Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2016 vs. Suzuki V-Strom 650 2017

The Suzuki V-Strom 1000 model year 2016 and the Suzuki V-Strom 650 model year 2017 are both enduro motorcycles that offer a range of features and capabilities.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the V-Strom 1000 has a larger bore and stroke, resulting in a higher engine power of 100 HP and torque of 103 Nm. On the other hand, the V-Strom 650 has a smaller bore and stroke, resulting in a lower engine power of 71 HP and torque of 62 Nm. Both bikes have a chain transmission and a displacement of 1037ccm for the V-Strom 1000 and 645ccm for the V-Strom 650.

In terms of suspension, the V-Strom 1000 is equipped with an upside-down telescopic fork in the front and a monoshock absorber in the rear. The V-Strom 650 also has a telescopic fork in the front and a monoshock absorber in the rear. Both bikes have an aluminum frame, with the V-Strom 1000 having a twin-spar frame and the V-Strom 650 having a twin tube frame.

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2016

Both bikes come with advanced rider assistance systems, with the V-Strom 1000 having traction control and the V-Strom 650 having ABS. The V-Strom 1000 has a larger front tire diameter of 19 inches, while both bikes have the same rear tire width of 150mm and rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase of the V-Strom 1000 is 1555mm, slightly shorter than the 1560mm wheelbase of the V-Strom 650.

In terms of weight, the V-Strom 1000 has a kerb weight of 228kg with ABS, while the V-Strom 650 has a kerb weight of 213kg with ABS. Both bikes have a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters.

Suzuki V-Strom 650 2017

Now let's move on to the strengths and weaknesses of each bike. The V-Strom 1000 has a powerful engine, traction control as standard, very good brakes, a taut yet comfortable chassis, great touring capability, and complete instrumentation. However, it has a windshield that creates turbulence on the head, the engine runs out of breath in the upper rev range, and some may find its aesthetics arbitrary.

On the other hand, the V-Strom 650 has a lively and economical engine, balanced handling, good wind protection, traction control and ABS as standard, looks similar to its bigger sister, extensive instrumentation with a gear indicator, a 12-volt socket in the cockpit area, and a good price. Its only weakness is that the traction control in mode 2 can be very restrictive.

In conclusion, the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 2016 offers a more powerful engine and traction control as standard, while the Suzuki V-Strom 650 2017 offers a more economical engine, balanced handling, and a lower price. Both bikes have their strengths and weaknesses, so it ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and intended use.