V-Stroms?

How crap are or aren't they, 650 and 1000cc versions?

Opinions welcome from all those who've ridden or owned them.

Had a 650 with abs for the day when the sv was getting serviced, diffetent but fun, much more comfortable riding position, better field of view, softer suspension and somehow felt less stable than the sv. seriously thought about one as i'm looking for something slightly better suited to two up and moderate touring, but as i suspect 95%+ of my miles will be on tarmac, v-strom still slightly too off roady for me.

Sorry i cant be more help, only did about 200 miles on it and not been riding very long so no real experience or technical knowledge.

[Ch00]

I have one (DL 650) from new and Have done 15000 miles on it so far also I had a SV650 for a short time too.

Pros

Same 650 engine as in the SV
Just as fast as the SV up to about 100mph
Nice up right seating
Top box and luggage options
250 miles to a tank if your nice


Cons

Brakes are a bit weak
There not off road bikes but can do a little mud
Ugly!!

I have been looking at the DL 1000 too but it has the same brakes and a poor range on a tank. Also they are binning the 1000 next year as it does not meet the Euro 3 tests.

Ch00

[Richie]

My dads got the DL650, it's pig ugly to look at but handels fooking great, up and over tight windy twistys... He lives in the Lake District... which is why he got it.

I too have contemplated a "Strom"... I couldn't find a dealer with the big one to test though. Very heavy compared to an SV, but I've ridden the 650 version and it's great fun, as long as it has road tyres.

The 650 is said to be OK when 2 up, not sure about pillion work with a full set of luggage though (especially if it included the wife's "weekend" bag.... )

.

[Ch00]

Originally Posted by Jelster

as long as it has road tyres.

I use the factory tyres with the knobbles on them and have'nt had a prob with them.

Ch00

The 650 I rode had "semi-road" tyres and it was a bit slippery in the wet... Maybe it was me not used to them.

.

Do they have conventional road tyre sizes, or are they blessed with mongtastic 19" front rims, or something equally as daft?

AFAIK they've got the standard 17" rubber. A mate has one, I've never been on it but I think I'll be doing a short swap w/him to give it a go. I've been considering something more pillion-friendly to get the girl "back on the back".

I've heard of rumors of rust. My mate's '07 bike has some surface rust at the top of the fork tubes. I'd think you have to keep it clean and dry and well-oiled - typical for any bike around Ireland.

Otherwise, they are big (I've stored his bike a few times at my place), it's not the easiest to move around (just pushing it in and out beside the house). But its comfy to sit on. Probably fine when moving.

Next time he goes on vacation, I might have to go for a spin .

19" front wheel,

i'd like one of these as a commuter, but the sv does that job just as well...