Rumor: new V-strom to be released by end of June

[Rincewind]

European press outlets have received an invitation to a Suzuki new model launch.  The invitation only shows a new fairing style and a fuzzy looking pannier.  While the information given was vague, only saying that Suzuki will release a new middleweight by the end of June, it is widely speculated that it will be a revised V-Strom 650 to take on the likes of the BMW F-GS twins and the new Tiger 800's.  Further speculation is suggesting that the new Strom will incorporate elements from the Gladius.

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/rumors/suzuki-v-strom-update-rumor/

[sammyseaman]

I just hope it's uglier or as ugly as the current model. And not a good, cool looking ugly either (i.e 800 Tiger and GS).

[Scratch33]

So they jammed a GSchnozz on it.  Brilliant!!

[Rincewind]

So they jammed a GSchnozz on it.  Brilliant!!

That last pic is just some photoshop job that I found.  It does not necessarily have anything to do with the new bike shown on the invitation image.  The bike on the invite looks more like a faired SV with bags.  We shall see.


There is a tease for a new adv bike at http://suzukicycles.com/  "Time for Real Adventures"

[jfurf]

Just say no to bird beaks.  

[County Tar]

Hopefully that is a photoshop.  Beaks seem to be the in thing these days.  

[TriumphTiger1050]

I had a DL650 back in 2006.  Was a decent little bike for the money.  I just don't like a V-Twin for some reason.  Just personal preference you might say.  Even with the balance of the engine and the rubber mounts......it had some buzz to it.  I like smooth with a little throaty!

[Justin]

Hopefully that is a photoshop.  Beaks seem to the in thing these days.  

It looks nothing like the outline on the invitation

And I hope they keep it ugly, otherwise the Busa will reclaim the title of ugliest Suzuki again  

[swingset]

I don't really care a ton about what it looks like. I can't see any bike I ride when I'm on the saddle.

I'm vastly more concerned with engine, reliability, comfort and cost. I hope Suzuki does a good job with all of those, because the current Stroms are very good bikes that don't break the wallet.

[UFO]

Ohh, another bike that can be the brunt of beak jokes.

[eye.surgeon]

Totally excited by this. I love my 2009 Wee but if a new one came out with better brakes/suspension and a little more displacement a la 800 cc, I'd be all over that like flies on poo. That would be taking it right to BMW/Triumphs back yard for 25% less if history means anything.

[caddydaddy]

  Further speculation is suggesting that the new Strom will incorporate elements from the Gladius.

   That's the way to wuss up a manly bike!  

[falconati]

Suzuki: the quest to make the Strom uglier.

[garry]

I rode a Wee for a season and really liked it. A bit more power, better (more? 8") suspension, and more ground clearance would be appreciated. Less fugly would be nice too.

I'm starting to think about what could replace the KTM next year (or the year after). Ninja 1000 sits on top of the short list, but an adv/touring bike like the Tiger 800 or a new Wee Strom would be in the running. I do miss the ability to be a long ways from home on a road trip and go exploring random dirt roads. The KTM doesn't really like rough dirt roads or thick gravel with 17" street tires and cast wheels.

[Rincewind]

I wonder if they will be able to increase the capacity of the Gladius engine, or if we will be left with an engine very similar to the existing Wee.  If it remains about the same size, how can it become more competitive to the Tiger/GS's?

 

[Roadscum]

I wonder if they will be able to increase the capacity of the Gladius engine, or if we will be left with an engine very similar to the existing Wee.  If it remains about the same size, how can it become more competitive to the Tiger/GS's?

 

If they keep the bargain basement price it will have a place in the market. More is not always better, I say that every time I look at my Pe..., oh never Mind!  

Regards, Paul

[Rincewind]

If they keep the bargain basement price it will have a place in the market. More is not always better, I say that every time I look at my Pe..., oh never Mind!   

Regards, Paul

Quite true!  About the pricing, that is... not about what's in your pan...  oh nevermind. 

I hear there IS a big-bore kit for the 650's, but that reliability can become an issue.  

[garry]

I wonder if they will be able to increase the capacity of the Gladius engine, or if we will be left with an engine very similar to the existing Wee.  If it remains about the same size, how can it become more competitive to the Tiger/GS's?

 

As a former Wee owner, the engine is OK as is. Smooth, fuel-efficient and peppy enough (but more power for passing couldn't hurt). I would put much better quality suspension (8" travel) and brakes on the bike. Perhaps restyle the tank to make it look better, be narrower  and carry its weight lower. 5 gals vs the current 5.8 (?) wouldn't be bad.

They must fix the turbulence/buffeting issues with the windscreen. It needs to be adjustable and "just work" for the majority of riders.

People bitched about the seat, but every mfgr gets that complaint. Adjustable height would be a bonus because these bikes tend to be tall and that alienates those short of leg. Low seat, lowering links, etc from the factory would be a nice touch.

It would cool to offer a street version with 17/19 cast wheels and an "adventure" version with wire wheels. I would stick with 17/19 because it really suits the ability of the bike given its weight.

Aside from the seat and windscreen, most people seemed to just bolt stuff on the bike to suit their intended usage rather than fix any inherent shortcomings.

[JReazor]

I hear there IS a big-bore kit for the 650's, but that reliability can become an issue.  

There is a 700cc kit available. Some guys claim 90-95hp with it but reliability does seem to be problem. To be honest, the 650 isn't a fire breather but it make it's power in all the right places. I don't think it needs more motor.

[caddydaddy]

 I don't think it needs more motor.

Every bike has owners who complain it needs more power!  The Wee has good power for what it needs to do!

[BlueRidgeKat]

If you go to http://www.suzukicycles.com/ and click on "new middle class" it plays a short worthless video that says coming soon and shows a rough line sketch of a bike. It does say "adventure" and keeps showing mountains and a dirt road so apparently they think it will be somewhat offroad worthy.

[eye.surgeon]

Screen captures from the new teaser...





Definitely maintains the current 650 DNA, which is not a bad thing. I'm encouraged, I wasn't looking for a total remake, I want to keep what's good and improve on it, a little more power, better brakes, better suspension. Based on these teasers I'm even more interested. Interesting that the side gill slots in the fairing that were so played-up in the first teaser image aren't even present now.

[County Tar]

I figure to replace my 04 DL650 with a new one someday, if I can just wear it out.  Its hard to do.  I may be worn out first  

[spinalator]

It looks like the teaser is a TRON colour scheme

[Cablebandit]

Are we sure the new vstrom hasn't been hiding in the new STN logo all along

[stromgal]

It's the offspring of a Gladius and an RF900.  

[Rincewind]

From what I've heard, they will launch this bike tomorrow.  Some rumors indicate it may not be until June 15.

Some say the new bike may be 825cc with variable cylinder management.  

Image found from stromtroopers --

[falconati]

That's a nice looking bike.  I hope it's real.

[Cablebandit]

That's a horrible looking Vstrom.

 

[Rincewind]

That rendering is basically a faired Gladius.  It's not really like a Strom at all.  I don't see anything Adventure-Like about it..  Nor does it have the high-mount exhaust or luggage rack, as found on the official teasers.

[County Tar]

Photoshop is a wonderful thing.  

Reminds me of an old Utah Phillips tale about a guy who used to haul dynamite up to the mines.  One day it went off.  All they found in the hole was the man's hat and the mule's ass.

"But I tell you folks, this plastic surgery is a wonderful thing.  The plastic surgeons gathered up what they could and worked on it for three years.  

Today, that man is President of the United States.....

I hear the hole is the Vice-President."

(this was during the Nixon/Agnew tenure).

[HipGnosis]

 

[Castaway]

Looks a bit like the new Multistrada.

[County Tar]

The "teaser photo" just posted on MD doesn't look like much of a change; they included existing ones for comparison:

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/06/latest-teaser-photo-from-suzuki-reveals-interesting-details-about-new-adventure-bike/

I wish the bike companies would stop doing this kind of advertising.

[Nitro]

I would certainly look again if they  fix that gawdawful windscreen and fairing so it works like other bikes. No excuse for that on the last model. Power and engine  was just fine,... besides fixing the  wind problems,  maybe work on better mileage and a few more gizmos on the dash, and it would be a  deal.

[Typhoon650]

Vstrom has wind problems? News to me, and I ride one. Fit a screen that suits you (like every other bike on the planet) and it's not  a problem. As for the looks, I like em, they sure look no worse than those fugly Transformer sportsbikes, where it looks like one design team did the front fender and screen, another tank, another side fairings and then someone threw the tail together out of parts....

[County Tar]

Buffeting was the primary complaint on Stroms until the Madstad bracket came out.  It solved the problem for most.  I run a Madstad with a Givi screen and its fine.  The bike is a little twitchy in high winds though.

[caddydaddy]

 As for the looks, I like em, they sure look no worse than those fugly Transformer sportsbikes, where it looks like one design team did the front fender and screen, another tank, another side fairings and then someone threw the tail together out of parts....

Now, let's not get all defensive, just because you chose the ugliest bike on the planet!  

[falconati]

Any official updates from Suzuki?

[McHack]

That's a Gladius w/ a Ninja fairing on it..

[skater69]

I ride an '06 Strom 650.  It's my 11th bike and it's just unbelievably GREAT.  As long as you have a Madstad bracket, wind is not a problem with the stock screen.  Mine came with upgraded suspension front/rear, 16T (up from 15T) front sprocket and braided lines.  I put a Scorpion slip-on,a fork brace, mirror extenders and a Sargent seat.

The bike does it ALL. It's a super comfy relaxed cruiser if you want it to be.  It also super athletic and will tear up twisties with unreserved eagerness.  It's so light and agile too and gets 45-50mpg and over 200mi to a tank.  It also sounds great with the pipe.  I have no complaints.  It won't leap from 100-135 with one swallow like my Blackbird but that's low on my requirement list these days.  

I always look forward to getting on the Weestrom...always.    And I even dig the way it looks.  Even if I didn't, I'd still love it.  If they make a new and improved one, great.  But I still can't believe how great this bike is....and it's not even expensive.  

[County Tar]

OK guys and gals.  Here it is, off their world web site:

http://www.globalsuzuki.com/motorcycle/moto/sport_enduro/v-strom650/media.html

Can someone link some pictures?  Thanks.

Some discussion here:

http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,15536.90/topicseen.html

http://www.stromtrooper.com/general-v-strom-discussion/64780-new-v-strom-2012-a-21.html

[Cablebandit]

Looks like bold new graphics....plastics..

[falconati]

at least it finally looks decent  

[garry]

It DOES look better. I like that new orange color scheme. Got to say I'm disappointed in the limit scope of the changes. They should have at least upgraded the suspension and brakes with modern goodies (USD fully adjustable forks, radially mounted brakes, fully adjustable shock w/ remote preload, etc).

[stromgal]

It's got pods!  


     

About what I expected from Zook. Was hoping for an improved swingarm, though. Has a gear position indicator for all those who've felt their lives empty without.

[County Tar]

360 view here:

http://sugopri.com/vstrom/fl/dl650a/

login: vstrom
password: suzuki

[Rincewind]

Thanks for the pics and links.  I wouldn't call this a "New Middleweight" when it is only a small redesign.  

I'm glad to see they are using Hepco & Becker Journey and Junior bags now.

The white one looks like a cop bike.

[Typhoon650]

Well, that doesn't make me want to rush out and trade in my old one.

[County Tar]

Thanks for the pics and links.  I wouldn't call this a "New Middleweight" when it is only a small redesign.  

I'm glad to see they are using Hepco & Becker Journey and Junior bags now.

The white one looks like a cop bike.

I was thinking reverse skunk.  

[eye.surgeon]

I like the new look, the new instrument pod looks very complete including gear indicator and ambient temp which is always nice for sport touring. Not thrilled about the 2L smaller tank but I bet better fuel economy makes up for this. I will be disappointed if the brakes and suspension aren't better, we will have to wait for the first RRs to know for sure. Also disappointed they didn't bump it to 800cc displacement but that was a long shot. ABS of course is great but that's not new.

Bottom line, with modest updates it will very likely have a a modest ($500) price bump which still makes it one of the great sport touring bargains to be had out there.

Nice to know when I'm done with my '09 that there's something a little better to replace it with.

[Fourstring]

I kinda like it.

With all the clean sheet redesigns that fall short of pleasing the stodgy faithful (*cough* Honda), they tweaked a little bit and updated some minor items.  Hopefully it brings in a few people who couldn't stand the Strom's looks and it fixed the buffeting.

[County Tar]

It is on the US website:

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/V-Strom%20650/2012/DL650A.aspx#Overview

Same price, $8099.

No white in US.

Ground clearance up .4".

[JamesG]

Its amazing that Suzuki could find another branch from the ugly tree for this thing to hit on its way out of the factory...

Busy, weird, and uselessly stylized.  A fairing is supposed to be practical to cleanly divert the wind.  WTF is that thing supposed to do?


Swiped from a post on ADV rider because its sooo true:

I must be spending too much time watching movies with my kids, because I keep seeing this:

[County Tar]

Its amazing that Suzuki could find another branch from the ugly tree for this thing to hit on its way out of the factory...

Busy, weird, and uselessly stylized.  A fairing is supposed to be practical to cleanly divert the wind.  WTF is that thing supposed to do?


Swiped from a post on ADV rider because its sooo true:

That's good, in a way.  Keeps all the folk who think they have a sense of style from considering one.  Leaves more on the dealer floors for us folk who know we don't have a sense of style.  

[phoenix]

is there no V-Strom 1000 any more?

[County Tar]

No 1000.  Can't meet emissions regs.

More details on the new 650 here:

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/06/suzuki-reveals-full-details-on-the-v-strom-650-abs/

[motormike]

Damn, that critter above made me laugh. It looks like  that Stitch critter from Lilo and Stitch?

Edit: I figured it out....it's the dragon from "How to Train Your Dragon"  

[gritsngravy]

As I get older I definately appreciate versatile comfortable machines.   Looks like fun.

[Roadscum]

As I get older I definately appreciate versatile comfortable machines.   Looks like fun.

A wise man indeed!

Also, low operating cost and reliability are now a factor I consider when searching for the perfect bike.

I've had my share of glamor queens and high maintenance rides, I'm over it. I have come to accept the size of my penis and no longer need to have the biggest, best or newest bike. As always, YMMV.

Regards, Paul

[JamesG]

As I get older I definately appreciate versatile comfortable machines.   Looks like fun.

It looks like shit actually.  I'm sure it your typical high quality/reliability UJM but... dayum.

Here is a conspiracy theory for you:

Suzuki had an internal contest in its styling dept. to see who could come up with the most stomach turning design specifically to drive sales of the backlog of previous year models (which are now beautiful in comparison) cluttering showrooms and warehouses.  

[MadMax96]

They kept everyone in anticpation for this??????   Fuggin Suzuki......  

Boooooooo.

[Roadscum]

It looks like shit actually.  I'm sure it your typical high quality/reliability UJM but... dayum.

Here is a conspiracy theory for you:

Suzuki had an internal contest in its styling dept. to see who could come up with the most stomach turning design specifically to drive sales of the backlog of previous year models (which are now beautiful in comparison) cluttering showrooms and warehouses.  

When ya want to dance.....  the prettiest girl usually isn't the best dancer! You're not going to marry it are you??      
Tell me which of the adventure tours you do find attractive. To me none of them are very attractive, but most are great bikes.
Regards, Paul

[JamesG]

Insert all the, "You can't see what it looks like while you're riding it" cliches you like, but I don't understand the: "Lets see how ugly we can make this and still sell it" design philosophy, I really don't.

[vulcanbill]

It's pretty funny... it's almost like some of you guys haven't seen Suzuki's products before.  

makers of such beauties as:

Madura
Savage

and whatever this thing was...  



taller w/ less fuel capacity got me.  

[JamesG]

hey now.  The Katana 1100 is funky cool.  I guess it counted as a "fail" in the uglification dept.  I wonder if its PM had to go commit suicide...

[sammyseaman]

When ya want to dance.....  the prettiest girl usually isn't the best dancer! You're not going to marry it are you??      
Tell me which of the adventure tours you do find attractive. To me none of them are very attractive, but most are great bikes.
Regards, Paul

I don't dance with ugly broads   and none of the current adventure bikes are good looking. The old Yami TDM850 wasn't toooooo bad looking. Of course that was 20 somethin' years ago?

[County Tar]

I get a kick out of folks who bitch about a bike's looks, but don't post a picture of themselves for comparison.      

[caddydaddy]

I get a kick out of folks who bitch about a bike's looks, but don't post a picture of themselves for comparison.      

I'll post a picture of my helmet....cause on the bike that's all you'll see!  

[McHack]

I get a kick out of folks who bitch about a bike's looks, but don't post a picture of themselves for comparison.      

I've learned a long time ago,  ya never put yer mug on the interwebs...  because you'll end up photoshopped faster than you can say... oops.    But, it usually is REALLY funny...  *grin*

[sammyseaman]

I get a kick out of folks who bitch about a bike's looks, but don't post a picture of themselves for comparison.      

Me and my girl  
Hope the picture of the ___ doesn't get me banned.

[County Tar]

Me and my girl  
Hope the picture of the ___ doesn't get me banned.

Lets see the real sammy.  

 

[sammyseaman]

Lets see the real sammy.  

 

 

[McHack]

If I could only photoshop worth a crap...  

[JamesG]

Me and my girl  
Hope the picture of the ___ doesn't get me banned.

God that was such an awful movie.  I think we fast forwarded thru at least half of it, and only kept watching to see if someone would put Clooney out of our misery or not.

[gritsngravy]

Talk about your negative nabobs........Spiro T Agnew would be proud.  New strom looks good to me but then again I've been riding 30 years and I've been rocking this for the past 6 months

[JamesG]

Yes, you are clinically esthetically challenged.

I get a kick out of folks who bitch about a bike's looks, but don't post a picture of themselves for comparison.      

That makes us "subject matter experts"

[Justin]

Talk about your negative nabobs........Spiro T Agnew would be proud.  New strom looks good to me but then again I've been riding 30 years and I've been rocking this for the past 6 months

 

And that's coming from a Busa rider  

[falconati]

Now now, both the B-King AND the Busa are really ugly  

[gritsngravy]

Sorry, you say you want to see more...  Here ya go.  BTW thanks for being typical American 'motorcyclists' your sense of taste allowed me to pick this thing up for a song.    

[Roadscum]

Sorry, you say you want to see more...  Here ya go.  BTW thanks for being typical American 'motorcyclists' your sense of taste allowed me to pick this thing up for a song.    

What exactly is a "typical american motorcyclist"?

And what qualifies you to judge others that don't share your opinion. Ae you  THAT special??

Regards, Paul

[gritsngravy]

What exactly is a "typical american motorcyclist"?

And what qualifies you to judge others that don't share your opinion. Ae you  THAT special??

Regards, Paul

The typical American rider is hugely invested in the appearance of their machine rather than function.  Like it or not the chrome encrusted low seat feet forward cruiser is THE preferred bike in this country by a large margin.   That ethic splashes over to the few non cruisers sold here.    That's just what it is in the US of A....sales figures don't lie.   Not a fault, just reality.   The Bking didn't sell well in the states because to the majority of american riders it was just way over the top.   The bike is actually still in production, just not for the American market.   I'm just glad there are companies out there that at least try and deliver something different.   It touches me that you think I'm  SPECIAL.   But I suspect that is Your opinion.  






What makes me qualified to judge others???   Are fu$&ng kidding me, EVERYBODY on this site is judgemental about one thing or another.   This whole thread is full of people love or hate the Vstrom series.......what I'm not allowed to have an opinion like everyone else?  




 

[caddydaddy]

The typical American rider is hugely invested in the appearance of their machine rather than function.
 

I'm so atypical!  My bike is lucky if I wash it once a month!  

And my Dad bought his V-Strom as a "wash and wear" bike.  It's dirty a lot, but he doesn't care, he just rides it!  

[stromgal]

I got to test-ride a B-King once upon a time while my bike was getting a tire mounted. The dealer had changed out the exhaust cans for Akros and I thought it looked really cool, in a Transformers-kinda way. Was a hoot to ride, too.

[falconati]

I like how this guy is on his high horse, which is fitting given how you have to swing your leg 'round the B-king to get on it like a horse

[County Tar]

Getting back on point, check out this review:

http://www.ashonbikes.com/content/suzuki-v-strom-650-2011

The update appears to work a little better than folks assume.  And since its still a Suzuki it will start and run too (unlike certain European brands).  

"The detailing and accessories all add up favourably then, but it’s the overall capability of the bike which really impresses. It might not be an all new machine but the changes have been in all the right areas, and some have been disproportionately effective. What really counts is that the new Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS is an exceptionally capable distance covering machine, fun and able in the corners with an engine that’s a real pleasure to use in all kinds of riding. It has character, it’s frugal, there’s plenty of torque, it’s comfortable yet light and reasonably agile."

[gritsngravy]

I like how this guy is on his high horse, which is fitting given how you have to swing your leg 'round the B-king to get on it like a horse
[/quote




 


Oh wait......you say you want to see another picture................................ ..................

[County Tar]

Stolen from jeeves on ADV:

"I was one of five lucky riders from the Croatian V-Strom forum www.v-strom.hr that had the opportunity to ride the new DL650 during the official presentation held in Split, Croatia a few days ago.

I have a Vee (a KLV 1000 to be precise), but have ridden the Wee on several occasions.

There has been a lot of discussion about the looks of the new Wee, but it really does look much better in real life.



So after lunch that we had at the Kamenjak viewpoint above Vransko lake (http://vransko-jezero.hr/cms/content...5/199/lang,en/) we suited up and went for a 30km ride.

The first thing I noticed is the my legs were bent slightly more in the knees, but keep in mind that the seat on my Vee is 2cm higher than on the Wee. You have a feeling of sitting "on the bike", instead of "in the bike" like on the old model.
The seat is comfortable, and there is absolutely no sliding around on it due to the new seat cover material.

The exhaust note is a bit deeper now, sounds better, especially at higher revs.


The clutch is feather light, the shifter is very, very good, no resistance whatsoever when shifting up or down.
I had a feeling I could shift all day long and not get tired of it.

Handling is as good as on the old model, very neutral.Suspension setup felt OK, but then again, we only went for a short ride.

The brakes were the biggest surprise - they are fantastic.
Two finger braking is absolutely enough in almost every situation, and the ABS gives you that extra dose of confidence when braking hard.
It only kicked in once due to some gravel on the road.
Unfortunately there is no OFF switch for the ABS.

I have four pot calipers from a SV1000 and breaded lines on my Vee, and the braking power is not even close compared to the new Wee.
The calipers and brake rotors look the same, so I presume the brake pump is stronger now.



The new engine is very good, vibrations are minimal, pulls nicely almost through the entire rev range.

The new instruments give a lot of information, including oil level indication at start up. A neat feature is that you can toggle the speedo between km/h and mph.
The gear indicator is a very useful feature, too.
On the other hand the instruments are at a lower position then on the old Wee, and it's kinda hard to see at what revs your at due to the design of the rev gauge that doesn't do a full circle like on the old model, so the rev needle is kinda low.
Didn't like the white background on rev gauge, I'd prefer it was black.


I rode a model with a stock windshield, and it seemed OK,not much difference compared to the old Wee. Unfortunately I didn't try the optional touring windshield.

All bikes had Bridgestone Trailwings (Deathwings ) tires that I really don't like, but some of the journalists scraped the pegs, so it look like the problem in more me than the tires.


Suzuki offers SW Motech TRAX, and Hepco & Becker Junior luggage, but I didn't like the way either setup looked attached on the bike.
They boxes are asymmetrical, and kinda stick too far out. Maybe Givi will offer a better looking solution in the future.


From the optional equipment list that Suzuki offers the skid plate, crash bars ,hand guards, and probably the touring windshield are a must have. The bike looks so much better with this equipment on it.

Since I ride a Vee I did want a bit more power.
I like to tour with my wife with a full set of luggage, and I have a felling the Wee would be struggling to keep up a bit under these conditions.
Don't get me wrong - this bike can go fast, but it doesn't have that hand pulling feeling like on the Vee.
After our little test ride we returned the bikes, got on our own bikes and went with the test group to the official presentation point in Split.
It was a combination of twisty local roads, state roads and freeway driving. Pretty hard driving.
At one point we were up to 180km/h, and it seemed the Wee had no problems driving at those speeds.


Since Suzuki went the 650ccm road, there is hope a new Vee could be in the works, but the rumors we head during the presentation say that won't be until 2013 or 2014.


All in all, during my little test drive, I really liked the new Wee, and if I would use it for mostly solo riding, without a doubt, this would be the bike I would buy,but for two up riding and touring
I would like a bit more HP, I would like a new Vee..



Pictures from the official presentation.
This is Igor, one of the founders and moderators on the Croatian V-Strom forum. He had a special invitation from Suzuki Europe try out the new Wee this last weekend. A real hard core V-Strom enthusiast.
Thanks to him we got to ride the new Wee. Thank you Igor! "

(No pics copied).

[Rincewind]

That's good reading Tar, thanks.

Here's a another review from the Croatian launch.
http://www.twowheelsblog.com/post/6671/2012-suzuki-v-strom-test-ride

I like it quite a bit.

[Dave the slave]

I like it too.  

Now I'm not admitting to being over GT bikes, but on my current ride and considering where I live I almost NEVER get past 3rd gear.  Frankly that's getting a bit old.

My ex wife has a Street Triple and I think it's a hoot, but a little off road worthy and Japanese reliable is something I could live with..... and I think the NEW v-strom is 10 times better looking than the previous model.

Consider me officially "interested"

[sammyseaman]

What makes me qualified to judge others???   Are fu$&ng kidding me, EVERYBODY on this site is judgemental about one thing or another.   This whole thread is full of people love or hate the Vstrom series.......what I'm not allowed to have an opinion like everyone else?  

Pleeeeeeeeease just sell the Zuke so your kool-aid is one flavor: Red. It fits perfectly over there, fanboy.

[gritsngravy]

Pleeeeeeeeease just sell the Zuke so your kool-aid is one flavor: Red. It fits perfectly over there, fanboy.

To keep this on track I'll just reiterate how gorgeous the new v-strom is and what an incredible world beater of a bike it is.  


Now, Sammy what Ape raped your sensitive a$$?   Sounds like a Honda rider ate your lunch or sumthin.   By the way you do know Honda's are the best in the world, the ultimate,  the top.   Sorry son the Suzuki stays, just to much fun, reminds me of the glory days of my bros ratty chambered GT380 triple x 100000000.  

Don't let your Honda envy get the best of you, it will be your undoing.  

[County Tar]

Good discussion on the VSRI forum by ib and agolac, two members who were invited to the event and actually got to ride the bikes.  These guys are Strom owners, not journalists, so their comparisons to the old model hold some weight.

http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,15858.0/topicseen.html

Note the discussion on why Suzuki didn't up the displacement to the 800 class.

[falconati]

Looking really nice, I could see myself buying one of these used, but not new.

[Punchdude]

Looking really nice, I could see myself buying one of these used, but not new.

I'm with ya. Once my KLR has like 80k miles on it, this would be a good all-arounder at a reasonable price. Not too many things I can find negative about the new strom after reading all the reviews out there.

[County Tar]

This one is in German, off the German VStrom forum:

http://www.v-stromforum.de/viewtopic.php?p=524787#524787

Lots of pics.  

[stromgal]

Igor's review really helped flesh out my view of the new Wee. Sounds like Zook made a lot of things slightly better; can't wait to see it in the flesh as I will likely be looking to downsize in the future. But why no white, dang it!  

[sammyseaman]

Igor's review really helped flesh out my view of the new Wee. Sounds like Zook made a lot of things slightly better; can't wait to see it in the flesh as I will likely be looking to downsize in the future. But why no white, dang it!  

 

[stromgal]

 

Always Mr. Helpful!

[Yakiman]

So close....



But where's my beak... I wants me some big ol' German beaky thing to balance the abruptness of the front fairing!

And, for krise sake, what is up with the WWII salvage ammo boxes... everyone knows by now the Givi E21s and E300 top case is just about the perfect setup proportionally and aesthetically...

[County Tar]

But where's my beak... I wants me some big ol' German beaky thing to balance the abruptness of the front fairing!

Business opportunity for you.....

[Punchdude]

Looks like November is the target date for the release date of the new 2012 V-Strom ABS....

[Yakiman]

Business opportunity for you.....

Naaa... I'm a rider not a wrencher.

(Just so much debatable critique from a designer's perspective...)  

[Yakiman]

On second thought, I’ll clean up my post from above.

I realize I might have come off as trolling with the somewhat blunt opinion of new DL650; which by the way I really like. (And, I’m sure some enterprising after-marketer will offer the obviously needed beak.)

Also I sense, that with the swipe at the grotesque boxes, I may have chaffed the sensibilities of those who cling to the dilution that this thing is some kind of an “Adventure Tour” bike. It is not. In reality, it is a very sporty standard… or if you will, an SV650 with sensible upright seating ergonomics (that will not jamb the collar of your riding jacket into the back of your helmet, that will jamb it onto the top of your glass, into your nose… ride ruining pain and aggravation, etc.) and near perfect usable architecture (and little better motor).

And, I need to dispel any thought that the German guy in the photo is me. (He has had way more helpings of bratwurst, sauerkraut und kartoffelnds.)

So here’s a more benign photo:



(I also was going to open some discussion about the possibility that those boxes aboveare stuffed full of said bratwurst, sauerkraut und kartoffelnds. If they are, they’re pretty darn leak proof. Enough said.)

[Castaway]

Also I sense, that with the swipe at the grotesque boxes, I may have chaffed the sensibilities of those who cling to the dilution that this thing is some kind of an “Adventure Tour” bike. It is not. In reality, it is a very sporty standard… or if you will, an SV650 with sensible upright seating ergonomics (that will not jamb the collar of your riding jacket into the back of your helmet, that will jamb it onto the top of your glass, into your nose… ride ruining pain and aggravation, etc.) and near perfect usable architecture (and little better motor).

They stuck with the 19" front ... I lean towards the Multi's 17" front, for looks and possibly (pavement) handling, too.

[Yakiman]

They stuck with the 19" front ...

Yups, and did you notice the vintage Suzuki sport-bike design of the spokes... cool

I lean towards the Multi's 17" front, for looks and possibly (pavement) handling, too.

I also. The Multi is a true phenomenon in M/C development. While I could have one, I am torn by the less-is-more aspects of the DL650, and as said, its near perfect architecture (and value - $$$$ less, and MPG, and range per tank, and proximity of dealer base, and maintenance cost....).

[stromgal]

This is a pretty funny French Wee-Strom promo. If you only want the riding segment, go to 2:30.

[falconati]

Great video!

[Rincewind]

That was hilarious even though I don't know French, thank you stromgal!  

[Smoker]

 

[ConPilot1]

So close....

I like it, and the SW Motech style cases. Very nice.  

[Rincewind]

Preliminary review from MCUSA

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/235/11326/Motorcycle-Article/2012-Suzuki-V-Strom-650-First-Ride.aspx

[County Tar]

Thats been flying around the web today.  I can't figure out how he arrived at the conclusions he did, re: the old and new engines.  Still waiting for someone with actual knowledge of the old model to thoroughly flog the new one and tell us the differences.  

[Xanth]

Suzuki updated their website today.

V-Strom 650 ABS $8299
V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure $9799

Along with a non updated 1000

V-Strom 1000 $10399
V-Strom 1000 Adventure $10999

[County Tar]

Review and video at motorcycle.com:

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/suzuki/2012-suzuki-vstrom-650-abs-review-first-ride-91171.html