A Choice to make soon
 

Hello all, this is my first post.

Growing up I used to ride dirt bikes all the time and when I got older I rode several midsize street bikes for awhile. Then life happened and I didn't ride much after that.
Now, thirty years later I want to get back into riding. I've been looking at many bikes and I'm very interested in the "adventure" style. I like the upright riding position and even though I plan to ride primarily on hard roads, I like the idea of venturing up dirt roads to explore from time to time. After I get the hang of it my wife also wants to ride as a pillion with me. We used to do some of that when we were dating.
I have found three potential bikes all in my price range and want to see what anyone else thinks about these:
2005 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom - 17K miles
2009 Kawasaki 650 Versys new - been sitting in a show room for a long time
2014 Honda CB500X also new

I am interested in this community's opinions.

Thanks

Hi Stevo2112 and welcome,
All of the bikes you list are very capable, I personally would go for the Honda 500 but would suggest you test ride them all and buy the one you feel happiest riding.

I a similar dilemma a couple of years ago, CB500X, Versys 650 or a V-Strom 650 (the newer 2012 version). I thought the Honda might be a bit underpowered for a pillion; the Versys would be the most fun on the street but I wouldn't take it up a dirt road so ending up going for the V-Strom.

Last year I rode it from England to Morocco and back; performed brilliantly :thumbup1:

Although a bit too heavy for me off-road so i'll be looking for something lighter this year.