The Suzuki V-Strom DL650 is a brilliant bike.
Good power. Good handling.
Nicely balanced.
The fairing and windscreen allow a comfortable riding position
that is relaxed and ideal for clocking up big miles. The engine braking from the V-twin means that it is possible to go quick on the throttle and gearbox
alone with barely a touch of the brakes.
But. What if?
The bike was designed in Southern California as a dual purpose machine. Personally, I wouldn't take it a couple of inches off a paved surface. Its too heavy
for off road use.
The design brief included a detuned engine. This will have more low end torque than the SV650 motor from the sports version of the bike. But it doesn't rev
as freely and will have less top end speed.
In the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Dirt Track Series, the Suzuki riders change motors between the SV and DL versions depending on the requirements
of the particular track as they compete with the bigger 750cc Harleys.
Meanwhile, the engine from my bike in Scotland is being updated to SV spec and beyond by Colin Williams
of
Shirlaw's Motorcycles in Aberdeen.
The uprated motor will be air freighted to Vancouver where Murray Niebel of
Modern Motorcycles will do the engine swap.
Should be interesting!
I think that the stock DL650 is quicker than a 500cc Manx Norton.
The Manx is the classic British racing bike which dominated motor cycle racing in the
1940s, 1950s and 1960s until the Japanese two strokes took over.
In 1970, I did a couple of races on Pete Kellond's 500cc Manx. A dream machine. That fine balance between power and handling that is so elusive.
The top speeds are comparable at around 120mph. The Suzuki has better brakes and tires. Handling, I would say is about equal. Mind you all of this on
the Norton is in a full racing crouch. On the Suzuki, its sitting up and taking in the scenery.
Murray Niebel has a 500cc Manx Norton.
There are race tracks at Seattle and Portland where it will be possible to do a heads up comparison.
Watch this space!
