Suzuki DL650 Adventure? Good bike?

[bigjohnsd]

2014 Suzuki DL650AAL4 Adventure ?

Looking at this bike, have never owned a Suzuki. Is this really a "dual sport" or is it gravel road only capable. Anybody have one, experiences, recommendations? Thankd

 

[FJRay]

2014 Suzuki DL650AAL4 Adventure ?
Looking at this bike, have never owned a Suzuki. Is this really a "dual sport" or is it gravel road only capable. Anybody have one, experiences, recommendations? Thankd

Get in touch with Don Carver. His is still alive after many years of his abuse. They are well thought of and all I've ever done to them is basic service.

 

[FJRBandit]

I don't know about the 2014 Adventure version. But I LOVED my 2008 650. So much so, I bought and 09 DL1000 thinking I would 2 up with the wife sometimes on the forest trails. Hasn't happened enough so I have recently bought another DL650 - 09 this time. I just love those bikes. Plenty of power, even for my phat azz one up and carves up the curves. I've even done multi-day 2 and 3K sport touring trips on mine.

As for your question about true dual sport - you know, I really think that depends on the rider's capabilities and the tires. I'm no off road guy in the least bit so it's just dirt and gravel national forest trails for me. But I have friends who run circles around me on the dirt while riding Gold Wings. So - take that for what it's worth. There are plenty of others here I'm sure to comment on the true dual sport nature of the bike. I'm just throwing it out there that the little 650 is the best bike I've ever owned and it can take a beating!

Head over to the v-strom forum for all ever wanted to know about them https://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php

 

[csi]

My son has a an 08 DL 650....off road capabilities? Keep in mind that #1, it is NOT a motocross bike...but put more off road oriented tires on it, and it will do just fine for what most of us are going to do. Downside to THAT, is the off road oriented your tires are, the less "sport oriented" they will be on the pavement.

I have ridden his bike....it is comfortable, and fun. If I were to be in the market for a dual sport, it would definitely be on the list.

 

[BigOgre]

I have a 2012, unfortunately can't talk too much about it's dual-sport abilities, but a comment about the Adventure package. Don't know if you're going new or used but if new, for the additional cost I believe they gave you hand-guards (good), hard luggage (not the best) and an engine guard (plastic shroud). It might be worth it to take that money and buy your own better quality add-ons, including a true skid-plate and bars along with a center-stand.

 

[Jer]

John, I have ridden my 2014 wee over 5000 miles while in California. I am really pleased with the way it handles curves and the super mileage even when flogging it real hard. I rode a 140 mile mountain ride last week and spent $4.20 on gas. Gas was under $200, used 2.2 gallons. I have ridden on some gravel and mud roads and it handles quite well. I doesn't like sand at all and most off pavement roads here in the desert have a lot of sand. Go for it.

 

[Fred W]

Depends on your definition of dual sport.

Is it a great bike? Yes it is. Can it go on and off road? Yes it can. And with a little re-gearing (lower) and the right choice of tires, it is remarkably capable in the off road part of the equation, put in the right hands.

But... if you have never spent time in the dirt,

Or... your idea of "off road is single track through sections of deep mud, or craggy rock, maybe this is not the bike you'd be looking for.

It is a twin cylinder "ADV" bike that can handle some stuff you'd not want to put your street bike through regularly, but it is not a true "dual sport" in my definition. I have the DL650's bigger brother, and I am willing to drag my old '04 DL1000 thru some pretty crappy stuff, but I also have a lot of off-road (no plate, enduro and MX) bike experience, and I think that makes a difference in confidence levels when the going gets rough.

So, before I blabber on any further, tell us your experience, and where yo hope to take the thing. Because that really maks more difference than the bike itself.

PS - Jer - Get some different tires and air them down. There are some really good 50/50 tires on the market in the 'Strom size and they make a HUGE difference like you would not believe. I'm looking at the Shinko Big Blocks this winter mostly because their price is so much lower than the others, but there are a bunch of options and they will all make a big difference in the soft ground.

 

[Jer]

Fred, I will be heading to Death Valley in the morning and have changed my route to ride in thru the Panamint Valley. It is my understanding that there is 3 miles of deep gravel, but I think I can handle the Wee thru this. I road 17 miles of deep gravel on my FJR a few years back. Would like to have tires for the sand around here.

John if I make it you will have another reason to purchase the Adventure bike.

 

[dcarver]

Hmm. My 06 really, is not much more than a fire-road bike. Limited ground clearance is the achilles heal. I've had it in Death Valley up canyons it nor I had any chance to make and results were predictable. And I come from a true dirt background. It will go more places than an FJR but not nearly as many places as a true adventure bike.

On the other hand, it can cover 1,000 mile days and simply run forever.

 

[Mr. BR]

Here's the other popular V-strom message forum:

https://www.stromtrooper.com/

I've never owned a twin, V-config or otherwise... but the early 2000's DL1000 (dual exhaust) do look tempting.

Regards,

Mr. BR

 

[FJRBandit]

I didn't mention previously that I recently put Kenda Big Block's on my 1000. It's taken a little time for me to get used to them on the pavement, but damn do they bite in the dirt! And the power of the Vee is awesome. I rolled the rear sprocket down to 43 and although it's like I don't have the overdrive anylonger, I don't have to even consider downshifting to pass, just roll and go.

I'm currently torn between the Wee and the Vee! They're just great overall bikes Big John.

 

[bigjohnsd]

I have limited off road/dirt bike experience. I had an XT 350 for awhile 10 years ago and rode it in the Black Hills mostjy on two track stuff. Managed to fall down a few times.

I'm looking for something a little smaller and lighter than the FJR for around town and gravel road/two track Hills riding. Not planning on technical dirt or motocross

 

[Enn]

I've also been a happy owner of the 2014 DL650 and it is simply fantastic to ride around in town or gravel roads, alone or 2 -up. And enough power/wind protection to cruise around 80 mph on motorway. I still do my longer trips on FJR, but the daily commute is just on Vstrom. Very smooth engine, gears go in easily, clutch is very comfy, exceptional handling in turns, feels very robust and reliable. Only the the seat... well, max 90 minutes between the stops, then you need to get some rest to your butt. I probably will invest into the aftermarket Topsellerie saddle pretty soon.

 

[pista]

I have limited off road/dirt bike experience. I had an XT 350 for awhile 10 years ago and rode it in the Black Hills mostjy on two track stuff. Managed to fall down a few times. I'm looking for something a little smaller and lighter than the FJR for around town and gravel road/two track Hills riding. Not planning on technical dirt or motocross

I rarely hear anything negative about the Stroms for the kind of riding you're describing. When I do it, typically involves singletrack or the more technical stuff.

A bike worth checking out that might not be on your radar is the CSC RX3. If I had some extra cash one of these would be in my garage.

Look here: www.cscmotorcycles.com

 

[gclarkx]

Hi BigJohn - we can talk further in Daytona; but I've had three DL650's and I still have a 2008. I've ridden 1000 mile days with no issues. I've taken them on 5000 mile multi-day trips in the mountains out West and they worked great. It is totally indestructible, will run 75mph all day long in reasonable comfort (with a Russell seat and Madstad bracket and windshield), and is a lot of fun on potholed fireroads and jeep trails to a trailhead when I do that. I've had it on crap gravel roads and across fields in SE Ohio and it did great - with road tires. It is top heavy and heavy to pick back up for real dual sport use though; which is true for all of the big adv bikes. The DL is a master of compromise. For what you want to use it for it will work great for little money. I bought the FJR last year because for road touring it is just so much better - without compromise for that use. But, if I had only one bike, it would be the VStrom and happily live with all of its' compromises. And no, my one bike would not be a GS or any other over-large and heavy adv bike. Again, it is all about the right mix of compromises with the VStrom. Oh, did I mention that the engine is the sweetest motor ever made?

 

[bigjohnsd]

The CSC RX3 is on my Radar. I'm just a little concerned that 250cc will not haul my fat ass around satisfactorily.

Also the deal I think I'm getting on this VStrom is such that it could be resold at a significant profit should I not like it.

 

[FJRPittsburgh]

Here's a nice little 5 page review for you:

https://adventuremotorcycle.com/bikes/bikes-suzuki-v-strom-650-adventure

 

[BigOgre]

Here's a nice little 5 page review for you:
https://adventuremotorcycle.com/bikes/bikes-suzuki-v-strom-650-adventure

Great. Like I don't have PMS enough right now.

 

[FJRBandit]

Also the deal I think I'm getting on this VStrom is such that it could be resold at a significant profit should I not like it.

I'd say done deal then.

Similar to not counting your chickens... I suggest not spending your "profit" before you have in hand. It's very doubtful you won't love the Wee!