One particular question that I get asked many times is…if you could choose just one bike to have in your garage what would it be? It is a very hard query to answer because motorcycles tend to cover such a huge range. Predictably many inquisitive minds all want to hear ‘an adventure’ bike of some sorts, and I for one cannot blame anyone for that desire. They’re so versatile on all counts from road to dirt lanes to touring, and even more if you’re capable.
Now the usual ‘poster’ bikes that people crave for are invariably expensive, easily surpassing the 300k mark, so to many these are just fantasy bikes waiting for a lottery windfall. Well don’t worry as I have the perfect solution, and it’s called a Suzuki DL 650 XT V-Strom. Do NOT roll your eyes because I’ve had this one for a month and it was a very empty space in my life when it was returned, so there.
Firstly, it costs a mere R147,950 and this XT version comes with those attractive blue spoke wheels accommodating tubeless tyres and handy hand guards. The stock plastic belly pan was replaced with this sturdy metal and genuine Suzuki version, and the crash bars are also a Suzuki part, but a worthy and sometimes necessary option. Either way in this new blue/silver colour scheme it is a very attractive motorcycle on all counts, right?
The DL 650 received a severe update around 2018, with a claimed 60 new components. The unbreakable 645cc, DOHC, dual-spark, 90-degree V-twin had many internal bits improved, lifting the power by around seven horsepower to 70hp@8,000rpm and the torque was increased from 63Nm to 70Nm@6,400rpm. Doesn’t sound too much compared to the huge engines of the bigger bikes but believe me it is more than enough and highly entertaining. I saw an indicated 190kph in fifth gear, so sixth will propel the DL 650 XT past 200kph, which is quite impressive to say the least, don’t you think?
It delivers punchy torque everywhere with a distinctive ‘rush’ towards the top end of the rev range. The 90-degree motor also sounds superb helped by the new slimmer silencer (to allow for pannier fittings), a bit “Ducati-ish’ dare I say. Even from as low as 3,000rpm in fifth gear it will pull cleanly with no complaints. In fact, since it began life in SV650 form in the late 90s I believe it just has to be one of the best motorbike engines of all time, a bold statement but I’ll defend it venomously. If you’re looking for reliability there’s not much comes close to this delightful engine.
So, the engine is an absolute peach but what about the rest of the bike you ask, is it a bit of a budget machine reflecting in that price? Err, no, far from it. It has one of the best seats I’ve come across (for rider and pillion) in all my years of testing bikes, something the expensive options seem to lack sometimes. As soon as you sit on the DL you feel content and ready to ride anywhere at any time.
Once you’re comfortable you’ll find up front is an ‘old style’ type instrument cluster with traction control features and all the normal computer range and stuff you’ll ever need. I did enjoy the big analogue rev-counter because it was fun to watch and never affected by sunlight, which some of these new TFT units annoyingly tend to do. 
Not too much on the electronics side then, which to myself is not a bad thing. It does have a 12-volt socket though. One particular feature I did enjoy using, and showing off, was the Suzuki anti-stall feature that increases the rpm slightly when you let out the clutch, very clever that.
So it’s supremely comfortable, engine is sweet, but what about the chassis? Well, that’s equally impressive especially the suspension. The forks are non-adjustable and whoever chose the damping characteristics deserves an exciting and memorable sexual experience of his/her choice. Even if the forks had damping abilities I wouldn’t change them, they’re that good and offer a superb and plush ride. Same goes for the rear shock, which to some maybe a little too soft, but you can increase the pre-load with a simple twist of the knob on the right-hand side. For 148k it has better suspension than some of the bigger adventure bikes I’ve ridden, no names mentioned due to the inevitable verbal abuse. 
With a weight of 215kg it’s also much lighter than those more expensive bikes and combined with ‘that’ suspension the handling is an absolute delight. Stable at high speeds and soaks up every undulation through the bends, what more could one ask for?
By now you’d have gathered that I liked this bike, a lot, and you’d be correct. It really is hard to fault for something that does everything so well, from road to off-road, and for the price it’s unbeatable. It’s also a ‘650’ so the fuel consumption is predictably better than an engine twice the size, and when you add its 20-litre fuel tank size into the equation you’ll take pleasure in a very healthy range before fuel stops.
So, if you’re after a new bike, don’t want to spend a fortune, and can’t decide what the ‘perfect fit’ would be in your garage, you’ve just read about it. I know it might sound like I’ve been offered ‘many pleasures’ by Suzuki SA to write this piece, but unfortunately I didn’t receive any such gift. It just left an empty space in my life when it was returned, and I can’t lather more praise than that.
Images: Devyn ‘Tag’ Heuer.
Go to www.suzukimotorcycle.co.za for more technical information and dealer locations to book a very highly recommended test ride.
