2018 VStrom 1000 or Africa Twin

[Luma]

So after 9 years with a BMW 1200RT (couple second bikes in this time span as well), I got bored and need a change. I do not go on multi day trips any more, just a day or half day joy rides, and I am 70 as well..
I had the opportunity to test ride Africa Twin, great handling, great suspension, great engine. Not so great wind protection and overall ride comfort. I plan to ride 95% paved roads with occasional hard packed forestry road in between. However, here in New Brunswick the secondary and tertiary country roads are in terrible shape, lots of badly filled potholes and bumps of various nature. I wonder how the new 2018 Vstrom 1000 with fully adjustable front would handle that. Its 16/16 cm front/rear travel is pretty short of 23/22 cm travel on Africa Twin, but still...?
It seems to me that the AT with its off-road character might be an overkill for my needs and VStrom might give me more ride comfort. Any thoughts/comments on that?

[Captain]

I test rode both last year. I bought the v strom.
In my honest opinion the strom is a better road bike in every respect  Potholes no issue and hard pack forest roads you'll love it. Plus you can buy a strom, kit it out with touratech stuff for the price of a basic africa twin.
If I was going to have a go at some serious off roading then the africa twin would of been the one I chose. Both are capable of world wide trips but for me the strom takes it.
At the end of the day you may ride the strom and hate it but like thousands of others world wide you may well love it.

[Fat Rat]

I love my Africa Twin and for me it was night and day over the V-Strom for build quality in pretty much every area.

 Even forgetting the daft beak and hideous headlight on the new v-Strom for a minute, for me the AT was the only choice.

[porter]

Test ride both. But from what you're saying the Honda might suit you best.
The strom forks can be harsh so you feel every bump, shock better but firmer than the a twin
Standard screen is a joke on strom and seat is hard, I've replaced both on mine.
Stroms build quality is OK but too many little green bolts that turn white to quickly.
The strom is cheap and a great bike for the money but if money not a problem I'd have the Honda.  Sorry stromer's!

[stevecro]

I think you may have hit the nail on the head when you mention your age and preferred riding preferences. I was so looking forward to the AT but rumours about 200kg on road proved well off the mark as it weighs the same as the Strom or more with that tricky gearbox option. Honda quality is excellent but here in my warm riding climate the Suzuki doesn't corrode or look any worse after a three winters.
Suzuki won't have trouble with pot holes either and my riding mate and I think our Vstrom 1000 seats are perfectly comfortable to ride 300 miles day no worries so opinions vary from person to person.  RT Beemer tourer to Suzuki softish adventurer or AT full bore adventurer.    Test ride both with intended use in mind.

[Megashorts]

The AT has a narrower 21" front wheel than the 19" one on the V-Strom. Better for off road but not as good on it. Also tubed Tyres which again suit some people. Personally I prefer tubeless.
Honda quality? A bit of a myth looking at many used bikes. They seem to have had some really significant recalls on some of their bikes too.

[Brewers Whoop]

To echo what has already been said: in my opinion, both will do what you want, both are great bikes. I'd suggest that if you're able to get a demo ride on both bikes, do so and buy the one that you like the best.

Good luck with your choice.

[Rich:-)]

Have you considered all options, how about these?

Kawasaki Versys 1000
Yamaha XT1200
Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer
Honda Crosstourer 1200

[frez]

I ruled out the AT based on it having a 17 litre fuel tank.

[Methusela]

Yet another thing to consider is if you are riding solo or two up. Friend of mine bought the AT and his wife won't ride on the back, way too uncomfortable for her. I had Hondas for years, and would very likely have bought an AT if it had been out when I looked for a change. I have ridden one since and am pleased I had the V Strom. That 21 inch front wheel may be great off road, but I found the steering a bit vague on the road. Still think the Honda build is better but not worth the difference in price. Taking the Strom to Assen this weekend for the MotoGP  . Oh and I am approaching 75 if age concerns you !

[Luma]

Have you considered all options, how about these?

Kawasaki Versys 1000
Yamaha XT1200
Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer
Honda Crosstourer 1200

One thing that draws me towards DL1000 or AT is the weight (both around 230 kg). All the above machines are fairly heavy...

[Luma]

Yet another thing to consider is if you are riding solo or two up. Oh and I am approaching 75 if age concerns you !

I will be riding solo only, my wife got used to Miata long time ago... And thanks for encouragement  by disclosing your age. I always wonder how much longer I will be able to ride the bike. 

[frez]

You need to get some test rides in to make a decision, all the data in the world doesn't mean anything if it doesn't feel right

[stevecro]

Only 75, Methuselah?
that leaves you 894 years to go. Boy, you'll have a chance to ride loads of interesting bikes in that time 

[Mark Shelley]

Do you really need a one litre bike? I would also recommend a test ride on the 650  VStrom. They have ample power, better economy and are lighter.

[Luma]

I used to have 2013 DL650 for two seasons and I did like this bike, except its "plain Jane" suspension. The older bike had at least front preload adjustment, the new one apparently doesn't have anything. I even tried to change to very light fork oil, did not help much. Considering the local roads, good suspension is a must for me. That is why I have been inclined towards Africa Twin...

[Cefarcat]

This weeks Motorcycle news did a test between the Ducati multistrada 950, KTM 1090 Adventure, V-Strom 1000 and the Africa Twin and that how they rated them, the Africa twin is the most expensive the V-Strom the cheapest. It also states the V-Strom is comfy,friendly and will do everything the Ducati and KTM can do, also Africa twin is the heaviest at 247kg

[frez]

I've never put much stock in what mcn 'reviews', you are far better off looking at forums for strengths and weaknesses and then trying it out yourself, mcn has always appeared biased towards those manufacturers that advertise heavily with them.

[Loz]

Forums are OK, but there are a lot of riders who won't own up to buying a lemon, and will say their bike is the best thing since sliced bread no matter what its like..

[Graham B]

Methuselah, my friend is going to Essen this weekend on his GS, unfortunately I can't go with him on my V Are. Enjoy your weekend