What is it about that V-Strom?
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I received an inquiry from a fellow rider in search of his next motorcycle. Bryan wants to know what makes the V-Strom the best motorcycle on the planet.
I have questions about the V-Strom 1000 since I am considering buying one. I have been riding motorcycles almost 40 years now, and I love all bikes. Why do you guys love the V-Stroms? Seriously! In some ways they look a little nerdy and like they have antiquated suspension. They look like a bike for amateurs. They have a cool motor, and when I sat on one it felt very comfortable similar to my dad’s 1200GS. Is it because some of you ride on gravel roads in your touring or what? It would seem like there are other better, faster, nicer bikes out there for someone who spends most of the time on pavement such as a 1300ST along with many more. Almost every time I ask someone how they like the V-Strom they go off the deep end about how great it is–reminds me of the Harley crowd in that respect only. Do you guys think of it as as poor man’s BMW or what? Now I said I’m considering it so don’t think I’m attacking your society of V-Stroms but I just really want to know what is so great about them! I look forward to your comments I hope! Thanks!!
Bryan R.
Bryan, baby, did you take it for a spin? It only took me one ride to make my decision. I commuted for one week before a 1,400 mile run down the east coast. If you are even considering the V-Strom, you can’t possibly be concerned with looks. After 40 years, I shouldn’t have to remind you that riding a motorcycle isn’t about looking rad.
Whether you are riding this machine two minutes or two days, the mixture of power and comfort is highly gratifying. The V-Strom is built around the bulletproof Suzuki v-twin motor, and features upgraded cylinder sleeves among other changes from the similar SV power plant. If your image is a major concern, this v-twin sounds amazing through any exhaust can.
Its standard riding position makes the V-Strom far more comfortable than any cruiser over distance, and its dual sport aspirations make rough roads very manageable. You might even enjoy yourself. I think the 32 inch (plus!) seat height and higher center of gravity make the V-Strom a formidable challenge to amateurs. Have you seen the rack space on this thing? The cargo capacity is much greater than most bikes, especially something like the 1300ST.
I don’t consider the V-Strom a poor man’s anything. Buying my 1000 was the best riding decision I have ever made. Price does matter, and the V-Strom is a serious value play. I think the BMW you have in mind is about 6,000$ more, right? That’s almost enough to buy a 650 and a 1000.
Give the V-Strom another look, and consider riding the beast this time. I hope my readers don’t run you out of town after that Harley comment :) Just to make it interesting, I’ll send the best commenter some free stuff. What do you think?
Posted on February 1st, 2010 in BS | 6 Comments »
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:19 pm
To the guy who asked the original question, define “better”?
My 650 gets 50+ mpg, and rides happily at any speed under 100 mph. It’s faster than anything with four wheels. It sits me so I can look *down* at people driving pickup trucks. The bags I found for it hold about 100L of space. I sit upright, and my butt and back are fine at the end of the day. It’s also quiet, and I think that’s worth it’s weight in gold.
It also cost me $4k with 2000 miles on it; that won’t get me the service on the 1300cc BMW you mentioned, but I’ll go on.
I ride 360 days a year, give or take. The BMW folks are afraid to get salt on their $20k bikes… but the V-strom’s still plowing through the snow without an issue, because it fits knobby tires as well as slicks.
The Strom is the swiss army knife of bikes; it isn’t the best at anything, but it does *everything* pretty well. It’s also cheap enough that you’re not afraid to try pretty much everything with it.
The only downside is that I wound up spending loot on three extra things if you want to ride 2-up over long distance:
1. Aftermarket seat.
2. Luggage racks and bags.
3. Suspension upgrade.
February 3rd, 2010 at 7:22 pm
It´s simple. For me, it took 1 mile drive to take the decision!.
…Comfort (big space for 2), easy riding (can drive continuosly up to 2 hours), MPG´s, intellegence (for $6000 less have all the features of BMW´s (said by my own friends who ride with me on F650GS and F800)
so…wanna ride one??Best regards from Costa Rica
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Now your talk’n! Finally some intelect. You guy’s are right up my alley on your comments almost like you know me. Thanks for the great info. I like stealth quiet bikes anymore and upright comfort. I do like power and the Vstroms looks are starting to grow on me!
February 8th, 2010 at 8:53 am
Wide handlebars, comfortable upright seating position, 50+ miles per gallon, visibility over car tops, reliable, good in the twisties, on the highway, and down a logging road. All this for under $7000. new. What more could you ask for? I love my 650 V.
February 16th, 2010 at 2:32 am
I bought an 08′ DL650 with great intentions of dipping into the world of ADV/Touring,i heard so many great things about this bike,so i figured great…Perfect starter bike to see if i like this style of riding,and if so,i would then jump into a R1200GS…Well…I have enjoyed this bike so much,that i have not found a reason to get anything else,it’s done in my own opinion,touring and light off-roading very well,as for my friend rides a R1200GS,and i have not had not had any issues with this bike,once you farkle(adding accessories)the bike for your needs,it is truly a fantastic bike,and very easy to work on…Could i buy a R1200GS ADVENTURE? Absolutely!! But why? I have 4 other motorcycles sitting in the garage collecting dust,but don’t take my word on one,just ride one and believe…
February 18th, 2010 at 11:37 am
Most of what needs to be said here has been said but I will add two more cents. I went from a six year old R1150 RT to the DL 1000 after the RT started running into heavy repair and maintenance issues, it would only be a matter of time before a final drive was in order. I bought the Strom new last April and put 8000 miles on it before winter. I love it for all the reasons above but looking down the road, the long term maintenance costs will surly be a fraction of what the GS would have been. That’s money I can use on trips and gas.