Old bike or new? Which should I buy?

[nick949]

NON GUZZI CONTENT. I don't even mention Guzzis, but I was riding my friend Norm's V-Strom and it got me thinking about the riding, mileage, distance and money.

https://youtu.be/JIT0vod7EAo

Nick

[lazlokovacs]

nailed it yet again nick

 

[fotoguzzi]

The sound/noise it makes is kind of a turn off.

[Canuck750]

Excellent video Nick, I couldn't agree more with your observations. I think any modern Japanese middleweight ADV bike is great machine, and considering how short the riding season is in Canada, most riders putting on low km each year, there are many great used bikes available. Can't justify buying new unless it was a silly deal. I have a standing offer with a local dealership to take one of my vintage machines towards a new V85, that the only way I will go for a new bike.

[LowRyter]

I always look for a used creampuff.   First, I settle on a bike that I like and have test ridden.  Next, I'll look at owner experience regarding satisfaction and reliability.  If there aren't any prevalent problems, finally, I look for a low miles, cared for bike. 

So far as the VStrom.  They're great bikes and thousands of them out there.   If that's what you want, find one.  No reason to buy new and eat the depreciation. 

EDIT:  I just saw it, congrats Nick, good job.  I suppose my comments (above) weren't needed. 

[slopokes]

Had three v storms and traded the last one in for the v85 after two test rides— that last suit has no pockets.

[nick949]

BTW, while I was on Vancouver Island I had a brief ride on a friend's V85TT. Impressed...yes indeed. Perhaps.....in a few years.......

Nick

[Huzo]

I am as big a fan of yours as you’ll find out there Nick and for the record, if I never watched another “test” of a bike on video except by you, I’d be happy.
Honest, self deprecating and insightful.
But…..
Your observations are dripping with factual reality and common sense, but there lies the problem. Bikes have no link to either of the above, they are a vehicle to allow us to engage a passion that we enjoy.
Just like a good relationship, it’s the things that make us bristle occasionally that provide the spice.
This forum is as good as it demonstrably is, because we can engage others to help and give and receive direction, through quirky and perplexing issues.
The Suzuki has none of these, it’s the wooden spoon of bikes and that is it’s best feature as much as it’s worst.
I own a ‘99 SV 650S and I know how “good” they are, but not “interesting”.

Stick with the Guzzi’s Nick, for our sakes as much as yours.

[Tom H]

I thought you were going to go up the berm a tad and "spin" it around. But no......you backed up

Nice vid,
Tom

[nick949]

I am as big a fan of yours as you’ll find out there Nick and for the record, if I never watched another “test” of a bike on video except by you, I’d be happy.

Stick with the Guzzi’s Nick, for our sakes as much as yours.

No worries there Huzo. I love my Guzzis and I agree the vstrom is an appliance, which some people like. Yet.....I have a disturbing fondness for my Cavalcade.

[80CX100]

Hey Nick,    Excellent video & insight,

      I had a 1st gen Vstrom 1000 full dressed, fairing, luggage, etc, picked it up in rough shape, very cheap.

     Re the a/m comment about the sound, I found a set of StainTunes, transformed the bike for me, sounded like a well tuned Ducati with pipes to my ears.

      I know they've improved the electrical/chasis systems over the years a lot, I never felt planted on the pavement on that bike, was very glad to see it go and still be alive.

      The engine on the 1000 was a beast; with the 6 spd OD tranny I was always going waayyyy too damn fast on it. 80 mph you still weren't in the power band.

      The opinion on it not being quirky would change the first time you had to remove the tupper ware and cams to adjust the valves,

      Seating the hydraulic clutch push rod seal on Oxygen was ingenious as well   

     

[Kiwi_Roy]

As much as I enjoy watching your videos and reading your books I don't think I will be queueing to buy a book on riding a Vstrom to the end of the earth.
There are of course a million Vstrom owners who will see it differently.
-
Having said all that I did enjoy the Vstrom video as I enjoyed the ride along on your Panther so perhaps its your style I enjoy.
Oh and old bike does it for me.

[geoff in almonte]

I have a buddy that rode a Wee Strom for several years.

His opinion?  "The Toyota Corolla of motorcycles", and "Borrrring".

My opinion - they're FUGLEE!

YMMV

G

[Stretch]

Well, buying a used bike does make lots of sense. I've bought only 1 new bike in the
last 45 years of riding, and that was my 2011 Rocket III Touring. Not as everyday practical
as a V-Strom to be sure, but I love that machine!   

That said, for most of us, riding is about more than just plain old transportation; although I
greatly prefer to use a bike for that as well. Adventure, romance, and idiosyncrasies are all
part of motorcycling - at least to me. And i like being out in the fresh air and the 4 seasons.
I keep thinking of getting a KLR650, but is it too much of
an appliance? It's a two-wheeled mule, but would it tick all (or any?!) of the other boxes? I'd ride more
in the winter with one for sure, 'cuz I wouldn't worry about it's cosmetics. And it's WAAY more practical
on gravel roads than the aforementioned Triumph or the big Cali 1400. I guess I've first got to test
ride one and see if it does anything for me.

                                                                            -Stretch