test ride booked

[steveg]

Hi All

Looking forward to the weekend as finally got my act together and have got a test ride booked on a demo DL650

Have riden the orginal DL650 which I enjoyed but ideally want a newer bike

I do a lot of miles as sole transport , just wondering about real world running costs , mpg , service intervals / cost , tyre life , chain life etc ( I know these are variable so just a ballpark ) and any known issues

Also from what I've seen best price new currently approx 5.5 k ?

Cheers Steve

[Joe Rocket]

Steve, I had the same 'walk through' before riding my demo at the end of last summer, then I bought the new Glee! I've now owned it since november and it hasn't let me down in any quarter. Running costs aren't any different from most all purpose bikes. My mpg is around 60, service intervals are increased (doubled) on the 2015 version, standard tyres aren't my favourite but I'd expect more than 8000k out of the rear (Michelins are better) and chains are down to maintenance more or less so 20k minimum I'd expect. I've just fitted an oiler so hope to see 30k at least.......

My only issues are the lack of centre stand and a short sidestand. I've put a SWMotech centre stand on mine.

Enjoy the Demo at the weekend and let us know your thoughts.......

Joe.

[steveg]

Hello

Got lucky with the weather cracking weather to take a test ride

Really enjoyed the DL650 a5

+ Lovely real world engine , nice lazy feel but can be reved if in the mood

 +decent brakes/ABS

 + chassis good  balance and really comfy ergos

+ looks better in the flesh , nice looking bike


- std seat a tad too high for comfort

- servicing checked intervals as thought the a5 now  had 7500 intervals but told no still 3750 service interval


Recon a good second hand model will the way to go so can service myself

Next test ride Triumph Tiger 800 , DL650 current favourite

Cheers Steveg

[MartinW]

Glad you enjoyed it Steve.

I'm sure the service interval (for a 2015 model) is now 7500 miles though.

[steveg]

Hi Martin

From what I've read on-line I also thought ther service interval had been increased

But the dealer showed the owners manual for dl650a5 and showed every 3750 .....

This is a big deal to me as do 15k miles a year and hence could not afford dealer servicing every 3 months ... but could every 6 months ( if bough a new bike)

Cheers Steveg

[MartinW]

See HERE Steve, which quotes the following email from Suzuki, which was sent to UK_Vstrom650.

"Having checked our records, we can confirm that the service intervals for the DL650 changed in 2015 to every 7,500 miles therefore this only applies to the 2015 model. In addition, this change also applies to the GSX1300RA, GSF/X1250, GSR750, SFV650, GSF/X650, DL1000A, VZR1800, VL1500T and the VL/VZ800, all 2015 models only."

[Joe Rocket]

I have kms and although the handbook says 6000 (4000 miles) I was told to come back for a 10000 km service but change the oil at 5000. That's for AL5. Others have asked for earlier models and have been told the shorter intervals.  

Bike is unchanged from 2014 though so no reason why you couldn't use longer intervals IMHO.

[Lifebiker]

Hi Steve, you will not be disappointed, the DL650 is a sheer joy to own, I did a weekly commute for two years from Pontypool to Reading on mine and it never missed a beat and returned near on 60 mpg. The only criticism I have is the buffeting from the screen (I am 6' 1") but that was sorted out by fitting an MRA screen. Take the test ride and enjoy it.