RandyO

I own a V-strom 1k as well as my SV650 and would never take the big strom the off road places I have taken my SV

strom is just too freekin heavy, added fuel gives it more range, but makes it top heavy

19" hoop is nicer for off road and rough road, but complete nekidness of the SV allows you to pick your way thru rough stuff easier than trying to look thur the gas tank & faring of the strom

strom has more clearance and travel ..... I scrape hardware a lot more with the strom than the SV, effectivley, the SV has just as much clearance due to shorter wheelbase and less suspension travel

I would prefer wire spoked wheels, alloy wheels bend too easy, wire wheels can be tightened and realigned much easier

MY SV is in pieces right now needing an engine rebuild and new suspension,

my plans are to install a WP 4014 rear shock , haven't decided on what to do with the front yet.... maybe try and graft a fork from a DRZ or a KTM

IMHO the strom makes a better sport tourer than adventure bike and I think the SV is a good platform for customizing into an adventure bike