A CERTAIN Japanese manufacturer has monopolised the middleweight adventure bike category in Malaysia for several years now.
Much of this may be due to a lack of competition, an issue that has, finally, been addressed.
The Suzuki V-Strom 650 has been around quite some time, perhaps even as long as the aforementioned competitor.
First introduced in 2004, the little V-Strom has been updated regularly.
The entry-level adventure Suzuki has a trump card over the green parallel twin — its sweet V twin powerplant.
The mid-sized vee is a DOHC 645cc liquid-cooled 90-degree V twin with a six-speed gearbox. It makes 66hp at 8,800rpm and has 62Nm of torque.
Respectable but not ground shaking.
What differentiates it from the other is the flexible way it delivers that power with hardly any driveline lash and a creamy spread of V twin torque. It revs if you need it to and without those annoying vibrations due to the engine's perfect primary balance.
The V-Strom 650 is a no-frills adventure bike and makes no excuses for it. Nevertheless, it is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS, non-switchable), a two-stage traction control (switchable) and an immobiliser system.
The no-frills section consists of the front and rear suspensions.
The telescopic front forks are non-adjustable while the rear monoshock only allows preload changes (albeit via an easy chunky Ohlins-style adjuster). The XT version comes with handguards, engine guards, built-in bracketry for saddlebags and stylish gold tubeless spoked rims.
The accessories include aluminium panniers, top case, heated grips, high seat, centre stand and a handlebar cross brace.
Despite or perhaps in spite of the no-frills suspension, the little V-Strom handles like a good one.
Slow speed shenanigans are easy due to the low seat height (835mm), low weight (215kg) and sculpted tank. The low centre of gravity (a V twin advantage) and generous steering lock help and the V-Strom even automatically adds throttle off-idle to prevent stalling.
High speed corners and curves hold no fear for the V-Strom 650 as it will handle anything short of Sepang or the Dakar.
Comfort and compliance is good as well but the lack of adjustability will rear its ugly head once the kitchen sink and wife are loaded up for a long jaunt. Adjustable suspension would be a good upgrade for the next update.
A switchable ABS would be good as well for off-road excursions, at least for the front. For now, the best the V-Strom 650 can do for off-road riding is plantation dirt tracks and gravel roads.
Instrumentation-wise, it is well equipped with a mixture of analogue dials and digital displays. However, the digits are on the tiny side and require some squinting if you are older and/or visually-challenged.
After some acclimatisation, it does become easier since there aren't that many doo-dads to scroll through anyway. Brakes, twin 310mm discs and 260mm rear, are overkill and provide plenty of power.
That sculpted yellow tank is deceptively large at 20 litres and the frugal (if ridden vicariously) little Vee's seat is super comfortable. Add to the mix a largely effective three-way adjustable windshield and the limit to distances covered would be your own; either mental or bladder capacity.
The other V-Strom deception is its ability to disappear from beneath you, almost as well as a (insert Japanese brand starting from H). The little 'Strom is intuitive and light and easy to ride.
Clutch and throttle effort is super light, gears are snickety-smooth and at a constant 140kph, the slow drone from the single exhaust will lull you into thinking all is right with the world. Until you reach the office, that is.
The littlest V-Strom may be a no-frills mid-sized adventure bike but it's a breath of fresh air after the gadget-festooned behemoths that permeate the upper reaches of the adventure bike category. Long may the V-Strom and its ilk survive to introduce new riders to the joys of adventure riding.
Being spoilt, all we need is some adjustable damping and switchable ABS to make the little V-Strom the most perfect mid-size adventure bike, ever.
At a list price of RM43,900, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 is a sure-fire winner.