2009 Suzuki V-Strom 650 User Ratings

I had my new Weestrom for about a week now and managed to put a lot of miles on it as well as a few small scratches on the tank, during the process of getting used to this beast. People say this is inevitable, so get it out of the way early, then you can get down to the real fun and fun it is!

This is a great bike and my first venture into road/tourer bike territory. Im over 50 and had dirt bikes as a kid, but stopped riding for maybe 30 years during the raising a family thing. My first motorcycle when I got back into the saddle, three years ago, was a DRZ400SM. A great little bike but really made for younger folk and people who want to ride in the dirt a bit more. My butt was hurting after only half an hour or so in the uncomfortable saddle. I recently traded on the DL650 and I couldnt be happier. Notwithstanding riding it a fair bit I never did get used to that saddle. The new bike is not nearly as "raw" as the DRZ and is a smooth as silk to ride. The seating arrangement is great and you can sit on this bike for hours with no problem in the backside area at all. The headlights are exceptional (Id say better than the headlights I have in my X5 SUV - sorry BMW). The clutch is nice and progressive and the instrumentation is sometihng I drooled over when I first saw the bike. A good old fashoined analogue speedo and tacho. Some people say they dont like the look of the DL650. I dont think its too bad at all, particularly in black (which of course is the new black).

My only criticism is that the bike is slighlty top heavy, particularly when you have just filled the tank (huge 22 litres capacity). In reality however, this is something you get used to and need to take into account when riding. Just be careful not to step into a hole in the road when you pull up or you'll be over in a flash (hence the small scratches mentioned earlier). This is more of an issue for people under 6ft (I'm 5ft 10). It is also maybe a more serious issue for people travelling on potholed, generally lousy roads (whilst Im proud to be an Aussie our roads certainly leave something to be desired).

Overall a great purchase and a bike I know I will continue to really enjoy. Thanks Suzuki for a great product.

Being 50 yrs old, I've owned many a bike over the years. Finally got around to procuring a 2009 DL650 V Strom.
Nice bike overall, and very comfortable. having now put 900 miles on it I feel qualified to submit feedback about this bike.
Brakes; The weakest I think I've ever had on a bike. No last minute decisions to turn on this sucker, you'll roll right on by where you intended to slow and turn.
Engine: Great little powerplant. So much better than the KLR or DR650 it's not even close. Great mpg as well.
Interstate Riding: Not so hot. This bike with factory bags is about as aerodynamic as a Cement Block. Also, anything above 70mph seems to strain the engine with high rpms. Bike also vibrates quite a bit at interstate speeds. Put som full street tires on it, and fill the 5.8 gallon tank and it gets better, but still shakey.
Rural Riding; Great. You would be hard pressed to fine a better bike for country road riding under 60 mph.
Suspension: Pretty good for a bike in this price range. Front forks lack all the adjustability I would like to have, but the rear shock is easily adjusted with its external control knob.
Overall: A good little bike. Actually, its not that little as this thing dwarfts all other bikes in the 600cc range. It has been made to look bigger, thus you feel your getting more for you money. Is it worth the full retail price? No. Butif you look and take your time you can find a 2009 for under $6000.

Overall very happy with the 2009 Strom. The bike handles well except for the fact that it is top heavy so be warned. Great gas mileage and plenty of power. Stock seat is so so and not good for long distance riding. Headlights are exceptionally bright, even on low beam. Some aftermarket protection is recommend if you plan on taking it on something other than pavement. No regrets.

first time off road bike i hvae been riding cruiser for years just a big diffrent on the good side !you fell great handling power great for city commute , the big gas tank 5.8 wow big enough just one thinga little top heavy in turn with this gas tank , other wise the best i have ever rode , thank you .

THE BEST BIKE I'VE OWNED, VERY COMFORTABLE AND THE BEST VALUE I COULD FIND!