DL650
I was finally able to get a close up look at the 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show this weekend. The V-Strom is my current bike of choice and I had previously only seen advertising photos so it was nice to finally sit on one and get a feel for the new look. Visually speaking I’m impressed in many respects. The new instrument panel is stylish and more functional, the seat looks to be of higher quality and a lot more stylish than the previous one. The tank has been sculpted (but subsequently the capacity of the tank has been decreased by 1/2 gallon). As a commuter I’d rather they hadn’t done that since it decreases time between fill ups. Aesthetically it makes the bike appear much smaller than it used to be and as a commuter I’d prefer the bigger broader profile which is a lot more conspicuous. I couldn’t help but wonder if that profile change was to spur sales to beginners by making the bike appear smaller and easier to ride.
Subtle changes like moving the seat lock to the left side are much appreciated since it makes it a bit easier to remove the seat. I do like the styling of the sculpted side panels and muffler heat shield. Aesthetically the air intakes and carbon fiber accents and two-toned tank, seat redesign and two toned stitching (including the name across the seat) are nice touches.
The 2012 V-Strom 650 appears so much smaller given the changes to the tank that to me it looks like a beginner bike. I miss the big bulbous tank of the older models but the styling changes give the new V-Strom a European flair that overall I like. A slick update to an affordable favorite but I’ll pass and go with the DL1000 or another bike entirely. Suzuki missed the mark here in changing what made it my bike of choice. But geez, I do love it in white…. 😉
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- heat shield
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- carbon fiber accent
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- air intake
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- view from the seat
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- 2-toned tank
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- side view
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- seat lock
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- new tank lines
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- instrument panel
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- adventure model front
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- adventure front
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- adventure side
The price is what turns me off. Suzuki didn’t make enough improvements to warrant the price increase since they just had a substantial increase to the 2011 model. I also noticed some of the dealers have increased the OTD price of their 2011 leftovers. Probably to make the 2012 price look better. One note, supposedly the fuel efficacy has been improved by 10% so the smaller tank is a wash. I loved my 08 strom (till it was totaled) but like others, I’ll be looking at other manufacturers.
Around every corner yesterday I had a new favorite. Cafe Racers all over, Ducati Monsters and Speed Triples, man those are sexy bikes. Every model BMW. Can't decide. Stay tuned, I'll post a lot of pics from the show in the coming days.
I looked forward to what the future would bring for the Strom. Imagine my disappointment when they went in the exact opposite direction. I want ABS but only if it has an off switch, more fuel would be better than less, and for the love of Pete, put a skid plat on that thing! I love my Wee, but when the time comes, I'm going to have to look elsewhere. And it's probably going to be expensive.
I don't think it had much to do with weight. My guess is it was to make it less imposing to new riders whom they are trying to attract. Just my guess.
I bought mine in '05 for around $5500 for the cost, fuel economy (58mpg) and height (for commuting), time tested and bomb-proof engine and aesthetics (I liked the big fat tank). Tank's gone, range is down 25-30 miles, it's $8000+ and it's sort of lost it's quirkyness. The 1000 still looks the same, although the 2012 is the same as the 2009 model with no real changes. Time to shop around. From what I'm hearing in Europe this new DL650 is perceived as appearing like a beginner model. Maybe that's what they were after.
We obviously don't ride the VStrom but I personally like the changes to the bike…did not know about the smaller tank…that's not good but all bike companies are always looking for ways to make their bikes "lighter". Going to our show today and will bring the camera for a little report. I will be interested in the new Triumph Tiger Explorer and hopefully be able to feel out BMW to see if they plan on making significant changes to the 800GS in 2013. We will also be checking out KTM. Oh and our weather sucks here to ride out.