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V-Strom 650? V-Strom 650?
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
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Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 17 Apr 2009
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walkstx, thanks for your story, it always helps to hear about other people's experiences!

JMo, indeed I absolutely LOVE the way the monster looks and sounds and I guess when I got it styling was definitely high on the list. The problem is that really I want two bikes, one that looks nice, sounds nice and is great for a weekend spin and one to ride to Spain (and hopefully much more). However, cost is an issue and unfortunately I can only have one! :P
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  #2  
Old 17 Apr 2009
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i own a dl650 and love it. it is tough bike with smooth ride in highways and capable of doing light tracks. highly recommended..
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  #3  
Old 17 Apr 2009
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Originally Posted by Sgt Beardy View Post
JMo, indeed I absolutely LOVE the way the monster looks and sounds and I guess when I got it styling was definitely high on the list. The problem is that really I want two bikes, one that looks nice, sounds nice and is great for a weekend spin and one to ride to Spain (and hopefully much more). However, cost is an issue and unfortunately I can only have one! :P
If you were on the Monster forum, someone would pipe up "why not get a Multistrada?" - but that is even uglier! - just because it says Ducati on the tank... well, it ain't no Monster (actually, ironically it is more of a 'Monster' than the Monster itself?!)...

A Givi (or similar) screen and some soft bags would make the 695 bearable, but I know what you mean...

You'll appreciate the smoothness and power of the V-Strom on the road, but if you want to go dirt-road/trail riding, I'd really look at the new XT660Z Tenere - it's great value, and a great bike...

xxx
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  #4  
Old 18 Apr 2009
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Well, I actually test rode a V-Strom today and... I did kinda like it! It took me a while to get used to a couple of things. The gearing seems very different to the monster, I find myself doing a lot more gear changes wheras the monster I normally sit on a gear for ages before finding the need to change. The riding position is great, very comfortable, no dead bum and best of all - no numb hands! I was suprised at how light it felt and how easy it was round the corners too, it'll easily get me to Spain!

So yeah, it's deffinately growing on me, but it'll still be a sad day when I trade the monster in for something so ugly!
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Old 19 Apr 2009
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Originally Posted by Sgt Beardy View Post
...but it'll still be a sad day when I trade the monster in for something so ugly!


With a few rare exceptions, most practical things will not win any design contests and most things/designer goods that look really cool are not that practical in real world use. Front fender and fairing of V-Strom is good example -- these are practical yet quite ugly. If you see these short fenders on F800GS or KTM 990 Adventure or Triumph Scrambler then you see that these bikes want to look good at the expense of actual usability and this costs you wet stuff from your front wheel on your face.
Last edited by Rebaseonu; 19 Apr 2009 at 10:49.
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  #6  
Old 19 Apr 2009
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If you can bear the looks, and the fact that its by no means a real offroad-nike, it is one hell of a tool for so many purposes. From town-riding to the twisties, to long trips 2-up fully loaded, there arent many bikes in 650 category, that can do all this comfortably.

Plus there seem to be very few known issues with this bike, that arent caused by misuse, so if kept well, its also one of the most troublefree machines around. And that engine from the SV sportsbike fits it like a glove, the delivery is very sweet. DL650 is real value for money, even if it looks a bit weird!
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Old 19 Apr 2009
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I think I can bear the looks, I'd rather be comfortable than looking "cool". :P

My other half is actually looking at a V-Strom too and when we went to test ride, the dealer was saying he could do "a cracking deal" for buying two, I'm not entirely sure what that means yet though. We're set to take my Monster down next week for him to see it so I guess we find out then.

So, would you guys recommend new or second-hand? Also, if we did decide to buy new, do you have any idea what sort of price you can knock a dealer down to? I've always been a bit crap at that sort of thing, but we're really on a budget here so need to get them as low as we possibly can.

Thanks from two newbies!
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  #8  
Old 3 May 2009
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Do it.
Everybody who tries the DL650 loves it.
Stromtrooper.com - Powered by vBulletin

This site will give you loads of info, including a few UK riders. Watch for off -road videos, you may be surprised.

PS: It's not ugly
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