Overland Award: 2015 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT ABS ($8,499). Over the last several years we have witnessed an interesting evolution of the adventure motorcycle. Not only has it swelled to proportions suggesting a severe case of elephantiasis, the modern big displacement adventure bike now fetches eye watering prices. With taxes and fees added, leaving a dealer parted with nearly $30,000 is not uncommon. For those without the desire or means to spend such a sum, used bikes, or traditional dual sports, have often been the alternative purchase.
There are less expensive options on the market, but few which dip below the $10,000 threshold. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 has always held appeal with the price minded rider, and the 2015 650XT ABS continues to provide riders with great bang for the buck. At just $8,499 it is an impressive amount of motorcycle leaving riders with leftover cash for their farkle fund.
Even in Suzuki’s Adventure trim, the V-Strom only breaks the $10,000 budget by just $50.
Over the course of the last year, I had the opportunity to spend a considerable amount of time atop Suzuki’s middleweight in the more upscale Adventure trim, and I’m quick to award it high praise. I rode our test bike from Los Angeles to Denver––and back. Along the way I folded in as many dirt roads as I could find. By the time I handed over the keys 5,977 miles later, I admit I was a little sad to see it go.
With its two cylinder engine, the small ‘Strom cranks out a respectable 65 hp with 42 ft-lbs of torque. That dwarfs the 43 hp produced by the brand’s DR650 thumper although the torque numbers are relatively similar. At 475 pounds, the V-Strom has an appropriate amount of mass for a middleweight bike destined for a life on pavement and gravel. Once pushed into tough terrain, that weight quickly becomes a liability, particularly when paired to the bike’s modest ride height and suspension travel.
Wind protection is excellent, ergonomics superb for long days in the saddle, and the 5.3 gallon tank offers useful range. At posted highway speeds, the v-twin engine can exceed 50 mpg without much challenge, although pushing it above 65mph with any regularity can crush the 250 mile range to below 200.
There are many things to like about the V-Strom 650 beyond the low purchase price. The engine is smooth as silk, the transmission and clutch are light and precise, and the handling is snappy and predictable when leaned into mountain curves. Anything I could have deemed as lacking was easily dismissed when put into perspective with the target audience and again, the low MSRP.
For riders looking for an approachable entry into the world of adventure riding, one positioned towards pavement and gravel, the small ‘Strom is a smart choice. It shoulders a full touring load well, can easily accommodate a passenger, and has little competition at well under $10,000.
Runner Up: Kawasaki KLR 650
We will probably never tire of the KLR. Like a trusted tool that never needs replacing, when asked to deliver, the KLR pulls through every time. At $6,600 the KLR is priced low enough to have brought many new riders into the adventure fold. For that reason alone, we are ardent fans of this machine, one of the most well traveled motorcycles ever produced. When rolled off the showroom floor in bone stock configuration, it only needs luggage to be ready for a lap around the globe. There are certainly more exotic motorcycles to be had. There are dozens that are far more fun to ride. For what it is, however, it’s hard to beat the value.
