Suzuki V-Strom

[GraniteGray]

I would buy a DL650 over a DL1000 just for the engine alone.

There is no doubt!

 

[stromgal]

Gotta say a few words in defense of the maligned DL1000.

I've ridden both V and Wee, back-to-back, numerous times. While the Wee is 40-some pounds lighter, thus slightly more 'flickable', and the engine 'smoother', when I twist the throttle the 'umph' just isn't there. The swingarm is cheaper, too.

The Wee is a great bike, and far outsells the 1000, but put me in the category of loving that 'lumpy' 996. The intake roar is delightful, and I have no problem with knowing there's an engine working down there.

[Zerosum]

Grr.  I'm late to the Wee-Strom lovefest!  

Everyone has pretty much sung the praises of the six-fiddy.  My '06 is a superb commuter.  The same things that make it a good trail bike also make it a good urban bike: I can run over potholes and dodge SUV-driving crackheads quite effectively.  It turns in more quickly than you might think to look at it.  The wide bars give you good leverage.  On technical roads, this thing had plenty of power to keep you entertained.

It's geared on the low side, so it pulls well, but high-speed cruising isn't really this bike's forte.  I get about 45mpg on mine, and that's with a 50/50 mix of city and highway miles.  If I try for MAXIMUM fuel efficiency, i.e. a sustained cruise at 55mph, I can get around 55 mpg.  The '04 to '06 Wee-Stroms get slightly worse mileage than the '07s and later.

As for its off-road capability, here's the rule: "Don't take a V-Strom anywhere you wouldn't take a 4WD truck."  Follow that and you're golden.

By far, the biggest complaint about this bike are air turbulence issues.  At highway speeds, there IS some funky turbulence going on at head-level.  Some people aren't bugged by it, and some people can't stand it and sell the bike.  There are tons of aftermarket windscreens available to help with this.  But I've recently read that the culprit isn't the windscreen at all, it's the MIRRORS.  I'm pretty sure this is the case - when I'm on the highway, and I follow the turbulent flow of air with my hand, it leads to the mirrors.  So, if the turbulence bugs you, try replacing the mirrors first.

[bogfro]

I see you have an SV650 naked.  What's the differences between them when you swap from one to the other.  Do the engine's feel similar, seeing as they are based on the same platform?

The SV does give better acceleration than the Strom, but it's not a night and day difference.  I think the top speed of the SV is also a little bit higher.  But the main differences I notice by swapping back and forth are the ergos and suspension.  I've got a GSXR suspension on my SV, so that means bumpy roads hurt your nuts after a while, whereas on the Strom it's no big deal.  Also the seating position on the Strom makes it a whole lot easier to go long distances in comfort.  I mainly use the SV for short trips of less than 100 miles because it's fun to scoot around on.......anything longer than that I'll take the Strom.  As far as handling between the two bikes, the SV turns easier, but its ergos are more cramped -- but the Strom's big handlebars make it so it's also pretty easy to turn.  Because of these reasons I actually can go FASTER on the Strom than I can on the SV, and be a whole lot more comfortable doing it!

[JIMLARCH]

The SV does give better acceleration than the Strom, but it's not a night and day difference.  I think the top speed of the SV is also a little bit higher.  But the main differences I notice by swapping back and forth are the ergos and suspension.  I've got a GSXR suspension on my SV, so that means bumpy roads hurt your nuts after a while, whereas on the Strom it's no big deal.  Also the seating position on the Strom makes it a whole lot easier to go long distances in comfort.  I mainly use the SV for short trips of less than 100 miles because it's fun to scoot around on.......anything longer than that I'll take the Strom.  As far as handling between the two bikes, the SV turns easier, but its ergos are more cramped -- but the Strom's big handlebars make it so it's also pretty easy to turn.  Because of these reasons I actually can go FASTER on the Strom than I can on the SV, and be a whole lot more comfortable doing it!

Thanks for the input.  I've been thinking of getting a DL650 for quite some time.  I want something I can ride every day, but use for long trips, with the ability to carry a lot of gear.  I've just consigned my GSXR1000 to track use and the occasional sport trip with friends.

[Court Jester]

Great input everyone. Thanks a million to you are.
I do like the look a lot better with the lower also.

[GraniteGray]

I bought my JMV Concept fairing lowers from these guys, in Canada...

http://www.csmeca.webs.com/

The paint match was flawless.

[Court Jester]

The bastage sold it.  That sucks.  You guys had me ready to masturbate to it.  
My wife's happy about the thought that I wont have another bike.  

I do appreciate everyone's insight though. Thank you.

[Zerosum]

The bastage sold it.  That sucks.  You guys had me ready to masturbate to it.  

I like my V-Strom, but I don't know if I like it THAT much...  




Now if it were a ZRX1200...  

[Bad Dad]

I like my V-Strom, but I don't know if I like it THAT much...  




Now if it were a ZRX1200...  

           That's funny! I might swap my Strom for my old ZRX-1200

[LordSmoke]

So, I catch up on the strom fora and have some extra free time to see what's shakin' over here and find this.
Yup, the six-fiddy is everything I want/need   ...until I'm ready for a 'Wing.

[vulcanbill]

So how badly will I get stomped if I opt for a Wee when riding w/ my crew on their high torque 1200 ST bikes?  Our skills are pretty comparable and there is the occasional bout w/ stupidity where currently there is nominal difference between the XB12XT, the B12S and the FJ1200.  I'm wondering if I'll be left standing still when the stupid gets turned on?  I know its mostly about the rider and I'm not worried about the tight twisty bits but how about long sweepers with time to really torque from one turn to the other?  Anyone ride w/ the big boys of like minds and skills on a Wee?  How does that work out for you?

[Cablebandit]

Straight line you'll probably get spanked.  But any idiot can twist a throttle.  It's in the corners that the Wee will shine and the rider makes all the difference there.

[Court Jester]

I took a trip to St. Louis this weekend (the weather was fucking awesume for a ride!!!) I found one in a dealership after traveling that far on my ass, I left a sizable wet spot on the tank.

[Zerosum]

Anyone ride w/ the big boys of like minds and skills on a Wee?  How does that work out for you?

Apples and oranges, really.  Yeah, compared to I-4 bikes with double the displacement, the Wee will get stomped in those moments when you want to wick it up in the straights.  But, it's lighter and has a narrower CoG.  I once rode my VFR with a group of Wee Stroms though some western-PA mountains... my VFR had 50% more HP, but they were pulling away from me all day long.  I could only catch up to them on the straights.

And that was the day I decided to get a V-Strom!

[bogfro]

I took a trip to St. Louis this weekend (the weather was fucking awesume for a ride!!!) I found one in a dealership after traveling that far on my ass, I left a sizable wet spot on the tank.

So you gonna buy one?

[sapperranger04]

Well what has happend, did you get the strom or what,,, we need to know this man.