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Reviews/ Suzuki/ Dl650 V-strom
WATCH REVIEW
8.2/10 Adventure

Suzuki Dl650 V-strom Review

"The unglamorous Swiss Army knife that never, ever lets you down."

Commuters wanting reliable, affordable adventure touring capability $3,500-$6,500 used 2004-2020
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Key Specs

speed
Top Speed
195 km/h
bolt
Power
71 hp
@ 8,800 rpm
rotate_right
Torque
62 Nm
@ 6,500 rpm
local_gas_station
Fuel Economy
20.0 km/L
47 mpg ยท 5.0โ€“5.5 L/100km (typical real-world average)
build
Service Every
12,000 km
scale
Weight
216 kg
(wet/curb weight)
settings
Engine
645cc liquid-cooled DOHC 90ยฐ V-twin
height
Seat Height
835 mm
cog
Transmission
6-speed
favorite
Engine Lifespan
100,000+ km with proper maintenance
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Used Buyer Review

The DL650 is probably the most sensible used bike purchase you can make right now, and I mean that as a genuine compliment. Suzuki's 645cc V-twin is genuinely bulletproof โ€” these things run to 60,000 miles with nothing but chain and oil changes if you're not stupid about it. The 2012-2016 generation sweet spot hits the perfect balance of features without the complexity of newer ride-by-wire systems. Budget for new tires immediately because previous owners always run them to the cords. The riding position suits almost every body type, fuel range is genuinely impressive at 200-plus miles per tank, and parts are cheap because there are millions of them. Don't be scared off by high mileage here โ€” 40,000 miles means nothing on these motors. Check the throttle bodies for synchronization issues and inspect the subframe for cracks if it's been dropped, which most have. It's not exciting. It will never make you look cool at a cafรฉ. But it'll get you home every single time, carry your luggage, and you won't cry when it tips over in a gravel car park.

Pros

+Virtually indestructible engine
+Excellent long-distance fuel economy
+Cheap parts availability
+Comfortable ergonomics for most
+Handles high mileage gracefully

Cons

-Uninspiring below 4,000rpm
-Stock suspension feels wallowy loaded
-Wind protection barely adequate
-Looks polarising, to put it kindly
warning
Avoid if

You prioritise excitement or streetside visual impact

description View full specs, facts & rivals for Suzuki Dl650 V-strom โ†’

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