BMW R 1150 R versus Suzuki V-Strom 650
BMW R 1150 R
Naked
Suzuki V-Strom 650
Adventure
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2005 bis 2006
Built von 2005 bis 2024~
RRP
RRP 8.800 €
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Competitors
Pros:
- easy and manoeuvrable to drive despite size and weight
- used relatively cheap
- is also suitable as a tourer
- wonderful boxer with sound
- sufficient power, powerful torque
Pros:
- Comfort
- High-torque engine
- Suitable for everyday use
- Value for money
Cons:
- vulnerable ABS system
- fiddly battery removal
Cons:
- No need for mixed tyres
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.487 mm
Length : 2.170 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat : 800 mm
Weight : 238 (max: 450 ) kg
Length : 2.170 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat : 800 mm
Weight : 238 (max: 450 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.560 mm
Length : 2.275 mm Height : 1.405 mm
Seat : 830 mm until : 835 mm
Weight : 213 (max: 415 ) kg
Length : 2.275 mm Height : 1.405 mm
Seat : 830 mm until : 835 mm
Weight : 213 (max: 415 ) kg
Engine
Motor design: Boxer 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.130 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.130 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: V2 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 645 ccm
Hub: 63 mm
Hole: 81 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 645 ccm
Hub: 63 mm
Hole: 81 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Performance
Maximum speed: 197 km/h
Performance: 85 HP at 6.750 U/Min
Torque: 98 NM bei 5.250 U/Min Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 446 km
Performance: 85 HP at 6.750 U/Min
Torque: 98 NM bei 5.250 U/Min Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 446 km
Maximum speed: 185 km/h
Performance: 71 HP at 8.800 U/Min
Torque: 62 NM bei 6.500 U/Min Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 488 km
Performance: 71 HP at 8.800 U/Min
Torque: 62 NM bei 6.500 U/Min Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 488 km
Chassis
Frame type:
Three-part frame concept consisting of front and rear frame with supporting engine (steel) Front suspension:
BMW Motorrad Telelever; Standpipe diameter 35 mm (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 135 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm with Paralever Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 170/60 ZR 17
Three-part frame concept consisting of front and rear frame with supporting engine (steel) Front suspension:
BMW Motorrad Telelever; Standpipe diameter 35 mm (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 135 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm with Paralever Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 170/60 ZR 17
Frame type:
Bridges (bridge frame aluminum) Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 43 mm (travel 150 mm) Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 159 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 19 M/C x MT 2.50 110/80R19 M/C 59V
Rear tyres: 150/70 R 17
Bridges (bridge frame aluminum) Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 43 mm (travel 150 mm) Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 159 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 19 M/C x MT 2.50 110/80R19 M/C 59V
Rear tyres: 150/70 R 17
Brakes
Front brake
Four-piston fixed caliper double disc brake (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Two-piston fixed caliper brake (∅ 276 mm)
Four-piston fixed caliper double disc brake (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Two-piston fixed caliper brake (∅ 276 mm)
Front brake
Double disc (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 260 mm)
Double disc (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 260 mm)
Conclusion - what gets stuck
The BMW R 1150 R is a grateful bike that offers riders a confident and safe riding experience even with high mileage. There are many used machines of this type, most fortunately in uncrafted original condition. But old machines are not really cheap either: 1150s are hardly available in good condition under 4,000 euros. To answer the opening question: Yes, it is still worth buying a 15-year-old motorcycle today. At least if it is a BMW R 1150 R.Companion for every day
The bottom line is that there is a clear thumbs up for the Suzuki V-Strom 650. At 8,390 euros, it is an all-round successful bike with very good manners, can be used everywhere and is fully suitable for travel.
Suzuki remains true to its reputation for building underrated bikes. Our recommendation for all those who are looking for a fully everyday bike with a very good price-performance ratio: Ride it absolutely test. Rarely has had so much fun with so little effort.
The test bike was provided to us by M.A.S. in Wilster.
