That 90-degree V-twin won’t win any beauty contests, but it has won us over with its user-friendly, playful personality. Horsepower and torque are up for 2017. Photos by Kevin Wing.
Because we test so many different bikes, Rider staffers are often asked, ?What?s the best motorcycle"? That?s not an easy question to answer, in part because it depends on how the motorcycle will be used and what the rider?s priorities are. What began as a simple question soon turns into a drawn-out discussion about style, performance, handling, comfort, versatility, reliability, price and anything else that influences what types of motorcycles appeal to different people. ?Best? really depends on your point of view.
The new V-Strom 650 gets styling like the V-Strom 1000, engine updates from the SV650 and traction control. One motorcycle that checks many of the boxes that are important to touring riders is the Suzuki V-Strom 650. With its liquid-cooled, 645cc, 90-degree V-twin lifted from the popular, budget-friendly SV650 sport standard, the V-Strom 650?affectionately known as the Wee Strom in deference to its big brother, the V-Strom 1000?is a light, affordable adventure tourer that?s been a top-seller in Suzuki?s lineup since it debuted for 2004. In our last full test of the V-Strom 650, back in February 2012 after the bike got its first major overhaul, we said it was ?the ideal do-it-all middleweight?peppy motor, rugged chassis, effortless handling, comfortable seating, 250-mile ra...