In a rush: Suzuki V-Strom 650 vs. BMW F650 GS TWIN

[estebangc]

Hi all,

We leave in two days: if you were going to ride with a pillion on tarmac for some 3000 kms in 14 days, what would you get, V-Strom or F650 GS Twin ABS? Confort for the pillion is essential (my wife is able to complain up to 8 times per second in a good day).

We had a plan to go to South Africa, but had to put it on stand-by. But we finally go and have to choose today the bike we rent, so we are in a RUSH!

I'm not a big BMW fan, but for 10% more we'd get GPS and top box in addition to the panniers (the only attribute in the Suzuki; I had planned duffle and map).

Thanks in advance!

Esteban

[John Downs]

That's a tough choice. Both are decent road bikes. I don't own either so will defer to others who know which pillion seat is more comfortable, but personally would take a GS with GPS and topbox for wifey to lean back against. Although the DL with soft bag strapped on would be cheaper. Hmmmm. Ideally go to dealers and try sitting on both to check them out where you live. Probably no time for that though. Maybe flip a coin?

I'm no help.:-)

Cheers,
John Downs

[estebangc]

Originally Posted by John Downs

That's a tough choice. Both are decent road bikes. I don't own either so will defer to others who know which pillion seat is more comfortable, but personally would take a GS with GPS and topbox for wifey to lean back against. Although the DL with soft bag strapped on would be cheaper. Hmmmm. Ideally go to dealers and try sitting on both to check them out where you live. Probably no time for that though. Maybe flip a coin?

I'm no help.:-)

Cheers,
John Downs

Of course you are of great help. Loved your trip on the Sherpa, I feel much closer to that (but this is a good chance now). 1st time renting a big/expensive bike so I get lost! (I was offered a 1200GSA for a little more, but what do I do with such a beast??? add a little $, add a little $... the you get to big $$$$).

Good point the back rest, but I guess the top box pairs with the panniers (SW Motech Trax), so could be just an alu box, no back rest.

Actually, I'd get the cheaper Suzuki, but the other guys were nicer and I value that quite a lot. So would like to know "what's more comfortable for a pillion", although I just read Chris Scott's review on awful saddle in the BMW!!! (I wonder if my wife would prefer that for me to ride less...?)

I'll end up flipping a coing! Thanks again!

[PaulD]

I have had both those bikes (still have the BMW 650 twin at jungle junction waiting our return in Aug.) Now my wife says that the V-Strom was more comfy for the pillion, and I changed the seat on the BMW to a Corbin one but she still says the V-strom, I would still get a pillow or a Air Hawk to go on it & the back rest is a must. However are numerous test rides in Australia, the wife decided to ride her own bike ?
Cheers
Paul

[estebangc]

Thanks PaulD, that was a valuable experience.

I went for the Suzuki, let's see.

Thanks to all,

Esteban

PS: Paul, your wife's XT is really cool (not that your F650GS is not, but hers is cooler!) :-)