2009 Suzuki V-Strom 650/ABS Preview

Introduction

To begin with the recipe behind the Suzuki V-Strom 650, we must say that the bike was created to satisfy as many riding demands as possible and implicit address to a very large category of riders. And things ended up staying the same in practice as they did in theory.

The SV 650 V-twin engine proves very efficient both at highway cruising, city commuting and off-road haul while the light chassis makes it master of winding roads be them paved or not.

With the same remarkable features, a 2009 V-Strom 650 model practically sells itself: the liquid-cooled 645cc 90 degree twin, DOHC 8-valve now has dual spark plug heads for greater fuel economy and environmental friendliness as well as Suzuki composite electrochemical plated cylinder ensuring years of enjoying the low-rpm grunt that this engine loves to deliver.

As on all modern bikes, the frame is made out of aluminum, as well as the swingarm. No wonder we’re starting to talk about suspensions as the preload-adjustable 43mm forks and rebound-adjustable link-type rear unit work together to deliver the best of feedback out where things get messy and still provide confidence when cruising down the highway.

Also, the cast aluminum wheels vote for pavement and with an upright riding position and height adjustable screen, the only problem a future V-Strom 650 or V-Strom 650 ABS will be facing is which way to go right after choosing a model.

Suzuki V-Strom 650 History

Competition

2009 Honda XL700V Transalp

The 2009 Honda XL700V Transalp is a nightmare for the Suzuki as it is a totally reinvented motorcycle powered by a fuel-injected liquid-cooled, 680.2cc, SOHC, 52 degree V-twin engine that is not only around for decades, but stands for performance that is unmatched in both environments in which the V-Strom is a blast.

Actually, the Transalp is the bike that created this category and now is back to claim its share of the market. Potent and reliable, the engine is mated to a five-speed tranny and there is also an ABS model available. The Transalp is also more adequate for adventure riding as it has spoked wheels and a 177mm ground clearance so it is one of the few Japanese choices for those who plan to go around the world.

2009 Kawasaki KLR650

Kawasaki also enters this competition with the 2009 KLR 650 model. Similar to the V-Strom in many aspects such as ergonomics, wind protection, versatility and to the Transalp by having a five-speed gearbox, spoked wheels and massive bodywork, but only backed up by a carbureted 651cc DOHC, four-valve single-cylinder engine, this bike does it all at a fairly smaller level than the V-Strom, not to mention the Transalp.

I guess it is all just a matter of how deep you’re willing to dig in your pocket: 6,190 euros for the Honda Transalp (ABS model) or $5,599 for the Kawasaki KLR.

Exterior

2009 Suzuki V-Strom 650

At a first glance, it is nothing wrong even with comparing the Suzuki V-Strom 650 with the Yamaha FZ6 as the bikes share a lot one with the other. For starters, V-Strom’s bodywork is pretty sleek considering the category in which you find it and those cast aluminum three-spoke wheels tend to position it more on the streets rather than off them, but that’s until the 165mm of ground clearance intervene. Also, the seat is low enough even for average-sized female riders (820mm) and the handlebars are at quick reach, allowing an upright riding position. This is where the 50mm manually height-adjustable windscreen makes an entry and gives a clue on the bike’s cruiser-like riding conditions. But the rest of the front end has nothing to do with a cruiser as the dominating headlights are integrated into a narrow fairing, giving that nice sporty look that tends us to position it right next to the FZ6.

That very same fairing hugs the upper sides of the V-Strom body, blending in perfectly with the 5.8 gallons tank which looks like a wall in relation to the low seat, but that’s how things are on do-it-all bikes. The Gray and Orange (only Gray for the ABS model) paint schemes enhance that sporty look.

At the back, the stainless steel exhaust is positioned high on the right side of the rider without disturbing the passenger and there’s also a top case support for those long weekend rides.

2008 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Ride

Price

Depending on the buck that riders are willing to pay for an all-rounder, Suzuki offers two different models, the simple V-Strom 650 and the V-Strom 650 ABS, which are priced, obviously, different. MSRP for the ABS-free model is $6,999 while the ABS-equipped one is priced at $7,499.

Conclusion

Inspiring on the Transalp, the middleweight V-Strom manages to occupy a decent second place in its category as it is a cheap, fuel-efficient (51 mpg) mean of transportation during the week and great fun on weekends as it also has a thing or two for adventure. The way it is styled sits as testimony of the things it is capable of and that means pretty much a little bit of all you can imagine.

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