[11] The name V-Strom combines V, referring to the bike's V engine configuration, with the German word Strom, meaning stream or current.

[12] The V-Strom has a six-speed transmission with a fuel-injected and slightly retuned 645 cc engine from Suzuki's SV650 sport bike, using a two-into-one exhaust system.

[14] Unlike the SV engine, which uses cast iron cylinder sleeves, the DL650 uses Suzuki's proprietary SCEM (Suzuki Composite Electro-chemical Material) plated cylinders, a race-proven nickel-phosphorus-silicon-carbide coating for reduced weight and improved heat transfer, allowing for tighter and more efficient piston-to-cylinder clearance,[14] similar to a Nikasil coating.

A stiff, twin-spar aluminum frame and swingarm accommodates a rear Showa mono-shock with rebound[15][16] and hydraulic preload adjustment.

The bike's instrument cluster includes a compact analog step-motor speedometer and tachometer (both with LED illumination) and a digital LCD unit with odometer, trip meter, coolant temperature gauge, fuel gauge, LED neutral, digital clock, turn signal and high beam lights and an oil pressure warning light.

[18] At the DL650's launch, Kevin Ash said "taking everything into account - price, comfort, fuel range, general ability, you could argue it was the bike of the year,"[19] adding, "there's something honest and solid about the V-Strom.

At the launch of the revised 2012 model, Ash said that the previous generation, which could be very vulnerable to corrosion, had "been left behind, especially by direct rival, the Kawasaki Versys.

It also now features adjustable traction control[22] and throttle assist which slowly increases the rpm of the engine when the clutch is released or riding at slow speeds.

[24] Unique to the V-Strom 650XT/A are the knuckle covers to support harsh condition riding, and the engine under cowling to give the rider that extra adventure feel, both as standard equipment.