Looking to buy a bike, then see if we've ridden it first Need new kit? Check out our reviews before opening your wallet

MOTOBKE.CO.UK
All about owning and riding modern motorbikes!

Home Bikes Kit Features News and Views Bookshop Be a Writer!/About Us

Suzuki 650DL V-Strom (2009) – Bob Pickett takes Suzuki’s mid-sized dual-role bike for a spin

With thanks to Johns of Romford, Rush Green branch for the loan of the bike

2009 Suzuki 650DL V-Strom - silly name, competent bike The 650DL V-Strom. No, not a mis-spelling – ‘strom’ means river, or current in German (still no idea why it was named after a river), combined with V to describe it being powered by the 645cc 90 degree v-twin that powers the phenomenally popular SV650S, it’s naked sibling the SV650 and it’s successor, the Gladius.

The V-Strom is very different to the other bikes mentioned; the V-Strom is a dual-purpose, on and off road bike, whereas the others are purely road going machines. So can the engine be used in such a different bike, and effectively at that?

The answer is yes.

The first thing you notice about the V-Strom is the very upright riding position. It is also tall in the saddle, as you would expect from a bike with off-road pretensions. At 820mm (32 inches) from the ground, with my admittedly short legs (5’10” tall, but with an inside leg measurement of just 29 inches), I quickly learn not to stop on the peak of the road camber!

I do need to hark on about that riding position for one last gripe. The footpeg placement means that to really get a foot down comfortably, you have to put your foot behind the peg – not a natural and easy placement, especially in a hurry.

But that height works to real advantage (when moving) in town, giving you an excellent view of what is going on around you.

The Strom works well at dawdling pace; it has a light clutch, making feathering an easy task. But honestly you rarely need to use it, as the v-twin performs in this bike in a way it doesn’t in it’s other machines. I’ve ridden every other one of them, and they all feel a little lumpy at low revs. But the Strom just trundles along, unfazed.

2009 Suzuki 650DL V-Strom - OK, it might not be the best looking bike, but who cares when you're riding it! Low speed braking is a bit harsh, with the ABS kicking in abruptly. But when you’re moving at pace, the ABS feels far more composed, giving confidence that it will haul you up in control. Once you get out of town, the V-Strom really wants you to wring it’s neck and use the whole of the rev range, rewarding you with a purposeful surge forward.

On ‘A’ roads and motorways, the best way to ride the bike is to adopt something of a trailbike style, pushing your weight forward and into the bend. Moving to the backroads, the suspension is really at home, allowing you to hustle round the tighter corners with no fear of poor road surfaces or undulations disturbing it. It isn’t the sharpest tracking bike, but accurate and holds road position well.

The suspension also deserves praise when it comes to riding over the rough stuff. I didn’t take it off-road, what with it not being my bike, but I did deliberately head down a road with some poorly constructed, old fashioned and squared off traffic calming. On most bikes, I’d be looking to tip-toe round them. But on the V-Strom, I was cheerfully aiming right over them, delighting in the way it just soaked up the bumps with no fuss, letting me concentrate on the ride. That said the handling can feel a little remote – the obvious effect of the long travel of the tall suspension. If you’re used to riding more sporty stuff (or even my own GSX650F), it takes a little time to adjust to the relatively narrow rubber on the V-Strom. It is all hanging together mind, but you’re not as aware as you would be closer to the ground and on fatter tyres.

2009 Suzuki 650DL V-Strom clocks - just how much information can be held on one dashboard! The mirrors are spot on in a town environment… and any other, come to think of it. They are strange looking, but so effective, giving a perfect view – I could see stuff at a really wide angle, but also directly behind me. And sticking with the practical things for a moment, the clocks cram in more information than any other dash I think I’ve ever seen, giving at a glance (takes a deep breath)… a speedometer, tachometer, odometer, tripmeter, coolant temperature gauge, fuel gauge, LED neutral, digital clock, turn signal and high beam lights and an oil pressure warning light… phew!

Verdict: If you are looking for a bike that performs well on the road and also has genuine off-road potential, the V-Strom is worth a look. It can commute, has the tank range and frugal fuel consumption to give it strong touring credentials, plus it can reward spirited riding in the twisty stuff.

OK, it isn’t the best looking bike, but who cares? You’re riding it – and ride it with purpose it will reward. And it comes in at a price that makes it far more attractive.

Thanks again to Johns of Romford, Rush Green branch for the initial loan of the bike

Want to tell the world about YOUR bike? Then click here to find out how



Home Bikes Kit Features News and Views Bookshop Be a Writer!/About Us