Suzuki fails to impress with its new 2012 V-Strom

Well done on the 012 wee . I heard the price is going up 5 to 600 Ben Franklins over the 011 wee . The tiger 800 with abs is $11,500 otd ( street version) $12500 for the dirt version . The GS 800 is $12800 at a bargain price . The 012 wee with abs is approx $8,900 . I would say Suzuki is smarter than you think . As for the tiger it sounds like you are dragging tin cans when you roll off the throttle due to the catalytic converter . Ain't all that . I will take a pass on it . As for the poor mans touring bike ? I am very blessed financially and would not consider throwing money away on top of the line equipment when modest equipment will easily satisfy my needs . One does not save $$ by making a habit out of tossing it out the window . Their is only so much real world power that one needs . Any more and what is the point ? Eventually 2 things will happen to crazy riders . 1) You will end up spending the rest of your days slurping meals through a straw while you gaze out your nursing home window . 2) Or you could find yourself sitting cuffed in the back-seat of a car with disco lights as your bike gets impounded and you lose your license . Cool stuff - huh ? However I must agree that Suzuki did tease a new bike like it would be a totally new bike in the offering to the public masses . Only to discover that it was all hype and no real action . They should not play mind games in the future . Thanx for the good info out of some of these other messages . See yuh in the jungle .

Thanks everyone! I'm putting down a payment on my first V strom, a 2012. The loyalty and confidence that you all have in the past models as well as your passionate defense of the new model makes me believe I've made a good choice. Thanks again.

ahahaha, you are a tool.
You cannot compare a suzuki to a bmw or a triumph due to the fact that the price's are on different ends of the spectrum. The v-strom isnt meant for your joe tough guy adventure rider obviously, because thats not what it is. Its a fun bike, meant to ride where you want to ride, not for driving through the arctic and back.
Next time you review something, dont just read an article out of a magazine and think your an expert. You obviously dont know anything.

I wish I could "flag the original writer " as offensive""
He could not have ever ridden a DL650 for what it is ....
... not from 2004 and certainly not 2012 ...
DT

Like everyone is saying..Ive been holding off i wanted to see the new 2012's before i jumped in....Ive been looking at the 800's and 650's and frankly for the price of both..im buying 2 KLR's thats right 2 for the price of one V-Strom or BMW..one as a back up in case the first one throws a rod ..LMAO so go buy your 8-15k bikes..im sticking with the KLR650. no twin is worth a $3,000 upgrad...i dont care who you are..and YES the KLR has made it through Alaska-Nigeria-Netherlands-Mexico but guess what?...Im staying in the states and could care less about what it did or didnt do in other countries...and whats up with this Kilometer Crap?..its MILES....and YES a MILE is further than a Kilometer..Look it up...i want a bike that goes 300,000 MILES rather than 300,000 Kilometers...300,000 MILES is an extra 100,000 Kilometers ....BOOYAAH

The only thing I've learned from this article is that Roman Rosa is not qualified to offer engineering or marketing advice to Suzuki.

It is now 6 months later and the reviews from people who actually rode the bike have been overwhelmingly favorable.

Unfortunatly you are right.
I've recently visited my nearest suzuki dealer , the 2012 vstrom 650 has the same engine, wheels, and very little diferent look.
The thing is that the old v strom is much more cheaper now.
Good for ones bad for others.
So for the big group of vstrom fans , one more year to enjoy our old bike.

The V-Strom is exactly what I want; a good street bike with comfortable ergonomics and great reliability. With a good set of tires it can take you down some improved gravel roads, but don't expect it to be a world traveling bike. If I want a bike like a big BMW GS, I'll get the Yamaha Super Tenere. I don't see the problem with refusing to work over a bike that does so many things well enough already. I don't think it's broken, so don't fix it. Buying new for the sake of new is simply an excuse to piss away hard-earned cash that could be better spent on farkles! I'll be keeping mine for another decade or so...

Can't believe how much smaller it looks. Some nice touches thrown in but the new tank sculpturing is awful. I was excited about the upgrades for 2012 but after seeing one yesterday in person I'll pass. They made it look like a beginner's bike or a girl's version. My '05 is due for an upgrade but this isn't it.

I like the new V-Strom, I currently ride a 2007 FJR but will be on the V-Strom soon. Although the FJR is a great machine, I find myself wanting to take the occasional dirt road while on long rides and the FJR is just not up to the task. My toughest decision is, the 650, or the 1000. The 650 seems to have it all but I'm not a lightweight so I thought the 1000 might be a better choice. Any suggestions?

well i think your wrong ..suzuki have taken a look at what they could improve and have made a great job of it , because there was nothing really wrong with the previous model it just needed a few tweeks and thats what they did .. it seems to me that your not happy because suzuki didnt make it a 800cc its always the same with you road testers .."i want it bigger and faster " and thats because you lot dont have to live with the bike . big motorcycles are going out of fashion due to fuel pricing and lower cc bikes is were everyone is going . you keep mentioning the 800 bmw, well ive had three all different models [ the bmw 800s-800st-800gs ] all brand new and trouble with everyone of them . the last one being the 800gs which broke down with only 600mls on the clock . i also had a "awesome" [ your words ] 1200 adv that was unreliable and i would never have a bmw again . that s the trouble ,you dont really find out what a bike is like when you just take them for a quick spin...the v strom also comes with a.b.s as std [ bmw 800 a.b.s £750 extra ] and with suzuki giving you a £650 cash back as well it makes the v strom a far better buy than both the bmw & the triumph .

How much more expensive are the Tiger and BM compared to this bike? 50%? The writer misses the entire concept behind the DL; build a bike that does everything well, that's inexpensive, cheap to run, handles well and has just enough bitch about it to make the occasional weekend ride interesting. It hasn't been made to win the Paris/Dakar; it's essentially a very user friendly commuter with a bit of off-road ability. This it does exceptionally well, probably why it outsells every other comparable bike at its price-point. What Suzuki has done is clever; tweaked the looks, (thank God!), and engine, kept the price down and aimed it fair and square at the niche it has dominated for the last 10 years.

I've watched the videos, read the articles, spent time at the International bike show and my dealer in upstate NY to work out the accessories (twisted throttle) and the price, and will have my DL650 in a few weeks. I'll keep my 2005 C90T with 64,000 miles, but the DL is for something new - and the 8400 mile ride I've planned for a 17 day ride from NY to Jacksonville FL, San Deigo then the long way home again. Why the DL? Well, after 64,000 miles on my C90T with replacement of the brakes at 48,000 and the stator at 61,000 miles the bike has proven itself to be reliable with NO OTHER REPAIRS required, not even the lights! From what I've read and heard from others,and a test ride myself on one, the DL is a much more neutral/comfortable riding position and although I've ridden 1000 miles in a day on my C90, i want something more versatile. Yes in the southwest desert I'll ride the dirt roads out to the anasazi pueblos after riding thru monument valley, same in Utah while crossing rt 50, I'll pick up some mountain dirt roads for a change of pace.

50-58 MPG with a 5.3 gallon tank will afford me about 300 miles between fillups which will make the ride nicer without so many gas station stops, and help in the IBA 50CC portion of this ride.

I'm not takling the long way round, I'm just riding with a friend who has a fully dressed Kawi, so all that BMW 1200GS isn't required, and the 800's don't have the wind protection on all that open road the DL provides - and will cost me about $6000 more than my DL. No I won't be crossing rivers, I'm just riding across America.

Ride on folks, and perhaps I'll come back and write my post ride analysis of this bike.

Peter
Low Expectations Motorcycle Club
PO Box 567
Voorheesville, NY 12186

(In case you want to send money for gas, or that upgrade to the 1200 GS some folks feel the need to compare all AT bikes - I think Suzuki went after a market and they hit my market just fine.)
PS - two friends who ride GS1200's also have Suzuki DR400's they use off road, because they feel the GS is too much bike to ride off road in the mountains of W VA, NY, VT, NH. I find that odd.

I owned three DL1000 and 650's, three GS Beemers. The 2012 DL650 is not much different than the 04-11's, but it is a bit more a "motard style" bike. For the price-value-performace, either old or new V-Strom, beats any of the high (double) priced European competitors. This 650 cc keeps you going well if you are a good rider, and with 50+ mpg it will leave the big displacements at the next gas station behind... see you 50 miles further down the road! All V-Stroms are great bikes, all others that claim that they need more power I recommend to go to a professional motorcycle racing school, and improve yourself to be faster. "It is the pilot who makes the iron fly."

I haven't ridden any adventure bikes other than the big Tiger which I liked. Just picked up a 2012 V-Strom the other day and I love it. So it's not a dirt bike and can't compete on that level. So what! It was very comfortable on the road. Felt light but stable. Braking was good. Engine power is more than adequate and the gas mileage is awesome. I'm not interested in how it compares with any other (ie larger and more $$$$) adventure machine any more than I would compare it's single track ability to my 300 KTM or my 250 YZF. Who cares. It does what it does very well, comfortably and is miserly on gas. If I had to, YES , I would choose it over both my 2010 Rocket Touring AND my 2006 V-Max.

This machine is going to sell, sell, sell.
Cheers. JR

I haven't ridden any adventure bikes other than the big Tiger which I liked. Just picked up a 2012 V-Strom the other day and I love it. So it's not a dirt bike and can't compete on that level. So what! It was very comfortable on the road. Felt light but stable. Braking was good. Engine power is more than adequate and the gas mileage is awesome. I'm not interested in how it compares with any other (ie larger and more $$$$) adventure machine any more than I would compare it's single track ability to my 300 KTM or my 250 YZF. Who cares. It does what it does very well, comfortably and is miserly on gas. If I had to, YES , I would choose it over both my 2010 Rocket Touring AND my 2006 V-Max.

This machine is going to sell, sell, sell.
Cheers. JR

Based on how well the new 2012 V-Strom is currently selling (you can't even find one at the dealers, as they sell out the moment they come in), I think it's safe to say Roman Rosa missed the target by a country mile in this article.
Every current review disagrees with Mr. Rosa, who apparently failed to notice the purpose of the subtle improvements throughout the bike, which managed to enhance without detracting from the original appeal of the V-Strom.

Suzuki has taken a winning formula, and improved upon it, without disturbing that original essence. The buyers, in this genre and class, aren't looking for an 800cc. They *like* the manageability, and economy of the 650 class. If the need for speed becomes unyielding, there's the Wee's 1000cc big brother. Suzuki has no desire to create another GS. Owner's love the V-Twin, and wouldn't sacrifice it for the less versatile thumper of the GS. Instead, Suzuki improved it with smoother shifting, coated cylinders, iridium plugs (why was none of this mentioned in your article). Suzuki shaved weight off the bike, while improving fuel efficiency. They modernized the styling without sacrificing the original fit and finish. They improved wind deflection, clearance, instrumentation. Where is *ANY* of this in your article. Instead you offer a broad brush "meh" with no foundation, explanation or merit...

Perhaps you should actually ride the bike, Mr. Rosa, prior to commenting on it...

I just bought a 2012 V Strom with ABS and full GT pack.......amazing!!! having read the various comments on this page i have to say this bike stands on its own in terms of ability both on and off road...for the money. Suzuki....you have made a winner...keep it up!!!! Now covered 1325 miles and i am delighted..getting 60 mpg and riding it hard.

Completely partisan irrationality in your opinion ( we are all entitled to our own opinion, but not our own facts ). It is obvious to a thoughtful mind that the Suzuki 650 V-Strom is a versatile motorcycle for many riding applications, it patently is not a land-bruiser for conquering the outback. The subtle physical re-sculpturing of the bikes form adds some needed refreshing of the bikes aesthetic appeal to a diverse audience of buyers.

In the real world of unmaintained city and suburban roads, and the ability to comfortably and safely traverse forestry tracks, unsealed national park roads, the 650 V-Strom performs well.

For less than $10,000 few motorcycles can match its versitility and value, but only mature riders will understand this.

V-Strom 650 was the best-buy, not just in it's class. The price was 6000-7000EUR for the new Strom 650. Now, the price is 8000-9000EUR for the 2012 model.

I was thinking about buying the new Strom 650 this year, but I decided to go with Yamaha TDM 900 for almost the same price.

Vstrom 650 should not be more expensive then 7000EUR, if Suzuki wants to make it competitive on the market.

August 2012: I have ridden dirt bikes for 40 years, I currently ride and own Yamaha XT225 and Husqavarna TE310. I just purchased a 2012 Suzuki Vstrom 650 Adventure. I cannot get off the thing! I dont want to drive my truck to work anymore! I am dreading winter. I live and ride in the mountains and dirt roads of Pennsylvania. All I can say is this bike is unreal! Buy one - you wont be sorry!

August 2012: I have ridden dirt bikes for 40 years, I currently ride and own Yamaha XT225 and Husqavarna TE310. I just purchased a 2012 Suzuki Vstrom 650 Adventure. I cannot get off the thing! I dont want to drive my truck to work anymore! I am dreading winter. I live and ride in the mountains and dirt roads of Pennsylvania. All I can say is this bike is unreal! Buy one - you wont be sorry!

August 2012: I have ridden dirt bikes for 40 years, I currently ride and own Yamaha XT225 and Husqavarna TE310. I just purchased a 2012 Suzuki Vstrom 650 Adventure. I cannot get off the thing! I dont want to drive my truck to work anymore! I am dreading winter. I live and ride in the mountains and dirt roads of Pennsylvania. All I can say is this bike is unreal! Buy one - you wont be sorry!

Quite frankly, this is a stupid review. I bought a 2012 DL650 and absolutely love it. I wasn't looking for a crotch rocket - just a great all-around bike. Great handling, comfort, gas mileage, and the right amount of power.

Well I'll be damned, didn't except so many responses to this.

After perusing these comments, I can't help but note the lack of reading capabilities present in some people.

1.) I never said the V-Strom was a bad bike, in fact I said it was a very good bike.
2.) Suzuki at the time, said they were coming out with an ALL NEW BIKE set to shock the world. It didn't it looked exactly the same. THAT'S the point of the whole article. I'm really surprised how many people got all hot and bothered and didn't get that point.
3.) For those of you who said I was wrong in thinking that Suzuki should change, and that I had no business making choices for Suzuki, check out the new direction Suzuki is taking the V-Strom. I expect an apology letter from each one of you and cupcakes for all my friends