VStrom 1000 vs BMW R1150GS

[arbozarth]

Hello. I just joined this forum because I am considering the purchase of a new motorcycle including an adventure-type bike.

Can you offer any insight on a Suzuki VStrom 1000 vs BMW R1150GS?

I like the GS's shaft drive and ABS. It has a great reputation after having been out there so long. BUT, it is expensive and there are no dealers nearby.

I like the VStrom's lighter weight and I expect it to be inexpensive to own. I wonder whether the alternator can support extra lights, heated vests, GPS, etc. I don't see the alternator watts published anywhere.

My use would be:
- commuting to work
- long day trips
- multiday trips

It'll probably always wear saddlebags or a top box.

I ride year round in SoCal so the temps can get to 32F in the mountains. I'll want heated grips. How good is the fairing in cold weather? What is exposed?

Can anyone point me to an article comparing the two?

Your comments are most welcome.
thanks,
Randy

[wavyredlaurie]

I can't speak about those specific bikes, but I was in your shoes several months ago, comparing the V-Strom 650 with the F-series BMW. Kind of a miniaturized BMW/Suzuki comparison. I bought the Suzuki for several reasons:

1. Lots of questions about the dependability of the BMW. Durable - oh, yeah. My brothers both have antique BMWs they work on and ride, so they do last. But they are quirky, and require a lot of fixing and maintenance. I joined a BMW forum for F owners (the chain gang) and didn't see the bike being reliable, for all that money. Your BMW of choice is shaft-driven, but the F's have nagging problems with things like water pumps.

2. Both bikes were tall, which I want and need. But the lighter V-Strom was more suited to me, for commuting. However, I did a 500 mile trip in two days last week, and rode comfortably for one stretch of 200 miles. The V-Strom is a sweet bike, it did well at highway speeds, in fairly stiff crosswinds.

3. There's 2 decent Suzuki dealerships close to home, and an excellent shop right down the street. They work on all bikes, but told me that parts are an issue for the BMW, both cost and availability. The one BMW dealership is 25 miles away. The owner of the shop told me that Suzuki parts are not a problem, not even for a somewhat newer/less common bike like the V-Strom.

4. I didn't want to ride offroad, really, the one thing the BMW was much more suited to.

5. The huge gas tank is really great. I got 53 mpg on my trip, too.

6. The BMW cost over half again as much as the Strom, and I cut that even more by finding a slightly used one from a private seller, with low mileage, and the very decent owner did all the right stuff! It also came with a Givi top box, a nice tank bag, engine guards, handlebar weights, swing arm spools, all the stuff I would have wanted. I just couldn't justify that much more for the BMW!

I haven't ridden the R1150, but have sat on it at the dealer, and it's a gorgeous bike. I wasn't up in that size range, though, I didn't want or need that much power.

No regrets here! The V-Strom is a fun, agile, versatile bike. Many, many people have walked up to me and asked if it IS a BMW!

There is a V-Strom forum, with answers to all your technical issues:
http://11109.rapidforum.com/. I found it by googling.