Find my brake – Suzuki DL650 V-Strom

We look at the evolution of the Suzuki DL650 V-Strom model range from 2004 onwards, and what brake pads Bendix supplies for these motorcycles.

Given the great weather and vastness of the country’s landscape, Australian motorcyclists are buying tourers in ever-increasing numbers. And one motorcycle that checks most of the boxes touring riders want is the Suzuki V-Strom 650. With its liquid-cooled, 645cc, 90-degree V-twin, lifted from the popular SV650 sport, the V-Strom 650 is a light, affordable adventure tourer that, thanks to its versatility and go-anywhere capability, has been a top-seller in Suzuki’s lineup Down Under ever since it debuted in 2004.

Preceded by the larger DL1000 V-Strom, the DL650 - often referred to as the “Swiss army knife” of motorcycling - used what was essentially the same V-twin engine as the SV650 model, but with the carbs replaced by a more versatile EFI. The original DL650 also differed from its sibling by foregoing the twin-spark heads of the SV, although these were eventually fitted in 2007. The DL’s liquid-cooled 46.7 kW 90-degree V-twin also had slightly re-profiled camshafts, which Suzuki claimed boosted the V-Strom’s mid-range by 5 per cent with only a small loss of 5 kW at the top end. Although the internal gear ratios remained the same as the SV, to suit the dual-purpose nature of the DL the V-Strom had a slightly lower final drive ratio, giving the adventure bike a bit more pep off the line with a slight loss of top-end speed.

To make sure the V-Strom’s go-anywhere ability was not compromised in any way, the DL received a purpose-built aluminium twin-spar frame. And to soak up the bumps the DL650 was fitted with a 43 mm telescopic front fork with 150 mm of travel, while the rear mono-shock suspension also allowed for 150 mm of travel – although this was increased to 159 mm from 2012. As is befitting of a dual purpose motorcycle with serious off-road capability the 650 was equipped with spoked 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels.

To make sure the V-Strom could be brought to a safe stop on all surfaces - whether loose sand on an Outback trail or fully laden on the open road – the Suzuki was equipped with double twin-piston Tokico sliding front brake calipers clamping 310 mm discs, while the rear caliper was a single-piston unit acting on a 260 mm disc. Initially, the V-Strom was sold without ABS, but this was added in 2007 with the release of the DL650A.

With a development lineage shared with the SV650 and DL1000, the DL650 V-Strom has undergone relatively few, and mostly, minor changes throughout its 18-year lifespan. In particular, the V-Strom’s engine has remained largely unchanged after the introduction of the twin-spark heads in 2007. With the low-friction, SCEM-plated cylinders, lightweight single valve springs, and Throttle-body Integrated Idle Speed Control already well-proven a minor engine update in 2012 added just under three kWs with another update in 2017 pushing 650’s power output up to 52 kW. At the same time, the 650 V-Strom’s engine received Euro4 emissions compliance certification.

For 2017 the 650 V-Strom, now also available in XT guise, gained traction control, an easy start system, low rpm assist, a 1kg weight reduction, a 12V DC outlet, LCD dash, vertically stacked headlights, and LED taillights. Overall a good update for the all-rounder DL650 that was seemingly designed for Australian conditions.

In a further update released in 2021, the V-Strom 650 was upgraded to comply with BS6/Euro5 emissions regulations whilst gaining three-levels of traction control, and programmable dual-channel ABS. Suzuki also equipped the V-Strom with a 12V power socket that can be used to charge a mobile phone, or GPS devices. Taking advantage of Australia’s Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme, Suzuki also launched a 35 kW V-Strom approved for use by novice riders.

As an adventure machine, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 scores highly when it comes to versatility and value for money, not to mention its LAMS approval. On the road, it offers the proficient motorcyclist a comfortable, well-optioned, all-roads touring experience, whilst also catering to the novice rider still finding their way around the world of motorcycling.

With the Suzuki DL650 V-Strom fulfilling a wide range of roles – from a novice’s training platform to an all-purpose dual-sport bike - it is important that the brake pads perform flawlessly at all times under all conditions. For this reason, Bendix has developed the Bendix Moto line of brake pads to cover a wide range of bikes and riding applications.

Bendix Brake Pads For The Suzuki DL650 V-Strom

As Australia’s largest automotive friction material manufacturer, Bendix has been at the leading edge of braking technology for close to 70 years and has now taken that expertise to the world of motorcycles with the Bendix Moto line of brake pads.

Bendix Moto currently offers two brake pad types – Ultimate+ and Street Road Track. Each pad type covers the needs of a range of motorcycles and how they’re used, from putting around on the daily commute to full-blown track use. Bendix Moto’s extensive catalogue also covers an enormous range of different motorcycle types including the Suzuki DL650 V-Strom.

Ideally suited to the 650 V-Strom, Bendix Moto Ultimate+ Brake Pads have been developed for bikes that spend a lot of time commuting in daily traffic. They offer exceptional stopping power, low dust, and low noise, whilst offering high resistance to brake fade at higher temperatures thanks to a high friction ceramic formulation.

Whilst Bendix Moto Ultimate+ Brake Pads are made to handle the stresses of stop-start traffic they also offer high braking performance for weekend road trips or a spirited ride down a twisty mountain pass.

Whether you are a novice getting to understand how to safely control your DL650 V-Strom or enjoying a trail ride in the great Outback with friends over the weekend, Bendix Moto Ultimate+ Brake Pads ensure you’re in control, no matter your level of experience or the riding conditions.

Never get caught out by brakes that aren’t quite up to the job. Fitting a set of Bendix Moto Ultimate+ Brake Pads to your Suzuki DL650 V-Strom means you can brake with confidence - anywhere, anytime, in all conditions.