DL650 in the Media: Cycle News

[replaced]

Posted on www.cyclenews.com on 9-15-03

DL650 V-Strom



The middleweight V-Strom has all of the versatility of its big brother the DL1000, but in a lighter, more nimble 650cc-powered package.

The motor in the DL650 is a DOHC 90-degree, 650cc liquid-cooled V-twin borrowed from the SV650. Bore and stroke measures an oversquare 81 x 62.6mm. The DL650 features Suzuki's Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) fuel-injection system, combined with a 16-bit CPU for accurate injection and ignition.


The DL650 is tuned for low to mid-range performance. It has short-duration camshaft timing, and increased crankshaft inertia all in an effort to put the power where it is most usable.

The frame is a twin-spar aluminum design with 26.5-degrees of rake and 110mm of trail and a 1540mm wheelbase for plenty of stability. The rear shock is preload and rebound adjustable, while the 43mm forks have provisions for preload only. Three-spoke cast-alloy wheels, twin 310mm discs with twin-piston calipers, a 260mm disc with single-piston caliper out back are other chassis highlights. The upper fairing is designed to offer plenty of wind protection with its adjustable windscreen. The 5.8-gallon fuel tank should offer a lot of range for those long rides. The baby DL will retail for $6599.

http://www.cyclenews.com/photos/C%20DL650.jpg%20Web.jpg

[pfletch]

Anyone have any idea if the DL650 will perform like the SV650(my current ride) as I am keen to get a Strom, but unsure if I need to get the 1000 or if the 650 will be adequate. My SV is plenty fast and torquey(is that a word) enough for me. And as the 650 is a couple of $1000 less and available in blue, I may want to wait for it. Or should I keep looking for a good deal on a 03 DL1000?

[ThinkAgain]

I've read and re-read the Suzuki material that is the same on every site that mentions the DL650. Is there an actual review anywhere? I'm dying for a real world opinion from a real test ride.

I did find a review for the 2003 Freewind (European version, maybe), and it was that reviewers new favorite among the Beemer and the Pegaso.

Thanks,
Scott

[Kidder]

If the DL650 would've been available back when I bought my SV, I would've been EXTREMELY tempted to buy it. The 650 powerplant is great with a nice wide powerband. It's got plenty of power. I hope the DL650 sells well.

pfletch,

You have a tough decision. There are killer deals to be had on 03 Stroms.
However, if you're wanting to save some bucks, then you may want to wait for the 650. I'm sure insurance will be cheaper, too!

FYI, my insurance only went up $140/year from the SV650 to the DL1000. I have full coverage.

[pfletch]

If I can find one of those killer deals I think it will be the DL1000. I called my insurance agent, and he quoted me insurance dropping by about $40 a year, that was the factor that got me real serious about the Strom.

Hi, I'm new to this list. Have been considering getting a Vstrom. Since it came out I've been interested, but got a used Road King last year as most my friends are Harley riders. Since I've put more than 12K on it, I've found I enjoy the longer cruises more and miss the quick turning of more sporty bikes. I will be selling the RK now and looking into something in a Sport-tourer catagory. Have looked at the ST1300, FJR and R1150RT and really would like a lighter bike. The question for those of you that have the SV650, is it enough power for long distance touring in the Vstrom 650? I will be riding two up about 35% of the time. Even though the 650 fit me better, I'm wondering whether the 1000 would be the better choice. With the mods outlined in the Vstrom FAQ, I could lower the 1000 by 1" and have the seat modified as well so I can flat foot the bike. And like someone else mentioned, they are blowing out the '03s, but that yellow I'm not too sure of. Also would like it fitted with the Happy Trails panniers or something similar and dump the very heavy exhaust. :roll: Thanks for any advice. roland

[scooter]

If your planning to tour 2 up and you weigh 170 lbs + go for big brother. Power is safety.The DL 650 will be tuned differently then the SV 650. Like big brother the power will come on more in the lower rpms. DL 650 65Hp, SV 650 70 Hp and 45 ft/lbs.

Scooter