When it comes to the issue of transportation, most people can be divided into one of two categories: those who are trying to get from point A to B, and those who take a more romantic view. While the world abounds with more than its share of car, plane, and trains enthusiasts; those who gravitate towards motorbikes are a different breed unto themselves . . . seekers of a freedom all their own.
Sure, there’s the thrill of the wind in your face, the rush of adrenaline as you zip in and out of traffic, the incredible ease with parking, the improved fuel economy . . . but then there’s that indescribable sense of peace and awareness that only a motorcycle can illicit: the smells, the subtle changes in air temperature, the sounds of nature. It’s as if you become One with your surroundings. Is it any wonder then that so many quality motorcycle manufacturers around the world have sought to fully encapsulate this one-of-a-kind experience? Many make the attempt, but only a select few brands have more than merely stood the test of time, they’ve helped drive the industry forward. Suzuki is one such name.
With a history that stretches back over one hundred years, the Suzuki Motor Cor-poration (founded in 1909) has consistently delivered some of the finest and most highly regarded automobiles, ATV’s, 4x4s, and motorcycles anywhere on earth. From their initial clip-on motors designed specifically for bicycles in 1951 to their ground-breaking 1340cc B-King ""naked"" bike unveiled in 2008, the Suzuki name has become an industry standard known for their commitment to design ingenuity crossed with buyer affordability and practicality. And if you’ve got the need for speed, then nothing works quite as good as a hearty, light-weight motorcycle, hence the 2008 Suzuki’s V-Strom.
Launched in 2001, the six-speed, 998cc Suzuki V-Strom 1000's design was based around the V-Twin engine used on previous bikes, the TL1000S and the TL1000R. With a top speed approaching 140 miles per hour, the 1000 helped set the tone for dual sport/adventure bikes to come, namely the lighter-weight Suzuki V-Strom 650 released in 2004. Nicely balanced to handle a wide range of driving adaptability - from city commutes to off road excursions - the 650 proved popular with the buying public and the more scrutiny-prone reviewers who showered the bike with multiple accolades in 2004, 05, and 06.