Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom (2017-2022): The Swiss Army Knife of Adventure Touring

Introduction

The Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom has long been the understated hero of the middleweight adventure segment. From 2017 to 2022, this generation refined the formula of accessibility, reliability, and versatility that made its predecessors legendary. While it won’t pretend to be a Dakar-ready machine, the V-Strom 650 excels where most riders actually live: on twisty backroads, daily commutes, and the occasional gravel fire road. After spending time with this bike, it’s clear why it’s become a cult favorite among riders who value substance over spectacle.

Design & Ergonomics: Form Follows Function

The 2017 redesign gave the V-Strom 650 a sharper identity. The DR-Big-inspired beak, vertically stacked headlights, and three-way adjustable windscreen (9mm taller than before) created a purposeful adventure aesthetic. Suzuki’s focus on rider comfort shines through:
- Adjustable Windscreen: Tested in a wind tunnel, it reduces buffeting significantly. At 5’9” (175 cm), I found the middle position ideal for highway cruising at 110 km/h (68 mph).
- Slimmer Fuel Tank: Retaining its 20L (5.3 US gal) capacity, the reshaped tank improves knee grip and makes ground contact easier.
- Seat Evolution: The 830mm (32.7") seat height (lowered from previous models) accommodates shorter inseams. The foam density strikes a Goldilocks balance – supportive for 4-hour rides yet compliant enough for urban stop-and-go.

The XT variants add practical touches like spoked wheels (tubeless tires!), hand guards, and an engine cowl. Our test bike’s Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A40 tires – 110/80R19 front, 150/70R17 rear – looked ready for mild off-pavement excursions.

Engine & Performance: The Heart of the Matter

The 645cc V-Twin remains this bike’s pièce de résistance. Shared with the SV650 but tuned for adventure, it delivers: - 69 hp @ 8,000 rpm (50.4 kW) - 69 Nm @ 6,400 rpm (50.9 lb-ft)
- Fuel economy: 3.5L/100km (67.2 mpg) observed during mixed riding

Key innovations like Suzuki’s TI-ISC (Throttle-body Integrated Idle Speed Control) and Low RPM Assist transform the riding experience. During a steep hill start in Lisbon’s Alfama district, the system automatically maintained 1,300-1,500 rpm, preventing stalls without throttle input.

The V-twin’s character is quintessential Suzuki – a muscular midrange that pulls strongly from 3,000 rpm, tapering off gently near the 10,000 rpm redline. Cruising at 130 km/h (81 mph) in 6th gear sees the tacho hovering at 6,500 rpm, the engine relaxed thanks to its 90-degree offset eliminating primary vibration.

Handling: Confidence is Key

Suzuki’s twin-spar aluminum frame and suspension setup prioritize real-world usability:
- Front: 43mm telescopic forks (150mm/5.9" travel)
- Rear: Link-type shock with rebound damping and preload adjustment (160mm/6.3" travel)

Loaded with 15kg (33 lbs) of touring gear, the bike remained composed through Andalusia’s A-397 mountain road. The 19” front wheel provides stability over broken pavement, while the chassis’ 26-degree rake and 110mm (4.3") trail make slow-speed maneuvers surprisingly agile.

Braking Performance:
- Dual 310mm front discs with 2-piston Tokico calipers
- Single 260mm rear disc
- ABS intervention is subtle – during emergency braking from 80 km/h (50 mph), the system prevented lockup without feeling intrusive.

Technology & Features: Smart, Not Flashy

The 2017-2022 V-Strom brought meaningful tech upgrades:
1. Traction Control System: Mode 1 (low sensitivity) allowed controlled slides on gravel, while Mode 2 intervened early during wet cobblestone riding in Porto.
2. Instrument Cluster: Borrowed from the V-Strom 1000, it combines an analog tach with LCD data (gear position, ambient temp, fuel economy).
3. 12V Accessory Outlet: Perfect for charging devices – we logged 1,200 km (746 mi) using a GPS without battery anxiety.
4. Lighting: The LED taillight is bright, but the halogen headlights could benefit from auxiliary LEDs for rural night riding.

Competition: How It Stacks Up

The middleweight ADV arena is fiercely contested. Here’s how the V-Strom 650 fares:

| Model | Engine | Power | Weight | Key Advantages | Where V-Strom Wins | |--------------------|----------------|-------|--------|------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | Kawasaki Versys 650| 649cc Parallel | 68 hp | 217 kg | Sportier road manners | Low-end torque, service costs | | Honda CB500X | 471cc Parallel | 47 hp | 197 kg | Ultra-light handling | Highway comfort, touring range | | Yamaha Ténéré 700 | 689cc CP2 | 72 hp | 204 kg | Off-road capability | Price point, smoother power delivery | | BMW F 750 GS | 853cc Parallel | 77 hp | 224 kg | Premium features (cornering ABS, TFT dash) | Reliability, throttle response |

The Verdict: The V-Strom splits the difference between road-biased Versys and dirt-focused Ténéré. Its V-twin character and 476 lb (216 kg) wet weight make it the most versatile all-rounder under $10k.

Maintenance: Keeping the Adventure Alive

The V-Strom’s reputation for reliability is earned, but proper care is crucial:

Critical Service Intervals:
- Oil Changes: Every 6,000 km (3,700 mi) with 2.75L of 10W-40 (MOTOPARTS.store recommends Suzuki ECSTAR oil)
- Chain Maintenance: Clean/lube every 800 km (500 mi) – our premium DID 525V8 chain kits reduce stretch
- Valve Clearances: Check every 24,000 km (15,000 mi) – intake 0.10-0.20mm, exhaust 0.20-0.30mm
- Coolant Replacement: 2-year intervals using 1.95L of ethylene glycol mix

Common Upgrades:
1. Windshield: The stock screen works for average heights, but taller riders prefer +4” aftermarket options
2. Skid Plate: Essential for off-roaders – our aluminum units add protection without weight penalty
3. Heated Grips: Plug-and-play kits available for winter touring
4. Suspension: Heavier riders benefit from upgraded fork springs and shock preload adjusters

Tire Pressure Recommendations:
- Road: 2.3 bar front (33 psi), 2.5 bar rear (36 psi)
- Gravel: Drop to 2.0 bar (29 psi) front/rear for better traction

Conclusion: The Everyman’s Adventure

The 2017-2022 Suzuki V-Strom 650 doesn’t chase spec sheet glory. Instead, it masters the art of being enough – enough power for mountain passes, enough comfort for cross-state journeys, enough toughness for fire roads, and enough efficiency to avoid constant fuel stops.

For riders seeking one motorcycle to commute, tour, and explore, this V-Strom generation remains compelling. Its V-twin soul and pragmatic design create a machine that’s greater than the sum of its parts – a testament to Suzuki’s “no-nonsense” engineering philosophy.

Whether you’re threading through Barcelona’s tight alleys or chasing horizons on Portugal’s N2 highway, the DL650 asks little but gives much. And isn’t that what adventure motorcycling is all about?

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Specifications sheet

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