2008 BMW F 650GS vs 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

2008 BMW F 650GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine

Twin

Power

N/A

Top Speed

185.0 km/h / 115.0 mph

Weight

438.7 pounds

2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine

Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.

Power

72 kW / 98 hp @ 7400 rpm

Top Speed

207.5 km/h / 128.9 mph

Weight

236 Kg / 520 lbs

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Year	-	2008 - 09
Make Model	-	Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom
Dimensions
Seat Height	820 mm / 32.3 in.	840 mm / 33.1 in
Wheelbase	1,575 mm / 62.0 in.	1535 mm / 60.4 in
Ground Clearance	-	165 mm / 6.5 in
Height	1,915 mm / 75.4 in.	1335 mm / 52.5 in
Length	2,280 mm / 89.8 in.	2285 mm / 89.9 in
Width	872 mm / 34.3 in.	910 mm / 37.0 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight	179 kg / 394.6 lbs	-
Fuel Capacity	16.00 litres / 4.23 gallons	22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal
Wet Weight	199.0 kg / 438.7 lbs	236 Kg / 520 lbs
Performance
Top Speed	185.0 km/h / 115.0 mph	207.5 km/h / 128.9 mph
Max Power	-	72 kW / 98 hp @ 7400 rpm
Max Torque	75.00	101 Nm / 10.3 kg-m / 74.5 lb-ft @ 6400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio	0.3896 HP/kg	-
Standing Start 0-1000 m	-	23.3 sec / 199 km/h / 123.7 mph
Standing Start ¼ Mile	-	12.2 sec / 181 km/h / 112.5 mph
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)	82.0 x 75.6 mm	-
Displacement (ci)	48.69 cubic inches	-
Bore x Stroke (in,)	3.2 x 3.0 inches	-
Engine Type	Twin	-
Fuel Control	DOHC	-
Stroke	4	-
Displacement (cc)	798.00 cc	-
Displacement	-	996 cc / 60.8 cu-in
Engine Detail	-	Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Fuel System	Injection	-
Bore x Stroke	-	98 X 66 mm
Compression Ratio	12.0:1	11.3:1
Cooling System	-	Liquid cooled
Fuel Induction	-	Fuel injection with 45mm throttle bodies
Fuel Reserve	2.00 litres / 0.53 gallons	-
Ignition	-	Electronic ignition
Spark Plug	-	NGK, CR8EK
Starter	Electric	Electric
Valve System	4	-
Drivetrain
Clutch	Multiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated	Wet, multiple discs, hydraulic
Final Drive	Chain	Chain
Gearbox	6-speed	-
Transmission / Drive	-	6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type	Tubular steel space frame, load-bearing engine	Aluminium, twin spar
Suspension - Front	Telescopic fork, 41 mm	Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped, 43mm forks
Suspension - Rear	Cast aluminium dual swing arm, central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable	Swingarm, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable for preload and rebound damping
Rake	26.0°	-
Trail	92 mm / 3.6 in.	110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front	180 mm / 7.1 in.	160 mm / 6.3 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	170 mm / 6.7 in.	162 mm / 6.4 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)	11.8 inches	-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)	300 mm	-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)	265 mm	-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)	10.4 inches	-
Brakes - Front	Single disc. Optional ABS	2 x 310mm discs, 2 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear	Single disc. Optional ABS	Single 260 mm disc, 1 piston caliper.
Tyres - Front	110/80-19	110/80 R19
Tyres - Rear	140/80-17	150/70 R17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2008 BMW F 650GS and the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2008 BMW F 650GS - Advantages

Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 840 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
More front wheel travel: 180 mm vs 160 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - Advantages

Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2008 BMW F 650GS vs 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 BMW F 650GS and 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?

The 2008 BMW F 650GS uses Twin, while the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom is powered by Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 BMW F 650GS or the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?

The 2008 BMW F 650GS has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom sits higher at 840 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.

Which should I buy, the 2008 BMW F 650GS or the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?

Both are strong choices. The 2008 BMW F 650GS has the edge in lower seat height and higher front wheel travel, while the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom stands out for liquid cooling and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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