V-Strom 650 vs. KLR650 - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

huge · 07-01-2008, 05:06 PM

Hi everyone!

I was posting here a few months ago asking about the M50 while waiting to take my motorcycle training and get my license. Having taken the course (and get my license, yay!), I had the opportunity to ride a variety of different bikes. After being on a sportbike, cruiser, enduro, and dual-sport, my attitude as to what kind of bike I want has changed. I was convinced beforehand that I wanted a cruiser, I love the look, but now I find that I really liked the riding position of the dual-sports, upright, higher, feet under me.

I also re-assessed my needs\desires in a bike. I want a bike that will be nimble in city traffic, as %90+ of my motorcycling will be in town. I don't feel that a cruiser would be that nimble in traffic, but what do I know? I also have friends that go cruising the highways for hours at a time and I would like to go with them comfortably. Looks are less important.

I know that I don't like the hunched over sportbike position so I've basically discounted them from my decision making process. I've been looking hard at the V-Strom 650 w\ABS, and all things being equal, would purchase this bike. Of course, all things are not equal and I've been mulling over other options. A KLR650 runs about $3500 less (if I buy new, even greater difference used).

I know that a KLR is more dirt oriented and I question the seat comfort on long highway rides. Is the V-strom worth the extra bucks? Are there things that can be done to make the KLR more comfy on the highways?

Also, am I wrong about the maneuverability of the M50 in city traffic? Would you consider it if your needs\wants were the same as mine?

Also, if you have any other suggestions, I'm open to them.

Thanks for taking the time to read this,

David

FWIW, I'm 6'2" and 210lbs.

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