SUZUKI DL650 V-Strom 650 (2005-2006) Specs, Performance & Photos

V-Strom 650 was a sport-tourer motorcycle built by Suzuki, which inherited the engine from the 1999 Suzuki SV650. The 650 was smaller than its brother, the DL1000, and shared the same chassis but with a 10 cm (4 inches) shorter wheelbase.

In 2005 Suzuki released a new model with a black-finished frame, swingarm, and wheels which became a standard for future V-Strom 650 models. Another feature introduced on the V-Strom motorcycle in 2005 was the interrupting headlight at the start of the engine.

The V-Strom 650 was a touring motorcycle designed for city and countryside roads, but the only place where the bike was not performing well was beyond the paved roads on the rough off-road terrain. It was due to its rigid cast aluminum wheels, which were not spongy enough to absorb the shock like the wire-spoked wheels. Also, the bike was not wearing the right suspension for the job.

In 2006, Suzuki released a new V-Strom 650, identical to its predecessors but younger by a year. The bike sports a comfortable riding position, good ground clearance, and a compact profile inspired by off-road machines. Top and side cases were optional but perfect for long journeys at highway speeds.

The 2006 Suzuki V-Strom 650 had its heartbeat set by the proven 645cc V-Twin liquid-cooled engine with an output power of 67 hp at 9,000 rpm and 64 Nm (47 lb-ft) of torque at 7,600 rpm.