storage compartment is a genius idea, the DCT gearbox will split opinions but for mundane rides it certainly reduces the strain while its handling is sporty yet still nicely safe and secure.
It’s not sexy but it is remarkably efficient and fun to ride briskly within its chassis’ parameters. But for us it feels too much like a ‘tool’ rather than a bike to be enjoyed, making it a bit too car-like when compared to the entertaining Tracer 7.
The Yamaha isn’t perfect and taller riders will find it cramped but it is most fun to ride, has the best handling and also the most spirited engine. It’s a bike that, while it can handle a commute, is much better deployed for enjoyable weekend rides rather than a rush-hour slog.
If that sounds like your motoring then buy the Tracer, if you are looking to hack through the traffic, we’d pick the Suzuki (and haggle a bargain price on it), while if you want the best of both worlds it’s the Honda.
You might also consider the Kawasaki Versys 650, Yamaha Ténéré 700 or Triumph Tiger Sport 850.
Equipment
The V-Strom 650 XT certainly isn't in the same league as the top adventure bikes when it comes to gizmos, but it doesn't need them.
You get ABS and traction control as standard and the screen is adjustable with allen keys. A 12V socket is now standard but heated grips (a £270 option) and cruise control are absent and would make sense on a bike that's likely going to be used on long trips and in all weathers.
The LCD/analogue combination screen is easy to read and there's a certain satisfaction to be had from watching a physical needle climb with your revs - a rarity in these days of TFT ubiquity.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 645cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 90 degree liquid-cooled V-twin |
| Frame type | Aluminium twin spar |
| Fuel capacity | 20 litres |
| Seat height | 830mm |
| Bike weight | 216kg |
| Front suspension | Non-adjustable conventional forks |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock adjustable for preload |
| Front brake | 2 x 310mm discs with twin-piston sliding calipers |
| Rear brake | 260mm disc with single pot pin sliding caliper |
| Front tyre size | 110/80R19M |
| Rear tyre size | 150/70R17M |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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| Average fuel consumption | - |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £117 |
| Annual service cost | £170 |
| New price | £7,899 |
| Used price | £6,000 - £7,300 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | - |
Top speed & performance |
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| Max power | 71 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 45 ft-lb |
| Top speed | - |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | - |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2004 - Suzuki V-Strom 650 introduced
- 2011 - Suzuki V-STrom 650 updated and ABS model introduced
- 2017 - Suzuki V-STrom 650 XT added
Other versions
MCN Long term test reports
Long term update: A tale of two XTs
My friend Bradley quit his job, left his missus, tucked his Honda Hornet in a garage and bought a Yamaha XT660R. He’s leaving next week for a seven-month ride through Europe and Turkey to Georgia. But before he gets away we went out to compare our bikes. We’ve similar levels of crash protection, but…
Owners' reviews for the SUZUKI DL650 V-STROM XT (2017 - on)
11 owners have reviewed their SUZUKI DL650 V-STROM XT (2017 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your SUZUKI DL650 V-STROM XT (2017 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £170 |
Version: XT
Year: 2023
It's the most easy to ride bike I've had, I put a taller screen on as the standard produced buffeting in all settings, my feet to my knees get quickly soaked in rain, the water seems to be blown or splashed more than other bikes I've owned but that's easily sorted with good boots. The best feature is how easy it is to ride and manoeuvre with a fantastic flexible engine. Hugely exceeding my thoughts before riding one. Definitely recommend it to anyone who rides daily or even distances
It's at its best when you don't notice it! This sounds daft but it's not a limelight bike, it's very happily under the radar, it's fast enough as long as you keep it's mild power in mind and not compare it to a ducati. It's very comfortable for easy 2hr stretches, with easily adjusted preload and a couple more psi in the rear my partner can almost fall asleep as pillion. My only slight criticism is the seat to pegs is a little short, my knees ask a wee stretch after 2hrs.
This is the jewel in it's crown, it's torque seems to pull at any revs yet holding a gear it easily copes with any road or traffic condition. It sounds fab when revved out and gives a sporty sound and adds to the happiness when riding this bike.
Only a year old and being a bit pampered there is no sign of corrosion and nothing has broken or failed
It's on a two year service plan from new making a saving of approx £200
A value bike it's not endowed with the latest tech but this is the happy nature of the bike, it leaves the control to the rider, abs and traction control, that's about it. The worst feature are the standard tyres, Bridgestone, great for wear but very lacking in grip and have sapped some of my confidence on them. The taller screen has made a huge improvement in comfort, genuine visor open up to 75mph. I've often forgotten the visor is open.
Buying experience: I bought new from Cupar Suzuki in Fife up here in Scotland, first class help, knowledge, fun and all round great staff. I traded a 3yr old Cb650r and a CRF250, I recieved cash back! First time ever that's happened. The VStrom came at just over £7,000 I'm over the moon with my deal. I got exactly what I asked.
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £95
I bought mine in 2020 brand new for a silly £5250. It was April and the dealer simply offloaded his entire stock owing to the lockdown. I do 400 miles/week on this bike. 32 miles to work and to my caravan at the weekends. Fuel economy is amazing, the engine simply goes on forever. If it had Honda paint and electroplating, it would easily be a £9k bike.
Buy TRW pads for the front and bed them in ever so gently. The modern 'sintering' technique is, in my opinion, an anti-litigation ploy to ensure replacement pads won't fade in the first few miles before they partially bed-in... I changed two sets of Micra front pads in the same week, last May. The sedately driven car on my inlaw's example stops so well, I seriously thought she'd taken it to a garage to get new pads. The other Micra, my sister's car - same OEM pad brand - is a world of difference. She drives like, and is, a maniac... The ride quality is as plush as a hydropneumatic Citroen with new spheres. If the latter means anything to you, you will LOVE this bike. Even more than your current MZ 250 Supa 5.
Suzuki also make budget cars. In India, their Alto is practically worshipped. This is because they never make a duff engine. I have a Suzuki A100 from 1969 and the bike's done 136k miles. The engine's had two rebores and one crank rebuild. The engine on this bike is unburstable. Total loss of coolant from a rock damaged engine casting didn't stress this bike. I rode from London to Manchester at moped speed with no coolant. I came off the M6 at Stoke and nursed the bike for 80 miles. A bore-scope camera showed still perfect cylinder liners after this event. I need to add 200ml of oil between 6k oil/filter changes. Performance is simply all you need. 120mph, pulling from 20mph in top gear, you can actually set off quite easily in second or evn third.
Only the paint and minor exhaust corrosion makes this bike a four star for me. I went right through the bike when new, doing as much preventative maintenance as I could think of. I now believe this was a waste of time/effort. Just ride the thing. The gearbox is standard Suzuki. Swiss watch like with zero slop. Neutral selection is always easy just the one missed gear change in 88k miles. Really. he V-twin is unburstable and is easily a match for Yamaha's 850 parallel twin. Amazing!
I have never taken a bike or car to a garage in my life.Me and my dad always did everything ourselves. Central heating, double-glazing, electronics, building work. It was how I was brought up, so 10 litre of oil and two oil filters each year. Chain/sprockets every 30k and eBay for bargain NGK iridium plugs cross-matched part# for £5 each. The air in NE Scotland is so clean, air filters are not really a service item. Being a qualified Citroen mech helps too!
Not many toys or much sophistication, but does all you could reasonably expect!
Buying experience: As I bought mine for pennies, I never expected anything in the way of service.
Year: 2022
Cracking bike. Would recommend to anyone. Bought new without a test ride. I was riding a new Trident but found it a bit small so decided on a bigger adventure-style bike. Test rode a Tenere 700 but thought the engine was a bit vibey. At the pre-reg price I paid, it was £2k cheaper than the ex-demo Tenere which decided it. Glad I chose the V-Strom, very impressed. Comfy, economical, 100% dependable whilst I had it. Super smooth and torquey engine, slick gearbox. I would say that the only drawback with the bike is that it has been around a while and the it does not exactly draw a crowd when parked-up (if that’s important to you?) That said, when you speak to other owners, they have nothing but good things to say about the V-Strom and having now owned one it’s clear to see why.
No complaints. Comfy for 2 hours which is as long as I rode without a break. Loads of leg room, very ergonomic riding position. Brakes fine, tyres fine, suspension more than adequate. Never taken off-road, but it might be worth mentioning that the tyres are great on the road, much better than the chunky Michelin Anakee’s on my Tiger.
Super smooth and quite quick enough for me thankyou.
Well put together, solid. No issues while I had it.
£85 for first oil service at A&D Denbigh. Good price and good to deal with, had a test ride on another bike while waiting, great stuff.
At 6-foot tall, the standard screen was very noisy - despite being adjustable, could not find a setting that worked. Replaced with Givi Airflow which was far better.
Buying experience: Nice deal on pre-reg new bike, £6995 at Bill Smiths Chester. Good trade-in on old bike.
Version: ABS
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £150
Great Value in the Medium Size Adventure Bikes. Bulletproof engine.
The brakes are fine, ABS works well. Confortable bike. The only bad thing is that you cannot turn the Abs off.
Perfect engine, reliable, low and mid torque is strong. Good cruising speed. Power delivery is lineal, whick makes an easy bike to drive.
The finish and built are top notch in the segment.
150 Us dollars of service a year. ( Here in Mexico).
*Good: Abs works well, traction control is good too. I love the old school dash with analogue and lcd dual display ( I dont like TFT). Good Bridgestine Battlax tires ( good grip and handling). *Flaws/ missing: You cannot turn off the Abs, No LED headlights, no hazard switch / lights, no gear shift indicator.
Buying experience: Bought it brand new in the Suzuki dealer. Great service.
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £180
this bike can commute, tour and enjoy a days riding with no fuss and is an all day comfortable bike to ride. The brakes on this bike need a good handful on the lever to haul this to a safe stop as its quite a heavy bike due to its large fuel capacity. It carries 20 litres when full and this makes it top heavy but on the flip side this gives the machine a good radius between fuel stops.
I love this bike for its looks and all day comfort and i keep it clean , so when its parked up i regularly get nice comments about it. My 650 xt is the white one with blue graphics and spoked blue rims. Once brimmed i can ride approx 250 miles before it needs refuelling.
This bike is all about the low down torque and is happiest when ridden between 3000 & 5000 revs in either 3rd or 4th gear. It runs out of puff above 70mph but its not built for high speed, just cruising around the legal road limits is fine.
the fit and finish on the Vstrom is pretty good so long as you keep on top of good routine maintenance, ie regularly wash and wax , check and lube chain and regular servicing.I have recently had a new clutch fitted due to my own fault as i installed some handlebar risers during lockdown and didnt think to adjust the clutch cable . This resulted in the clutch being burnt out over a period of time and it cost a whopping £550 plus new brake pads and a blown headlight bulb.
The first service cost £180 after running it in then followed by £220 for its 7000 mile service, my local suzuki dealer do all the servicing and repairs as its under warranty and its got all the relevant stamps in its service book.
Firstly it has great wind protection, due to it being fitted with a suzuki oe screen with a wind deflector . It also came supplied with a main stand , rear carrier and top box which are all optional extras. I swapped the hand guards for some barkbusters as the oe fitment ones are a cosmetic thing and i just didnt think they would stand up to any abuse. Also i swapped both brake & clutch levers for some aftermarket adjustable ones and these also fold up in the event of a spill, oxford heated grips are a must for our british winters so these were added at its first service.
Buying experience: I bought my Vstrom brand new from Crescent motorcycles on a hire purchase plan on a 4 year deal . Total price including accessories on the road cost £8500 and i am currently paying £140 per month.
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £120
A user friendly bike that will do pretty much anything. Came with Suzuki hard luggage which is poor quality.
Extremely comfortable bike and you can easily last a full tank without a break if need be. Ride quamlity is generally good but the brakes feel as if they could benefit from a little more bite. Screen could be a target higher as I do get a little buffeting, but nothing too drastic
It’s a 650 and it’s not a sports bike so I don’t expect sports bike performance, but it’s got a decent low and mid range. Does what it says on the tin.
I rarely ride in the wet but the rear wheel spokes stared to rust after one wet outing.
Servicing was reasonably priced
The standard Suzuki hard luggage is pants. Like a lot of bikes it would Benifit from a centre stand. Didn’t,t these used to be standard on bikes years ago?
Buying experience: Bought from Orwell’s at Ipswich on a PCP. My last bike was on a PCP and I was pleasantly surprised that I got enough to pay of the FGV and put down a decent deposit on the Vstrom. Excellent service from Orwell’s as usual
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £300
This bike being the xt version is equipped with spoked wheels with the ability to ride off road, but i would only take it green laning or very light gravel/dirt road riding.
This machine can be ridden all day long as the seat is very comfortable and the vtwin engine is ultra smooth, this can commute, tour and enjoy a little off road fun.
This vtwin engine has great low down grunt thanks to the torque and excellent engine braking when needed, but it just runs out of steam higher up the rev range so a constant stirring of the gearbox is required.
The build qualityof this model is excellent and the option of having a lower seat is a great one for for people who have a shorter inside leg measurement. This machine has not let me down in the last 12 months of ownership and has had all its required services.
servicing at my local suzuki dealership is expensive but is required as its on HP finance, but gives peace of mind knowing that its fully reliable.
The overall seating position gives a great view over cars and the size of the machine in general gives great road presence. heated grips and the suzuki official taller screen with the air deflector fitted is excellent. The Bridgestone tyres fitted as standard have not given me any problems or issues athe wear rate is good too.
Buying experience: I bought my Vstrom brand new from my local dealer with the following accessories already fitted: Rear carrier and 55ltr top box, taller screen & main stand. Total otr price £8500, the best bike purchase ever in my opinion.
Version: DL650 AL7
Year: 2018
Great engine, great ride - poor quality finishing.
Ride quality is very good. Decent, predictable handling is unexpectedly good for an 'adventure' style bike. Riding position is very comfortable. Rear suspension is adjustable, though forks aren't. I'm 15 stone in weight and it's fine for me - less so with pillion though. Brakes are OK, not had a situation yet where I've felt they could/should have been better - though again, with a passenger, definitely need to grab a bigger handful.
Fabulous torquey engine and a lot of fun in the sweet spot. Absolutely no complaints for a 650 V twin.
8 months in, no problems so far in terms of reliability, except one manufacturer recall. Biggest let down so far is the amount of rust appearing. Underneath the front of the seat on petrol tank (on and around a welded-on catch), silencer, exhaust clamps, around the brakes, footpegs... will be getting in touch with Suzuki for a warranty claim.
For the price it has some very decent 'extras'. ABS of course, but traction control and a power socket are very welcome additions.
Buying experience: Local Suzuki main dealer, no problems.
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £200
Fantastic bike great for commuting 300 mile range
Bullet proof engine
Got everything you need on a bike must add on heated grips
Buying experience: Great buying experience great dealer Johns of Romford
Version: DL650 V-StrombXT
Year: 2017
Annual servicing cost: £170
Fantastic bike, got this to replace a BMW R1200GS and I have to been disappointed. Handles well with good low down V twin grunt, fully loaded with luggage solo it handles with ease. But struggles if you add a pillion. Getting between 250 to 300 out of a tank so the range is excellent.
Ride quality is good, only gripe was with the front brake as it had little feel for the first 2000 miles. Feels better now but still little feel before the ads kicks in.
This 650 v twin is a gem, slightly more power than previous models and pulls well even fully loaded. Only struggles two up fully loaded.
Reliability has been excellent with no issues at all in the 7 months I have had the bike, didn’t score 5 out of 5 due to thin paint around the bar ends and hand guard fittings.
Insurance was less than £145 comp and the fuel economy is great.
The instruments give lots of good information and they are clear to read. Accessory socket comes in handy for powering your mobile devices.
Buying experience: Had a great experience with my local Suzuki dealer, long road test and and great customer service. Only had four days to run it in before an 1800 mile euro trip but they fitted me in.
Year: 2017
Handling - TOP Consumption - TOP Braking - TOP Accelaration - 4/5 Confort - TOP Front Suspension - 4/5 Rear Suspension - 5/5
Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT off road
Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT on the road
Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT optional top box
Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT dash
Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT exhaust
Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT luggage rack
Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT rear shock
Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT dash
Yamaha Tracer 7, Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT and Honda NC750X (L-R)
Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT on the road with the Yamaha Tracer 7 and Honda NC750X
