After having recieved overwhelming advice from both forum members and other parties, I’ve test ridden and subsequently purchased a Suzuki Vstrom 650. This thing is quality, versatile enough to take a rider on all manner of off-road or long distance sojourns, a true workhorse. I pissed off the stock exhaust and splashed for the Akrapovic 3/4 system, plus the crash bars and centre stand. around $15k give or take. Have at it.

Have done my fair share of multi day off road ‘adventure’ riding. One of my mates on Vstrom went everywhere the dr650s, BMWs and KTMs went. He’s ridden it west to east and back (9,000km) etc, etc. good bikes! Enjoy!

Had a Vstrom 650 many years ago great bike only issue I had was the head buffeting from the screen. I took the screen off head buffeting gone, but bike didn't look good without the screen fitted, so found a short cut down screen made for these bike's from the states and it worked great. Yes I would own another Vstrom.

Nice one Jayman - I reckon they look really good. Walked behind a stock one yesterday and it’s needed some sort of pipe. 

Good stuff you will enjoy it ,, Now look up  Rickland Rick  on ythe  net , grab yourself some lowering pegs , rox 2 inch risers , mirror extenders ,  a givi screen , go see  MJM seats in Goulborn (excellent seats ),   and turn it into a real comfy long distance bike , , Now i'm gonna make you spew , you could of had mine 2013 model 28,000 klm  with the above mentioned extras , plus a top box , two brothers exhaust , centere stand ,  engine gaurd , hand gaurds  , wired for gps ,  and  plenty of reg  for 6 grand , i'm cutting down on the stable . Still you bought yourself a real good bike  . have fun

If you do , get the mirror extenders , there cheap , and a givi screen , problem fixed and work real good .