At the moment I'm riding around on a Ducati Monster 695, it's probably not the best choice for me for doing any sort of distance on. I often find myself getting pins and needles and numb hands after short distances (often less than 50 miles) because of the way I've always got all my weight pushing forwards onto my wrists I'm guessing. I'm currently planning on doing a trip to Spain later this year and and even though I do love my bike for a quick spin on country roads I'm now seriously considering switching it as 3,000 miles of numb hands doesn't sound too appealing.

Can you guys recommend the V-Strom? My other half has just passed and was looking at one and I'm now rather interested myself, it seems to be good value for money and a lot of people recommend them, what do you think? Can you offer any alternatives? Bearing in mind I'd have an '07 Monster 695 with 5k miles on the clock to trade-in and a budget of £1k-2k max on top of that.

Thanks!

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99 Adventures - It's about the things we do, the people we meet and the places we see.

Gary,

I used to ride a Kawasaki KLR 650 and found a similar phenomenon as you with your bike, numb hands and feet after long rides. The thumper simply buzzes you to death.

In 2006, I decided to bump it up a notch and look for a more comfortable dual-sport bike. I narrowed it down to to BMW GS vs. V-Strom. After reading a lot online, riding a GS 1200 and a Strom 650, comparing prices, comparing what people said about repairs (or the lack thereof), as well as maintenance costs, and chances of finding parts/service in Mexico and Central America, I opted for the Strom. My riding is a daily commute to work on busy urban highway death traps and an annual long trip to the West Texas desert or to Mexico (dirt roads mostly). One day a ride down to Panama I hope.

I happened across a used V-Strom 1000. I'd wanted the 650, but the 2002, Storm 1000 price was right and only had 4,700 miles on it. Although it took me about 3 months of commuting 45 miles one way to work to learn to control the beast, I've grown to love it. By control I mean it accelerates way faster than the KLR, is heavier, takes longer to stop, etc. simply because of its power and weight. I now have 37,000 miles on it and have only replaced the tires, chain, and head lamp. It's been down mile after mile of desert dirt roads fully loaded with camping gear...twice. And, a two-up, fully loaded trip from Texas to Colorado (to a HU event no doubt).

I've three riding buddies with the Wee-Strom (650) and we've traded bikes while out riding. I'd say the 650 is just as good as the 1000. Handles well, and they keep up with my 1000 just fine. In fact, when I wear this one out I'll probably look for a newer year model Strom 650 (much better gas mileage than the 1000 [54 mpg vs. my 33 mpg]).

Adventure Rider Motorcycle Forum has several threads comparing Stroms to other bikes. Don't take my word for it.

Good luck with the choice and the trip to Spain. I was there last summer, but with a rental car only. Wish I'd had a bike.

Scott

I've been over here in the US for seven months now, and still it amuses me to think of the DL650 (V-Strom) as any sort of dual-sport bike, but the Americans love 'em!

The engine is by all accounts a peach - and if you are used to the Ducati V-twin, you'll like the characteristics of the Suzuki 650 I'm sure, it's the same, but a bit smoother (and a touch more powerful).

It would clearly be a more suitable touring machine, but I just can't bare the styling - which coming from a Ducati, I imagine may well be a priority for you too?

Have you considered fitting a higher set of bars to your Monster? - I have the Renthal 6 inch Trials bars on mine - it give's a good two inches more rise, and a more gentle sweep - far more comfortable over distance, although the windblast at higher speeds still remains of course. Certainly when you get down to Spain you'll love having the Monster on those mountain roads!

That said, the 'Strom shows a pretty clean pear of heels too... and when you're on it, at least you're not looking at it...

xxx

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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99 Adventures - It's about the things we do, the people we meet and the places we see.

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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ozhan u.
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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

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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99 Adventures - It's about the things we do, the people we meet and the places we see.

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.

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!

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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99 Adventures - It's about the things we do, the people we meet and the places we see.

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

I have the original 2000 DL1000 (sadly in storage in Canada while I'm living in Scotland) and I love it. That said, it is a bit of a tractor around town, tall, and huge low-end torque, which mean massive engine breaking. Bottom line, it's difficult for someone of my relatively small frame (5'7", 160 lbs) to ride subtly at low speeds. But, give it some room to fly and it does just that!

I understand the DL650 motor is smoother than the DL1000, so that would only be good news. One gripe I have with the DL650 is that, AFAIK, aside from the seat (which is more cut down (and harder)) the two bikes are exactly the same size (obviously the 650 is lighter). If the 650 was actually a wee version of the DL1000 I would own one.

You may hear that the Strom isn't tough enough for off-road use. BAH! I say! Sure, it's not *as* tough as the BMW equivalent, but look at the price point. Put a good quality skid plate on there and off you go. I've heard tales of people mangling the cast wheels but I've hit some nasty holes at speed and haven't had a problem.

The stock tires my vintage of bike came with were notoriously poor off-road, especially in the mud (trail wing? or was it death wing?) so consider some better rubber.

I also went through all sorts of efforts to lower my bike, dropped the front in the triple-clamps a full inch (yes, that's a lot, and not recommended, although I never had a problem), then installed lowering links in the back and dropped front and back an additional 3/4 inch. Unfortunately when I then installed a certain high-end skid-plate kit (Suzuki V-Strom Motor Guards) the front fender wouldn't clear under breaking, meaning I couldn't steer under braking! What's my point to all of this? Even at 5'7", I eventually raised the bike back up (still down 1" in front for handling) and just got used to it, and it's fine.

I also installed barback risers to make the riding position more vertical/neutral for me: TwistedThrottle.com : Handlebar riser barbacks & top clamps (BMW, Ducati, Gas-Gas, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM LC4, MZ, Suzuki, Triumph, Yamaha) - pair, 1" rise & 1" pullback - LEH.00.039.152

One important thing to note. Since there are just those two huge pistons, it's KEY to ensure that the throttle bodies are synchronized. It's a fun project if you're handy, otherwise have them done. It can make all the difference.

Luck!

''''Sure, it's not *as* tough as the BMW equivalent''''

You're right ,it's not as tough as the BMW equivalent - IT'S TOUGHER .

[ and more reliable ] .

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"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."