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

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure
Suzuki

Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2004 bis 2016
RRP 15.300 €
RRP
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Pros:
  • has neat Wums
  • extensive electronic helpers
  • significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
Pros:
  • A lot of motorcycle at a manageable price
  • ABS as standard from 2011
  • easy handling
Cons:
  • Price mainly with full equipment
Cons:
  • 67 hp in pillion mode a bit little

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 :
2.290 mm Height : 1.405 mm
Seat :
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: V 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 6.400 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 (aluminium)
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: 110/80 R 19
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
imageIn fact, the V-Strom enjoys quite high popularity not only in the trade press but also among the rather demanding touring driver. And that's certainly not solely due to the attractive price of around €7,000. The lightweight and handy two-cylinder convinces with its advantages numerous touring drivers and also many newcomers. Without question: The SUZUKI DL650 V-Strom is rightly so popular and therefore one of the best-selling adventure bikes. It has been under construction since 2003. The official sales start was in 2004. The V-electricity was available in the colours: blue, black and silver at a price of 6990 €. In 2005 the switch for the stand and dipped light is no longer available and there is a red colour variant. In 2006 there are no technical changes but a two-colour coating in blue/silver replaces the unisilver version. From the 2007 model with ABS for 7390 € + additional costs.