Can't decide on the bike, opinions?

[zodski]

I am looking at the sv650, Ninja 500R, GS500(some letter here) or maybe a V-Strom if I can find one in my budget. My preferable price would be somewhere around the $5000 mark, less is better of course as it just means better riding gear for me.

My intentions are to ride for pleasure, but to make longer runs and probably some 2-3 day camping trips, so good saddle bags/luggage availability is a must. I live in North Eastern Oklahoma, and would like to make shorter trips to South-Central OK, Arkansas, Missouri (you know, the places with nice camping/fishing/hiking).

I haven't had a bike in quite awhile. I used to ride about 10 years ago when I was 14-15 on a pretty well kept Honda NX 125 that was actually a blast to ride. It wouldn't keep up with my friends and their YZ's, but it sure got better gas mileage and was a lot more comfortable for messing around on rough trail. But, that has been quite some time ago that I have ridden seriously. I'm taking the MSF in a few weeks, just waiting for a weekend to clear up.

So, basically my requirements are: Enough oomph for the freeway, comfortable for a long ride, decent luggage options and in the $5000 (new or used) range. Am I off the mark on the options I have listed, is there something else I should be looking at or considering?

Thanks!

[sfalexi]

Just throwing it out there, but if youre looking to camp/fish, maybe some more dualsports should be on that list?

Alexi

[zodski]

Actually, I had originally gotten the idea to get back into riding after reading about the KLR650. I was a bit concerned with the long-ride comfort of the more off-road based Dual Sports though, at least for freeway travel. Anyone have better insight on that than me?

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Actually, I had originally gotten the idea to get back into riding after reading about the KLR650. I was a bit concerned with the long-ride comfort of the more off-road based Dual Sports though, at least for freeway travel. Anyone have better insight on that than me?

That's subjective. Some people won't ride a KLR around the block, but I've ridden mine for up to 10 hours in a day (and put 80K+ on my current KLR). And this is with a stock seat.

Yes, the KLR's single is thumpy and my comfortable high speed (rev-wise) is about 75-80, but I have no problems with doing a day on the interstate and then 4 days in the woods on the same bike.

Other (smallish) dual sports I can't comment on, but if you have specific questions on the KLR, I'll be happy to help  


Heading home after spending a month riding around in Mexico

[zodski]

That's subjective. Some people won't ride a KLR around the block, but I've ridden mine for up to 10 hours in a day (and put 80K+ on my current KLR). And this is with a stock seat.

Yes, the KLR's single is thumpy and my comfortable high speed (rev-wise) is about 75-80, but I have no problems with doing a day on the interstate and then 4 days in the woods on the same bike.

Other (smallish) dual sports I can't comment on, but if you have specific questions on the KLR, I'll be happy to help  

Does the wind beat you up much on the longer freeway rides? I'm not sure how much offroading I would be doing, but that KLR sure looks fun . I will mostly be riding with a couple of friends who have street bikes, and some family members, my father who just started riding again and is on a Ninja 500R, and my Uncle is is on a 1200 Yamaha, not sure the model. So the rides will be mostly road, but with my liking of camping, hiking, etc, I could probably get an excuse for myself to go that route.

[Blunder]

You can get a number of aftermarket screens for the KLR if you feel the need. Good bike that's been around since the dawn of time it seems.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Does the wind beat you up much on the longer freeway rides?

I never had an issue with it. I even bought a larger screen like Blunder mentioned, but didn't like it went back to the stock one. Of course, I've never owned a bike with much of a screen, so maybe I just don't know any better  

I will mostly be riding with a couple of friends who have street bikes, and some family members, my father who just started riding again and is on a Ninja 500R, and my Uncle is is on a 1200 Yamaha

As long as they're not utter hooligans, you should be fine to ride (keep up) with them. If you find yourself at the back of the pack, you can rest assured that you'll catch up the next time they stop for gas, as your 270+ mile range will make that an infrequent happening  

[HipGnosis]

There are a LOT of 'dual-sport' mid-size bikes now (they're now called 'adventure' bikes, btw) for you to consider.
The KLR is one of the more off-road capable of them.  Most of the others are considerably better on the road and highway.
Kawasaki Versys (650 twin) and Suzuki DL650, aka wee-strom (V-twin) are the most common/popular. I know you can put luggage on them.  The DL has been around longer, so easier to find used.

[caasland]

Of those, I'd pick the V-Strom.

My dad has one and it is an easy, comfy bike to ride and does great on gravel and pavement and even some rougher stuff. They aren't expensive, there are lots of luggage options and significant farkling support. It looks big, but it is pretty light. Won't break the bank either ... and if you can find any used in your area you might be able to pick one up with a lot of extra's. For what the VStrom is, it is very nicely balanced and practical motorcycle. It isn't trying to be peg-scraper, a hooligan-bike, or a powerhouse. When I'm riding I don't ever thing "I wish it did XZY better".

My second choice would be the SV650. Wife has one, and I ride it more locally than I do the FJR, especially in the heat. It's shining aspect is the low weight and low price. There is some support for luggage options - we have SW Motech quick-detach mounts and Givi N21 sidecases. But it tries to play in the same field as other sporty naked standards like the SV1000, CB919, FZ8/FZ1, etc. and I'm often left feeling the suspension could be better, it could use more power, I wish it had more wind coverage ... we upgraded the bouncy bits and added a flyscreen to better enjoy the bike, but if it were my only bike I'd probably be considering something bigger.

This advice is also based on where you live. You'll be riding in places where the SV650's excellent cornering abilities will be infrequently used. The VStrom's comfort and crappy-pavement-absorbing suspension will be appreciated.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

This advice is also based on where you live.

Yes, filling out your location might be useful  

[Rincewind]

I'd go for the Vstrom 650 and try to find one that comes with luggage (it can be pretty expensive to add that on your own).

[zodski]

Yes, filling out your location might be useful  

Oops! Thought I did that when I registered, it's updated now, and It's Central/Northeast Oklahoma.

As long as they're not utter hooligans, you should be fine to ride (keep up) with them. If you find yourself at the back of the pack, you can rest assured that you'll catch up the next time they stop for gas, as your 270+ mile range will make that an infrequent happening  

Most everyone just has a little crazy streak to them, so I don't think keeping up would be too terribly bad. You did put some nice visions of those mountain roads in CO in my head though.  

There are a LOT of 'dual-sport' mid-size bikes now (they're now called 'adventure' bikes, btw) for you to consider.
The KLR is one of the more off-road capable of them.  Most of the others are considerably better on the road and highway.
Kawasaki Versys (650 twin) and Suzuki DL650, aka wee-strom (V-twin) are the most common/popular. I know you can put luggage on them.  The DL has been around longer, so easier to find used.

I actually meant to address this in my original post, since it has been awhile since I have been on a bike I am hesitant about the V-Strom or sv650, I really like the idea of them, but it seems like quite a bit for a first bike. Although, I am not sure what the real difference is in power between that and one of the 500s. Just some more for me to think about. Not to mention, wow are they hard to find around here. Although I won't be buying for probably another month, so I have plenty of time to look.

I will keep that in mind though, I've been calling 'em dual-sports, maybe that is why I can't find much on them!

Of those, I'd pick the V-Strom.

...

This advice is also based on where you live. You'll be riding in places where the SV650's excellent cornering abilities will be infrequently used. The VStrom's comfort and crappy-pavement-absorbing suspension will be appreciated.

That's quite a bit for the V-Strom. I will definitely have to put on the finalists list.

[UHOH]

simple answer - everybody, likes / has liked, the SV650 (naked).

add a small windscreen and you're good to go.  
smart timing...

[Giaka]

simple answer - everybody, likes / has liked, the SV650 (naked).

Since naked SVs are harder and harder to come by don't forget you can get SV650 ergos on a SV650S for under $500. Handlebar kit and peg mounts and presto, you are sitting more up right.

[KLRchickie]

I'm another lover of the KLR.  My '05 is getting awfully close to 80,000km, most of them highway. 

I never had an issue with it. I even bought a larger screen like Blunder mentioned, but didn't like it went back to the stock one. Of course, I've never owned a bike with much of a screen, so maybe I just don't know any better  

Windshield preference is very personal AND height dependent....  I ran with a big screen on my KLR for the first couple years, it helped me get comfortable riding without having to deal with as much wind in my face.  As I got more experienced my riding style changed (and I bent the fairing bracket ) and the big screen started to annoy me so I've gone back to stock.  ZED finds the KLR most comfortable with NO windscreen - the stock one moves his head around like a bobble-head doll at speed   Riding without the windscreen did that to me - while I was trying out the no screen possibility I made a point of moving up off the seat to put my head closer to where it would be if I was his height - voila!  No buffeting at all!

To me, smoothness of airflow is way more important than blocking the wind.  I also have a Monster S2R1000 with the stock tiny little fairing and windscreen - the airflow is wonderfully smooth over that & then over my helmet - so I'm not messing with it.

Some people want more wind protection - I'm quite happy touring on naked bikes.

[moto-junkie]

I ride a Kawasaki EX650R Ninja

Good ergos, good wind protection, plenty of power and brutal reliability.
Theres enough after market stuff out there to make it whatever you want from hard core naked street fighter to perfect mid sized ST

Read my  2 cents on it in the post titled "Sport Touring on a 650? Sure why not"

[Skee]

Does the wind beat you up much on the longer freeway rides? I'm not sure how much offroading I would be doing, but that KLR sure looks fun . I will mostly be riding with a couple of friends who have street bikes, and some family members, my father who just started riding again and is on a Ninja 500R, and my Uncle is is on a 1200 Yamaha, not sure the model. So the rides will be mostly road, but with my liking of camping, hiking, etc, I could probably get an excuse for myself to go that route.

Of course, I'd pick the Wee-Strom.  Easy for a beginner to handle; quick enough for an experienced rider to keep up with sportier bikes in the twisters.  And it will ley you go far enough off-road to get to those more remote camping and fishing spots.  I admit to being somewhat biased, although I am not, as some would have you believe, in   with my Wee.  Not much, anyway

[ScottB]

Another vote for the wee strom.  It's the do it all bike, and around here there's even a group of guys who race the silly things with minimal mods!  I've ridden with them - they're an experienced group and ride circles around me frequently.  And yet, I don't think the bike would be too much for anyone but maybe a small woman or a very slight man - any average sized gent should be able to handle one easily and hey, if you drop of once or twice, it's basically designed to absorb that kind of abuse.  So - it's not too much bike and it's unlikely it will ever leave you wanting more.  Plus, as noted, they Re readily available used in all states of farkle.

[zodski]

Thanks for the advice everyone, sorry for the MIA. I've gotten wrapped up at work and am about to head out for a conference in fabulous Las Vegas, so I had to divert funds away from the bike purchase for a minute until I get reimbursed.

In the meantime, I've gotten it boiled down to wither the V-strom or the KLR. Now that I've gotten myself down to a couple of models, I can go out and sit on some and see how they fit me. I'm kind of a short guy, about 5'7", so seat height is going to be important for me.

Thank you, everyone, for the advice. It is much appreciated.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Not that it's any of our business, but thanks for the MIA explanation    So many times people wander in, ask a question and then never come back. We're not that bad, honest!  


Based on what's been posted here, and despite my love of the KLR, it sounds like the Wee might be your best option. However, sitting on one is always the final word    

Re seat height: don't forget that some bikes can be very easily lowered with minimal effect to the bikes geometries.

[sfalexi]

I just bought a new weestrom (2012 so NEW vstrom), and it has plenty of followers.  KLR does as well.  Two very popular bikes.  I would say the klr is more dirt oriented and street "capable", and the weestrom is street oriented and dirt "capable".  

What was said above about the luggage is spot on.  Much easier and cheaper to buy a bike that has the luggage on it already, since most of the time if you buyna used bike without it, it's almost impossible to find "used luggage" and you'll end up looking at $1000 or more for a set of luggage.

Alexi

[zodski]

I just bought a new weestrom (2012 so NEW vstrom), and it has plenty of followers.  KLR does as well.  Two very popular bikes.  I would say the klr is more dirt oriented and street "capable", and the weestrom is street oriented and dirt "capable".  

What was said above about the luggage is spot on.  Much easier and cheaper to buy a bike that has the luggage on it already, since most of the time if you buyna used bike without it, it's almost impossible to find "used luggage" and you'll end up looking at $1000 or more for a set of luggage.

Alexi

If you don't mind me asking, would you say you are tall/short/normal? I'm really curious how the 650 V-Strom will fit my height, being what I would consider short-ish (5'7").

I really like the idea of the v-strom, but either they are hard to find in my area, or I am looking in the wrong place, so I may have to go for a drive to pick one up.

[sfalexi]

If you don't mind me asking, would you say you are tall/short/normal? I'm really curious how the 650 V-Strom will fit my height, being what I would consider short-ish (5'7").

I really like the idea of the v-strom, but either they are hard to find in my area, or I am looking in the wrong place, so I may have to go for a drive to pick one up.

I'm 5'4".  I'm one short dude.  30" inseam.  I wear converse c8874 boots which are not necessarily that tall.  However i've ridden about 40,000 miles and am comfortable with one foot down if i need it.  On this bike i can put the toes down on either side at the same time, or lean left or right and get almost flatfooted (flatfooted if i shift on the seat towards the side withthe foot).

The bike is relatively lightweight considering how tall it is.  FWIW, i can't even get the klr off the sidestand comfortably.  And i wouldnt want to fight/wrench it off the ground every day multiple times a day for commuting,  

You can lower either bike if you want, and with a combination of suspension and seat, you can probably get a good 3 inches closer to the ground on either.

Alexi

[NWTrtle]

Remember, it isn't about how tall you are, as much as it as what your in-seam is.    

I had a Ninja 500 and really liked the bike, but had to do some mods to make it more comfortable (corbin seat, mirror extenders...probably some other things also).  But, most riders do some mods to make a bike their own.  I now have a 2009 Wee-Strom and love it.  Ergo's are great, and it is a wonderful all around bike.

I'm 6' tall, but only have a 31.5" inseam.  The Ninja was an easy flat foot.  The Wee is a little more of a stretch, but still do-able.  Lowering links in various lengths are available.  I use my Wee as a daily commuter, general round about, and weekend explorer.

The Wee's have a great reputation and great dependability history.  If you can find one in your range, I would snap it up.  The Versys also has great dependability and history.  I test rode one and it just wasn't right for me, but they are very popular.  All the bikes you have mentioned would be great.  Good luck!