I bought my 2013 V-Strom after being away from riding for a quarter century, and after a year of riding again, I have no regrets. It is indeed a bit heavy for a beginner (or repeat beginner like me), but it has a good, honest feel and there's nothing tricky about it. It has no problem zooming over our high passes here in Colorado, is happy to carve canyon roads, and will run with interstate traffic all day long. It's also decent on fire roads and long stretches of gravel. It's dead nuts reliable and I wouldn't hesitate to ride it to Alaska. Like with any motorcycle, it has its compromises; it's a lot heavier than a dirt bike, not as smooth and powerful as a Goldwing, and not as quick through the corners as your average 600cc crotch rocket, but you'd be hard pressed to find a bike in this price range that does all of these things better. (Oh, and having the security of ABS brakes is literally priceless to me!)
@got_to_roll
3 жыл бұрын
Same year and agree with you 100%! @got_to_roll on Instagram
@mbridewell1010
6 жыл бұрын
My first motorcycle is a 2015 vstrom 650. Perfect first bike and I still love it 3 years in. Plenty of low end torque when your starting out and plenty of get up and go at higher rpms once yer balls drop and your feel more confident. My wife and I probably net 325lbs and the strom is a comfortable ride 2 up. I'll be keeping mine for a long time. She's ugly she's cute, I love my wee strom
@IAmYourReflection
6 жыл бұрын
TheCincinnati Kid what about two up at 450 lbs?. Too much?
@mbridewell1010
6 жыл бұрын
johnny h Its proably doable but you would could find yourself in trouble if you needed to accelerate up hill past 70mph. YMMV
@peterpyke1213
5 жыл бұрын
first bike was a yamaha fsie,still say my most fun bike.at 61 just bought my first v strom after 20 years on a transalp.loved it from the first minuet of riding it.
@briancarpenter314
2 жыл бұрын
First comment, Ever on these sites! Thanks for the review, well done if a bit droney in the voice. 2011 V -Strom 650 a close friend was planning on getting rid of and purchasing a New bike, and said "Ya wanna buy it?!" So, for my 50th year on this Planet, having Never ridden or owned a Motorcycle, I thought, Sure, that sounds like a great Idear..... 4 months, 4K miles, and 4 tip-overs, (I had to learn how to pick it up!) later, I have grown into it, and love it. Crash bars, skid plate, luggage carriers, Bark Buster hand guards, and a switch to a 48 rear sprocket are the only upgrades from stock. I take it backpacker camping as often as possible, and it can do more than I ever will be able to on a bike. Oh, I am 5'6" and 151# of beat up tree-climbing-truck-driver body with a 30" inseam, so she is Tall and Heavy for me. Thanks for reading.....
@happycamper4429
4 жыл бұрын
My 1st bike was a Yamaha RZ350 2 cylinder 2 stroke. I never grew tired of its power band. If ya wanna do a 150 on a straightaway then nope but it can still pull ya right off the road up a mountain!!
@daviddisbrow1567
2 жыл бұрын
Good video man, My children recently bought me A V- strom for my birthday I really like the bike and the engineering on it. I'm 6'2 220 pounds and it is perfect for my body height and weight. Looking forward to a distance ride. Be safe God-bless!
@AzPauly
2 жыл бұрын
You sir have Awesome children..!
@timothyangus954
Жыл бұрын
In 2018 I rode my 2013 model, two up, 43,000 around the world. No reliability issues. Ive owned it 9 years now and cant find anything better. I may buy a smaller bike when I find the weight too much as I am 67 now.
@RayCis1
4 жыл бұрын
I'm thinking too about this 650 V-strom. Having ridden -since 1973, on a Suzuki T500 two-stroke twin, a water-cooled triple GT750, and then 4 years, a 4-stroke 4 cilinder Suzuki GS750. Sold that in 1982. After that I didn't drive a motorcycle till 2015 -so a gap exists of some 33 years- when I bought a small replica Honda Dax 125cc. Just enough for my wife and me to sit on, and I had a LOT of onlookers with that small bike. But it's too small and underpowered for the motorways, but for in-town-riding it's perfect. But these 5 years on that small bike also rekindled the longing for a real motor. Done some research, read reviews, saw dozens of movies about that V-strom here, sat on one in a shop, with her too. And we both think, the V-strom is the one to buy, as this type has been on the market for so long, there'es plenty for sale within my price-range (2500-3300 euro's) As I'm strictly a nice-weather driver, the eventual buy will be after the winter, march or april.
@chasingsnails
4 жыл бұрын
Sounds like a good decision. I'm sure you'll love the wee strom!
@HumGuitar
6 жыл бұрын
I thought the V-Strom 650 was tall, but today I got an up close look at an Africa Twin today. That thing was way too tall for me. It looked like I'd be riding a camel.
@mikhailglobus6766
6 жыл бұрын
Haha. If I saw your video before buying this bike as many first, I probably wouldn't have listened to carefully. But yes. At 5'9 180lbs it's both too tall and heavy for me as a beginner. But yes, I'm having a blast. Thanks fort the confirmation.
@brothermanv
3 жыл бұрын
How have you been holding up with it? I've been really looking to get this as my first stallion. We're the same height and about the same weight. The bike's height + weight have been my concerns
@bloodybonescomic
3 жыл бұрын
I use my V Strom for my highway trips and take it down dirt roads where they show up. But, if I am going to take a Jeep road up to an abandoned mine or ghost town I use a DR 650. And carry almost no gear.
@coconuciferanuts339
3 жыл бұрын
Good vid.You're dead right about the weight.Mine's 216kgs.I'm 5'10" but light build & not young.They are great bikes & I love to ride my 2017xt650.3 years now & I've dropped it 5 times.Moving it slow especially with full-tank if it starts to go forget it.The last time I got me leg/ankle sprain.The sales pitches stress how light it is which is exactly why I'm agreeing with u about the weight.When I'm cruisin'no worries,the weight is good for stability in cross-wind.Cheers.
@shakey2634
5 жыл бұрын
As you said, if you're longer of leg you can handle the Vstrom 650 well enough, especially if you're older than a teenager. I added a WeeStrom at the same time my son started riding. He's 5'11 and almost 30 years old. It was a great bike for him. Now that my daughter is starting to ride (she's ridden the Wee) I definitely need something smaller. Smaller CC's, smaller seat height and smaller weight. 500cc's, less than 31 inch seat height an as close to 400lbs as I can find.
@neboknives2212
4 жыл бұрын
So the only 2 negatives revolve around being a midget with no strength? I'm 5'11" and far from strong in any sense of the word. This bike is a dream to ride... Any "weak" beginners out there, don't let this review put you off purchasing this excellent bike!!!
@1menwolfpack550
4 жыл бұрын
What if I'm 5'7 with a 30 inch inseam?
@mr.shannon6137
4 жыл бұрын
@@1menwolfpack550 I am 5'6" 155lb solid build. I bought the same bike as his, as my 1st bike about 6 months ago. I have put around 2.5k miles on it. It's kind of difficult at first but do able. When riding I wear work boots with thick soles, helps a lot. I am used to it now. Biggest thing is when I stop I am super aware of where I put my feet down at. On tip toes it's easy to slip and lay it down, which I have a couple times.
@HumGuitar
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video. I'm thinking about getting the 650 V-Strom. I'm not a beginner, but it has been a long time since I road a motorcycle. I sold my Yamaha 550 Maxim in 1986 and haven't ridden anything since. Hopefully, the old saying, "once you learn how to ride you never forget", applies to motorcycles as well as bicycles. I will feel like a beginner, and I will be a bit nervous. I'm worried about some of the things you mentioned, in particular the seat height, and the weight. I can just barely flat-foot it (I'm 5'11". I want an increase in power from my old Yamaha 550 because when I sold it I was wishing it had more power. I am worried on one hand that it will be too much power for me and on the other hand not enough of an increase in power. I want to be able to take my wife and go on some long trips through the mountains, so I'm hoping the V-Strom 650 will be the perfect choice.
@silentjellybean
5 жыл бұрын
Did you end up getting one? I returned to riding after a 30 break, and got a 2012 DL650A ABS, very agile bike and fine two up.
@onlyriders3896
2 жыл бұрын
Just bought one for a fantastic price of only 1200. Has all the bells and whistles, dyno and all. But it weighs 998 according to its plaque
@brothermanv
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this nice overview, sir! I've been really lookin' at a DL650 for my first bike. The main thing I was worried about was it's height. I'm only 1/2 an inch shorter than you, so I'm really itching to fit in-person to see how it feels. Happy New Year! 🎉
@chasingsnails
3 жыл бұрын
It will feel really tall when you first start riding it. That will change as you get more comfortable riding. It's biggest issue as a first bike is the weight. The weight will be a challenge to develop technical skills and build confidence in corners. One good thing about starting on a more powerful bike is that you won't feel the need to get a faster bike after your first year of riding. After riding my strom for 5 years, I have no plans of replacing it. Just adding to the fleet.
@brothermanv
3 жыл бұрын
@@chasingsnails Awesome. Thanks so much for the feedback, sir ✊🏾 ride safe
@MickPsyphon
6 жыл бұрын
Yeah! The V-Strom 650 is a great bike. Anyone 6'6" tall should immediately consider it as a starter.
@got_to_roll
3 жыл бұрын
Yep.
@PucketyCrik
5 жыл бұрын
I sold my 1982 CB900F about 4 years ago and am looking at a V-Strom ABS. I'm 6'2" and, like Bluto, large. The CB900 was 570 lbs. and very tall, so the V-strom looks like it would be a good fit with less weight.
@chasingsnails
5 жыл бұрын
Sounds like a good choice. I am sure you will love your Strom.
@menmentantan5591
5 жыл бұрын
I agree. But one clause should be added, (with at least More than 6 ft tall)
@richardrichard5409
3 жыл бұрын
At 193kg dry these Wees are feather weight in comparison to most adventure bikes now. My old Revere 600 weighted the same and the Dullville I had for a short while was 232kg dry😩
@JFizoust
6 жыл бұрын
I've owned some pretty fast bikes including a CBR 954RR, and own a '15 FJR 1300A. I still enjoy getting on our '08 Wee (VStrom 650) and actually prefer it over the FJR for around town. Looks wise it's an acquired taste. But the standard riding position is comfortable and it's a good bike. I disagree about it being "great" for 2 up riding though. It dogs it a little when riding with a lot of camping gear or a passenger.
@mariuszsurmacki3156
6 жыл бұрын
Hi. Please help me to choose between fjr and dl650. Im an experienced rider and want to end with sports bikes. Would like to keep the bike for a long time. Thanks, Polish biker from Exeter UK
@bigfloppagaming2.080
2 жыл бұрын
I really like you in Yellowstone.
@pijuskr2886
3 жыл бұрын
do you have 3 arms??
@got_to_roll
3 жыл бұрын
Nice review! I'm 6'4", 250#. Tall seat, pegs lowered, controls moved, bar risers, new springs front and rear. Perfect. I've owned my 2013 V-strom650 33 months and covered 27,500 miles around the Pacific Northwest. Much 2up, lots of gravel and endless miles following twisting rivers through the Cascade and Olympic foothills. Pics @got_to_roll on Instagram.
@b_wilk98
5 жыл бұрын
0:32 where is this at? It’s beautiful!
@chasingsnails
5 жыл бұрын
This ride was in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada. Which borders Glacier National Park in Montana.
@yallimgaybut5993
4 жыл бұрын
I've been looking around for answers but I haven't gotten one. Is 5'5 considered short when riding? I'm at a loss as to what I need to look for in a bike with it's size because I am average height for a woman but I'm also chubby. Is 5'5 too short for most bikes? Am I ganna be too fat if I get a shorter, smaller bike? I dont know 😭
@tahirpatan
5 жыл бұрын
Come on dude! Some new videos! Please
@chasingsnails
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the support dude. I wish I had some time to make motorcycle videos right now. I have been busy trying to start a new business and have hardly had time to ride lately. I will try to find sometime for videos.
@TsterMr63
3 жыл бұрын
Actually the KLR 650 is the Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles.
@TheMegamsp
6 жыл бұрын
What happened to this channel? No more new videos. I came across this video has I'm looking for a used K5 V-Strom 650. Do you still have the V-Strom? How many kms you have made?
@chasingsnails
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for asking, life has kind of taken over from video making lately. I do intend on making more videos and have tons of ideas. Hopefully, I will have more time for it soon. Thanks for the encouragement. I also still have my V-Strom, ride it regularly and still love it. I have put about 10k kms on it since I bought it two seasons ago. I'll try to work on getting another video out soon.
@przemysawkobylinski6754
6 жыл бұрын
I have a question. Have you ever had a problem with speed indication or speedometer? Have you had other problems with this motorcycle (electric wires, etc.)? Regards
@chasingsnails
6 жыл бұрын
I have had a problem with my bike where the headlights stopped coming on. Which was caused by a fowled connector. There is a good chance your speedo issue is some corrosion on one of the connectors. I have no idea which one. I would recommend searching or posting on some forums or V-Strom clubs FB groups. They are usually really helpful. That is where I figured out the issue with mine. Good luck.
@przemysawkobylinski6754
6 жыл бұрын
Ok. Thanks. I will search.
@crackerjack8115
4 жыл бұрын
What windscreen do you have fitted on you vstrom
@chasingsnails
4 жыл бұрын
It's a GIVI windscreen. I forget the model number with a Mad Stad bracket. It is the setup that came with my bike when I bought it used 5 years ago. It works really well and I would recommend it. However, if I was to buy one myself, I believe there are some options that still keep the wind from shaking your fillings out without being in your line of vision as much.
@doylee469
6 жыл бұрын
I can tell you’re reading from a script, off camera. Lol
@PucketyCrik
5 жыл бұрын
That's because he is smart and doesn't want to sound like an idiot, as a lot of "Reviewers" do. I don't see the humour.
@Hithere-ek4qt
4 жыл бұрын
No starter bike should be over 400cc. Folks should learn how to handle a bike before looking at bigger, faster ones.
@mr.shannon6137
4 жыл бұрын
I disagree, depends on the person.I bought an 04 vstrom same as his about 4 months ago. My 1st bike. Got my motorcycle endorsement on a 250 scooter a year prior. The 1st day was nerv racking as hell. I am 5'6, 155lbs. Could not touch the ground with both feet, the weight was kinda scary. I had a hard time getting it to lean into the corners at speed. I just thought it was the coolest thing. Baptism by fire you know. Figuring it out was and is a pleasurable challenge. Since day one I always thought it was the perfect bike to learn on. The 04 vstrom 650 is extremely forgiving in all areas.
@coconuciferanuts339
3 жыл бұрын
Respect it,focus but at the time enjoy the ride.Like chill,relax.
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