Succumbed to a VStrom

[Traveler]

Planning to do some long rides and get the better half back in the saddle (she hasn't been since I got the Beemer single seat 750) I finally went and plunked a deposit on an '05 GL650 VStrom in silver.
Like the GS, it represents great value for money, it also has a proven engine, out of the SV, and I can't wait. Unlike the SV, it should be really comfortable for SWMBO.
I got an unexpected cheque for a grand and have saved it for the big Givi back box, case guards side bags and hand guards.
The only aggravation is that I had to buy new, since there were no used ones in Canada and the Customs people are a pain on the EBay US option. That's what you get wanting an 04 introduced bike.

[cernunos]

Congrats...another scary fast bike and fun from what I hear. BTW what in the frell does SWMBO mean? I love the little GS and this forum.

C.......

[RedShift]

Congrads on the DL650.  I find it's a natural step from the ergos enjoyed on the GS500.  I too had to buy new as there weren't any used GS500's within 500 km of my place.

Another bike I like is the Yamaha FZ-6.  Not the same torque as the V-Strom down in the low RPM range, but a lot of kick at the top end.  I found it to be less bulky (bodywork-wise) than the V-Strom, had a wind screen and sat about the same.  Did you consider it?  If no, I guess it's a bit late -- better not, just-in-case.

Enjoy your new ride.  Here's hoping Spring is just around the corner for both of us...  

[JCH]

LOL   SWMBO is "she who must be obeyed"    :mrgreen:

Congrats on the purchase!

[geekonabike]

Another bike I like is the Yamaha FZ-6.  Not the same torque as the V-Strom down in the low RPM range, but a lot of kick at the top end.  I found it to be less bulky (bodywork-wise) than the V-Strom, had a wind screen and sat about the same.  Did you consider it?  If no, I guess it's a bit late -- better not, just-in-case.

I just checked out the FZ6 last week, at the urging of someone on the forum (you?).  I like it.  A lot.  Well, funky instruments but I really like the comfy position, that it's fuel injected, very sporty, and I even like the blue color!  I want my next bike to be new; tired of fixing someone else's problems that didn't surface in a couple test rides.  Only one thing I'd hate to give up, and that is possible fuel efficiency.  MCN had it at like 40mpg IIRC.  Now they've been spectacularly wrong before, and I'm pretty conservative when I ride, but it does bother me a bit.  Still, I'm with you.  My list at the moment is (in no particular order) FZ6, DL650, Bonneville (mayble T100), and the alternatives are (in order) a new GS500F, S40 (SWMBO strongly discouraging touring anyhow), or just possibly an EX500R.  The Bonnie is at the top of the price range unfortunately.

</hijack?>

FWIW,
Mike D.

[Traveler]

For Geekona bike, there's a local guy who owns both the Bonny and the Weestrom; he got the Triumph first and still has it, but intends to sell it because he likes the VStrom better.
It's all about taste, ergos and bucks.
Oh, and SWMBO.

[mp183]

You will love the DL650 if you like to go long distances.  The thing just eats up the miles.  The fairing is great.  You can do 600 miles without batting an eye.  On the GS500 after 350 miles it becomes work.  I looked at the Yamaha but got the 650.  It's not a KLR650 but you can take it places that you can't take the Yamaha or the GS.  The valve interval is 14,500 miles.  The fuel injection is flawless.  The water cooling will make that engine last a long time.  The bike is downright boring when it comes to maintenance.  No issues to date to mine or to the one that a riding partner of mine has.
Enjoy it.  

Sorry that you had to settle for a silver one.  The black ones are faster.  I don't know about Canada but in the states the black ones have 5 more mph printed on the face of the speedo.  :lol:  :lol:

[geekonabike]

Hey Traveler, how tall is your friend?  The one who prefers the VStrom to the Bonnie?

Hey MP183, I appreciate that post.  Eating miles is good.  Do you worry about all that exposed anatomy bulging out the underbelly?  Maybe fit a pan from its big brother?  It's good that they blacked out a lot of the frame on the 2005's (IIRC) so it doesn't look so much like something from one of the "Alien" movies.

I will say that, in the shop anyways, the Vstrom was certainly the most comfy for me to sit on.  I'm about 6'2" with 36/34 pant size and 36" sleeves (too much information?) and I just loved how I set on it.  And the view!  Like the first time you drive a van and think "I can see everything!"

There may come a time when we have to add a new forum to the message boards specifically for folks who have/had GS500's and now have VStroms.  Though I've read that urban commutes may be more fun on a GS, but it sounds like the DL is the bike for touring.

--Mike D.

[mp183]

Can't beat the GS as a commuter.  I love that bike in the city.  Flying down the Heny Hudson Parkway at 75 mph and pulling up on the handlebars as I hit the seams between the concrete plates so the forks don't bottom out.  Don't get any better than that.  The GS is a pisser in the city.  Nice and nimble and you get in between the cars since it's nice and compact.  Just got to keep the revs up and use that engine braking so you don't windup eating taxi bumpers.

[Traveler]

Geekonabike;
My friend is 6 feet and likes the ergos a lot. The 1000 VStrom is an inch and a bit taller in the saddle and you can find used ones. It is also 50 odd pounds weightier and heavier on gas, obviously. I've not driven either, since dealers here barely tolerate you  dry sitting the bikes in the showroom, so can't talk about that aspect, but while the critics love the extra grunt in the big 'Strom, they also like the better handling and more responsive engine on the 650. As for the vulnerability of the engine/rad etc, I've ordered Givi case guards and I'll get a Fenderextenda to keep the crap and rocks off the motor.
I have no difficulty going down from a 750 triple to a 650 Vtwin, since I don't mind changing gears and I suspect the actual real power at the back wheel will be similar. Also I'm looking forward to having a smaller fairing than the barn door  which the K75 carries.
The DL650 looks different, but then.........so do I.

[indestructibleman]

anyone know what sort of gas mileage the V-Strom gets?

[callmelenny]

anyone know what sort of gas mileage the V-Strom gets?

I've been hearing mid 40's to low 50's for the 650 but don't know anybody with a liter version

[Traveler]

There's a likeable site with more than you needed to know about Vstroms at:-
www.motorcycleinfo.calsi.com/vstrom.html
He says 46 to 48 around town and low 50's on the highway; it's got a huge tank, so time between stops is limited by the need to stretch your legs or  fill and empty yourself. Or even enjoy the scenery.     :mrgreen:

[mp183]

On my 650 I get 50-52 miles and I ride it pretty hard.  No bags or anything.  All stock.  Winter gas it's a little less.  The 50-52 is no matter how I ride.  It's freaky that it's so consistent.  I have a riding partner that rides his pretty hard and he gets about the same.

[ChuckS]

I bought an '04 Vstrom Tuesday.  On the way home, I only got about 16mpg.  It may be because it was strapped in the back of my truck, bucking a 40 mph headwind.  
If the weather ever warms here in Michigan, I'll try the bike WITHOUT the truck....

[scratch]

Congratulations to both of you!