V-Strom 650 owners?

[Quattro Pete]

Anyone own or owned one of these?

I started looking at bikes again. I'm still learning and getting comfortable, so the Vulcan will stay with me for at least another year before I'm ready to upgrade, but it's never too early to start looking at potential upgrade paths...

I'd want to stay with fairly straight up riding position, but want something that can lean in corners better than my Vulcan, which really has very little lean capability before I start scraping the foot pegs. I also don't want anything heavier than around 400-430 lbs. I was thinking a touring bike or a dual-sport would be a good option, but I'm also rather short (5'7", 30" inseam), so I'm worried about the seat height. The Vulcan has 28" seat height which allows me to flat foot it easily. V-Strom 650 is about 4" higher. For now, the ability to flat foot a bike seems important to me, but as I gain more experience and become more comfortable, I'm guessing it'll become less of an issue. I've also read there are lowering links that one can install on the V-Strom 650, but this will in turn sacrifice ground clearance and reduce lean angles... not sure by how much.

I'll have to visit my local Suzuki dealer and at least try sitting on one to see how that extra seat height feels...

Anyway, do you have anything to say about V-Strom 650s in general? Easy to ride/control? Reliable? Etc... Is the ABS version worth the extra money? Are there other similar bikes with notably lower seat height that I should consider?

By the way, I'm not planning to put big luggage bags on it and travel cross country on it... I mainly just roam around within a few hours of home.

Thanks!

 

[Norm Olt]

Great bikes. ABS is a very nice feature on any motorcycle, especially if it can be switched on and off. You might also want to take a look at the Kawasaki 650 VERSYS if you are planning on being on road most of the time.

Can't really lose with either. Buy used if you can.

Cheers!

 

[beanoil]

The Wee-Strom (nick name for the 650: they make a 1000 model also) is a great bike, but a bit tall if you are short on the inseam. Same engine as in my SV650. Basically bulletproof in stock form, and lots of torque down low. The Strom is sold as a competitor to multi-purpose BMW's, Triumph, and the Versys. Givi makes a full set of hard luggage. The bike is very capable, and pretty comfy for long distance if outfitted correctly. You will be upright. Because of that, most folks opt for a larger windscreen as their first option.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Quote:
You might also want to take a look at the Kawasaki 650 VERSYS if you are planning on being on road most of the time.

Thanks. Versys is an inch taller than V-Strom, but it's also lighter, so it may be easier to manage at a stop. The few comparison reviews that I came across agree that for on-road riding, the Versys may be a better option due to a more fun engine and better suspension. Similar riding position (upright)?


Quote:
The Wee-Strom (nick name for the 650: they make a 1000 model also) is a great bike, but a bit tall if you are short on the inseam.

So, what is a short person to do then?

 

[Ken2]

2004 V-Strom DL650.....

Very reliable. One poster on stromtrooper.com just passed 200,000 miles. You'll get lots of good answers to your questions there.

ABS is wise on any bike. ABS can determine the max available traction on every foot of pavement under the tires much faster than you or I can do it and appropriately limit max braking force. It was an option on 2007, '08, '09, and standard on 2011. (Suzuki didn't bring any 2010 Stroms into the U.S.--excess inventory of earlier bikes). I'd sell mine if I can find an ABS model to trade to. Minor engine changes beginning in '07--not a big deal either way. The DL650 engine is very similar to the SV650, except that they moved some of the horsepower from top end to mid-range for more tractability.

The front end can be lowered 10 to 15 mm, which (unusual) gives more stability. Lowering links on the rear work out well. Peg scraping can be reduced by riding technique (buy Lee Parks' Total Control book and take the course if you get a chance. A local upholstery shop or custom seat maker can lower the seat.

In any case, highly recommended. I.Like.My.Strom.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Well, I just tried sitting on one. Felt waaaay to big, plus my feet were nearly dangling off the sides. I don't think any amount of getting used to it will ever get me used to it. I think I need to accept the fact that this bike is just too big for me.

Gonna have to give the Versys a try next. It should feel smaller due to shorter wheel base, but then again, the seat is 1" higher than V-Strom according to specs.

Might also give SV650 a try to see how much different the seating position is.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Just sat on an '09 Versys. It is quite a bit more manageable due its smaller size. The redesigned '10 and '11 version supposedly has the same seat height. Still a bit too tall for me, but it's easy to lower it a couple of inches with a lowering kit, and if that's not enough, a lower gel seat could be added, too.

The overall seating position was very good - nearly as upright as my Vulcan. Maybe next year I'll try to find a used '10 model.

 

[123Saab]

http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/13018_13061.aspx

Find a local Triumph dealer, Go sit on one, Chances are its a good fit.

 

[OldSparks]

Originally Posted By: 123Saab
Find a local Triumph dealer, Go sit on one, Chances are its a good fit.


I'm not sure why Triumph chose to stay with a 360 crank, when the bike has fuel injection and electronic ignition. Nice looking - I'd certainly ride one...

 

[Norm Olt]

Remember, having one foot (toe?) on the ground is usually enough...

Cheers!

p.s. Good luck finding a used Versys on the cheap! Around here you are almost better waiting until it gets cold and picking up a new one (aka, last year's model). That's in this market. I do realize that it may not be the same there in Obamastan, although I did see some pretty good deals on "leftover" bikes the last time I was through Chicago...

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Norm Olt
p.s. Good luck finding a used Versys on the cheap! Around here you are almost better waiting until it gets cold and picking up a new one (aka, last year's model). That's in this market. I do realize that it may not be the same there in Obamastan, although I did see some pretty good deals on "leftover" bikes the last time I was through Chicago...

Yeah, it's really slim pickings when it comes to used Versys right now. A nearby dealer has a couple new 2009 leftovers for $5400, which is not a bad price, but Kawasaki has made a number of little changes starting with the 2010 model (engine is rubber mounted, better mirrors, less buzziness, nicer body, etc.). In any case it'll probably be another year before I get one.

I said the same thing about my GZ250 though - that I would not upgrade for at least a year. And then I proceeded to sell it 3 months after I bought it.

 

[lomez]

I have a 1000, and it's one of the best bikes (for its purpose) that can be owned, period.

MANY people like the 650 better, as it doesn't have the quirks that the big twin has (very lean and needs a power commnader, some have clutch vibrations). The 650 gets ridiculous gas mileage, while being fairly powerful. It's also much easier to take on the dirt trails compared to the 1000, since its lighter.

For those looking for an upright sport touring "adventure" bike, BMW and the V-Stroms start and end the conversation. I like BMWs slightly better; but, they cost more to buy and own.

The wee is a great choice. Nobody regrets it.

 

[Quattro Pete]

lomez, how tall are you?

With my small posture (150 lbs, 5'7"), the size of V-Strom 650 was just too overwhelming.

 

[lomez]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
lomez, how tall are you?

With my small posture (150 lbs, 5'7"), the size of V-Strom 650 was just too overwhelming.



aha....I'm 6'2" with the inseam of a 5'11" person (32.5"), and about 240. Yea, that could be an issue; but, I think the pre-load is adjustable on the 650. It is on the 1k. I've seen guys 5'5" riding a 1200GS BMW, with no problems.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Checked out a Tiger 800 at a Triumph dealer yesterday. Really nice bike, too, and the seat was a bit lower than Versys, which was even better for me. Alas, this is a newly introduced bike, so no chance of finding a used one, and the $10K starting price for a new one isn't very appealing...