Suzuki fails to impress with its new 2012 V-Strom

Roman, you condescendingly replied to a reader "Did you even read the article?"

Yet In your "article" (more like a noob post on ADVRider) you made the following comment:

"It turns out that it looks, to the untrained eye, exactly the same as the old model. It really is like trying to tell two identical twins apart. One has slightly more arched eyebrows, but other than that you can't tell the difference"

You also said "...it's the exact same bike, even visually it hasn't changed at all."

To which I have to ask: Did you even SEE the motorcycle? The EXACT SAME BIKE? Seriously? The use of such ridiculous hyperbole really weakens your credibility and exposes your biases.

Not every update to a vehicle needs to be a radical re-design to be an improvement. Take the typical Ford or Chevy pickup truck. Generally the new model has the same engine and transmission with slight differences in body style and features. The new V-Strom definitely looks different (even to the untrained eye) and it appears to have a handful of improvements over the previous model. You're slamming Suzuki for apparently making a better product just because it's not the product you wanted them to make! It may not be a model that riders trade up for in huge numbers, but the new buyers will appreciate that it's a better bike than the previous model. The question I ask myself is: "Would I rather have the new model or my '07 with 23,000 miles on it? I'll be talking to my local dealer this week to put down a deposit on a 2012! I just hope he doesn't try to deliver an old one to me....'cause they're "the exact same bike" ya know! You can bet I'll be double checking the manufacture date just to make sure.

experience has shown me the vast majority of riders with "adventure" bikes rarely ride off the pavement. it's all show. i rode a 650 v-strom from san diego to portland maine, about 4200 miles. very little interstate mileage and a few hundred miles on gravel and dirt in utah and kansas. the strom performed flawlessly and got exceptional gas mileage. get the new one or get an old one. they're terrific motorcycles.

by the way, i left my gs 1150 in the garage when i did my coast to coast

After owning a 09 Wee and Vee, I hope to be first in line at the local Suzuki shop to p/u the 2012 Wee. No need to fix what ain't broke. Just clean it up and tighten a few loose screws... as Suzuki did. WELL DONE!

This bike is exactly what I've been waiting for. I would already be riding a Strom if the existing models weren't so damn fugly. I recently wadded my '99 VFR and have been looking for a comfortable "all rounder" for commuting duty and weekend light touring, but like I said, the older models look like they were beat down with several ugly sticks. I'd go down to my dealer today and put down my deposit, but my eagerness would only prevent me from getting the best deal. Make no doubt, I'm buying one.

YZinger's comment is spot on. Unfortunately Mr. Rosa's review fails in the same way as so many others - it's simply not the bike *he* wanted them to build, therefore it's a disappointment. Making major changes to an existing bike generally causes resentment and scorn from the current owners. New VFR anyone? To call previous generations of the VFR a marketing success is a serious understatement. To call the new VFR an "update" is an outright lie - it's not even close to earlier models. It's an entirely different motorcycle. Why do the same thing to the V-Strom? We don't know what Suzuki is planning, but perhaps it includes a larger displacement Strom for the dropped DL1000. In any event, making a major change to the 650 would mean it would be nothing like the market winner they've been enjoying for several years. Success tells you when you have a winner. You update it and "fix" things modestly, based on customer feedback. If those customers ask for too much change then you need to consider producing an entirely other bike.

And what's with the "boring" bullsh!t? I can never figure out what it means when a reviewer throws around that word. I've taken to understand it as a way of saying "too good." Seriously, can a bike be too predictable, reliable, comfortable, or purposeful? Is there a suggestion being made that quirky, finicky, unpredictable, unreliable, temperamental, or uncomfortable are qualities we're looking for in a motorcycle? If you want "exciting" look no further than your right hand, and it works from about 150cc and up, depending on your skill level and attitude. So just what exactly makes a bike "boring?"

Truth be told, I'm a long time Honda man but unfortunately Honda lost their way with the American market and show absolutely no signs of interest in getting it back. So unless a miracle happens and they pull a 2012 rabbit out of their hat, I'm going with Suzuki as soon as the new Strom hits the showroom floor.

Oh, I do have one issue with Suzuki's new Strom... I want a white one but I live in the U.S.. Dammit!

I have heard that Suzuki felt that 97+% of miles on Vstroms were on slab and I would guess that most buy it to ride on slab such as myself. I bought my 07 as I have ridden light twins with good torque for 35 years as they handle easily; and look only for ones that tour well (ie R80ST for 25 years). I make no qualms about it that at my age I have no intention of dirt riding on purpose (nice to be able to go on gravel roads as needed). So your review about changing it to be more ADV upgraded might be off for the target for much of market IMO. Also, my personal opinion is that my 07 does not look that bad compared to this new one and even if others think it does that is not important to many Strom or ADV riders and all just matters of opinions. I am not sure why reviewers spend much time on styling. Its a personal thing.

That being said if they would have gone to 800 cc and kept handling weight nimble AND lowered the seat a bit I might line up for one and part with my 07. As it turns out the height and pannier laden width of my 07 Strom is becoming a challenge for my very short wife and I my be looking for ST type bikes just over that issue, starting to eye Triumphs - I just wish they made some of the ST bike models lighter.

The V-Strom 650 has become a cult classic. Many of the bloggers are describing the newest rendition as underwhelming and even boring. They seem disappointed that the new bike isn't more off road oriented like the BMW F800 or the new Triumph Tiger 800. They also want more displacement and power. Call me old fashioned but I am somewhat relieved that Suzuki has left the V-Strom much the same. Were I to wad up my current 650 V-Strom I would want to get another one. My choice would be to look for a used one or go with the updated 2012 model.
I am therefore somewhat relieved that Suzuki pretty much left well enough alone because from what I can see by looking at the pictures... I'd definitely want a new one. The only thing the old Wee seems to have over the new 2nd gen design is a larger tank but they say the new model gets even better milage. I replaced the stock countershaft sprocket on my Strom going up by one tooth, 15T, and now get 50 mpg in the city. On regular gas! The new bike is more curvaceous, fewer sharp angles and a bit lighter. The 650 V-Strom motor is magic. A perfect buzz, it is hell built for stout, takes all the punishment imaginable and just keeps on going. The bloggers who are disappointed Suzuki didn't change the motor should get a Triumph or Beemer or Super Tenere or what ever the hell else they want then when they are unhappy with their new ride they can come back to the the little engine that could.

well, I'm on my 2nd wee-strom and cost/benefit analysis means I'd buy another, as I do upto 30,000km/yr and swap bikes every 2-3years.

they're a solid reliable economical comfortable workhorse, good for all weather touring on blacktop and dirt/gravel roads... they are more of a handful when the road becomes more suitable for 4wd's - in that case get a DR400 0r DR650 single.

that said THE 2012 MISSED THE BOAT. it doesn't take too many brain cells to look at the ways people spend so much on mods to make the old model more practical - items still not upgraded.. OK the old model will never be graceful, and to get the new model there would add to the ticket price, but small things like an easily adjustable windscreen that works Madstadd & Givi solved this ages ago...

other non OEM items often added include luggage, radiator stone guard, bash plate, centre stand... it doesnt take much to offer a factory special
look at the way triumph has copied harley in having a quality customisation catalog...

The thing that always seems to be missed by reviewers who are not owners is the one thing that is essential to me in a bike: reliability. My commute is 150 miles (round trip). I take my bikes to Europe at least once a year (this year to Eastern Europe from the UK). I was a died in the wool BMW man for 25 years. Started with the little 800 adventure/trail bike back in 82. I had an 1100 GS, 3 1150 GSs and then a 1200 GS. Two reasons why I went in 2008 to a 650 strom: 1) I was getting old and found the BMS too heavy and big to park in M/C parking bays in London. 2) Reliability. The 1200GS was just not as reliable for someone like me that puts on 20,000 miles a year as the 1150GS. I waited with great expectation to see the 800GS. The stories from the GS websites about their reliability put me off. Tried a 650 vstrom and loved it. I'm now on my 3rd. They've never let me down. I love their simplicity. I live a mile down a farm track that's as rough as hell. It's bull**it to say Stroms can't do off road - they can every bit as well as a GS. We did miles off road this year in Eastern Europe with two 1200 GSs and a new Tiger 800. The strom did it all just as well as the others. I would certainly consider the Tiger 800 but the local Yamaha dealer is a pr*t and the local Suzi dealer is the best kind of bloke you can find that sells motorcycles (and so is his team). SO, yes, I'm excited at the prospect of a new vstrom (however little it may be changed). And yes, I will be buying one of the new ones as soon as my current strom reaches about 30,000 miles (which, I anticipate will be as totally trouble free as the previous two I've had).

The writer, obviously has not done a lot of adventure touring with different models of bikes before giving his opinion. Having recently "completed" a trip a up the Dempster highway and back to Edmonton, I can assure you that my good ole 650 dl survived every possible condition faced by all the other bikes on the road (GSA, KTM, KLR, and Tigers) at the time, yet was one of the very few bikes to complete the trip and not suffer a single equipment problem. Outstanding gas mileage and range combined with great handling on both both pavement, gravel and mud have convinced to by another when the time comes to update the bike. From my observations and conversations with other bikers the GSA's - expensive, top heavy, poor in mud. KTM - expensive, lower mileage range, fork seal issues. KLR - lower mileage range, power and comfort, good on mud and gravel. New 800 Tigers - more expensive, seem to be suffering from early fuel injection and stalling problems. Want a proven bike that has no major flaws on even the worst roads that Canada has to offer, the Wee Strom is an amazing bargain.

The only bad thing about the original V-strom was it's looks.Now that has been fixed.I think the magazines and online reporters have forgotten that no country makes a better
bike for the money,than Japan does.Their dealerships are greater in number in America
than Triumph,BMW,or KTM.I think everone sees where I can go with this.

The Vstrom is thousands less than the Europe bikes, more reliable.. easier to work on.. Much cheaper to maintain and holds it's value as good as any bike ever made. and the new look is easily distinguished from the older design.

Suzuki Updated the Vstrom. They did not design a new bike. What exactly was this guy expecting? Not many people want or need a a big heavy 650cc dirt bike. Most people's idea of an adventure bike includes a street bike that can handle dirt roads and mild trails.. That's what the Vstrom is.
You can't make a real capable dirt machine that weighs just shy of 500 lbs so you make a great street bike that can handle mild off roading.

Makes perfect since to me.

We are in the last 10 days of a 20 000km, 3 month trip around Europe, 18 countries including the UK to Scandinavia, Russia top to bottom, turkey, and morocco and a bunch of other euro countries; 2 up, heavily loaded. Stock wee strom with a couple of extras (bash plate, headlight protectors, crash guards, hand guards.
Faultless performance, handles like a dream even with a ridiculous rear weight bias, fantastic economy, 95% road, comfortable, plenty roll on passing power, 120km/hr @ 5500rpm. Fulfilled it's design brief completely.

There is NO WAY the BMW 1150 GS, at twice the price, is twice the bike. If suzuki can improve on its formula, no matter how modestly, good on them.

The article reminds me of the hit TV show TopGear- they traditionally wanted cars built for the race track (or Nürburgring as they put it) fastest lap was the measure!! - now they're saying sports cars should be built for the environment they're most often found - public roads, with the option for track. Isn't this the same with the V-Strom?? Most riding is done on the road, but its good to have the option to go in the dirt when the ocassion demands... I've just rode 2000+km on my V-Strom (an '06 650) to the south fo France- no problem, very comfortable (I had to stop for a brain rest never due to numb ass -we were doing 350+km days), we had the bikes on the beaches- again no problem with the V-Strom (Tourances tires) .The BMWs and Triumphs are great.....but don't write-off the Strom, for the price- it is excellent, and probably the best value... Btw I ride mine in the west of Ireland where I live- wet, mucky, potholed roads is the norm, the Strom soaks them up!

I have the '09 DL-1000, tha tanoying surge thing is still there, but I've learned to lieve with it.
I was hoping for an updated DL-1000, maybe an 1100 or 1200 but would've settled for a DL -800 sincei I mostly ride alone anyway.
I 'vw read the magazines say the V--stroms look fugly at best, but all who've seen mine says t's a great looking machine.
I've seen the newest dual sport tourers and am not impressed.
either too expensive, too heavy or too ugly, amd since ugly is the name of the game for adventure bike,my V-Strom now looks sleek.
Maybe a DL-900 should've een the goal, not to big-not to small.--just right!

I find all this talk about off-road ability amusing as here in London the most common bike I see on the road (other than scooters) is the BMW R1200GS/Adventure. These bikes are pristine and shiny and are clearly never used off-road. I am no expert on automotive design but the difference between the two models is pretty clear - the styling on the old one was kind of lame and Suzuki have done what Honda did with the CBF1000/F - take a fundamentally great bike and improve its looks, all-round equipment and handling. The new V will in all likelihood be my next bike, especially as here in the UK it is considerably cheaper than the Tiger 800 and much less than the BMW F650 (which has an awful uncomfortable seat and a miserly 15-litre tank). It's good to hear other opinions about the Suzuki but all the other reviews I've read to date have praised it for the bike it is, rather than what the reviewer here wanted it to be. Shame about reducing the tank size, though.

I don't think Suzuki faced failure in storm. I think its a really cool bike in every aspect. As far as you compare storm with BMW and Triumph, personally i like Storm more. Suzuki did a great job with Storm. Buy New Bikes

I'm disappointed they've decided not to import the white one. With the light wheels, the 2011 white one changes the look quite a lot, and it looks lots better. With the 2012 looks improvement - and the white with light wheels, I would be in the market for a new one.

The only issue I foresee is the price hike. If they expect to get F650GS price range then I'd go to the BMW. Strom's had a niche in pricing also. Hope they don't screw that up. Other then that, the new design looks fine for 85% slab commuting and light touring.

In response to RR's post and the boring DL650....

I have owned a ridden ADV style bikes for quite some time now. Most of my bigger bikes have been of the BMW GS variety, R100GS, R11GS, R1150GS, R1200GS, F650GS Dakar and F800GS.Owned a KTM 640 for a couple of years too as well as an assotment of japanese Thumpers, still ride a DR650 in fact. I liked each and everyone of them for one reason or another and they helped me find my way to close to 500,000 BMW Miles! These bikes have been used on the track, off highway and across this continent including Mexico, Labrador Nd the NWT. I currently spend the vast majority of my saddle time on a 07 DL650 having accrued 82000 k since the Spring of 08. All good bikes but all things considered the Beemer's haven't been able to match the Wee in the smiles per miles category and in terms of costs and reliability it is simply no contest. Modern BMW ownership is $$$$ all around which isn't a bad thing if you are getting what you pay for but reliability has been spotty at best over the past decade. I know, I have paid. So bring on the boring new DL650, my wallet and I have had enough of BMW's excitement? I can hardly wait to get one though I have another 100000k to log on the 07.

Cheers..Steve