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Suzuki DL 650 – from R151,195.00<br />
The old girl in today’s stable. The 650 V-Strom has had some small<br />
styling and tech changes over the years but essentially remains the<br />
same bike it was when it was launched all those years ago. It is a rock<br />
solid platform that is almost as indestructible as an anvil with very little<br />
in the way of complicated tech to hamper the DIY enthusiast keeping it<br />
in tip top condition at home. This is a jump on and ride bike, no sitting<br />
around trying to work out riding modes, traction control settings and<br />
blah, blah, blah… hop on, start, select a gear and ley out the clutch and<br />
off you go. The 49kW’s and 63Nm’s get the 194kg moving along with<br />
surprising alacrity and a very sexy snarl from the 645cc 90 degree<br />
V-twin mill. It is almost as, if not as comfortable as the NC and handles<br />
incredibly well with the added advantage of being able to tackle the dirt<br />
as a matter of course, if you’re looking for a budget friendly commuter<br />
and a sensibly priced adventure bike then you need look no further.<br />
Morag says:<br />
I found this a powerful, easy to ride, comfortable bike with a remarkably<br />
smooth and quiet engine. I needed to check the dash every so often to<br />
confirm what gear was engaged and what speed I was doing as it has<br />
low vibration so cruising at higher speeds is no problem and a linear<br />
smooth power delivery, (albeit geared a little low), with easy gear shifts<br />
making it a comfortable plush-ish ride. I did find it a little top heavy, but<br />
the seating and standing posture is comfortable, not intimidating in any<br />
way.<br />
Kyle says:<br />
Very different ride to any of the other bikes on the day, the only<br />
“adventure class” bike in the fleet with a lot less onboard tech which is<br />
indicated in the price. The throttle response is quite on or off and this<br />
will be due to cable vs fly by wire and the characteristics of the V-Twin.<br />
The seat is nice and soft and very comfortable with complimentary<br />
upright seating position with higher bars. is may not be designed as a<br />
sporty bike, it might be an older design, but it’s a lot faster than most of<br />
the other bikes on the day… True story!<br />
Glenn says:<br />
Many people overlook the V-Strom when it comes to buying bikes in this<br />
class and that’s a big mistake! It’s brilliant, fast, comfortable, fun on<br />
the road and really capable in the dirt. Go and ride one, you’ll see what<br />
I mean.
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