Have you ridden a vstrom 650?

Message

Wed Jan 10, 2007 1:19 am

-Holiday wrote:
check out the vstrom forums, theres a bunch of em.

gave that a shot. I learned that vstroms are the most amazing bike ever.

looking for less bias

jstark47 · #32 Unread post by **jstark47** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 7:19 am

storysunfolding wrote:
-Holiday wrote:
check out the vstrom forums, theres a bunch of em.
gave that a shot. I learned that vstroms are the most amazing bike ever.

What????!!!! You were allowed to sample the wine of The Pure Truth and you DIDN'T BELIEVE????!!!!!

Heretic!!!! Infidel!!!! Stone him!!!!

(Heh, heh... I don't hang out on the V-Strom boards either. I own a Triumph too, and I soak up enough unadulterated BS on triumphrat.net as it is......

)

-Holiday · #33 Unread post by **-Holiday** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 7:38 am

same thing with me. I dont go to the Bandit forums unless i need technical info. I prefer the adversity of hanging out with all kinds of bikes

Wed Jan 10, 2007 7:43 am

-Holiday wrote:I prefer the adversity of hanging out with all kinds of bikes

couldn't have said it better

-Holiday · #35 Unread post by **-Holiday** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 7:53 am

storysunfolding wrote:
-Holiday wrote:I prefer the adversity of hanging out with all kinds of bikes
couldn't have said it better

adversity/diversity. lets just call it a fruedian slip

Zagnut · #36 Unread post by **Zagnut** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 4:31 am

And yes, I could ride my ST1300 in dirt if I wanted to, but why would I want to? I actually have ridden down some sandy roads, and managed okay, but it was either ride, or try to turn around, or walk.

It sounds like you don't believe that a person can carry all of that on an ST1300, or that you think I lied when I said that. But you are wrong. I've done it, and the only problem I've ever had was a box of laundry detergent sliding off of the top of 3-15 pound bags of dog food while riding home from the grocery store (wasn't bungee corded tight enough).

Well...most folks who are interested in v-stroms are actually insterested in riding down dirt roads and the like....they are not looking at v-stroms as a means of transportation for carrying groceries. A bike that weighs a ton is not ideal for offroad purposes....no matter how much you like it for grocery shopping. If I'm ever looking for a bike for grocery shopping, I'll consider the ST1300....until then let the man aquire the info on the bike he is interested in...I'm interested in the V-strom as well.

What about sustained highway speeds. I need to ride some highways to get to the dirt roads I want to ride. I know the 650 can do highway speeds, but can it keep going for sustained highway speeds riding one up (200 lb. rider)...highway speeds being 65-80 mph?

I'm asking about the 650 vs the 1000 because it's cheaper and I hear it's lighter and handles better offroad rthan the 1000.

JC Viper · #37 Unread post by **JC Viper** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 5:42 am

I've been riding my buddy's V-Strom 650 after doing work on it. I hate the fact that the seat's a bit high, other than that it's too comfortable and 48MPG to boot.

When I get the cash to get my own I'll make sure I get the matching hard bags along with the Michelin Anakee tires for some good off-road use. Adjusting the windscreen isn't too much of a deal since powered windshields would add more to the cost along with ABS.

Hopefully by the time I can get a DL650 the styling changes for the better.

d2mini · #38 Unread post by **d2mini** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 7:29 am

Zagnut wrote: Well...most folks who are interested in v-stroms are actually insterested in riding down dirt roads and the like....they are not looking at v-stroms as a means of transportation for carrying groceries. A bike that weighs a ton is not ideal for offroad purposes....no matter how much you like it for grocery shopping. If I'm ever looking for a bike for grocery shopping, I'll consider the ST1300....until then let the man aquire the info on the bike he is interested in...I'm interested in the V-strom as well.

What about sustained highway speeds. I need to ride some highways to get to the dirt roads I want to ride. I know the 650 can do highway speeds, but can it keep going for sustained highway speeds riding one up (200 lb. rider)...highway speeds being 65-80 mph?

I'm asking about the 650 vs the 1000 because it's cheaper and I hear it's lighter and handles better offroad rthan the 1000.

I love mine. I went back and forth forever on whether or not to get the 650 or 1000. Couldn't test ride either of them. Finally decided on the 650 and I have no regrets. It does extremely well for a 650, infact even better than my 790 triumph twin did. Highway cruising is at 75 is a breeze, even two up. Handles the twisties with ease and commutes to work or around town are great due to the agile handling and high/upright seating position. The storage potential is awesome too. My top case holds TWO full face helmets.

Mon Jan 15, 2007 10:15 am

Dennis-

Thanks for the input. I'll have my red 06 by the end of the week. I noticed that you don't have any of the "popular" first mods (crash bars, skid plate, hand guards, centerstand) Are they coming or did you find that you didn't need them?

jstark47 · Mon Jan 15, 2007 11:01 am

Hand guards come standard on the 1000, but not the 650. I'm certainly enjoying mine in cold weather - keeping the wind off my hands makes a big difference. I think the center stand is necessary, and I'm going to have to get one. Haven't found any need yet for the crash bars or skid plate, as my bike stays on paved roads.

I just ordered the Mad Stad adjustable windshield bracket today. I'll see how that does with stock shield before I start messing with aftermarket shields - there are dozens.

Storys- congrats on on your selection. Keep us posted.

D2- you shoulda kept the Bonnie, too! Everyone needs two bikes.

I remember your Bonnie from Triumphrat, it was gorgeous.