Trail – New Suzuki V-Strom 2012 test: received, very good mention! – Discovery of the subject 2012 …

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New Suzuki V-Strom 2012 test: received, mention very well !

Trail - New Suzuki V-Strom 2012 test: received, very good mention! - Discovery of the subject 2012 ...

During its first test in Croatia, the new trail Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom 2012 made no dead ends and passed the rigorous examination of Site which it obtains with the congratulations as well in town, on small roads and on expressways.

Discovery of the subject 2012…

Neatly lined up along the beach of our Croatian hotel, the 2012 V-Stroms on trial play the stars, especially in their white color which turns out to be slightly glittery. First observation: a good half of the motorcycles made available to us are equipped with numerous optional equipment.

The reason is simple: "V-Strom customers love it !", rejoices Mitsuo Wada, head of accessories (see box), specifying that."since the launch of the V-Strom, for example, we have sold 46,000 handguard kits: this is our best seller !"

Popular accessories

Versatile motorcycle, the V-Strom 650 is by definition required to fulfill a variety of tasks. Users are free to accentuate their everyday practicality or comfort on long journeys, or even adventurers and adventurers, by means of suitable accessories listed in the Suzuki catalog..

And the pilot is not left out since Suzuki offers a matching set. The jacket, for example, tested by Site, has CE approved protections (even for the back), a removable lining, efficient ventilation, numerous pockets and press studs to adjust the fit. The product is of good quality and its materials are suitable, but it weighs a bit heavy. We are also missing the price to rule definitively !

Other accessories also appreciated by "V-Stromers": the central stand – very practical, if only to maintain the chain -, the top-case and / or the suitcases, the engine guard – in plastic and no longer in metal , damage … -, the additional "touring" windshield, the 12V socket hidden behind the pilot’s right knee, etc..

Site chooses to start this first test on the handlebars of a fully equipped version: with its plastic cases – ugly, so ready to fearlessly face the urban jungle – the motorcycle is not easy to ride….

Bikers over 1.80m, however, manage not to scratch the top of the rigid saddlebags and then calmly put both feet on the ground. As for those with shorter legs, they can always request a lower saddle of 20 mm (another popular accessory!) When signing the order form..

Our readers and all DL 650 specialists (especially read our) will note a slightly different position. The knees are a little less bent (but they weren’t too much on the 2011 already) and aren’t too wide apart, while the arms will look high enough against the wide handlebars. The standard 2012 saddle is slightly higher (+15 mm) compared to the old model and placed further forward on the bike: the position is excellent.

The saddle is intelligently designed: thin at the front, it facilitates maneuvering when stationary, then it widens suitably on its rear part to provide a good base during long journeys. It has a very appreciable non-slip coating and a very comfortable polyurethane foam.

Sign that does not deceive: at the end of the 390 km journey concocted by the Suzuki team, no journalist complained of any sore buttocks !

Comfortable therefore, the saddle is also pretty with its red stitching and its elegantly inlaid "V-Strom" logo. After its new dashboard, Suzuki achieves a new flawless performance on this part. The passenger seat is just as pleasant and we also appreciate the new handles attached to the luggage rack.

Good points and small crosses…

Under the saddle this time, a space allows to slip a U and thin rain pants, but no more. We also regret the absence of storage pockets while the space between the fork and its head – fork … – would accommodate one, not very large but practical, especially on the motorway for tickets, change or bank card.

At the same time, there is a perfectible finish: too many cables are lying around here and there and the frame welds are not very neat. As at school, the sanction falls: two small crosses for the DL !

The loss of 3 kg (or 214 kg all full) is not really felt: despite its slimmer appearance, the new V-Strom remains a "real" motorcycle that must be approached with humility. Due to its high center of gravity, displacement with the engine off is less obvious than with a roadster.

Likewise, once the engine has started, the 19-inch front rim at the front gives the Suzuki trail behavior: agility is not its strong point and even at moderate speed, you must already push hard on the handlebars to counter the inertia of the front wheel.

On the other hand, the pilot posted straight like an "i" dominates his machine well and the traffic perfectly. The engine and its new pot distills a more muffled sound than the old model: those looking to blend in with the surroundings will be delighted.

Last adjustments before leaving: that of the mirrors which offer a clear view, then that of the front brake lever. The clutch lever being non-adjustable and far enough, the followers of symmetry will spread the brake to the maximum. This time it’s good, the start of the ordeal has sounded…

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