V-stroms . . .

[sfalexi]

Hey. I have a C50 right now. I'm a new rider and am going to hang onto it for about a year so i can learn and use it for all my mistakes. Hopefully not too many left to learn from!

My question is for two-up touring. In about a year I'm going to trade in my C50 for a v-strom. I was going to get the 650 cause, well, I hear nothing bad about it. On the contrary, everything seems to be good! But I just found out that my wife decided she doesn't want a bike of her own and would rather ride with me as a passenger so I'm thinking the 1000 might be better.

I'm looking for daily commuting, and long rides on the weekends. Equal time freeways and backroads. She also commutes as a passanger on my bike (we work at the same place).

The only thing I'm thinking of is that I'm on the short side (5'4", 165 lbs) and wondering if the 1000 would be too tall/heavy. Also if its REALLY going to make two-up that more comfortable. The difference in price is not too much of an issue. If it's worth it, I'll pay it.

Thanks very much for your thoughts and suggestions!

Alexi

[Clint]

Rickster should be along any minute with his expert advice. In the meantime, unless your wife is far heavier than average, the 650 will do fine. My wife and I rode a 1990 Yamaha 600 making 45 hp around Minnesota a number of times. Just don't pull out in front of any Peterbuilts and you'll do fine. In fact, you'd still be able to outrun most cars on the road.

I am a bit concerned about your height, though. Have you sat on one?

[sfalexi]

I've sat on a 1000. It seemed big. And as I am now, I'm not comfortable/confident sitting on it. Maybe that'll change with a year's experience, maybe not. I haven't found a dealer with a 650 nearby so haven't been able to sit on one of those. I know there are always options to lower a bike. Links, seats, etc, but I would prefer to keep a bike's frame/geometry stock. I would probably buy an aftermarket seat if it helped lower it enough. But I'm wary about lowering links and fork raising and whatnot.

Alexi

[Clint]

A common misperception about sport and standard bikes is that the chassis are differently sized for different engines. Not so. The 650 is sized the same, but may feel a little lighter. The 1000 may have different or upgraded suspension.

Don't worry about adjusting the height. I have a raised rear and lowered fork clamps and my Bandit rides and handles great. If done properly, you wouldn't even notice.

[intimid8er]

The Stroms use the same frame. No difference in size from the 650 to the 1000.

650: Seat height is just a tad under the 1000...probably due to a thinner (less comfortable) seat.

Both have adjustable pre-load front suspension. Rear is both rebound and preload adjustable.

[sfalexi]

Originally Posted by intimid8er

The Stroms use the same frame. No difference in size from the 650 to the 1000.

650: Seat height is just a tad under the 1000...probably due to a thinner (less comfortable) seat.

Yup. Found this out today. I went to a suzuki/yamaha/kawasaki dealer and sat on a lot of bikes. The two V stroms were both VERY big to me. Uncomfortably so. But after sitting on a bunch of bikes, I decided my next bike will be the Kawasaki Versys. I'll get the lower seat for it, but the ergonomics and specs are just what I was looking for.

Thanks for the advice.

Alexi