Should I get a VStrom XT 650/1,000?
Discussion
Prepare for lots of different responses. Vstrom is an OK bike. Nothing spectacular but generally capable. That said, there are lots of alternatives.
Whatever happens, you need to try a number of different bikes and different styles to find what suits you and what you’re happy with. You don’t say what it was about the KTM that made it cumbersome.
When it comes to touring, and continental touring especially, I find bigger engine bikes more relaxed and easier to live with. If you’re going anywhere “worth going to” then it will inevitably involve a significant number of miles on boring roads and being able to do that in relaxed comfort, quickly and efficiently, can make a significant difference to the overall trip.
However, once you get to the nice roads, it would be a shame to not be able to enjoy them on something that is relatively fun to ride, even with luggage on board. This is the bit that I’d suggest the Vstrom will struggle a little more with.
As for commuting, how far, what roads and how often? Any bike can commute but for 5 miles each way, all on 20 or 30mph city roads then a scooter is probably a better option.
Whatever happens, you need to try a number of different bikes and different styles to find what suits you and what you’re happy with. You don’t say what it was about the KTM that made it cumbersome.
When it comes to touring, and continental touring especially, I find bigger engine bikes more relaxed and easier to live with. If you’re going anywhere “worth going to” then it will inevitably involve a significant number of miles on boring roads and being able to do that in relaxed comfort, quickly and efficiently, can make a significant difference to the overall trip.
However, once you get to the nice roads, it would be a shame to not be able to enjoy them on something that is relatively fun to ride, even with luggage on board. This is the bit that I’d suggest the Vstrom will struggle a little more with.
As for commuting, how far, what roads and how often? Any bike can commute but for 5 miles each way, all on 20 or 30mph city roads then a scooter is probably a better option.
Moving bikes around when not riding is something that comes with practice. Compared to the big mega-tourers like the Goldwing or the K1600GTL any KTM is a relative tiddler yet riders of those bikes cope! No one will deny that, in general, maller, lighter bikes are easier to move around but, for any bike, it's all about technique, parctice and what you're used to.
Had a Non-XT 2017 Vstrom 1000 myself. Great bike and pokier and lighter than you'd think it would be.
A 1000 would be miles better than a 650 for when 2-up.
Only downsides I'd say are:
1. Image
2. Whilst engine is fine it is a bit agricultural (been around since Tl1000 days)
3. I had issues with the power from the battery - unless fully FULLY charged it struggles turning over. I think its something to do with some of the electrics introduced that year (2017) and I'm not the only one that had issues with it.
The differences between the XT and non-XT (for 2017 to 2020) are minimal. Think the only diffs are spoked wheels and handlebars. All the electrics are the same (cornering ABS etc), which some people don't realise. For 2021 onwards (i.e. 1050) the differences are much more.
A 1000 would be miles better than a 650 for when 2-up.
Only downsides I'd say are:
1. Image
2. Whilst engine is fine it is a bit agricultural (been around since Tl1000 days)
3. I had issues with the power from the battery - unless fully FULLY charged it struggles turning over. I think its something to do with some of the electrics introduced that year (2017) and I'm not the only one that had issues with it.
The differences between the XT and non-XT (for 2017 to 2020) are minimal. Think the only diffs are spoked wheels and handlebars. All the electrics are the same (cornering ABS etc), which some people don't realise. For 2021 onwards (i.e. 1050) the differences are much more.
The 2014-on V Strom 1000 is an excellent bike (I owned a 2016 for 5 years and 30k miles). Worth buying over the 650 for the brakes, engine and suspension. It’s not the most exciting bike, but was fast enough, handled well and was pretty cheap to insure. Very good for two-up riding and had an incredibly comfortable seat. A great all-rounder. It’s a fantastic touring bike and had no issues keeping pace with a friend’s 2018 GSA.
The KTM 1290 Adventure is in a different league entirely, but the V Strom is relatively cheap and has a lot going for it.
The KTM 1290 Adventure is in a different league entirely, but the V Strom is relatively cheap and has a lot going for it.
Edited by TT1138 on Tuesday 7th June 10:23
A V-Strom and a KTM 1290 are very different propositions IMHO. The KTM can be a wild ride if you're in the mood and the V-Storm dull by comparison. The thing is, they exist in different places in the market and pricing reflects that. The V-Strom is going to be a good all-day ride and last time I looked came with luggage as a decent price option. A KTM will be min £5k more.
Also, big KTMs seem to be struggling with availability if buying new. If you want a big miles bike, the V-Strom will be a good workhorse and with a lower seat will feel more manageable, but at 6'2" I daresay you're going to be fine on either.
My personal view after a test ride was that there was nothing wrong with the V-Strom, but it wasn't terribly exciting after my KTM. If I was on a tight budget or wanted a commuter, then the easy riding and low down manners of the engine would make it a fine choice. If I had more cash and wanted something for fun, then it may not be so appealing.
With an engine that can be traced back 20-odd years, I'd also say I'd trust the V-Strom for reliability over and above a lot of alternatives as well. Speaking to a dealer, warranty claims are almost non-existent. Can't say the same for a lot of bikes...
Also, big KTMs seem to be struggling with availability if buying new. If you want a big miles bike, the V-Strom will be a good workhorse and with a lower seat will feel more manageable, but at 6'2" I daresay you're going to be fine on either.
My personal view after a test ride was that there was nothing wrong with the V-Strom, but it wasn't terribly exciting after my KTM. If I was on a tight budget or wanted a commuter, then the easy riding and low down manners of the engine would make it a fine choice. If I had more cash and wanted something for fun, then it may not be so appealing.
With an engine that can be traced back 20-odd years, I'd also say I'd trust the V-Strom for reliability over and above a lot of alternatives as well. Speaking to a dealer, warranty claims are almost non-existent. Can't say the same for a lot of bikes...
I was at an event that Dave Marsden of Z Power fame was at, he wanted to do a round the world tour with his other half , wanted something new, cheap and reliable.
After some research and a few test rides he concluded the 1000 V strom was the bike for them.
He did the trip and kept it another few years, taking it to over 100,000 miles with only a wheel bearing or two to replace…id say great choice for your intended use.
After some research and a few test rides he concluded the 1000 V strom was the bike for them.
He did the trip and kept it another few years, taking it to over 100,000 miles with only a wheel bearing or two to replace…id say great choice for your intended use.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
You want to speak to this guy.https://m.allmetalweldingservices.co.uk/MobileOnsi...
He did a fix on my k1300 that nobody else wanted to touch. If anyone can do it it's him. I wouldn't trust liquid metal for anything other than short-term (albeit the left side case of my cbf500 had it done about 5 gears ago and its held).
I’m afraid my answer is very predictable 
I’ve had the 1050 V-Strom and it is a lot of bike for the money and comfy too, but it’s not quick and it is dull, I kept mine for a year.
I chopped it in for Kawasaki SX1000 Ninja, great bike, plenty quick enough but like the V-Strom not very exiting, looks a bit like a sportsbike but it really isn’t and I also didn’t find it particularly comfy on longer rides. I’m also 6’ 2” by the way .
So I’ve ended up with, yes you’ve guessed it a 1250GS (non adventure) on road tyres and I couldn’t be happier with it. Quick enough without being proper quick, sounds great (std exhaust) and handles very well, better than me and so far comfy on a 5 hour run with just a fuel stop. It’s not new 2.5 years old but even at that age a few grand more than a new V-Strom
Go and try a few a see how you get on
I’ve had the 1050 V-Strom and it is a lot of bike for the money and comfy too, but it’s not quick and it is dull, I kept mine for a year.
I chopped it in for Kawasaki SX1000 Ninja, great bike, plenty quick enough but like the V-Strom not very exiting, looks a bit like a sportsbike but it really isn’t and I also didn’t find it particularly comfy on longer rides. I’m also 6’ 2” by the way .
So I’ve ended up with, yes you’ve guessed it a 1250GS (non adventure) on road tyres and I couldn’t be happier with it. Quick enough without being proper quick, sounds great (std exhaust) and handles very well, better than me and so far comfy on a 5 hour run with just a fuel stop. It’s not new 2.5 years old but even at that age a few grand more than a new V-Strom
Go and try a few a see how you get on
I had a 2017 V-Strom 650 for commuting 5 miles to the office. I used it for 2 years every day unless it snowed. It was a great commuter. I really wouldn't have wanted to put those miles on something more precious. I also did a couple of longer trips on it with panniers and it was great for those too. Even stood up well to some bint side swiping me at a roundabout. It didn't make me want to get it out of the garage for a ride at the weekend though to say the least. I'm currently between bikes and doubt I'll go back to Suzuki again when the time comes. They are good reliable bikes but a bit meh.
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