So looking for new bike following an insurance payout after being knocked off. Torn between a Suzuki VStrom 650 and a Honda CB 650.
Anybody got good experience of these bikes? I’m mainly commuting in and out of work, but occasionally blasting about at weekend or doing 2-3hrs up motorway.
I’m liking the look of the CB650F except from the rear, but looks mean very little when it comes to the ride and I could be biased. You need to book yourself some test rides to get a proper feel of both machines. What to do is find two Honda dealers and two Suzuki dealers and get yourself booked on four test rides, two on each bike. Alternate the rides to do a proper comparison.
Don’t stop there either, test ride as many mo’cycles as you can or have the time for. Before I got the 250, which to be fair I probably got out of frustration, I fancied a Bandit. So I test rode some Suzuki’s I went through half the range including the GSF600, GSF650, GSX650, GSXR600, GSF1200, GSF1250, GSXR600 and the GSX1400. I didn’t particularly like any of them but it was fun finding out. I then started all over test riding some Yamahas and then an Honda or two or three. The one thing I found was the more cc’s it had and the more cylinders it had the more I liked it. But hey ho the 250 ticked too many boxes for me and I was tiring of all the test rides and probably getting a little frustrated too, so I bit the bullet and parted with my hard earned for the 250, happy days.
I’ve no experience of either bike. I would suggest that you take into account your possible need for a fairing.
I’d agree with NT’s comment about going for test rides, with the suggestion that you test ride them in the environments that you intend to use them. It’d be awful to find out that the bike you tested on the A roads was lovely, but it sucked in traffic and was poor for filtering and restricted steering lock. Sorry if this sounds like teaching you to suck eggs, I don’t know how much experience you have, and wouldn’t want you making basic errors.
Thanks. I’ve ridden the Honda a lot when learning so know that is good. Just wondered if anyone knew of major issues with either bike.
You’ve probably answered your own question then
I’ve ridden both. Completely different bikes in every possible way. It’s like comparing an apple to a banana. I digress…
The Suzuki is a tall bike, punchy v-twin engine (tweaked SV650 engine), good value for money and comes with a fly screen. If you like twins and are tall then this is right one for you. More adventure styled than streetfighter. Very comfy over long journeys. Ideal for luggage and two up but still good at commuting. Low speed town riding isn’t great but most acclimatise. It’s a bit marmite. Servicing every 4000miles or one year.
The Honda is normal size, buttery smooth inline four, good mid-range torque, lots of character in terms of handling, superior styling and build quality to the Suzuki. The seat is firm and has a lip on the edge so it holds you like a bucket seat - I liked the subtle feature. It doesn’t come with a screen but a puig one isn’t expensive - most dealers will supply and fit one free if you aren’t a tool with the salesperson. The Honda is an Everyman bike. Servicing is every 8000 miles or 12 months.
Johns of Romford are Honda & Suzuki dealers, so are HGB/Daytona in Ruislip. They will have demos of both models for you to test ride for free.
Hello,
I own and ride a Vstrom 650 A from 2007 and I am very pleased with the machine, it’s very versatile, I commute daily with it but I’ve done some serious miles on it, 2 up. It’s not a KTM nor a GS, but it will take you everywhere you want fast enough and very comfortably.
As for the looks, well… every one has an opinion, it’s a bulky and large bike and not as tall as other adventure bikes (because its’ an adventure bike whatever other people says) , I think the new ones are very nicely done.
It certainly will not disappoint you if you buy one. Honda’s CBs are excellent machines too, but you can’t compare that model against a Vstrom I think.
Totally different bikes. We use the CB650s at the training school I work at. They’re very smooth, but have little wind protection, and small rear seats. I wouldn’t like to ride big motorway miles on one without a screen. I can’t recall any serious issues with ours and as they get daily use by pupils they must be reasonably tough.
I’ve never ridden a V-Strom 650 but I am thinking of getting one as another instructor uses one. They appear very comfy, great weather protection, and incredible economy.
I cant comment on the Suzuki but I have the cbr650f, I know its a diffo bike styling wise but the engine is gorgeous …as joey_R1 said it is silky smooth and very responsive from low down with a very smooth power delivery … I use mine every day for the short commute to work, 8 miles but use it for weekends as well it loves the twisties and is no prob on the m/way … the one thing i and everyone else that own them want to change is the exhaust … the bike has no voice if you know what I mean it sounds like a standard 125 up to around 4k revs … look into this first if your interested in the bike coz there are only a few options as yet and the cheapest is £500 coz its a one piece exhaust from standard … also there is a nice rack available from motech, I have one …hope this helps …AL…
Thanks all for these replies. I’ve gone for the CB650 in the end and should have it by the end of next week. Excited!
what colour did you go for … I got the sword silver… metallic grey in non sales speak … did you test ride one ??? I knew within 15 mins I wanted it … lovely smooth bike …AL…
I got a pearlescent white one from a Honda dealer. 14 plate with extra warranty.
I got mine from dobles … found them to be really helpful … if you need a rack for it the one I have (motech) is really sturdy and heavy duty and don’t look bad either …AL…
