Suburban Adventurer
One of the most overlooked bike segments is the mid-size sports tourer. These bikes are shunned by long-distance riders as being too small and avoided by commuters for being too big. What many don't know is that the 650 to 850cc category is almost perfect for both purposes. Based on the legendary Suzuki SV650 road bike, Suzuki brings an adventure sports tourer machine in the form of the freshly updated DL650 in XT guise.
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We put this adventure tourer to the test on not only the long open road as well as some city riding but also spent some time in the dirt and are happy to report that Suzuki has yet another winner on their hands.
Style
First impressions are well warranted as the DL keeps all the styling cues you will find on the bigger DL1050 machine but manages to shrink things down just enough to give the 650 a burly no-nonsense appearance. The standard XA model is transformed into the XT with the addition of adventure crash bars, and a bash plate. The front end gets that signature adventure tourer look with the mid-height screen, vertical stacked LED headlights and bark buster handguards. The deep, yet wide seat, lends the DL the appearance of a mile-munching sports tourer with provisions made for attaching luggage to the sides and rear.
Tech
Suzuki has decided to keep the tech to a minimum, for now. Nestled in the fairing beneath the screen you will find the old-style analog rev counter accompanying the LCD readout responsible for speed readings and other bike-related meterings. The entire cluster does have a nice backlight for the dark but in direct sunlight becomes difficult to read at a glance. The DL650 is fitted with Traction Control and ABS as well as an Easy Start system and some interesting tech inside the engine that helps keep things running if the engine RPM's drop too low, no more stalling if you're in the wrong gear or lazy on the clutch!
Engine and Drivetrain
As mentioned before the DL is powered by the same engine that made the SV so successful, but this version has been somewhat re-tuned for better efficiency and is equipped with a low RPM assist feature. The 645cc 90-degree offset liquid called V Twin engine produces 50kW and 69Nm and sends power via chain and sprocket through a 6-speed wet clutch to the rear wheel. A super comfortable ride is achieved with the aid of oil-damped front shocks with 150mm of travel and a link-type rear suspension with adjustable rebound and spring preload. The XT derivative rolls on a 19" front wheel and a 17" rear with tubeless blue anodized spoke wheels for that authentic adventure look.
Let's Ride
To say that the DL is comfortable is an understatement. The riding triangle is near-perfect with no fatigue-inducing crouch prevalent. The bike is not too tall so swinging a leg over is simple yet ground clearance is ample when tackling light trails. The highlight of the ride is the engine, if you happen to be in the wrong gear when coming out of a corner the Low RPM Assist prevents the engine from stalling allowing you enough time to change down. Handling on the DL is also amazing, it's very agile and flips around so easily, making the machine incredibly manoeuvrable.
Pros and Cons
- Comfortable riding position
- Sharp handling
- Slick gear shifts
- Chunky offroad protection
- Old style LCD screen difficult to read in bright light conditions
- Exposed oil filter
- Bash plate collects road detritus
Model and Pricing
Suzuki V-Strom DL 650 XT - R 155 950
* Price correct at time of publishing
Verdict
Coming from a company with a long proven track record, the DL650 is simply fantastic. It is as near to perfect a commuter and sports tourer as you are going to find. If something over 1000cc intimidates you but something under 500cc seems too small, then the 650cc machine from Suzuki is perfect. It handles like a switchblade seamlessly delivers the power and torque from its V-Twin powerplant and chomps down the kilometres.
