Main reason? Well…i’m not using it as it should be used (on track or fast A/B road riding) and after 45 minutes on it my wrists and arms are killing me!
Another reason for the downsize is fuel economy on the gixxer. It’s not that bad really, but after finding out in December that i’m going to be a dad i’m starting to look at the finances more closely.
So, with that in mind i’m looking at the VStrom 650. They got some pretty good reviews and fuel economy sounds impressive.
Not a Vsrom rider myself, but the new version is a vast improvement on the old model. I test rode them back to back a while ago and the difference is noticable. Really enjoyed the ride and considered buying one, but at the time the new version hadn’t been out long and was just outside my price bracket.
Accessories can set you back, so make sure you know what you need in advance and look for a used one with all the right stuff on. Belly pan is essential if you are going to commute as Suzies aren’t known for taking too well to salty roads, crash bars and paniers can be an expensive aftermarket buy too. the suzuki belly pan was £££££ I seem to remember.
I’d still consider one if my KTM ever gave up, would make an excelent commuting bike I think.
Every one of my friends oin Greece who has had one has praised it. It’s not the most exciting bike, granted but in terms of comfort and practicality it’s pretty good… apparently
A couple of friends went to germany and spain and back and said it was also very comfortable and easy to do big miles.
Often described as the best bike you’d never consider buying.
Have a look at the Versys 650, or the TDM900, both have very good fuel economy and are very reliable. The downside to the Strom is the 19" front rim, as you won’t be able to get a wider choice of tyre for it. PR2, PR3 etc aren’t made in those sizes.
I ride a KLV1000 which is a Kawasaki badged Vstrom 1000. The 650 (Weestrom) is certainly a nice comfy bike, but a little underpowered (IMHO). If you ever do two up or long distances the 1000 is the one to go for, but of course economy suffers. I’ve had mine for about 6 years - I abuse and neglect it and it just keeps on going…
I would love to get the VStrom 1000 or KLV1000, but if i’m honest about how i see myself using it, then there will be no major tours or long distance 2 up riding anytime soon.
For now the comfort and fuel economy are the most importance factors, but i know it will take some time to get used to a 650 again after riding the gixxer 1000 for almost 2 years.
Then yeah the weestrom is a good choice. It’s plenty powerful enough for commuting, it’s very comfortable and the riding position will feel like an armchair compared to the gixxer.
I had an SV1000s a few years back but it got totalled by a cage - the riding position of the S is similar to a sportsbike so not what you are looking for - but the naked looks like a cracking bike and good value too.
Can’t quote figures on fuel economy but I don’t remember the fuel bills being any different from other 1000’s I’ve ridden.
Vstrom. good choice. Versys, just as good but fugly. If fuel economy is what you are after but a bit of fun too, check out some of the new KTM’s, they are getting really good figures at the moment.
