BMW R nineT Urban G/S versus Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R nineT Urban G/S

Retro
Suzuki

Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2017 bis 2023
Built von 2004 bis 2016
RRP 14.750 €
RRP
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Pros:
  • Engine
  • Handling
  • Brake
  • Chassis
  • Impression of quality
  • Optics
Pros:
  • A lot of motorcycle at a manageable price
  • ABS as standard from 2011
  • easy handling
Cons:
  • missing indicators for fuel level, engine speed and gear
  • Travel possibilities and wind protection not at GS level
Cons:
  • 67 hp in pillion mode a bit little

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.527 mm
Length :
2.175 mm Height : 1.105 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
221 (max: 430 ) 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: Öl-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: 220 km/h
Performance: 110 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 116 NM bei 6.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
321 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:
Lattice tube (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 43 mm (travel 125 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Paralever
Tyres at the front: ZR
Rear tyres: ZR
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 ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 265 mm)
Front brake
Double disc ( 310 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 260 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

Without question, Urban G/S is beguiling. Our tester Markus let himself be carried away to the remark that in his eyes it is currently the most beautiful motorcycle on the market. It is also a typical boxer child and high-quality workmanship from front to back. For those who do not constantly commute between Germany and Mongolia, the Urban G/S may even be better suited than a normal GS, because the Urban G/S is handier and weighs significantly less.
 
The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg for this test. There is exactly this bike as a demonstrator and is looking forward to a lot of test riders. So, let's go to Pinneberg near Hamburg!

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 14.320€
  • Used (3 years old): 12.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2017
  • Colours: black-red, blue, white
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.