V-Strom owners

I am pretty keen on getting one but was wondering if the 1000cc is just
overkill. Anyone got some real life experience out there for me? I'm mainly
going to be using it for commuting around town and two up touring with the
girlfriend. I'm getting something else to scrape the footpegs on.

 

Fraser asks -

There are threads on this topic at the vstrom specific forum at =

http://www.stromtrooper.com/index.php

I've got the wee not the V and when I was looking at both the conventional
wisdom was unless you tour two up * A Lot* the 650 is all you need.

After 6 months on mine I agree - especially if you are likely to go off the
pavement a bit - the lighter bike is just right for civilised off road
jaunts; the 1000 is overkill in the dirt. I'm tall and heavy and have large
panniers full when touring - and it hooks ok.

Whichever you get, replace the factory screen mounts with a Madstad or
similar =

http://madstad.com/

That fixes for good the only issue most people have with the stroms -
buffeting from the badly designed screen and its restricted mount.

Ugly as sin, but a lovely thing to ride for the purposes you describe.

Some other real world experiences with both models at -

http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/VStrom.html#Issues

The other similar bike I'd look at is the new BMW (which is called a 650 but
is an 800) - on value for money a second hand strom would be hard to go past
though.

Hope that helps - best, Andrew (lose the .x1 to reply)

 

I'm a happy Wee Strom DL 650 rider. A nice bike to ride, especially on some
of the goat tracks that pass for roads. Ideal for commuting, good economy
and a 22 litre tank. For two up touring you may want a bit more power but
for any thing else, it's got plenty. The new one has ABS for an extra $500.

Take one for a test ride, you will know straight away. And V twins are
great.

 

Thanks for both replies. Looks like the 650 it is.

Fraser

 

I would second what the other posters said.

I bought a new Vstrom 650 in February, for commuting and some light
adventure touring.

I chose the 650 over the 1000, because it is 20ish kgs lighter, $3k
less, and easier on fuel, giving the 650 a longer range than the 1000.

The 650 is certainly not as quick as my other bike (a 1200), but it is
sufficient for commuting and touring at legal speeds.

Oh, and I reckon the Madstad bracket for the screen is a must. Can't
understand why Suzuki didn't design something similar originally.

Good luck
David

 

I have had my DL1000 for 15 months now and love it but I have not ridden the
650 to compare it with.
If you look at VSRI or Stromtroopers forums you will find owners of each
staunchly defending their choice.
My personal opinion FWIW is choose the thousand if you plan on doing much
two up or mostly on highway riding but the 650 is better in the dirt.


Peter Miller
Newcastle

 

Just a follow up to everyone in this thread. Got the 650 and couldn't be
happier. Great bike to ride and comfier than anything else I have ridden.
Starting to browse the web for add on bits now. Scary stuff. : )

Fraser