Suzuki New Zealand , based in Wanganui , had a grand plan . They wanted us to have a skid on their two 650 LAMS twins – the naked SV road model and the adventureoriented DL V-Strom . Trouble is , we ’ re in Auckland ... and Suzuki is not . Suzuki ’ s Simon Meade suggested we fly down to Wanganui and ride the bikes back to Auckland as the basis for the test ( pre-August lockdown ). Simon is the General Manager of Marketing for the Suzuki Motorcycle and Marine divisions . He ’ s
a savvy bloke , and he knew that the weather was looking ... a little iffy , to say the least , and that this particular test rider is a bit of a princess in wet weather ( he has known me a long time ...). So , he suggested we fly to Wanganui , test the bikes and then fly home . Perfect . My princess-like aversion to the wet is kept intact , so ... challenge accepted . A few days later I ’ m riding out of Suzuki HQ with Geoff Osborne ( KR ’ s star snapper ) on Suzuki ’ s middleweights which share the same engine . It was cool to be riding in the Wanganui area ( especially as the weather was now looking fine ) and the area has quite distinctive terrain and landmarks , which make for interesting testing and great photos .
DL650A V-STROM The DL has been a favourite with Kiwi riders for a long time and with good reason . It has a relaxed and comfortable riding position along
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