greetings and hello.
1st an intro I’ve been riding bikes most of my life ( that’s a loooong time) for the last 10 years ( roughly) been riding a Ducati which I love. BUT........
im looking at the Vstrom 650 adventure bike looking for thoughts and input. Planning a multi phase epic ride and this bike seems to fit the bill.
would love to hear what others think.

What kind of ride? Where? 

good questions all.
plan on hitting multiple countries with multiple road surfaces. Tarmac, gravel, dirt.
ive sat atop many machines that will do these types of trips and rides and this one fits the best. 

i would recommend the DL650A, the "A" means antilock brakes.  It's  what i ride. 

the Dl650a is the Vstrom 650 which  has ABS ?