THE V-STROM 650 XT
THE V-STROM 650 XT IS DISTINCT FROM THE NONXT MODEL VIA THE SPOKED WHEELS, HANDGUARDS AND PLASTIC BASHPLATE
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The V-Strom 650 XT is a brilliant bike for a number of people but for not a lot of coin. For less than $14,000 you get a comfortable, capable bike that we’ve ridden in places we never envisioned would be possible. Its lower seat height is a plus for novices, shorter folk or female riders, but also my old man who said he was “too old to be doing gymnastics just to get on and of a bloody bike”. Dad’s had a lot of bikes in his time. He’s had some cool stuf too, but he counts the V-Strom as one of the best bikes he’s ever owned and he loved that it functioned so well as a road bike but he could disappear into the bush any time he liked. I think Mum sometimes wishes he’d disappear into the bush more often but that’s another story.
It’s an interesting price point, too. Go a little further and you’ll be in Africa Twin territory — more power, much higher seat and basically a massive dirtbike. Look to spend less and you’ll hit the KLR650 and DR650. The DR is nowhere near as comfortable and the KLR doesn’t have the engine to match the V-Strom. Neither has the electronics or windscreen nor integrated luggage system — the things that start to define a modern adventure bike. Yamaha’s Ténéré XT660 is about the same price and probably better in a wider range of ofroad conditions, but isn’t as versatile in stock trim. I’d be happy to own a V-Strom 650 XT and explore routes that are more open and less intense but go on for days.
I’d fit a wider set of footpegs, maybe a pipe and certainly some quality protection kit including a centre stand. So much of this stuf is available from Suzuki as genuine kit, but such is the V-Strom’s standing that there are endless amounts of aftermarket stuf available. If you’re looking for a quality-built, lowmaintenance bike that doesn’t break the bank but ofers versatility and rewards constant use, the V-Strom 650 XT is a no-brainer. If you’re after a bike that mixes commuting with intermediate adventure, again it’s an easy choice. Not everyone wants or needs a $20,000-plus adventure bike, and for $13,490 you can see a hell of a lot of Australia in comfort and with confi dence.
sources: Ultimate Adventure Bike Australia, June 2018
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