Show Me The Money
When it comes to actual sporting performance, the BMW wins for the most part-but you've got to pay the piper to get it, and there are still quite a few issues that detract from the overall package's luster. Even though the argument could be made that the higher entry fee is part of owning a "premium brand," it's a pretty weak argument in a category like this.
Our testers were torn between the Kawasaki Versys and Suzuki V-Strom. Both offered economical all-around performance while also suffering from a few niggling detractions. But when the objective numerical evaluations were totaled up with a sprinkling of subjective opinion, the DL650 just eked out the top spot over the Versys by dint of its smoother, easier-to-use and more responsive V-twin engine and more polished all-around package. Both machines probably wouldn't be the first you'd think of when it comes to entry-level sporting tackle-but their capabilities while offering a hospitable learning environment will definitely surprise you.
| SPECS | BMW F800 S | KAWASAKI VERSYS | SUZUKI DL650 V-STROM |
| MSRP | $9,950 | $6,899 | $6,699 |
| ENGINE |
| Type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke vertical twin | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke vertical twin | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke 90-degree V-twin |
| Displacement | 798cc | 649cc | 645cc |
| Bore x stroke | 82 x 75.6mm | 83 x 60mm | 81 x 62.6mm |
| Induction | BMS-K EFI, 46mm throttle bodies | Keihin EFI, 38mm throttle bodies | SDTV EFI, 39mm throttle bodies |
| CHASSIS |
| Front suspension | 43mm conventional cartridge fork, 5.5 in. travel | 41mm inverted cartridge fork, 5.9 in. travel | 43mm conventional cartridge fork, 6.0 in. travel |
| Rear suspension | Single rear shock, 5.5 in. travel | Single rear shock, 5.7 in. travel | Single rear shock, 5.9 in. travel |
| Front tire | 12070ZR-17 Bridgestone BT-014 | 120/70R-17 Dunlop D221FA C | 110/80R-19 Bridgestone Trail Wing 152 F |
| Rear tire | 180/55ZR-17 Bridgestone BT-014 | 160/60R-17 Dunlop D221 G | 150/70R-17 Bridgestone Trail Wing 101J |
| Rake/trail | 26.2 deg./3.7 in. (94mm) | 25 deg./4.3 in. (109mm) | 26 deg./4.3 in. (109mm) |
| Wheelbase | 57.7 in. (1466mm) | 55.7 in. (1415mm) | 60.6 in. (1540mm) |
| Weight | 465 lb. wet; 440.4 lb. dry | 457 lb. wet; 427 lb. dry | 485 lb. wet; 450.2 lb. dry |
'08 BMW F800S
Test Notes
+ Powerful engine, nice chassis
+ Conventional front fork = front-end feedback
+ Many nice options
- A little pricey- Long-turn throttle to get power
- Still vibrates a bit
x If price were no object...but in this category it usually is
Suggested Suspension Settings
Front NA
Rear Spring preload: 24 clicks from full stiff on preload adjustment knob; rebound damping: 0.75 turn out from full stiff
'08 Kawasaki Versys
Test Notes
+ Economically priced, good performance
+ Agile handling
+ Revvy engine
- Tall seat height
- Torque falls off earlier than V-twin
- Vibration annoying
x If you aren't interested in trying any dirt roads, this is it
Suggested Suspension Settings
Front Spring preload: 7 turns out from full stiff; rebound damping: 1.75 turns from full stiff
Rear Spring preload: position 5 of 7; rebound damping: 4 clicks out from full stiff
'08 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom
Test Notes
+ Smooth, torquey engine
+ Stable chassis, good suspension
+ Comfy ergos, long range
- Front wheel limits rubber options
- A little sketchy at high lean angles
- A bit heavy
x A surprising do-it-all bike that's inexpensive to boot
Suggested Suspension Settings
Front Spring preload: 2 lines showing
Rear Spring preload: 2 lines showing Spring preload: 11 clicks from full stiff on remote hydraulic preload adjustment knob; rebound damping: 1 turn out from full stiff