2017 DL650 issues?

[MzFan]

Hi blokes
I'm looking to buy a new Vstrom 650 and wondered if there were any potential issues with this model. I have read about ECU issues with the 1000 and wondered if the 650 had similar.
Is the xt worth the extra over the base model?
Thanks

[SuzukiSte]

As far has I know there are no problems with the new 650, but things could change, a few of the members on here have them or maybe Greywolf could tell you in more detail.

[greywolf]

Historically, 650s haven't had the ECU issues 1000s have had. The biggest problems older models have had were the magneto stator and headlight wiring. Suzuki found a problem with the stator and that was changed to fix a recall plus supply newer models. The single headlight draws half of what the older dual headlights drew though I still prefer headlight relays be used.

The XT has spoked wheels which are supposed to handle rock or other large obstacle impacts better. I'm not a fan of spoked wheels over cast wheels. It takes a large impact to bend a cast wheel rim and cast wheels are repairable as long as they are not cracked, which would take a huge impact. Cast wheels are usually lighter, easier to clean, stiffer for better on road handling and less expensive to repair. They also never need adjusting. You'd have to have that perfect impact that a spoked wheel could shake off but would bend a cast wheel for the spoked wheel to be an advantage.

[Savak]

Hi

Had my 2017 650 Vstrom since June with no issues, 2700 miles.
Runs like a bird, 64 mpg average on all types of riding.
Added the belly pan, hand guards and Givi V47 top box, all has stayed put.

If there was anything there is an occasional (read rare) grind like nose as if something was loose/moving up against something but there is nothing hanging off, I think this was caused by me going over a ramp too quickly. Certainly the test ride model had no issues.

Add Bigpies aux fuse box if you plan to add accessories further down the line.

You'll have no regrets

Graeme

[MzFan]

Thank you for your responses, looks like a base model specced up to what I want rather than the xt model is the one to go for.
Wire wheels look good but are a pain to clean and I hear that the XT spokes rust.

[SuzukiSte]

spokes=rust 

[user650]

Not the best picture but you can make out the rust after less than two years. To be fair Suzuki were going to change them under warranty but I changed the bike instead. 

[TLPower]

I must say I'm very impressed by your gravy dispenser user650, careful though, it looks like it might leak onto your chain.

[jmee54]

Mines the base model with Givy sump guard - looks good, heated grips, aux fuse box and Givy top box. I've stuck a cheap two wire alarm on it and front and rear cameras.The bike is everything I wanted it to be and more, 65+ mpg, plenty fast enough, handles great. The only problem I have experienced is a jerky ride at lower speeds, which has been alleviated to an extent by adjusting the slack in the throttle cables.