Suzuki V-Strom 650 and Suzuki V-Strom 1000 in comparison test

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Suzuki V-Strom 650 and Suzuki V-Strom 1000 in comparison test

V2 travel enduro in a duel

The two V2 travel enduros Suzuki V-Strom 650 and Suzuki V-Strom 1000 are conceptually and technically similar. What separates the duo, besides displacement and performance, is above all the price. Well worth over 5000 euros surcharge for the large V-Strom?

S.e travel enduro enthusiasts have had to be content with looking at the Suzuki brochure for a long time. The Japanese dedicated a single model, the Suzuki V-Strom 650, to this segment. After all: With more pleasing shapes and fine-tuning of the engine and ABS, the popular little V-Strom was technically and visually transferred to the modern age for the 2011 season. In the large displacement class, however, there was radio silence.

Suzuki V-Strom 650 and Suzuki V-Strom 1000 in comparison test

V2 travel enduro in a duel

Both machines come very close in terms of ergonomics

With a cubic capacity of one liter, a peak performance of 100 hp and a tariff of 12,540 euros, the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 is technically and in terms of price pretty much halfway between the 800 and 1200 travel enduros. The distance to her little sister is greater, however. A good 30 PS lie between the measured 71 PS strong 650 and the 102 PS strong 1000 – and after the recent price reduction of the Suzuki V-Strom 650 from 8390 to 6990 euros, a price difference of 5300 euros.

Differences that initially fade into the background on the first rendezvous with the duo. Because both machines appear – unusual in this category – relatively delicate, come very close in ergonomics. The bench seat of the 1000 series is a bit more comfortable, the knee joint of the 650 series is slightly slimmer and both have enough space between the handlebars, seat and footrests to convey the generous feeling of space that is typical of travel enduros. Even the weight difference between the 216 kilogram Suzuki V-Strom 650 and the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 (229 kg) is within limits.

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Suzuki V-Strom 1000 superior in passenger operation

Even on the first few meters, the similarity remains striking. The two water-cooled 90-degree Vau-Zwei of the Suzuki V-Strom 650 and the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 shine with first-class smoothness, leave chain whips or heels in the speed tidy of the European competition. It is logical that the 650 engine is a little easier with its lower moving masses in this regard. For this, the fat Vau-Zwo pays back with the power of its displacement. Full of force, it starts just above idle speed, and pushes forward vehemently with its torque shaft that rears up to full height at 3500 rpm. One upshifts intuitively at 4000 revs, using the pressure of the unexcited two-cylinder engine – and that’s why you won’t miss a second either the additional horses of the competition at higher speeds or the currently hip different engine mappings in these circles.

And again it is logical that the engine of the Suzuki V-Strom 650 is positioned differently in this respect as well. Instead of sovereign force, the Kurzhuber puts itself in the limelight with a refreshing liveliness, snaps lightly through the speed ladder and behaves so effortlessly in every speed range that the performance difference between the two engines subjectively appears to be significantly smaller than the performance curves might suggest. Of course, with a load and in passenger operation, the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 shows the potential of its big pots – and that of its chassis.

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Suzuki v-Strom 650 briefs faster through the curves

Because with fully adjustable, tightly tuned spring elements, the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 clearly sets itself apart from the 650. Even if the upside-down fork of the big ones pounds around on uncultivated terrain, it remains superior to the conventional counterpart of the small Suzuki V-Strom 650 and – like the shock absorber – offers significantly more reserves. However: Those who limit themselves to solo operation will find the more comfortable partner in the 650.

However, if you have to dig hard, you will appreciate the significantly more defined pressure point of the radially applied fixed caliper brakes of the large V-Strom compared to the mundane floating caliper system in the small one – and still not lose it from the rearview mirror. Because even without a weight advantage, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 slips noticeably faster through the bends, can be folded down more easily than the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 – and in this environment with the sum of its properties it can hardly distance itself from its big sister. Probably also a reason why Suzuki is currently emphasizing the comparatively superior travel qualities of the 1000 version with a so-called big edition (13,240 euros) that is equipped with suitcases, top case, crash bar and main stand and is attractively priced.

Pros and Cons

Suzuki V-Strom 650.

Suzuki V-Strom 650

more
• Refined and easy-revving engine
• low consumption (3.6 liters / 100 km)
• very neutral steering behavior
• A more modern look than the previous model
• moderate price

minus 
• short inspection intervals (6000 km)
• modest but adequate equipment

Suzuki V-Strom 1000.

Suzuki V-Strom 1000

more 
• high torque motor
• relatively low weight (229 kg)
• first-class seating comfort
• uncomplicated driving behavior
• Good suitability for pillion

minus 
• Few electronic setting options (motor mapping, spring elements) compared to the class
• Moderate top performance in a class comparison

Technical data and measured values

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Pictures: Suzuki V-Strom 650 and Suzuki V-Strom 1000 in a comparison test

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Performance measurement.

With a torque plateau already starting at 3500 rpm, the test bench also demonstrates the punch of the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 in the lower rev range, which dominates the driving impression. The inferiority of the Suzuki V-Strom 650 suggested by the performance diagram does not have a dramatic effect in practice. The 650s covered their displacement disadvantage with revving and good manners.

Conclusion

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Pictures: Suzuki V-Strom 650 and Suzuki V-Strom 1000 in a comparison test

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Price comparison for Suzuki V-Strom 650 and 1000 – the price gap is disappearing!

Used Suzuki V-Strom 650 and Suzuki V-Strom 1000 in Germany

You have to decide for yourself which of the two Suzuki V-Strom you prefer in terms of driving technique. But if the difference in price of 5000 € is the decisive point, then you should look in the used motorcycle exchange. There the price gap disappears and you can find cheap Suzuki V-Strom 650 as well as Suzuki V-Strom 1000 in good condition: Used Suzuki V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 1000 in Germany

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