Description
Peter Starr amounted over 40 years experience in the motorcycle industry and 35 years as an award-winning documentary film maker. During that time he created over 40 films about motorcycle racing, and Take It To The Limit was one of the most famous. Peter later created a book called Taking It To The Limit, which documents his experiences in creating his acclaimed films. As Clement Salvadori noted in a review for Rider Magazine, “Peter Starr’s book is a time-capsule of motorcycling history that deserves a place on any moto-buff’s shelf.”
As longtime friends of Peter, we were sad to hear of his passing. We purchased this bike from his estate in order to make an initial contribution, and we’ll be donating a portion of the proceeds from this auction (after the purchase price) in order to further help their efforts.
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
After Suzuki first debuted its V-Strom DL1000 in 2002, the Japanese marque followed it up two years later with the DL650 in 2004. Affectionately known as the “wee-strom” by some owners, it’s a middleweight adventure tourer that’s developed quite the cult following on account of its versatility, handling, and approachable size.
For the first generation DL650 (like the one picture here), Suzuki incorporated a retuned 645cc 90-degree V-twin from the SV650. Thanks to relaxed cam profiles, tweaks to the airbox and exhaust, and a redesigned starter clutch, the V-Strom boasted more mid-range power — specifically between 4,000 and 6,500rpm. Moreover, Suzuki also gave the engine SCEM (Suzuki Composite Electro-chemical Material) coated cylinder sleeves for reduced weight, improved cooling, and more efficient operation.
Above all else, though, the V-Strom was intended to be an excellent all-rounder. Thanks to the upright riding position, handguards, built-in rack, and generous windscreen, it offered the ideal platform for riders looking to commute one day and take to the back roads the next. As MCN said in its review: “Comfortable, fun and truly versatile, the Suzuki DL650 V-Strom can be taken anywhere. Handling’s good enough for fast, twisty roads; protection’s ample for motorways; and the riding position’s perfect for urban commutes. Brakes, suspension and gearing are all good. The Suzuki DL650 V-Strom’s sturdy chassis makes it stable and it turns quickly.”
This example is VIN: JS1VP54A882100505.
The odometer shows 32,616 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, make a list of recommended repairs, and give the bike a detailing. Angel did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:
Tire Year Front: 2916 / Rear: 2916
Tire Life Front: 65% / 65%
Tire Press Front: 30 PSI / Rear: 20 PSI
Brake Life Front: 75% / Rear : 75%
Hydraulic: Front Ok / Rear: Has 3%
moisture
Oil Quality : Ok, Level: Ok
Coolant: Ok / Level: Ok
Low Beam: OK
High Beam: Ok
Turn Signal Front: Fail ( Right ) / Rear: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Kill: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 12.V V Standing / 13.8 Charging
Test Ride: 35 Miles, Bike operates as intended
Notes:
May need valve adjustment due to mileage
Modifications:
Leo Vince muffler.
Progressive rear shock.
Hepco and Becker crash bars.
GIVI rear and side racks.
Saddlemen seat.
PIAA auxiliary lights.
V-Stream windscreen.
Heated grips.
FIAMM horns.
Battery tender lead.
GPS mount.
Tank cover.
Swingarm spools.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Trailsmart tires with date codes of 2916 and 2617.
The sale includes one ignition key and a set of luggage keys.
The sale also includes a Kappa pannier and top case.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Suzuki is offered on a clean California title with registration that expired in December of 2022.
Per the CA DMV website, it would cost $200 to make registration current through December 2023.
Have any V-Strom DL650 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
