DL650Gen1

= V-Strom DL-650 1st Generation (2004-2011) = The **Suzuki V-Strom 650**, also known as the **DL650**, was launched in 2004 as a mid-weight, [|dual-sport motorcycle] with a [|standard] riding posture, fuel injection and an aluminum chassis. Marketed in Europe, [|Oceania] and the Americas, the DL650 is manufactured at [|Suzuki] 's [|ISO 14001] certified plant in [|Toyokawa], Japan. The name **V-Strom** combines //**V**//, referring to the bike's [|V engine] configuration, with the German word //**Strom**//, meaning stream or current.



Category
The V-Strom 650 trades strength in a single area for adaptability to a variety of riding conditions: commuting, cruising, adventure touring and—to a lesser degree—off-road riding. The bike is variously categorized as a "Sport Enduro Tourer" and "Street/Adventure, Commuter, Entry-Level."

Mechanicals
The V-Strom has a six-speed transmission with a fuel-injected and slightly retuned 645 cc engine from Suzuki's [|SV650] sport bike, using a two-into-one exhaust system. An upright, [|standard] riding posture contributes to the bike's handling characteristics.

Engine
The engine is a 90-degree, [|liquid cooled], [|four-stroke] V-twin, with 81.0 mm (3.19 in) bore and a 62.6 mm (2.46 in) stroke, four valves per cylinder, and intake and exhaust valving each with their own camshaft. Its more relaxed cam profiles, compared with the SV engine, boost the power between 4,000 and 6,500 rpm, along with slight changes to the airbox and exhaust. Relative to the SV, the crank inertia (flywheel effect) is also increased by 4% via a redesigned starter clutch. As well, the DL650 engine uses a plastic outer clutch cover and engine sprocket cover for reduced weight and noise. Unlike the SV engine, which uses cast iron cylinder sleeves, the DL650 uses Suzuki's proprietary SCEM (Suzuki Composite Electro-chemical Material) plated cylinders, a race-proven nickel-phosphorus-silicon-carbide coating for reduced weight and improved heat transfer, allowing for tighter and more efficient piston-to-cylinder clearance, similar to a [|Nikasil] coating.

Engine electronics
The DL650 engine electronics aid starting and throttle control and uses Suzuki's AFIS (Auto Fast Idle System), eliminating a fast-idle control. The engine control module (ECM) reads engine information, such as coolant temperature, via a 16-bit central processing unit (CPU), controlling the fuel system's dual throttle bodies.

Emissions'
The DL650 uses Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) fuel-injection and exhausts via a two-into-one exhaust system with a catalytic converter in the muffler. European models meet Euro 3 emissions specifications. In the US, a "PAIR" air injection system reduces CO and HC emissions.

Chassis
A stiff, twin-spar aluminum frame and swingarm accommodates a rear Showa mono-shock with hydraulic preload adjustment. Front Showa damper-rod forks are preload adjustable. The DL650 has a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel.

Instruments and bodywork
The bike's instrument cluster includes a compact analog step-motor speedometer and tachometer (both with LED illumination) and a digital LCD unit with odometer, tripmeter, coolant temperature gauge, fuel gauge, LED neutral, digital clock, turn signal and high beam lights and an oil pressure warning light. An adjustable windshield allows movement of 50 mm (2 inches) A small underseat compartment, suitable for small tools, gloves, or an owner's manual, can be accessed by removal of the seat, via a lock located at the rear of the bike, just below the built-in rack.

Reviews
Model Evaluation: []

Awards
The V-Strom 650 was named one of the "ten best" bikes under $10,000 by //Motorcyclist (USA)// magazine, October, 2007—beating out, among many others, the V-Strom 1000. In a September 2006 article, //Cycle World// magazine wrote "the DL650 may just be the most shockingly competent machine in the world today." A 2004 article from //MotorcycleUSA.com// said "it was hard to imagine another machine with a competitive versatility-per-dollar ratio." Twice consecutively, the DL650 has earned the title "Alpenkoenig", winning German // [|Motorrad] // magazine's trans-alp multi-bike test in 2005 and 2006.

Model year changes
2004 2005  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011
 * First model year
 * Headlight interrupt when starting added.
 * Optional ABS ( [|Anti-lock braking system] )
 * Wheelbase increased from 60.6 in (1,539 mm) to 61.2 in (1,554 mm) with an increase in the swingarm length by .597 in (15 mm)
 * Dual [|sparkplugs] at each cylinder.
 * Idle adjustment screw removed
 * Alternator output increased from 375 to 400 watts.
 * All-steel locknut on rear axle, previously cotter pin style.
 * Clear signal light lenses, previously amber.
 * No 2010 models in US.
 * For US, all models, ABS equipped.