V-Strom 650 Hard and Soft Luggage Choices

In view of the great fuel economy, comfortable ride position, and lightweight construction, the highly popular Suzuki V-Strom 650 is able to present itself as a perfect all-round touring bike with great torque. A great high-mileage motorcycle of this nature often demands a range of touring accessories, such as the hard and soft luggage options.

Here are some of the most common luggage systems available on the market for the all-round V-Strom:

Aluminum Pannier Kits

Offering great functionality, a full aluminum pannier kit is often counted as one of the most effective luggage systems available for those riding a high-performance touring motorcycle, such as the V-Strom. A pannier kit is often sufficiently sized to accept those hard-to-leave-behind essentials, without being overly sized. An official Suzuki branded or aftermarket pannier is designed to fit to the motorcycle via a rack system, which is often purchased with the bags for greater convenience. Unfinished aluminum isn't always the most aesthetically please, so it benefits to shop for the panniers that have received a powder coat paint finish. This not only provides a high-quality look but also protects the luggage from the residue which is often produced by the un-treated aluminum. If preferring a more streamline pannier kit, you might want to search the available options in the series of plastic cases.

Tank Bags

Constructed in hard-wearing materials, such as tear-resistant woven polyester, the tank bags offer a luggage system which is often used in conjunction with a range of luggage pieces or in complete isolation. Tank bags aren't able to offer a particularly high load capacity (12 to 20-litres), although they can feature a top map pocket and multiple pockets which provides complete ease in storing the essential on-the-go cargo. Attachment to a motorcycles tank area is via high-strength magnets or straps.

Soft Luggage Bags

Soft luggage systems for the V-Strom generally consist of the saddle bags and panniers and come in some very resilient water-repellent materials, such as vinyl or Cordura nylon, to make sure the rear cargo is protected in all travel conditions. Most of the soft bags are designed to strap-on and strap-off in seconds and generally offer a universal fit with attachment to the motorcycle achieved via multiple mounting straps. A light travel option, the soft luggage is often favored by the dual sport, dirt bike, or off-road motorcycle rider. Quality of construction often varies significantly with the saddle bag systems, although the higher quality bags are likely to include reflectors, water-proof treatment, and rain covers.

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Most Common Bike Choices for the Advanced Rider

125 2-cycle

To begin with I want to talk about the 125cc 2-cycle dirt bike. Now there are people out there who love 2-cycle and won't ride a 4-cycle bike, but that doesn't matter now. I am just trying to relay a few facts. The 125 is usually set up to ride like a bigger bike, with a higher seat, and bigger tires. Many people think these are great bikes for up and coming riders who may be young and can benefit from the higher seat, but not too high and the excellent amount of power, but not to powerful. This also works great for older riders because the bike is big enough for full grown riders, but is not so powerful that it may be a chore to ride.

250 4-cycle

Next is the 250 4-stroke. This is much like the 125, but a smoother ride. 2-cycle bikes run at a much higher rev than 4-strokes which cause them to be more powerful at less cc's. Thus the 4-cycle 250 is going to perform like a 125 much have a longer power band. So this would be good for racing or riding fast for a long amount of time whereas the 125 would have been better for trail riding or a lot of top end power.

250 2-cycle

Now the 250 2-stroke is a favorite of many riders out there, and especially the older riders. This bike has great top end power and also a good deal of lower end power. Great for racing and trail riding, it is still the preferred bike for freestyle likers due to its lightweight make-up. This bike is for the advanced rider due to the touchy throttle power and it generally high seat height and big tires making it a little more difficult for shorter riders to ride when the bike is stock.

450 4-cycle

Finally the 450 4-cycle. The 450 is a newer idea that just came around in the last decade or two and is gradually taking all the glory these days. All professional supercross and motorcross riders are riding 450's due to their immense power at top end and low end. Unlike the 250 2-cycle the 450 is able to run it gears way longer and is thus a lot less work to ride while racing due to the minimal amount of shifting required. The only thing I have to say about the 450 is that it is awfully have and thus more awkward to handle if you like riding trails in the woods, and thus for that I would suggest a 125/250 2-stroke since they are lighter than their counter parts.