Should I get a VStrom XT 650/1,000?
Discussion
Looking at a second bike. Naked bikes aren't for me. I love my SV650 but it is too small and even buying screens the wind still hits me at neck height and its very tiring on any motorway stretch.
I want to ride, tour. Possibly overseas. I was talking to my wife last night. She wants a beach etc holiday and I could ride down/out to meet her wherever as a compromise.
Would a VStrom be too similar to a SV?
Should I get a 1,000 whilst I'm at it?
I had a spin on a KTM1290 and it felt just too cumbersome thinking about it. I'd like to commute on the bike as well..
I want to ride, tour. Possibly overseas. I was talking to my wife last night. She wants a beach etc holiday and I could ride down/out to meet her wherever as a compromise.
Would a VStrom be too similar to a SV?
Should I get a 1,000 whilst I'm at it?
I had a spin on a KTM1290 and it felt just too cumbersome thinking about it. I'd like to commute on the bike as well..
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...
bsidethecside said:
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...
The KTM is 4.5k.. 2017. It had a repair to the engine casing from a fall 2 years ago using metal weld bonding glue. 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...
It's a gamble in more than one sense (the repair and too much bike for commuting) but very tempting.
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.
KTMsm said:
Hugo Stiglitz said:
The KTM is 4.5k.. 2017. It had a repair to the engine casing from a fall 2 years ago using metal weld bonding glue.
A 1290 for £4.5k there must be considerably more issues than just a casing
And 40,000miles, 1 owner. Its my brothers best friends bike. He could be pulling the wool over my eyes but he's got alittle more Decorum than that. Worsecase it'd be hard to sell (or) I'd need to factor in 1,800 for a new casing + 1,000 for labour if it did fail.
I really like the bike, my only 'fear' is if failing. Physically it's a big bike but on the test ride I didn't stall it or panic in any form.
Feel free to talk me into it!
The rear was quite noisy (chain needs replacing) and the first 10-15 mins the revs rose and fell.
Oh and it was noisy but Google tells me these engines are when cold.
Edited by Hugo Stiglitz on Tuesday 7th June 19:39
Hugo Stiglitz said:
Agree I'm doing abit of digging on TIG welding. A UK KTM local mechanic said the casing was magnesium alloy so wasn't weldable but that could have been a statement to avoid an offocial source condoning mod/adapting an a product.
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).
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