Suzuki 650cc V-Strom too much for a beginner?

[Brains67]

i passed my test 2 years ago and bought the vstrom a week later. I've ridden 14,000 miles and had 1 minor 'off' due to grabbing too much brake when someone pulled out on me.

This is a pretty heavy bike and, because its upright, the centre of gravity is pretty high. this wont be a problem at speed but if you drop it, you wont catch it. I'm 6'3" and 230 pounds and dropped it twice.

I love this bike and will never sell - even if i buy something else.

I think if you have the right attitude and ride sensibly most bikes would be fine. The engine between your ears is more important than the 1 between your knees.

2 pointers.  1. don't ride with side boxes unless you really need to. they are very wide and easily forgotten.
                2. get a bike with a center stand - its so much easier to maintain that way - my one doesn't and its real pain.
Safe Riding

[jbmvienna]

Great thread - thanks for the input.  I'm looking at moving over from a Burgman 400 - getting the itch to shift for myself.  I have done the MSF course but will probably do the advanced course after getting my sea legs on the new bike.  Any input from the crowd on whether the 1000cc model is too much power for a relative novice?

[jstark47]

Great thread - thanks for the input.  I'm looking at moving over from a Burgman 400 - getting the itch to shift for myself.  I have done the MSF course but will probably do the advanced course after getting my sea legs on the new bike.  Any input from the crowd on whether the 1000cc model is too much power for a relative novice?

If the Burgman is the only bike you've ridden, then I would say a DL1000 is too much.  The power's reasonable if you keep the revs under 5K, but the weight and the high center of gravity can be unforgiving if you're used to a bike that has its engine on the swingarm.  And if you rev it and drop the clutch, it will wheelie quite handily.  You don't need the distraction of managing that high CoG while you're also learning the clutch and gears.  I would beg, borrow, or steal something lower and/or lighter to make your transition.  

If you already have mastered shifting on a motorcycle, then ignore this and have at it.

[Zerosum]

Any input from the crowd on whether the 1000cc model is too much power for a relative novice?

Yes, absolutely.  Too much weight, too much power, too much torque, too much bike.  A bike like that is a "third" or "fourth" bike.  Get the 650.

[Fourstring]

Great thread - thanks for the input.  I'm looking at moving over from a Burgman 400 - getting the itch to shift for myself.  I have done the MSF course but will probably do the advanced course after getting my sea legs on the new bike.  Any input from the crowd on whether the 1000cc model is too much power for a relative novice?

What Jstark said.

My first bike was a Burg 400, followed by a '91 Concours.  Although 1000cc, it was also heavy and old tech, mitigating the power equation somewhat.  A 650 like the Ninja or SV would be a better route.  That's what my wife did, and now she's a better rider than me.

[cmiych]

I appreciate all the input.  I've done some shopping around and have decided that this IS the right bike for me.  Gotta take the class, and gonna hold off about 2 months to make sure my finances are in order, then I'll be a proud Vstrom owner! Form follows function... well said....

[coorsleftfield]

My only concern about the Vstrom 650 as a first bike is that it's pretty tall. My friend bought one for his first bike and dropped it several times. Not that dropping a bike is the end of the world or anything. Just be aware, you will drop your first bike, possibly several times. Some people like to do this with a used bike, and then move up to something new and shiny after they have a few thousand miles under their belt.

[Crosfire]

Hi i just roll in the internet and i see your ? so i think it is the best choise to get one Suzuki V-Strom DL650cc ABS i have this bike !!!!! i had many bikes before but i will have this until i die this is the best bike ever i am from EUROPA 185sm 160KG. i am happy its very cheap bike i make tripe 1340km fore a 4.5liters per 100km very strong have good torq i put all the extras in to the bike the engine roll bars the engine shield the hands Shields change the mirrors to see bether i put mirrors from Kawasaki Z750 its mach very good... its the best bike for a beginner the only thing you need to do is to change the tires the stock is just like ice in the winter. ask if you need some tips but you will see in the moment you seat on this bike i will the first and the last bike you gonna buy!!!!! its like a toy but very strong toy...... i travel 60km every day to work and i am happy every time i go to my work with smile because of this bike!!! and get the bike with the ABS system it's just save lives...... i have this bike about 6 mounts i have made 24000km and every time its fun corners,fast ride,slow ride,go for a Coffey,take your girlfriend to her job........... you name it every time is a fun and save!!!!! GOOD LUCK MY FRIEND AND MAKE THE RIGHT CHOISE V-Strom DL650cc ABS System

[Paul Barnard]

Coming to this thread a little late... there's some good advice here.  In my opinion, if you're okay with the height of the V-Strom, and have some motorcycle experience, you'll be fine starting on one.

I used to think that any 650 twin was too much for a beginning rider, but after owning a V-Strom for a year, I changed my tune.  Unlike other 650 twins like the SV or the Hawk GT, it's tuned for a little more mid-range power and a little less off-the-line grunt.  So, in terms of power output, the bike is very tame and beginner-friendly.  At 3-4K RPM, it's a pretty tame, docile bike.  It "wakes up" at around 5K RPM, and pulls nicely up until around 8K RPM.  So, unlike the SV, there's a wider band of "tame" power for a new rider to say within.

It's a superb commuter bike, IMO.  The luggage rack can accept a trunk with ease (virtually every other bike requires you to buy a rack separately).  The wind protection is fine.  (Not great, but adequate.)  It's very light and maneuverable.  It looks top-heavy, but it really isn't.  The height of the bike does virtually nothing to its ability to handle, IMO.  I ride this thing every bit as hard as I ride my Hawk or VFR.

As for the whole "aesthetics" thing, WTF ever.  I'm tired of this "pile on" effect of everyone bashing the bike's appearance.  I like the way it looks.  It's Form is defined by it's Function, not the other way around.  It's tall and affords the rider with excellent visibility.  It's 19" front wheel and long-travel suspension allows you to eat potholes for breakfast.  It's a visually imposing bike that gets noticed in traffic.  It has the best stock headlight on the market.  If you're an engineer-type who thinks functional things are inherently good-looking and doesn't care what other people think, you'll think this bike is good looking.

This bike is so fun and so useful, I think that anyone who finds themselves thinking seriously about one should just get one.  The chances are very great that you'll love it.  If you don't believe me, go shopping for a used one... you'll notice that used ones are pretty hard to come by! :P

Here's mine, all outfitted for "sport commuting"

If only Suzuki had the wind management issue down it would be the perfect bike.

[erda]

I have (soon to be had) a DL650SEAK9. It is my second bike and I've been riding for 2 years now. One issue about this bike, aside from the "buffeting" issue, is how it is affected by wind. I found that in gusty cross wind conditions it acts like a big sail. Be prepared to get moved around a lot   By comparison, my Ninja 500 is like a hot knife through butter. Yes the wind affects it, but no where near the same amount. Tall, relatively light bike, with relatively skinny tires.
2 more sleeps until I pick up my Bandit 1250S.
erda

[bogfro]

I have (soon to be had) a DL650SEAK9. It is my second bike and I've been riding for 2 years now. One issue about this bike, aside from the "buffeting" issue, is how it is affected by wind. I found that in gusty cross wind conditions it acts like a big sail. Be prepared to get moved around a lot   By comparison, my Ninja 500 is like a hot knife through butter. Yes the wind affects it, but no where near the same amount. Tall, relatively light bike, with relatively skinny tires.
2 more sleeps until I pick up my Bandit 1250S.
erda

Really??  I hardly notice this "buffeting" and "wind sailing" issue......has never been a problem for me.  If you want buffeting and wind sailing, ride a Ninja 250!!

[Zerosum]

Really??  I hardly notice this "buffeting" and "wind sailing" issue......has never been a problem for me.  If you want buffeting and wind sailing, ride a Ninja 250!!

Come over to MD and cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge sometime!    I did this on a windy day back in October.  It was educational, to say the least!  

But yeah, under normal circumstances, I don't think it's a problem.  Maybe if you live on the prarries or something it is.

[Paul Barnard]

The vast majority of V-Strom riders notice appreciable "sail" when riding in gusty cross wind conditions.  I wanted to love the Strom, ugly though it was.  The ergos were awesome, handling in the twisties was great, fuel economy and range were superb, it was a capable fire road explorer and it had all the power I ever wanted and made that power in a very predictable satisfying manner.  I would get off of it after an extended stretch and feel as though my head had been in a paint shaker.  It literally scrambled my brain.  Three different wind screens didn't help.  I never tried the Madstad.  It gets good reviews.

[McHack]

Too MUCH for a beginner?   I'm an SV650S owner,  & I'd think it has the potential to be cumbersome as a starter bike, because its tall.   I wouldnt, & there is enough power to get into trouble.  

IMHO,  spend a month on a true beginner bike,  & then see how comfortable you are.

[Zerosum]

I never tried the Madstad.  It gets good reviews.

Yeah, I want to get one of those.  Unfortunately, I've already blown my farkle budget on better riding gear.    It seems expensive for what it is, but that's always the case with niche hardware like this.  Fewer people to spread the tooling costs among.

[Baz]

In all honesty, you will become a better rider spending a season or two on an SV-650 instead. The Wee Strom, while a fine bike, is pretty tall and somewhat heavy to learn on. I would bet that you would build confidence faster on the SV-650.

Most people who decide to start out on the Vee's & Wee's tend to drop them an awful lot at low speed manovers, due to the weight & height of the bikes.

[vaio]

Was considering getting a GS500e. Found the GS of my choice. 2 days before picking up I stumble on a craigslist ad for a 99 sv650. Sick deal. I pounced on it. 2 weeks into it, I am loving this bike. Not too heavy and enough power that you won't get bored but you can also learn in leaps and bounds. I have yet to take it past 80mph but thats because Im spending most of my time getting used to the bike and really trying to develop my skills. I dont need to go past 80mph to do that. I think I made a great choice going for the sv. It has been my dream bike and has been very user friendly thus far. Loving being able to practice and develop my cornering skills. I totally respect the bike and I think thats extremely important in developing the skills truly master this bike.

[Allan]

The V-Strom is the SUV of the motorcycle world. Its a go anywhere do anything bike. The biggest downside for a beginner might be height. But at 5' 11" you will probably be OK getting both feet on the ground. I would defiantly test sit though.

One of the great things about the V-Strom is the aftermarket. You can make it a very trail ready adventure tourer, or set it up to rack up the open road miles by the thousands, they have even been spotted at a track day although that would be pushing it a bit.

I love mine and as some bikes come and go, I certainly see my V-Strom always being there as a reliable bike I can always count on to take me where I need to go.

I would also recommend the MadStad windshield mount if you have wind issues.

[Zerosum]

Hey, Allan, I notice that you and I have the same bikes... just curious, how do the miles spread between the two of them for you?  

I hardly ever rode my VFR untill I put luggage racks on it, now I split the mileage about 60/40 in favor of the V-Strom.

[Jeremy Z]

DL650 is a great bike.

I started on an SV650, when they were still carbureted, before there was an "S" version, and before DL650s came out. The DL has the same engine. It is one of the best engines in the motorcycle world, IMHO. I put 36000 miles on mine. I had to sell it when the chain broke and cracked the crankcase; I couldn't afford to fix it. My bad, I should've changed it at 15k instead of just "keeping an eye on it."

It has enough torque & power to be entertainingly quick, but not so big & powerful that it isn't fuel efficient. (they get 55 mpg, where the DL1000s only get 35-40) It is also relatively light. This sounds dumb, but it is also not such a speed demon that you'll always find yourself in trouble. With liter+ bikes, one has to keep a very close on on one's speed.

For someone of your height, the DL would be a better choice; an SV will have your legs folded up a bit too much. (I'm assuming you're at least a 32" inseam, being 5'11" tall)

I think it looks good but not great. But I happily gave up some of the good looks for the long-travel suspension. It is just brilliant; so comfortable. The riding position is also brilliant. (I went from an FJR to a KLR for partly this reason)

One piece of advice: DO pop for the ABS. Not only does this make the bike more beginner friendly, but it makes it more useful on any loose surface. Not only that, but even an experienced rider will occasionally grab too much brakes when he finds a deer suddenly in front of him. It only has to work once to pay for itself.

Other things you'll probably want to invest in:

- A Givi topcase (I have a V46)

- A tankbag with map pocket

- An aftermarket saddle (Russells are the most comfortable, Sargents are the most affordable.)  As stock saddles go, the DLs isn't horrible.  But on a scale of 1 to 10, it is still only a 3 or 4. Corbins are rock hard, and you lose some benefit of the long-travel suspension because of that.

- A throttle lock, if you're going to be doing long stints on the expressways.