2018 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT vs V-Strom 1000XT | Comparison Review

Suzuki V-Strom
The V-Strom 1000 and 650, shown here with the XT packages that include tubeless spoked wheels, have the distinction of being direct competitors despite, or perhaps because of, their different sizes and prices. Which one works better overall? Photos by Kevin Wing.

How does one decide on an adventure-touring bike? All of the choices out there can turn your mind into Play-Doh. One way to narrow them down is by the front wheel size that suits your riding style.

Planning a lot of off-road riding? You need a skinny 21-inch front to carve up the loose stuff and roll effortlessly over ruts and obstacles — you’ll find one on a Honda Africa Twin or Kawasaki KLR650.

No dirt in your future? A 17-inch front wheel will give the bike sharper handling on the street and a good variety of sport-touring tire choices–the Ducati Multistrada 1260, Yamaha Tracer 900 GT and larger Kawasaki Versys models all have 17s up front.

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Read our 2017 Suzuki V-Strom 650 vs Kawasaki Versys 650 LT comparison review

For most of us a compromise is in order. You have dreams of conquering the Atacama Desert or Dalton Highway, but will probably spend most of your time in the Lower 48 on paved roads, and about 10 percent on dirt byways and 4×4 trails connecting them. That reality has made 19-inch fronts common among ADV bikes because they’re a (mostly) happy medium between street and dirt.

Now, winnow out the expensive European machines with 19s and the pricey (and kinda heavy) Yamaha Super TĆ©nĆ©rĆ©, and you’re left with just two bikes–the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and 650. That’s a good problem to have, though, because both are extremely competent on-road and can tackle some dirt as well.

You would think that choosing between them would be easy because of their size difference, but there’s actually a long-running debate over which is the better bike overall, largely because the V-Strom 650 is so versatile and a lot less moolah. Rider typically only compares similar bikes from different manufacturers, so we’ve never attempted to resolve the V-Strom 650/1000 debate. Let’s do it!

Suzuki V-Strom
We snagged two Stroms and hit the road for our test, riding a mix of dirt and street to see which Strom rules them all.

For this story Managing Editor Jenny “Slim” Smith and Yours “Gas Hog” Truly planned a long street ride with a chunk of rutted dirt road to close the loop, so we requested the XT variants of the V-Strom 650 and 1000, which are an additional $500. This gets you tubeless spoked wheels that can take some abuse, hand guards with larger bar end weights and an engine cowl on the 650XT. The 1000XT gets the spoked wheels plus a Renthal Fat Bar handlebar; the rest is already standard on the base model. The plastic cowls offer some protection for the vulnerable bits in front (like the oil filter) from stones and debris, but are no replacement for a good skid plate.

Suzuki V-Strom
For 2017 the V-Strom 650ā€™s V-twin received new camshafts to boost power, dual spark plugs for better combustion and Suzukiā€™s Low RPM Assist and Easy Start System.
Suzuki V-Strom
V-Strom 1000 engine got a power increase in 2014; refinements for 2018 make the 1,037cc, 90-degree V-twin Euro 4 compliant.

Suzuki took things a step further by adding quite functional accessory top and side cases, tank bags, centerstands and “accessory bars,” a.k.a. bash bars, which are a good place to mount things like auxiliary lighting and may help protect the fairing in a tipover. The accessories added $2,636 to the $9,299 retail price of the 650XT and $2,413 to the $13,299 cost of the 1000XT.

At the crux of the big debate between the 650 and 1000 are the similarities between the two machines. Both are powered by liquid-cooled, 90-degree V-twins with DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder, and have six-speed transmissions, chain final drive and the same 14,500-mile valve inspection interval. Engines are mounted as stressed members in twin-spar aluminum frames, which have aluminum swingarms and bolt-on steel seat subframes, and both use the same wheel and tire sizes.

Suzuki V-Strom
Tubeless spoked wheels are part of the XT package and add some authentic looks and toughness. Twin discs up front with 2-piston floating calipers could use more bite.
Suzuki V-Strom
Radial-mount 4-piston opposed brake calipers provide more stopping power and are a useful upgrade on the 1000XT.

Following a major redesign for the 1000 for 2014 and some updates for 2018, and a redesign for the 650 for 2017, the rugged styling and bodywork from their “beaks” in front to the luggage racks/passenger grabrails in back is similar now, and the stacked halogen headlights, instrument panels and LED taillights are identical. Both hold 5.3 gallons of fuel, though the 1000 requires 90-octane premium or better and the 650 is happy with 87.

Riders at opposite ends of the size chart will find this an easy choice, since the 650XT is lighter and lower for the vertically challenged, and the 1000XT has more power and legroom for the Paul Bunyans out there. Unless budgetary concerns are paramount, however, those in the middle have more to mull over.

Riders of almost all sizes own and love their V-Strom 650s thanks to its moderate seat height, 467-pound wet weight (without accessories) and lively engine, which made 68.7 horsepower at 9,100 rpm and 44.2 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 on the Jett Tuning dyno at the rear wheel, though the torque curve is so usefully flat that you have to hunt for the peak. It offers plenty of power for solo touring or two-up day rides, enough that even at 6 feet, 3 inches tall and 220 pounds, contributor Clement Salvadori recently bought one.

Although the 650 feels and looks smaller than the 1000, seating and comfort are similar, with wide tubular handlebars, footpegs well located under the rider and wide, compliant seats that are plenty comfortable from fill-up to fill-up.

Suzuki V-Strom
Profile shots of the author riding the V-Strom 650XT (above) and 1000XT (below) reveal very little difference in seating positions, though the 1000XTā€™s slightly higher seat gives it a touch more legroom, and its taller adjustable windscreen is quieter. Tubular handlebars on standard riser clamps are easily pivoted and raised for stand-up riding.
Suzuki V-Strom

The 1000 has a bit more legroom but its seat is about an inch higher — I can nearly plant my feet on the ground sitting on the 650 but I’m on the balls of my feet on the 1000. Although the 1000’s fairing is ever-so-slightly larger and its toolless 3-position windscreen does a better job of redirecting the wind than the 650’s (which also adjusts but requires tools), for the most part the two bikes provide a similar amount of wind protection. Passenger seating is pretty good, with the nod actually going to the 650 when saddlebags are installed, since its lower footpegs provide more foot and legroom.

Suzuki V-Strom
V-Strom 650XTā€™s windscreen adjusts to three positions over a 1.5-inch range using tools. Stacked halogen headlight is a bit dim on either beam.

If the V-Strom 1000 didn’t exist, one would find very little to complain about on the 650, but it does and many riders think that bigger is better now. For starters there’s the additional power; with 91.8 horsepower at 9,100 rpm and 66.2 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 — though redline is a touch lower at 9,200 rpm vs. 10,000 — the 1000 pulls much harder at high rpm, and there’s roughly a third more torque much lower in the powerband.

Though the bike weighs 44 pounds more, its added engine grunt makes highway cruising and passing (especially uphill) much more relaxed and two-up and fully loaded touring a breeze, and the bike squirts from corner to corner quicker with a lot less shifting. The 1000 also has an assist-and-slipper clutch that eases shifting a little.

Suzuki V-Strom
Instrument panel with analog tach and LCD speedo display includes trip computer, fuel gauge, gear indicator and clock and is common to both the V-Strom 1000XT and 650XT.

In general, however, riding solo on the road we found that the 1000’s draw is less its additional power than it is the bike’s superior suspension and brakes. Rear binders are identical, but in place of the 650’s 2-piston floating calipers up front the 1000 gets radial-mount opposed 4-piston clampers, and a stout, 43mm inverted fully-adjustable cartridge fork on the 1000 replaces the 650’s 43mm standard damper-rod unit.

Rear shocks have convenient remote preload and rebound damping adjustment and the same travel, but the 1000’s beefier shock looks as if it ate the 650’s for breakfast. Both the 650’s quick, light handling and the 1000’s smoother, more neutral feel in corners have their virtues, but we found the 1000 much more stable and planted on bumpy roads and in turns, and its front brakes strong enough for any stopping task where the 650’s are just adequate.

Suzuki V-Strom
Slightly tighter steering geometry and 44 pounds less weight make the 650XT more nimble in tight turns, but the 1000XTā€™s superior suspension and neutral steering give it an edge in faster bends, especially when itā€™s bumpy.

Suzuki Motion Track ABS and Combined Braking is also standard on the 1000, which uses a 5-axis IMU to help the ABS work in corners, and proportions braking force front and rear under certain conditions when the front lever is applied. In the long run, though the 650 can get through tight corners quicker and slices up traffic, we preferred the added stability, more predictable handling and braking and better overall ride of the 1000.

Depending upon your personal pucker factor and where you’re riding off-road, climbing on the 650XT after riding the 1000XT in the dirt will either feel like a huge relief or something of a disappointment. Their stock 90/10 ADV tires are comparable, but the 650 definitely has the advantage of less weight and a lower seat height.

Suzuki V-Strom
Although they donā€™t have as much ground clearance or suspension travel as some of the competition, both the V-Strom 1000XT and ā€œWeeā€-Strom 650XT can tackle graded dirt roads or moderate 4×4 byways provided the rider uses some restraint. The 650 is lighter; the 1000 has better brakes and suspension.

While that doesn’t make much difference on graded dirt roads, in sand, tight turns and on hills it inspires more confidence, particularly at the lower speeds most of us mortals will be carrying off-road on these big bikes. But a skilled ADV rider will definitely prefer the 1000’s more robust brakes and suspension, and probably won’t be bothered by the additional weight.

Suzuki V-Strom
2018 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT

Jenny’s Gear
Helmet: G-Max GM11
Jacket: Rev’It Tornado 2
Pants: Joe Rocket Alter Ego
Boots: Sidi Deep Rain

Switchable traction control systems work well and identically in the dirt on both bikes, with two levels and Off, but should the need arise (like encountering a steep dirt downhill) the only way to turn the ABS off on either is by removing the seat and one of the ABS fuses. It only takes a few seconds, and the warning light will remind you to put the fuse back, but switchable ABS should be a standard feature on an ADV bike. DIY switch instructions are readily available online.

So, if it boiled down to owning one of these two bikes and nothing else, with no mods allowed, we ended up choosing the 1000, particularly if only a small amount or no off-road riding is involved. And even if there were a fair amount of dirt in front of us, we’d probably stick with the 1000 and just try to get better at riding it.

Suzuki V-Strom
2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT

Mark’s Gear
Helmet: Shoei Hornet X2
Jacket: Spidi 4Season H2Out
Pants: Olympia Airglide
Boots: Tourmaster Epic Air

A solo rider can easily make a case for the V-Strom 650’s superior fuel economy, and using the $4,000 saved by purchasing it instead to upgrade its suspension and brakes and buy a few aftermarket bits (like a good skid plate) to ready it for any adventure. But the 1000 is not that much bigger, heavier or taller than the 650, and with its extra power would also handle our two-up touring needs just fine while the 650 struggles with a passenger and full load.

There was a time in these models’ histories when the gap between them was wider and the V-Strom 650 was clearly the better choice. Both of these bikes are hugely competent and fun, but for 2018 the gap has narrowed, and now we think that bigger is better.

2018 Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT / 650XT Specs
Base Price: $13,299 / $9,299
Price as Tested: $15,712 / $11,935 (Top Case, Side Cases, Tankbag, Centerstand, Accessory Bar)
Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. miles
Website: suzukicycles.com

Engine
Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse 90-degree V-twin
Displacement: 1,037cc / 645cc
Bore x Stroke: 100.0 x 66.0mm / 81.0 x 62.6mm
Compression Ratio: 11.3:1 / 11.2:1
Valve Train: DOHC, 4 valves per cyl.
Valve Insp. Interval: 14,500 miles
Fuel Delivery: DFI w/ SDTV & 45 / 39mm throttle bodies x 2
Lubrication System: Wet sump, 3.7- / 2.7-qt. cap.
Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically-actuated wet assist-and-slipper clutch / cable-actuated wet clutch
Final Drive: O-ring chain

Electrical
Ignition: Electronic transistorized
Charging Output: 490 / 390 watts max.
Battery: 12V 12AH / 10AH

Chassis
Frame: Twin-spar aluminum w/ tubular (or box) steel subframe & cast aluminum swingarm
Wheelbase: 61.2 / 61.4 in.
Rake/Trail: 26.5 degrees/4.4 in. / 25.4/4.2
Seat Height: 33.5 / 32.9 in.
Suspension, Front: 43mm USD fork, fully adj. w/ 6.3-in. travel / 43mm stanchions, adj. preload, 5.9-in. travel
Rear: Linked shock, adj. for spring preload (remote) & rebound damping w/ 6.3-in. travel
Brakes, Front: Dual 310mm discs w/ opposed 4-piston radial calipers & ABS / 2-piston pin-slide calipers & ABS
Rear: Single 260mm disc w/ 1-piston pin-slide caliper & ABS
Wheels, Front: Cast, 2.5 x 19 in.
Rear: Cast, 4.0 x 17 in.
Tires, Front: 110/80-R19
Rear: 150/70-R17
Wet Weight: 515 / 467 lbs.
Load Capacity: 450 / 448 lbs.
GVWR: 965 / 915 lbs.

Performance
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gals., last 1.2 gals. warning light on
MPG: 91 / 87 PON min. (low/avg/high) 40.8/44.2/47.6 / 47.5/50.5/70.6
Estimated Range: 234 / 268 miles
Indicated RPM at 60 MPH: 3,500 / 4,400

27 COMMENTS

  1. I own a 2017 1000xt and ride it rain hail and shine and love the big girl. On the dirt or tar it is a great bike . Clocked over 25,000km in the first year. Kitted it up with cruise ,crash bars ,engine guard ,Heidi K60 scouts heated grips, screen raiser, rear suspension raise,big top box and enduristan soft side panniers and off we went . Great bike . Love it to death.

  2. Still no cruise control??

    With as many posts as I’ve seen over the past few years – in multiple articles, forums and blogs – that say “Sounds like a great touring bike, but… “, I’d have thought that Suzuki would have addressed this by now.

  3. Iā€™ve had a first gen 650, a first gen 1000, and currently have a 2014 1000. The first gen 650 was better in many ways than the gen 1 1000, including the lighter weight and better back road and off road capabilities. The 1000 was only better when heavily loaded or with a passenger. The 2014 bike is several notches better than either gen 1 edition. The gearing is better. The wind protection is much better. The brakes are much better. Instrumentation is better. I typically average over 50 mpg on my bike, which is better than the earlier versions, including the 650. I havenā€™t tried the latest version of the 650. Iā€™d like the lower seat and lighter weight.

    I got my 1000 as a left over for $8k, and trading now would be a money losing proposition, and I doubt the 650 has enough advantages to make the deal worthwhile. If I could buy either, Iā€™d still choose the 1000.

  4. The author says: ” but should the need arise (like encountering a steep dirt downhill) the only way to turn the ABS off on either is by removing the seat and one of the ABS fuses. ” There is another option: When you suddenly encounter a steep dirt downhill, just flip that red button with your right thumb. That would be the engine kill switch. That shuts off the ABS system and leaves leaves the brakes and engine compression working as normal.

  5. The author states that ā€œI can nearly plant my feet on the ground sitting on the 650 but Iā€™m on the balls of my feet on the 1000ā€. But I find no mention of how tall he is. Iā€™m trying to decide between the 650 & 1000 and donā€™t want to be on the balls of my feet. Short of making a 4 hour trek to sit on both, anyone have advice? Iā€™m 5ā€™11ā€ with a 32ā€ inseam. Thanks

    • I’m 5’11” with 32″ inseam and can flat foot easily on my 650. I’m also 72 so I installed peg lowering brackets (1″) and everything is perfect. All day rides are easy.

    • Iā€™m the same size and have a 2017 650xt. I easily can plant flat footed on it although I normally stop and lean left and only have one foot planted. Going with the 2020 1050 when available and donā€™t expect any issue. I know the 1000 ā€œfeelsā€ really bigger but it isnā€™t

    • Darryl, Iā€™m your exact size and I think the answer to your question lies in how comfortable/adept/skilled you might be off road, or even more specific how skilled in technical dirt. I cut my teeth in motorcycling in the dirt and still feel more comfortable off road then paved….and Iā€™ll admit I am nowhere near an expert off-road. I enjoy standing up a fair amount of time on paved roads to stretch my legs, cooling my lower half on warm days and just for a different change of scenery. So in ending I am quite comfortable maneuvering my KLR 650 in tight spots, pulling/sliding the rear end over for better pickup of a downed bike on the trails and relying on slow momentum for those tricky balancing moves. Have fun out there!

  6. My favorite thing on these is the new rims that are TUBELESS tires…
    only ones I know of outside BMWs…..so much easier to repair with plug or such.. until one can get to a garage…blowing a tube type is a pain to fix…much more time consuming.

  7. Im at 89,000mi on my 2005 Vstrom 650, when I hit 100k next year it’ll be a hard choice between these two.

  8. Congratulations on the matter. I consider it very pertinent and should be part of the doubt of many potential buyers of the Suzuki DL. I would be happy with the opinion of the journalists and the owners of these bikes about the maneuverability of motorcycles in the transit of big cities.
    (sorry if anything was unclear or in English, as I prepared my question via
    Google translator).

  9. Just bought a 2017 650 XT; without a doubt one of the most useful motorcycles I have owned in nearly 50 years of riding. I tried the 1000 a few years ago, liked it, but its size made it feel not unlike other bike ADVs – BMW GS, KTMs, Ducatis; the little 650 feels ideal for an old man (66) travelling solo. I did a 600 mile day in Spain recntly (unplanned) and I have to say it was as competent as any bike I have ever ridden but actually BETTEr in the city than the taller bikes – try stop/start traffic in Bilbao in the rush hour, for example. OK I am in Europe but most tours take in some city riding and competence there is as useful as the light trail riding ability that the 650 has. An altogether excellent motorcycle for the shorter/older or newer rider who wanst to do a bit of everyting – and it is in a class of one; cheap; and fuel consumption (hugely importnat when touring) is very good.

  10. I am looking at a used 2017 650 base model with 1,600 miles on it. I’ve not owned an “adventure” style bike and have a 30″ inseam. I’m looking for a bike that I can ride the county (gravel) roads and, maybe, some two track woods roads out here in the Black Hills area. I will be test riding this bike at Sturgis Motorsports tomorrow. I rode the new Indian FTR last Saturday and, although I was very impressed, I believe it would be too tall if I got into an awkward position on a backwoods road. (Also, a lot of difference in the $$$) I ride a ’14 Night Rod, a ’10 King Pin, and a ’90 Guzzi California (modified). I’m hoping the “Wee-Strom” will fill a nitch for me. Wish me luck, I’m old. šŸ˜‰

  11. I like Rider Magazine but Iā€™m confused. The 650XT is chosen as one of the best bike (purchases) of 2019 but the article justifying the choice says the 1000XT is the better bike.

    • Understandable. We only consider “contenders” if they had changes for this model year. The 650 XT is a new trim package for 2019, while the 1000 didn’t change.

  12. I’ve had both, one 650 and two 1000’s.
    I’ve never heard a DL1000 rider musing whether or not to move to the smaller 650, but lot’s of 650 riders mulling over the 1000.
    There is no substitute for a litre bike…..

    • Just for the record, Iā€™ve ridden both the 650 and 1000 extensively, albeit the 650 Iā€™ve ridden 160 000kmā€™s over three model years, the 1000 much less. For me, both bikes are value laden, but the 650 is a much better bike one-up, the 1000 being ā€œbetterā€ if accommodating a pillion. Iā€™ve rarely wanted the 1000 ā€˜Strom, my liter bikes are of a different ilk but the bike I often pluck my butt upon is the Wee ā€˜Strom.

  13. Iā€™m 5ā€™11ā€ and sat on both the 650 and 1000 yesterday. I could flat foot both fine. I am torn on which to get though. I will use it to commute a short distance to work, a few camping trips with the guys, and some longer day rides here and there.

  14. I’ve had my dl650a/xa for 2 years now & feel that it is the best bike for me.I’m just about to turn 69 & hadn’t ridden a motorbike for 40 years.It went over a couple of times from stationary pos.but nothing serious.Economically there isn’t a rival bike with the same power.I’ve got k60 scouts on.Like others have said the 1000 is grunt that basically I don’t need or want.

  15. bought new 2018 1000xt, saw it bought it love it. I’m 6″ 220 and have pillion randomly. Only big decisions will be tires. what kind of day will it be, track, tour or adv trip. comfortable, good wind protection, 50mpg. Needs cruise control and probably heated grips. have added Givi rear fender, plx series bags, bash plate and guards. Anyways the 1000 for the passenger a must in my eyes.

  16. I got a 2018 1000 as I am 6’3″ with a 34″ inseam. I even bought the Suzuki tall seat option for it. If you are taller and like to ride “faster”, I agree with this review that the 1000 is the better all around one. Once moving, the weight disappears and you will enjoy the extra power. The only thing I would like to have from the 650 is the regular octane requirement and better fuel economy.

    Ok, and I would suggest finding it with alloy wheels if you are not going to be going hardcore offroad. (these bikes are not hardcore offroad bikes and the wire wheels were a styling exercise in my opinion but they are heavier and harder to clean)

  17. I have 2019 xt 1000 and getting 4,3 litters for 100km on touring which is very good.
    The thing is you dont need to chenge the gears so often so it is much better and relaxed for touring than 650.But if you need a power you just need to open a throtle without downshifting.

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