Suzuki has a reputation for getting the most out of a platform. Today, there are several bikes in the lineup that have been around for literal decades, but these bikes still sell, and for good reason. All of them are proven, all of them are easy to maintain, and all of them are affordable compared to the newer direct competition.
It is pretty easy to criticize this strategy. This is rather obviously a cost-cutting measure that saves millions of dollars on research and development. Over time, it has clearly led to some level of stagnation, with some of the latest bikes all looking a step behind the other brands. But if you are after something dependable, look no further.
There Are Several Dependable Mid-Weight ADVs On Sale
Yamaha changed the adventure bike game with the introduction of the Tenere 700. It offered more off-road capability than any other ADV back then, and forced answers out of the competition. Even though it is a relatively new model, it makes use of the trusty CP2, arguably the most reliable engine in the motorcycle industry. Honda hit back with the Transalp, which is not quite as off-road oriented, but is more powerful and significantly more comfortable than the Yamaha. The Suzuki in question arrived long before either of these bikes was ever conceived, and while it doesn’t offer the same off-road competence, it is every bit as dependable.
How The Honda Transalp Rivals The BMW GS At A Lower Price
The XL750 Transalp gives you almost everything that the F 900 GS does, at a significantly lower price.
The V-Strom 650 Is The Most Dependable Suzuki Motorcycle You Can Buy Today
MSRP: $9,299
The V-Strom 650 has remained largely unchanged since 2017, simply getting an annual color change up until last year. It seems as though Suzuki has finally moved on with another 650-based model in the pipeline, and no 2026 V-Strom has been announced. For now, the most dependable of Suzuki motorcycles is still around and will be as long as there is still inventory.
Here’s Why The V-Strom Is The Budget Adventure Bike That Just Won’t Die
Despite newer competition, this reliable and affordable motorcycle remains a top choice for riders.
The V-Strom 650 Has A Bulletproof V-Twin
Power: 70 Horsepower
Every motorcycle manufacturer in the industry is moving towards more efficient 270-degree parallel-twins. These engines are both cheaper to manufacture and more efficient than a V-twin. They also do a great job of emulating the riding experience of a traditional V, but nothing beats the original. Suzuki has kept this small-displacement twin in production for well over two decades, and the tooling has long since paid for itself. Although the brand has since developed a modern parallel-twin, this old V-twin will still be around for some time to come, and has a proven track record of bulletproof reliability.
Pragmatic, But Never Boring
One look at the V-Strom and you would be excused for thinking this bike might be more closely related to an appliance. The design is dated, but once you get on the bike, the perspective shifts. Mid-range performance is the most desirable characteristic for any motorcycle designed to work in the real world, and that is precisely where this lump shines. Most of the torque is available from around 3,000 RPM, which comes up quickly thanks to the quick-revving nature of this engine, and it is easy to keep it in the sweet spot as you zip through traffic or navigate a mountain pass.
This V-Strom Might Be the Most Underrated Suzuki Midweight ADV Bike Today
The Suzuki V-Strom 800 makes you question the need for larger, more powerful, and expensive ADVs
The V-Strom 650 Is The Very Definition Of Versatility
With a wet weight of 470 pounds, the V-Strom is neither heavy nor light, but it wears its weight pretty low and is fairly nimble. ABS and, somewhat surprisingly, traction control are present, but that is about as far as electronic features go. This relative simplicity compared to other bikes in the class is most certainly part of why it has been so reliable over the years. Mechanical reliability is common these days, but if a motorcycle does fail you, it will usually be something electronic. It is also very comfortable, offers decent wind protection, and has always been relatively light on fuel. All these factors combine well with the ability to occasionally go off-road to make this arguably the most versatile motorcycle on the market.
Jack Of All Trades, Master Of None
These days, there are several versatile motorcycles to choose from, most of which are far newer and not that much more expensive than the aging V-Strom. All these bikes share a common problem, and that is the fact that they are all compromised machines. The V-Strom is no exception, but it really is a “Jack of all trades.” While other bikes lean one way or the other, the V-Strom is just a motorcycle. While it is not great at any one thing, it really is one of the few bikes in this price range that will do everything.
This Suzuki V-Strom Is The Forgotten Iconic Japanese Adventure Bike Still On Sale In 2025
This iconic Japanese ADV is one of the last motorcycles from the stable to pack a V-twin engine.
The Iconic 650 V-Twin Engine Isn’t Going Anywhere Anytime Soon
Usually, we would make an argument for the V-Strom and why you should go out and spend your hard-earned money on it. It is – along with the SV650 – the most dependable Suzuki on the market, and if that is what you are after, you simply can’t go wrong here. But, both of these bikes will only appeal to those looking for a more back-to-basics experience. The V-Strom 800 is a better adventure bike, and the price difference between the two is not so much that it would not be on your radar.
If you were considering the 650, you would most likely be considering using it primarily as a light-duty tourer, and if that is what you are after, it might well be worth waiting for the upcoming SV-7GX. It will make use of the newer SV650 steel trellis chassis as opposed to the old V-Strom chassis, which will make it far more sporty, and it will also come with a long list of modern features you simply don’t get with the old V-Strom.
Source: Suzuki