2004 Suzuki V-Strom 650

Of course, it lacks the outright grunt of the 1000, but after 10 minutes, you won't care. Suzuki seemingly has achieved alchemy with this 650cc v-twin. The way it metes out the power, with a broad, flat torque curve that always generates brisk acceleration, never fails to impress. Although it has been retuned for more midrange, peak horsepower does not seem to have suffered much, if at all. The smaller power pulses don't produce the low-rpm shudder felt through the 1000, and the lighter crankshaft allows the engine to spin up quicker, with the side benefit of less gyroscopic effect, which contributes to making the 650 more flickable.