Don’t judge a book by its cover, the V-Strom 650 ABS is a truly enjoyable motorcycle with plenty of standout features. Photography By Jason Abbott
Say hello to the 2015 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS. First launched in 2004 with the name DL650, this mid-weight sport touring motorcycle now finds itself in its second generation (2012) as the V-Strom 650 ABS. The V-Strom line of Suzuki motorcycles have earned quite a reputation as being solid machines and having ridden the Adventure version of the 650 a few years ago we felt it was time to revisit the Strom in its slimmed down version.
To be honest, the V-Strom 650 ABS doesn’t have the most desirable look. There’s an organic influence in the design of the bodywork and the front of the bike has an insect-like look, but for the most part the exterior is bland. Unfortunately, if you want a motorcycle with loads of creature comfort features, you won’t find them here. There’s no power mode adjustment, no heated grips and the super basic LCD screen features only the most important information—speed, rpm, mileage, gear, engine temp, fuel and clock.
Thankfully, the V-Strom 650 is an extremely comfortable motorcycle. The seat has a cushy feel and sits low, allowing my 5’11 frame to easily touch the ground, and the handlebars and foot pegs are placed in a neutral position. It isn’t until you actually sit on the Strom that the bodywork design starts to make sense as the tank wraps around your legs and you get the feeling of being one with the bike. Wind protection from the manually adjustable three-position wind screen and bodywork is very good, and whether you’re on your daily commute or traveling long distances, the V-Strom 650 provides nothing but an enjoyable experience.
Suspension on the V-Strom 650 is very impressive, definitely one of the plushest rides around. The V-Strom tips the scales at 472 pounds, but the spring rate and valving is spot on, which gives both the forks and shock a plush initial stroke and a sturdy feeling mid-stroke, as well as zero spiking and minimal dive under braking. The suspension matches up nicely with the 650’s rigid chassis and together they give the bike a controlled feel. Speaking of brakes, the V-Strom brakes work very well including the ABS system which is flawless. Something that stands out about the V-Strom is not only how plush the ride is down the highway, but it is surprisingly light, nimble and has excellent stability if your trip takes you into the twisties of the canyon.
As usual, fueling is spot on with the Suzuki. The 650 isn’t the fastest sport touring bike out there with 65.53 hp and 42.09 ft-lb torque, but the power delivery is so smooth and predictable you won’t care much about peak horsepower. Clutch action is light, shifting has a solid feel and the transmission gear ratios are set up nicely for both around town and on the highway.
One comment I heard while out riding the V-Strom was, “Its looks are about as exciting as a cardboard box!” Funny? Yes. But the phrase “You can’t judge a book by its cover” couldn’t be truer with the Suzuki. I can’t recall the last time a motorcycle provided such an enjoyable riding experience and it did so without a laundry list of features or stunning design. True, the looks aren’t the best but if you spend as much time in the saddle as I do you’ll appreciate the standout features of the V-Strom 650 ABS.
SPECIFICATIONS
2015 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90-degree V-Twin
Displacement: 645cc
Bore x stroke: 81.0 mm x 62.6 mm (3.189 in x 2.465 in)
Horsepower: 65.53 @ rpm not given
Torque: 42.09ft-lbs @ rpm not given
Compression ratio: 11.2:1
Ignition: Key
Transmission: Six-speed, constant mesh
Front suspension: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Rear suspension: Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Front brake: 310mm Disc brake, twin rotor, ABS
Rear brake: 260mm Disc brake, single rotor, ABS
Front tire: 110/80R19M/C 59H, tubeless
Rear tire: 150/70R17M/C 69H, tubeless
Seat height: 32.9 inch
Wheelbase: 61.4 inch
Color: Blue or White
MSRP: $8549
