I’ve had my 2013 model 9 years. In 2018 I rode 2 up around the world. 43,000 miles and no reliability issues.

2009 happy owner!  Bought it new, and thought I would upgrade later, it’s 2025 and all I’ve done is just upgrade it to suit my style and height and still love it as much as the day I bought it over 16 years ago.

I had the 2005 and it was the best bike I've owned. Never a problem for 100200 miles. Very comfortable for me and any passenger I carried. Great bike and would love to find another one. I've been riding for over 50 years and have had  many bikes. First bike was a 1958 BSA.

Almost 90000km after 12years. So far so good. Regular maintenance, no problems at all, descent power. Overall a bike for a lifetime.
Suzuki, thank you for this great machine!!

I roll a 2012 V Strom 650.  I sold my high mileage R1100GS before I bought it.
I was, at first, a bit apprehensive that I'd miss the power of the 1100 but the 650 has sufficient power and most definately handles better.  The GS had a high center of gravity which takes practice to manage.
The V Strom is wonderfull.  I absolutely love it.

Got a 16 years old one, some people still ask me if it's a new bike 😄It feels like one for sure. I love the way it looks with the black racks, crash bars, heatshield and engine plate. My first bike. Very forgiving and versatile. Bought it cheap and never ever regretted my choice. Once I bought a high end helmet that I ended up returning because it muffled the engine sound that I really enjoy.

Gday i bought my 2010 a year ago and love it..comfort , reliability , easy oil change, not flashy so you go under the radar and also the feeling that this bike will take you anywhere for days without an issue.

Don't say Maintenance Free, say Problem Free there is a HUGE difference. Maintenance is required on everything.

Love to see a real LONG term review of a bike that looks like it is actually ridden and where reliability can really be commented on.

Nice video.  Very helpful!

I've got a 2009 DL650. Just under 60,000 km. Out today ( Oct.11/2020)  for 2 hours. Cold in Canada. Knees and feet pretty cool. Heated grips, good gloves. Warm otherwise. I don't ride as aggressively anymore. The bike still has it though.  It's one very tough bike.  The motor is so dependable.  I've had so many good days on this bike. Even in heavy wind and rain.  Cleans up so well and a joy on a spring day. Thanks for the fair and honest review. You nailed it.

I have a 2014 vstrom 650 with nearly 57,000 trouble-free miles. Just replace the normal stuff like oil, tires, filters and chain and sprockets. Other than that not one failure, not even a burned-out light bulb. I'm 6'2" and weigh 280 and it hauls me just fine with sufficient power. I was thinking of upgrading to a Kawasaki Versys 1000 or an Africa twin but after listening to your review it affirmed what I already knew. I have a damn good motorcycle. I'm going to keep it.

I put 50k klr on my KLR then bought a 07 which currently has 91k and going strong! I've beat this bike hard and it still goes strong. Yes there are other bikes but for a super cheap tourer it can die in a foreign land and I can walk away from it with getting every penny out of it. Buy a used one for 4k. Sure you can spend 10k on a new one but why? More electronics to fail. Spend the money on riding. I just bought an 08  for the day my current 07  has a big engine failure. Never adjusted cams, never changed the clutch, just did regular oil changes.

If you want a great bike that has little appeal to thieves and will never let you down, buy this bike!

If you have a bmw you might have to use the hazard warning lights.
Epic statement there.
Love it

Have had an "06 DL1000 for quite a few years. I wouldn't say that the 650 is the more desirable bike. I think that it depends upon your intended use. I ride two for most of the time with luggage, so the extra power and torque of the bigger engine is very desirable. As for the "wish list" of items that you think Suzuki should have added, all of them would have significantly raised the purchase price point of the bike, one of the great things about this bike is the fact that straight off the showroom floor, it is very usable, that the owner can add items to as finances allow. My DL1000 has been totally reliable for many years, only requiring basic service items. Currently has 123000 km's or about 76500 miles.

Ends by stating “This is in no way an endorsement for the DL650” after producing a video that is just that. Loved the video, love the bike. Suzuki ought to give you a new one just for posting this one video. Thank you for sharing. I have a SV650, 21 YEARS old, which is also a great bike!

You cannot beat this bike.  I'm on my second one.  Bulletproof V-twin engine.  Smooth gearbox.  Phenomenal reliability and fuel economy.  Nothing touches this machine.

Hello from Finland.
Great review, thank you.

I have 2005 model too. Bike has over 100 000 kilometres. I have also givi racks, heated grips, knuckle-guards and 12V outlet. I have had the bike for 3-4 years and just love how reliable it is. It is 15th or 16th bike for me and this one I"m going to keep 🙂

Most through review I have seen yet about any motorcycle.  Ty👍

The front brake on my 2014 as so lame that I had to install a larger master cylinder in order to get predictable braking power.