Cycle News

2015 SUZUKI V-STROM 650 ABS QUICKSPIN P106 Suspension on the V-Strom 650 is very impressive, defi- nitely one of the plushest rides around. The V-Strom tips the scales at 472 pounds, but the spring rate and valving is spot on, which gives both the forks and shock a plush initial stroke and a sturdy feeling mid-stroke, as well as zero spiking and minimal dive under braking. The suspension matches up nicely with the 650's rigid chassis and together they give the bike a controlled feel. Speaking of brakes, the V-Strom brakes work very well including the ABS system which is flawless. Some- thing that stands out about the V-Strom is not only how plush the ride is down the highway, but it is surprisingly light, nimble and has excellent stability if your trip takes you into the twisties of the canyon. As usual, fueling is spot on with the Suzuki. The 650 isn't the fastest sport touring bike out there with 65.53 hp and 42.09 ft-lb torque, but the power de- livery is so smooth and predict- able you won't care much about peak horsepower. Clutch action is light, shifting has a solid feel and the transmission gear ratios are set up nicely for both around town and on the highway. One comment I heard while out riding the V-Strom was, "Its looks are about as exciting as a cardboard box!" Funny? Yes. But the phrase "You can't judge a book by its cover" couldn't be truer with the Suzuki. I can't recall the last time a motorcycle provided such an enjoyable rid- ing experience and it did so with- out a laundry list of features or stunning design. True, the looks aren't the best but if you spend as much time in the saddle as I do you'll appreciate the stand- out features of the V-Strom 650 ABS.CN S P E C I F I C A T I O N S 2015 SUZUKI V-STROM 650 ABS ENGINE: ..........Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90-degree V-Twin DISPLACEMENT: ..............................645cc BORE X STROKE: ....81.0 mm x 62.6 mm (3.189 in x 2.465 in) HORSEPOWER: ... 65.53 @ rpm not given TORQUE: .....42.09ft-lbs @ rpm not given COMPRESSION RATIO: ......................11.2:1 IGNITION: ............................................. Key TRANSMISSION: ...... Six-speed, constant mesh FRONT SUSPENSION: ......Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped REAR SUSPENSION: ..........Link type, coil spring, oil damped FRONT BRAKE: ..........310mm Disc brake, twin rotor, ABS REAR BRAKE: ...........260mm Disc brake, single rotor, ABS FRONT TIRE: ........... 110/80R19M/C 59H, tubeless REAR TIRE: ..............150/70R17M/C 69H, tubeless SEAT HEIGHT: ............................ 32.9 inch WHEELBASE: ...............................61.4 inch COLOR: ................................Blue or White MSRP: ..............................................$8549 >>T I C K S >>C R O S S E S •Plush ride •Smooth power delivery •Better than average brakes •Impressive fuel range •Plain look •Minimal features •Mirrors align perfectly with SUV mirrors when splitting lanes (Top to bottom) With its 5.3 gallon fuel tank the V-Strom 650 has an impressive fuel range. V-Strom brakes with ABS are some of the best in class. The front portion of the V-Strom provides plenty of wind protection.

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