Opinions sought......

I am looking to buy a Vstrom (DL1000 GT), I have been offered £3500 for my K4 SVS plus Suzuki have a good finance deal up to 1.99% APR if I have it over 3 years, less APR for 2 years and 0% for one year. I had a test ride of a Vstrom 650 earlier today which I really enjoyed. I need, obviously, to have a test ride on the 1000. The 650 was a good ride, engine the same as the SV but a more upright riding position and nice balance.

One of the main reasons, other than because I can, is that I have just bought a place in Spain so will probably take a few trips South

Opinions please ?????

Looks a great practical bike. If I only had one vehicle (well, that's all I have at the moment, but that's not through choice and when I bought the SV, I had a car too), the DL1000 GT would definately be a contender. In black it's probably the nicest looking of "that sort of bike", too IMO.

I liked it. Wont be as quick as the comparable SV but its a different tool. Doubt you'd notice much difference on 'real roads' and especially poor roads. There's a school of thought that if you might use the bike on trails the 650 is the better one. I looked at a thou too but didnt like as much as the Caponard. However it all depends on Aprilia vs Suzuki peace of mind, I guess.

Very very popular in both sizes in the US, see www.advrider.com, loads of info and opinions in the Beastly Adventure Bikes section. Over there where there is a truepossibility to ride 50% tarmac and 50% unsurfaced roads (but still roads) they seem an excellent choice.

I certainly see less problems reported with them than GS's, 950 ADVs etc. Maybe a strom will never live as long as a GS but it may have a less painful life!

Oh, one downside Ive heard is that some folks have ended up getting rid because they cant get on with the screen as it buffets some people. So worth checking that its not a problem for you. Aftermarkets are probably available.

Lots of nice farkles to add on as well from Touratech and such places.

DL1000= good bike. Even if it's looks are a little quirky, the suspension a little too soft and the wheel sizes not road-biased and thus limiting what rubber you can put on. The 1000 has plenty of poke and I'd be surprised if you weren't delighted with it.


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Originally Posted by Dr Rich

Oh, one downside Ive heard is that some folks have ended up getting rid because they cant get on with the screen as it buffets some people. So worth checking that its not a problem for you. Aftermarkets are probably available.

Thanks all for the comments so far. I have to agree about the screen, the wind catches the helmet full face. I will look into the aftermarkets and see what is about.

[carelesschucca]

Get the KTM instead!!! Its a sexy bike!!!

Good bikes had a go on a honda valedero and I got loads of buffeting off the screen.
Would go for a 1200 gs myself.

Originally Posted by carelesschucca

Get the KTM instead!!! Its a sexy bike!!!

I had a sit on my mates KTM, could only just get my toes down. I don't think it is the bike for going any distance though.

Originally Posted by Mutley

I had a sit on my mates KTM, could only just get my toes down. I don't think it is the bike for going any distance though.

The KTM's a superb bike, and the 990 should be a 12GS beater in that genre. It is more unsurfaced road oriented than the GS or any of the other adventure bikes. And they do do the distance. But the US owners are no fans of the dealer network and compared to BMW or Suzuki its very patchy. KTMs are made up of superb bits, but folks say the problem is the way the bits are put together. I'm not starting a BM vs KTM war here as thats been done a thousand times and I reckon both are as bad as each other. BUT I was reading a book by a round the workd rider and he reckoned there was only two make he would go with and that was BMW and Suzuki simply because of the network.

But as Carelesschucca says the KTM is a cool bike.

[northwind]

The GT, is that the UK-only touring version? Seems a better package. Not a bike I'd buy, to be totally honest, but for what they are they're excellent.