Can't decide on the bike, opinions?

[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!