To V Strom or Not to V STrom

[jawkreno]

I am thinking of getting the DL 650 as a first bike. I'm 5-11, 210, love mountain bikes. Is the 650 a good bike for commuting 15-20 minutes on the freeway? I have read the DL 1000 has a better front fork, although I would probably not know the difference. I like the idea of the 650 being more user friendly. I am not a looking for a jet plane experience but a good riding experience.

Are they fairly maintenance/tinker free? I may end up doing the over-night thing with some long stretches of hiway 50 (Nevada) to good dirt roads throught the big valleys in central Nevada. Your comments would be helpful.
JW

[md2lgyk]

Can't help with your decision (I have a Marauder), but your post reminded me of our vacation a couple of years ago. Highway 50, "the loneliest road in America." My wife still has a tee shirt from Eureka. The shoe tree was pretty amazing too.

[tlwisner]

I know I would like a V-Strom 650, and I suspect it would be a good choice. It seems to be a great bike.

[TomStromie]

I have about 600 miles on my V-Strom 650, and it is a very easy bike to ride. My previous experience was about 1500 miles on on a 1975 Honda XL350. The V-Strom is very comfortable for an hour or more on the open road, although, I do prefer the Honda on the gravel roads because of its lighter weight and my lessened worry about scratching it. That may change as I become more comfortable with the V-Strom.

The only maintenance that I have done so far is the oil change and chain adjustment--both were very easy to do and only took minutes. Other than the chain, the next maintenance is 3000 miles away for me. I have filled the gas tank twice--both times my gas mileage was 55 mpg. I am not an agressive driver or rider.

I do keep playing around with the windshield height to reduce buffeting. I am the same size as you, 5'-11" 210 lbs, and the 2nd or 3rd height position seems to work the best for me.

[spirit]

The best source for V-Strom (650 & 1000) information is http://11109.rapidforum.com/ . Check it out.

[jawkreno]

Thanks for all your input. My wife is death on bikes, so this little adventure into mid-life crisis may not happen! Be safe out there .

jawkreno,
A friend picked up a new DL650 a couple of weeks ago. By the time he finished with all the paperwork he was late for his daughter's soccer game, so he recommended that I ride it the 40 miles home. (Aww shucks! )

My first impression: That little fairing really does the job! Very stable and wind-free at (indicated) 65 mph. The seating position is nearly ideal for me (at 5'11"), and the engine is one of the smoothest v-twins I've ever ridden. It felt a little anemic, but I was keeping the engine within break-in speeds. My Burger felt the same way until it had a couple of hundred miles on it.

If I wanted a comfortable road (standard) motorcycle I think this, or the DLliter, would be a fine choice, but I really prefer the Scoot, although it was about $600 more.

[Uncle Bob]

First bike, keep it small. Wouldn't suggest the 1 liter as a first bike matter of fact would prefer you got a GS500 for first year or two.

V-Strom being a little tall in the saddle is not confidence building at stop lights. Being on tiptoes is not recommended especialy for a beginner.

[jawkreno]

I like the seating position of the GS500, however I'm not looking for a racer. From reading they say the V Strom 650 has predictable throttle. Would the GS500 go on back roads? (I realize it is no dirt bike by any means!)
Still learning the ropes

I agree with Bob, but only in part this time. Yes the 1000cc would probably be a bit much for a first-timer, but in your case I feel the DL650 would be ideal.

Ergonomically, at 5'11/210, I'd have to say the size of the 650 would be near perfect. The seat is somewhat lower than the DL1000, making stops very manageable. The position is also more upright than the GS500, which is a confidence-builder.

The GS, being faired this year, looks more like a racer, and when riding even feels more like a racer. The DL simply doesn't, it's height being part of the reason.

The DL is certainly no real dual-purpose bike - keep it far away from mud! But it is very good (from what others tell me - no personal experience here) in gravel and dirt.

Power-wise, there wouldn't be that much difference between the GS500 (it's lighter) and the DL650, expecially considering your weight. If you were 5'11" and 140 lbs., I'd likely recommend the 500.

Whatever you choose, have fun and be careful. We all want to ride with you someday!

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by wasions

I agree with Bob, but only in part this time.

You don't fully agree with me ?
Just wait till the next board meeting !

Maybe my cruiser experience clouds my judgement but when I got to ride a DL1000 around the block the perched feeling I had even though I'm 6'2" was uncomfortable, at least to me when stopped, when moving it was great and comfortable. I found that not being able to put both feet flat on the ground a little unnerving.

The 650 will give you a 3/4 in lower seat, about the same as a gixxer.

[jawkreno]

Hey HEY!, I don't want to start an insurrection! I don't even own one (1) bike yet.

Originally Posted by jawkreno

Hey HEY!, I don't want to start an insurrection! I don't even own one (1) bike yet.

Sorry Buddy! It's on!

Okay Bobby boy. What'll it be? Jelly beans at thirty paces - or broken candlesticks?

[vstrombc]

go for the 650 - you won't regret it.

I have the 1000 and still continue to be amazed that you can dice with the sport bikes & ride the dirt roads all in the same day.

I wouldn't let the height intimidate you. I'm only 5'9" with a 30" inseam and I have no trouble with it.

lots of good pics & reports at www.advrider.com, www.motorcylereport.com, www.motorcycle-usa.com, and the most recent issue of cycle canada magazine.

With your location, the v-strom is perfect for all road exploring

Good luck

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by wasions

Sorry Buddy! It's on!

Okay Bobby boy. What'll it be? Jelly beans at thirty paces - or broken candlesticks?

Jelly Beans Stevie, Jelly Beans !

( but not the black ones, they smart !)