Vstrom 1000 or Honda Varadero

[zarly]

I'm looking at two bikes, and I'm not sure yet if I'm going to get either one of them.  But here there are.

2008 Varadero
52,000 KM
Asking $8599.00 CDN

The Goods
One Owner, works at Honda Powerhouse Dealer, bought there and had it serviced there since by his mechanic friends.
Has new chain
Two new Heidenau Tires
ABS Brakes
Honda Security key disable thingy, not sure if this is a plus or not really...
Trax sidebags and Topbox, black.
Givi Crash Bars
Taller wider Givi Screen plus stock screen.
Recent Coolant Flush and service

He's asking $8500 CDN but I'm pretty sure he's willing to barter and he said he could help me save some money at the shop on accessories.  Daddy needs a new pair of boots.




2007 DL1000 Vstrom
45,000 KM
2 previous owners.
He's asking 6,000 CDN.

The Goods
Happy Trails Side bags and liners
Great big Givi Top Box
Extra givi smaller size side bags with rails.
Wicked high pitched after market horn, never heard anything like it, it's like being at a hockey game and someone blows off an air horn.
K&N Filter
Walsh design crash bar and skid plate, radiator guard, highway pegs
Suzuiki center stand.
Nifty guages that go all the way over and back when you turn the key.

The Bads
Needs new rear tire, new front won't be too far behind.
Needs chain and sprockets.
Could use a cleaning, some of the bolts holding on the luggage are rusty lookin, not sure why that would be as he said it's been kept indoors.



Coming from a 95 GS, and other GS's before that, I'm aware that there will be more of an on road bias with both of these bikes, but I've found that the tires you choose for non-pavement can make a big difference, however there isn't much to be done about the difference in ground clearance.  Having said that, these bikes have pretty nice engines and transmissions.  My 1100GS sounds a lot better with earplugs and the transmission is no where near as smooth.  I'm thinking Japanese bikes might have a better service base in NA as well as "perhaps" being a little more reliable.  No GS lovers hate on me, I love them too... maybe just looking for a change.  

[Cablebandit]

I'd go for the Honda....Just to be different.  The Vstrom to get is the 650.

[zarly]

I'd go for the Honda....Just to be different.  The Vstrom to get is the 650.

Yeah, I'm constantly hearing and reading that the 650 is awesome, but I think a 650 might be a bit too wee for me.

[SuperHans]

Honda. Just because.

[Justin]

Honda. Just because.

+1 - just because.

[The Shepherd]

The Honda is a pig compared to the Strom. I put 70k+ on my old DL1000 and had no issues. Buy a fork brace for the front and have fun dragging the pegs and pissing off slow sportbike riders.

[zarly]

Hmmm, you mean it weighs more?  

I can beat most sport bike riders on my kids trike.. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.... no, not really.

[stromgal]

As a point of reference, weights: Honda 610 full tank ; Zook 520 full tank.

[zarly]

As a point of reference, weights: Honda 610 full tank ; Zook 520 full tank.

Zoinks, that's quite a bit heavier isn't it!~

[zarly]

I wonder what you get for that extra weight, the engines are similar, the frame is steel, I know that much, bigger battery? I think it holds a bit more gas.  

I think the Vara also has more ground clearance, which is nice, but only by 2 or 3 cm.

[chas]

Yeah, I'm constantly hearing and reading that the 650 is awesome, but I think a 650 might be a bit too wee for me.

The 1000 comes into it's own on the interstate.  It's geared really tall and 6th is useless for all but that.  The bike doesn't like living below 3500RPM, so I had to adjust.  It's too big and heavy for any serious off road.  It is also pretty nimble in the twisties.  Perfect bike, no.  A really good one, yes.  By the way, with the exchange rate being in your favor I would expect your prices to be better.  You guys seem to have to pay more for your tools.

[The Shepherd]

It's geared really tall and 6th is useless

The Zuki is going to need a chain and sprocket in the near future right? Go down one tooth on the front sprocket, if memory serves me right the stock is a 17 tooth.

I had a 16T on mine and it was perfect, a bit of snap in the low gears and cruising in 6th gear at 120kph was somewhere around 4500 rpm......right in the sweet spot.

[chas]

That's the plan for the next sprocket change.  With some really good rubber on, the Zuk can hold it's own in the twisties.  I came from a CBR1100XX , and although that was about close to perfection, the ergo's didn't work for long trips.  Should have kept it and had the best of both worlds.

[zenwhipper]

I used to own the Vstrom. Awesome machine. I believe there is more aftermarket farkles for the Vstrom than the Varadero. You can set them up pretty nice. I agree the 1000 is the way to go over the wee 650.







But it looks like the one you are looking at has some stuff already.

Anyway... good luck!

Scott

[Playinthestreet]

The Zook, because it's not a Honda.

[Skee]

Yeah, I'm constantly hearing and reading that the 650 is awesome, but I think a 650 might be a bit too wee for me.

I have a 650 Wee and recently rented a Varadero.  (Also stayed at Holiday Inn & posted on STN, I'm EOE.)

Ergos are the big difference between your choices.  Whichever has the more comfortable seating position 4U.  The V-Stom is very similar to Wee ergonomically, but the Wee has a much smoother motor.  The stock seat is a killer, too narrow for many NA riders.  That would rule out the V-Strom for me.

I liked the Varadero very much.  Very similar to my Wee except it had some punch.  Everything Bike mag said in their review was pretty true, the good and the bad.  Not the best suspension for sport riding, but comfortable & secure in corners on rough surface roads.  Slightly better wind protection too, IMO.