BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Suzuki V-Strom 650

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure
Suzuki

Suzuki V-Strom 650

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2005 bis 2024~
RRP 15.300 €
RRP 8.800 €
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Pros:
  • has neat Wums
  • extensive electronic helpers
  • significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
Pros:
  • Comfort
  • High-torque engine
  • Suitable for everyday use
  • Value for money
Cons:
  • Price mainly with full equipment
Cons:
  • No need for mixed tyres

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length :
2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
244 (max: 460 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.560 mm
Length :
2.275 mm Height : 1.405 mm
Seat :
830 mm until : 835 mm
Weight :
213 (max: 415 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: 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

Performance

Maximum speed: 219 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
403 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

Chassis

Frame type:
Bridges, motor supporting (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 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

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 376 mm)
Front brake
Double disc ( 310 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 260 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

No, our high expectations were by no means disappointed – not even a bit! The R 1200 GS Rally not only made us very good, but it makes it really difficult for us to find criticisms. Well, it's quite expensive. But quality has a price. And if you look at the prices on the second-hand market, you have to say that gs keeps its value quite long. In addition, it is of course up to everyone to decide whether they really need all the equipment packages. Clearly all do their tasks reliably and well, however, drive up the price again neatly. And already in the basic equipment we have to deal with a mature, great bike!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 15,000-20,000€ depending on the equipment
  • used so far only marginally cheaper
  • Years built: 2017-2018
  • Availability: from 12/2017
  • Colors: Rally design in blue, silver, red, black

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.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 8.390€
  • Used (3 years old): 6.600€
  • Years of construction: since 2017
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: red, yellow, black, blue