Suzuki Vstrom

What do you folks think of the 650 and 1000 Vstrom? Sure would appreciate
hearing about the pro and cons.....

Doing some off roading? They are considered dual sport.

Yes, that would be the overall goal. I want to do an Alaskan tour. But I'd
also like a bike that's useful for the interstate as-well-as city traffic.

Dual sport sure seems like a good fit...

It's the nicest road worthy dual sport around.

Well, I'll grant you that it's competition to the BMW R-GS bikes. :-) I
sat on a V-Strom at a bike show several years ago and its comfy upright
posture reminded me of my R1100GS, which I use as my daily commuter.

discuss the advantages of the V-Strom and the Wee-Strom with a bunch of
rowdy, opinionated guys, some of whom have actually ridden their
motorcycles to Alaska.

Great bikes.

650 would be my choice only because I don't need any tickets... If you put
the 1000 seat on the 650, you can ride all day according to my friend who
does so. He just got back from an 850 mile loop from here in NJ to the
Canadian border and all around northern NY state and back.

I've ridden it. Smooth power delivery. Almost as smooth as my Valkyrie.
The 650 is quick enough too. Unless you really want to fly like a sport
biker or off-road like a dual-sporter, or lounge like a Goldwinger or
cruiser, it's the bike of choice in it's price range and size IMHO.

Plus, you can get 300 miles out of a single tank of gas if you play your
cards right on the 650.

Here are a few forums to check out. Stromtroopers, V-Strom Riders
International and ADV Rider. More info than you'll ever want to see. I ride
an 06 DL1000 and think that it is almost a perfect bike. More on-road than
off-road though, doesn't mind a little hard packed dirt or gravel now and
then. Absolutely hates mud with the stock tires. Comfortable seating
position. Plenty of power in both sizes. I think of it as the SUV of sport
tourers. Pay attention to the seat height though, it's up there...

Wayne
Suzuki DL1000K6 "V-Strom"

under the "Beasts" section.

I had the DL1000 and loved it. Farkled it to the hilt and went everywhere on
it. Fast enough, good handler, and sometimes most important for me, very
comfortable. I put 8500 miles on it in about 7 months or so.

Same old lament, I shouldn't have sold it. :-(

My riding buddy has had the 650 for two years and put 40k on the thing. It's
still going strong. Another guy I ride with now and then just got a 650 to
go along with his FJR. The last three rides he's been on with the usual
group he has brought the 650. What does that say? We, usually, do anywhere
from 100 to 400 milers. He loves the thing as well.

You cannot go wrong.