Remember that miserable mirror banging experience I mentioned about a week ago? Well, the nearly four foot-wide steed in question was the 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure, an expansively named bike that's actually quite the urban commute tool-- as long as you don't believe in lane-splitting.
How does this sub-$10,000 bike ride when it's not whacking the mirrors of nearby, unsuspecting motorists?
I offer a few observations in my 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure Review.
Related:
- Is Suzuki's Silver Lining Two-Wheeled?
- 10 Great Commuter Motorcycles Under $10,000
- 2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Review: An Analog Superbike in a Digital World
- One (Compelling) Case Against Traction Control
Photo © Basem Wasef
Suzuki.com tells us the standard 650 V-Strom weighs 472lbs. Assuming that’s true, let’s assume also those ridiculous bags, hardware & misc ‘adventure’ pieces add at minimum 40lbs. Did you manage to weigh it?
I’d guess at that weight with a 650 it might be bordering on gutless / anaemic. You alluded to that lack of power with the low gearing required to maintain highway speed.
Is it under powered?
This could be my next bike sans the Panniers. A top box that I currently own would sit nicely on that rear rack, so I would opt for the model without the bags. Being 6’2″ this type of bike appeals to me. I really like the adventure bike segment for the ergonomics and the jack of all trade nature of this style bike. I would never take it off road except for maybe a gravel road. This looks like a good mile burner, which I like.
Pete,
Acceleration is adequate; speed freaks might be disappointed, but it can also get out of its way.
Basem
My Z1000 has plenty of juice. I would give up grunt for comfort. I’ve ridden a Versys 650 and I couldn’t out ride it’s capabilities. I would imagine this bike would be similar in power. My wife could get comfortable too.
Certaiinly not under powered as I hit 100 with out even trying. 65 hp and a torgue line that just pulls from 3,000-10,000. Not screaming but fun.