Pleasant and predictable
The chassis strikes a nice balance between comfort and handling. You can maintain a pretty good speed without any worry, especially on rough roads, as the V-Strom effortlessly tackles every bump and pothole in its path. The tires, designed for a mix of pavement and gravel, show plenty of bite on wet surfaces, making the 650A one of the rare motorcycles to have fun riding under the rain. On-road stability is excellent, too, and the sizable fairing seems to be little affected by crosswinds.

Considering the lower ground clearance, medium suspension travel, road-oriented tires (80/20) and far-off handlebars that complicate weight transfers to the front, don't expect to outperform enduro bikes on tight trails. However, when fitted with more aggressive rubber (knobby tires) and ridden standing up through twists and turns, this Suzuki becomes competent enough on public gravel roads to put a lasting smile on your face.

The tires, designed for a mix of pavement and gravel, show plenty of bite on wet surfaces. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Moto123.com)

Comfortable
Another strong point of the V-Strom is comfort. The riding position feels very natural and dynamic, not to mention devoid of body strain, while the relatively-large passenger seat is nicely sculpted and features convenient grab bars.

Bottom line
Whether riding alone or with a partner sitting behind you, for short daily stints or long weekend treks, the 2011 Suzuki V-Strom 650A ABS is a playful and capable dual-purpose bike with comfort and equipment to meet most people's needs. As far as swashbuckling steeds go, this one delivers a lot of bang for your buck.

Pros
Engine-transmission combo
Ergonomics and comfort
New touring features
Rider-friendliness

Cons
Limited off-road potential