Suzuki V-Strom

Hey guys -

I'm looking at getting a new bike... anyone heard anything good/bad about the 650VSTROM? I've heard many good reviews, just wondering if there was anything I should worry about getting one (besides the fact its butt ugly).

I'm lookin for a cheaper bike that has cheaper insurance, but will still perform well. I'm figuring that if I can't get another supersport and I have to get an "ugly" bike it should atleast be ugly with a purpose

Sorry if this doesn't make a whole lotta sense, docs have me on some pain meds.

Any other recommendations?

Also, what are the orange names? Contributers?

Maybe look at some of the SuMo's?

Why SV over VSTROM? I was thinking the dual sport thing would be kinda cool.

Maybe we should change my SN to "crash"... I ended up zoning out and grabbing too much brake when a car in front of me stopped. Apparently I endoed the bike into the back of a mustang and got launched 30 ft infront of the car. Broke a chunk of my scapula off and a nice little fracture up the middle of it.

Yeah Yeah Yeah, I know I screwed up pretty good, but my shoulder is reminding me of it everyday.

Now I'm going to be downgrading, something with cheap insurance and maybe some offroad capabilities. Most of time I'm commuting though.

Crash phone call

Travis "Hey, so ya, um.. I crashed"
Brooke "Oh my gosh! Where are you? Are you okay?"
Travis "Ya, I'm okay, my shoulder hurts a little bit"
Brooke "I'm headed right over!"

I leave and pull up to 4 cop cars and Travis sitting in an ambulance with a really wrecked bike nearby! He neglected to tell me how BAD he wrecked on the phone!

Really, I'm looking for something that is a better financial choice, but still alot of fun. I figure if I can't have a good looking sportbike then I could go with something that is a dualsport or something, figure if it is going to be ugly, might as well have a reason for being ugly . Plus I can't quite get myself to move to a cruiser.

CBR1000 was a great bike, I loved it, but the insurance rates for me were insane ($250/month) with the economy the way it is, I figure I can get a cheaper bike, cheaper insurance and put some money away. I'm open to bike type. Monster was a cool idea, but high maintenance costs.

If statefarm drops me I can't get a CBR 600 (my next choice) b/c they are the only ones that do it straight by CC. With progressive a VSTROM650 will only cost 100/month.

The accident was my fault... going from class to a meeting on campus... Zoned out, (yeah I know screwed up big, but figured others can learn from it) car stopped in front of me, I realized what was going on, grabbed a handful of front break, and endoed the bike, throwing me 20-30 ft in front of the car and having the bike hit the car in front.

Brooke not saying anything was my fault, she posted some stuff on facebook and I kinda got onto her b/c I didnt want to deal with it. I'll let her know that updates here are okay -- Also wanted to mention that she has been a great help as far as taking care of things I need, from getting the bike from the scene (so I don't need a tow) to helping out with day to day things that I can't do with a right arm.

Pay attention out there! Zoning out is not an option, even when you think your in a safe place!

What about a KLR?

Thats definitely on the list. Do you have any reviews on it?

I've considered a Wee Strom, as well. It's hard to beat for functionality and, while it doesn't do one thing the best, it does a lot of things really well.

I rode with a guy in Houston that had a CBR F4 and a Wee Strom - the F4 never saw much street time. Throw some bags on the side and go anywhere, on or off-road. I've never ridden one, myself, but everyone that has one loves it. It carries quite the cult with it and there are tons of farkles you can throw on it to "make the bike your own".

Great gas mileage and comfy ergos can make for some long trips as well as a great commuter.

If, god forbid, anything ever happened to my Futura, a wee would probably replace it. At least until Aprilia releases a new Futura or the V4 Tuono - but that's another story.

I'll give you a good deal on my F4i!!

Seriously though...motard.

Never ridden one myself but a guy at work has one and loves it.

A drz would be great for what he's describing and would be cheap to insure.

Here are some other options:

F 650 GS... sweet ride but the ergos are a bit tight. More for a small person, aka WOMAN... No seriously, fits the GF perfectly.

F 800 GS These things have been getting RAVE reviews. Good power and balance for dual sporting.

Wee Strom and V-strom both good bikes but if you sit on the bikes above and test ride them you will see they are worth the 1-2k more. BMW's just feel way more solid than any othe bike out there. IMO

GF has a DL 650. DAWG. Got 60 plus MPG but you paid for it on the performance side of the house. And I mean paid for it. Thing wouldn't get out of its own way and was crap in the dirt.

As for the KLR. Top heavy, have to real careful with it off road as it has a tendency to DIVE in sand or mud. Soft spring rate up front. Same for the DL.

KTM also makes some "little" dual sports in the 550-650cc range.

Good luck in your search for a new toy. Sorry to hear about your off but you are alive to ride another day.

Again, don't ride the BMW's. They get in your head, even your soul and stay there till you buy one. Then every time you pass it in the garage it calls out to you,

"blow off work, lets go play on street and in the dirt"
"ride me instead of the GF"
"Don't take the FEEJ, I can do more"
"The truck today? You puzzy". (that one hurt)
"the mountain bike, oh come on... I do it better and ya know it"

Tellin ya, the things are evil....

FS: 2006 Wee-strom DL650 in Bryan, TX - TWT Forums

IMO, great choice!, the bike is available with ABS, is reasonably cheap to insure, great mileage (6 speed) and as mentioned... tons of farkles..
the bike will take you anywhere you point it, how "off road" you want to go depends on you.
The bike has been around for a long time, has all the bugs out and is a solid performer.

Myself, I chose the 1000 cause I like to go big..... but there is a lot of times I wish I had bought the 650.....