Hello

[Willbernardo]

Hello..!  I'm going to start by saying thanks for all the useful information in the forum, I've only just scratched the surface, and still a lot to read and enjoy....       So about me, I'm the wrong side of 55 and my main ride is a Honda VFR1200 X-Tourer.  It's a real torque monster and despite its weight with just a few tweaks it's a hoot to ride and a lot of fun keeping up with mates on their crotch rockets, or if th emood takes you, just cruisin' and enjoying the secenery...  If only it were about 80 to 90Kg lighter, (and a perhaps a bit more economical...)  it would be perfect...!!

 So I'm still researching for a replacement for my second bike an old BMW ST800 that I bought as a run-about and commuter...  On paper it looked good, 80 - 85 bhp, 205Kg,  60mpg, and a final belt drive making maintenance that much easier....  Although its  a decent sports tourer for its age, (and goes round corners really well) unfortunately I'm finding the riding position a bit too hard on my back and wrists, (I've RSI from too much typing) and want to replace it with something more comfortable and better wind protection...

I've considered a fair few machines and test ridden the ones that really appealled...  On paper the Yamaha Tracer 7 seemed to be perfect, but a test ride left me feeling underwhelmed, and buffetted.  I looked at Triumph and the local dealer didn't have a Tiger 850 sport to try, but did have a GT900 pro...  Lovely machine but a lot of gizmos that I don't need and the cylinders have an odd firing sequence, it seemed to spoil that triple rush.... However, I rode it back to back with a Tiger 660 sport which is I think about £5k less new, but oh boy, a lot more fun and much faster than I assumed it would be...  Then there is the good old V-Strom 650, which to my great shame I had initially discounted as being a bit "too long in the tooth".   So.....  imagine my surprise when I tested one and found it to be rather good...  Amazingly tractable torquey engine, and very smooth for a twin, it made my ST800 seem a bit clattery and agricultural by comparison.   The V-Strom seems all day comfortable and a lot more fun and quirky than I expected....I didn't find it bland like some of the research suggested I would...  (but Hello I like Honda crosstourers, so maybe its me?)  So before I make a final decision I thought I would ask the experts..., you!  With all the much more modern bikes out there, surely the V-Strom an old fashioned and dated design is not going to match up.....?  Or have I got it back to front...?  Perhaps that dated design is in fact better as it's now probably one of the most well researched, developed, updated middleweight bikes on the market?  Thus reliable, and not too expensive to run?   Oh and as I am road biased (have tried green laning but that's a different story) cast wheels are probably better (lighter) than the spokes and easier to clean...  I value your opinions....   Thanks!   

[Upt North]

  from Northumberland.
Only you know if it's right for your intended use. I don't think you said what age you're thinking of. If new or newish then the Suzuki extended service warranty may be attractive to you.
One of the benefits of the STrom is it's well served by aftermarket kit.
It's very light to manoeuvre and also whilst riding, the engine is a beauty and usually delivers all you'll need.
But......it's your decision.
Upt.

[Brockett]

 

[nigel s]

 
I got my 650 as a pre reg 0 miler  to use as a second/winter bike.
At £7250 it seemed a sensible choice.
After decades of litre plus bikes,and my really sorted gen 2 fazer 1000 getting written off,I thought I would not be able to live with less than 140 bhp  as a main bike.
18 months and 22.000 miles later I still haven't got round to replacing the "main" bike.
The V Stroms ,of any size ,may surprise you.

[Gert]

 

[Asmith61]

 

[NeilM]

 

I retired at 58 and decided I wanted to get into touring and camping.

After initially heading in the direction of cycle touring I realised a motorbike was going to be much more sensible for the places I wanted to go and the time I had available. I did the same research as you but concluded the VStrom 650 was probably the way to go. Fortunately a local dealer had a 2015, one owner, slightly 'used', well accessorised bike in his showroom that had been there too long. Unfortunately I purchased the bike at the end of January 2020.

I have spent to last few years discovering bits of the UK I have never seen, visited the four furthest points on the mainland, been over the highest road passes in England, Scotland and Wales and you couldn't prise my VStrom from me with a crowbar.

[Fat Rat]

 

[Rusty Nuts]

 


The engine is what makes the 650. It's a beaut. Regarding more modern bikes, you might find yourself comparing brakes and suspension and finding yourself a little underwhelmed with Suzuki's offerings. There is absolutely nothing wrong with them, but they're just not as tricked-out as some of the newer stuff.  It all works very well together, and at the price point, the 650 Strom is a winner. Timangus on here took his round the world, two up with luggage. They  work.

[mr_diver]

 

[MartinW]

...... Perhaps that dated design is in fact better .....

You're right. I have an original 2004 DL650 from new and have never considered the need to update.

I ride for fun and don't commute, so low mileage and other reasons not to need to. But I've never had to consider it for the fun and have ridden around loads of places with luggage (and I am not a small chap).

The 650 is so underrated.

[Jim13_Wee_Strom]

 
I've found V-Stroms in general to be 'good all rounders' not excelling at one specific task just very good at doing them all, imvho. I don't commute only pleasure ride / tour / camp one up and 'Sheila' does all I require of a bike. I can only recommend, as others on here have done, that you give one a go... V-Stroms and disappointment aren't usually said / written in the same sentence, FWIW.

[The Doctor 46]

I too have had some big bikes and some of them very fast. When someone suggested one bike to replace the three I had he said 650 VStrom. I had never heard of it but did a lot of reading and read nothing but praise. I then found one at a dealer, second hand and took a test ride. Ten minutes later I went back and bought it. It has not let me down mechanically and it has put a smile on my face every time I ride it.

 I have since bought a VStrom 1000 but would still recommend the 650 to anybody, it is the best bike I have ever owned and it's a lot more economical than the 1000. If I had space I would keep it but sadly it will have to go soon though I know that one day I will buy another 650.

My advice would be to look for a used, low millage bike with all the kit you may need already fitted, even if you're loaded. You won't look back. Anyway, don't listen to me cause I'm bias but ride one and I think you will agree.