Suzuki V-Strom 650XT
The baby Strom XT is a well-priced machine with a solid motor, outstanding mpg and new adventure clothes for mucking about in the dirt. I’ve got a load of miles to cover this year and I’m hoping the 650 will make a rock-hard workhorse with a cheeky side for my weekend off-road shenanigans.
Long term update: How comfy is the V-Strom for pillions?
17 March 2016 by
Depending on who my pillion is, I take varying degrees of care with their comfort. If it’s my mate or missus then I’m not particularly fussed if they get an achy bum or their helmet knocks mine at...
Long term update: Is XT worth extra?
03 February 2016 by
The V-Strom seems to be a popular bike and I often get sent questions from owners or potential owners. Here are the most recent and my answers. Bill: I find there is a lot of buffeting, have you...
Long term update: Winterproofing the Strom
07 January 2016 by
Everyone’s doing it. I look around and it’s bar muffs here, heated grips there and cold kit everywhere. And if riders aren’t doing it then it’s because they’re busy tucking their prized possessions...
Long term update: 10,000 mile round-up
27 November 2015 by
Nearly there… the odometer’s on 9998 and the last digit is heading towards 9. I can’t help but watch, waiting for the clock to ping into a perfect 10,000. I’ve never known why it’s so exciting to see...
Long term update: Can the V-Strom dig the dirt?
07 October 2015 by
I’ve been thinking about taking the V-Strom 650 XT off-road since I got the keys earlier this year. Suzuki reckon their V-twin can handle it too, that’s why they’ve attached a set of sturdy crash...
Long term update: A tale of two XTs
03 September 2015 by
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...
Long term update: A fully loaded weapon
29 July 2015 by
With my panniers still fresh and in need of breaking in, I knew I had to use them at the next available opportunity. So when a group of mates and I decided to head to the New Forest for a camping...
Long term update: Is more bhp always best?
19 June 2015 by
As commutes go, my twice-weekly run from Slough to Peterborough is pretty boring; sat upright on motorways, longing for the respite of seven roundabouts, three sharp turns and one long right-hand...
Long term update: A quick change of screen
30 May 2015 by
I’m getting into the touring spirit. My V-Strom already has heated grips, a fat comfy seat, a pair of panniers and a top box with enough space to move house. There is just one hitch – the screen. It’s...
Long term update: Mongolia or Morrison's
22 May 2015 by
Adventure bikes are supposed to have panniers. How else am I supposed to carry my gear to the Mongolian Steppe, or bring my shopping home from the shops? Whatever we use them for, hard luggage is...
Long term update: The going is about to get tough
24 April 2015 by
I’m looking forward to spending a year with the V-Strom. It’s a practical bike, with a tried and tested motor, capable of serious mile-munching and hard slogs. It’s the mule of the old west, a...