It’s been a decade since Suzuki launched the V-Strom 1000, and the sales success of that naked bike triggered spinoffs like the 650 (in 2003) and an ABS-equipped model (in 2006.) Seeking to capitalize on the growing adventure touring segment, Suzuki’s new V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure joins the mix with big boxy saddlebags, a three-way adjustable windscreen, and a cage around its liquid-cooled 645cc 90 degree v-twin powerplant-- resulting in a significantly more imposing adventure touring machine.
The mill hooks up to a six-speed transmission with a chain final drive, and is fed by a big 5.3 gallon fuel tank.
Up front, a non-inverted telescopic fork with 5.9 inches of travel meets twin-disc brakes and a 19-inch wheel, while the rear link suspension manages a single-disc brake and a 17-inch, 150mm wheel/tire combo with a generous 6.3 inches of articulation.
The V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure’s saddle sits 32.9 inches tall—the same height as the non-Adventure model—and incidentally, those hulking, top-hinged saddlebags are each large enough to hold a full-face helmet.
While the standard V-Strom 650 ABS is priced at $8,299, the Adventure version receives a $1,500 premium for a grand total of $9,799-- or $9,999 for the unchanged 2013 model.
Click “Next” to come along for a spin on Suzuki’s 2012 V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure.
The tallish V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure may seem daunting to those of shorter stature, and those big saddlebags don’t make it any easier to climb onto the 32.9 inch-tall saddle. But once astride, this bike’s upright seating position and modest proportions make it feel ergonomically manageable.
There’s a slight pulse to the 645cc twin engine, and gearshifts are accompanied by light effort at the pedal and easy clutch action.
In fact, I found virtually everything about the V-Strom fairly effortless except for the remarkably wide saddlebags, which led to this incident within the first few minutes of my loan. Riders who don’t split lanes likely won’t care about this bike’s car-like width, but those who are considering using it as an economical commute machine in lane-split friendly areas like California will likely disqualify it on dimensional principal alone.
After hitting the road after my unintended run-in with a car mirror, I appreciated the generous amount of information supplied by the digital dashboard, including average MPGs, ambient temperature, and gear position. Freeway riding reveals generally stable and predictable handling with good wind protection, though the handlebar might be positioned a bit too far forward for those with a shorter reach. At least this roughly 500 pound bike handles with ease, though its suspension softness might keep more aggressive riders from tackling the twisties at high speeds.
Touring riders might also find the V-Strom 650 isn’t optimally geared for the long haul; cruising at 75 mph in top gear results in a relatively busy 5,400 rpm. But at least the smaller engine combined with the big 5.3 gallon fuel tank should result in a healthy cruising range. It’s non-switchable ABS and non-spoked wheels reinforce this bike’s positioning as more of an onroad, not offroad, motoring machine.
Bottom Line
With a sub-$10,000 price tag that includes 22 gallons of saddlebag volume, an engine cage, and a touring windshield, the 2013 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS is a solid value and a versatile bike with utilitarian underpinnings. Though it may lack the sex appeal of some of its competitors (as discussed here), this V-Strom offers a solid, satisfying ownership opportunity for riders who accumulate a serious amount of miles on the highway.Just beware those ultrawide saddlebags, especially if you plan on lane-splitting; they’ve got a tendency to reach out and touch other vehicles in the most unexpected way.
Specifications
- Price: $9,799 ($9,999 for 2013 model)
- Engine: 645cc liquid-cooled 90 degree twin-cylinder
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Final Drive: Chain
- Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gallons
- Front Suspension: Telescopic fork (5.9 inch travel)
- Rear Suspension: Link type, coil spring (6.3 inch travel)
- Ground Clearance: 6.9 inches
- Front Wheel/Tire: 110/80, R19
- Rear Wheel/Tire: 150/70, R17
- Seat Height: 32.9 inches
- Warranty: 12 month, unlimited mileage