Honda VFR1200 F versus Suzuki V-Strom 650
Honda VFR1200 F
Sporttourer
Suzuki V-Strom 650
Adventure
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2009 bis 2016
Built von 2005 bis 2025~
RRP
RRP 8.800 €
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Competitors
Pros:
- Extremely good brakes
- Drives like an Intercity
- Touring-ready
- good pillion comfort
- beefy engine
Pros:
- Comfort
- High-torque engine
- Suitable for everyday use
- Value for money
Cons:
- Traction control only from 2012
- heavy machine, nothing for beginners
- Torque weakness up to 3,500 rpm
Cons:
- No need for mixed tyres
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.545 mm
Length : 2.250 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat : 815 mm
Weight : 267 kg
Length : 2.250 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat : 815 mm
Weight : 267 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: Four-cylinder four-stroke V-engine 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.237 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 81 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.237 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 81 mm
Cooling: flüssig
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: 250 km/h
Performance: 173 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 129 NM bei 8.750 U/Min Tank contents: 19 Litre
Performance: 173 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 129 NM bei 8.750 U/Min Tank contents: 19 Litre
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
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork with 43 mm tube diameter (travel 109 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyres: 190/55-ZR17
Telescopic fork with 43 mm tube diameter (travel 109 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyres: 190/55-ZR17
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
Double disc brake front with six-piston fixed calipers, floating brake discs (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake rear with double piston caliper (∅ 276 mm)
Double disc brake front with six-piston fixed calipers, floating brake discs (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake rear with double piston caliper (∅ 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 Honda VFR 1200 F is one of the most beautiful motorcycles for me. She's no less than a design icon and there's no motorcycle that looks like it. Admittedly, design is a matter of taste, but at least the VFR shouldn't leave anyone cold. Their appearance arouses emotions and that's exactly what motorcycles should do, right?The VFR is certainly not a beginner's motorcycle, but it has far too much power and is too heavy. But if you already have motorcycle experience and stand on big ships, you will be thrilled by the absolutely sovereign idea that the VFR delivers on motorways and country roads. If you are looking for a small, agile motorcycle for the city, you probably won't have read this test article until this one anyway. ;-)
The test motorcycle was kindly provided by Motorrad Ruser.
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.
