Is it touring capable

[Bisbonian]

I had a V-Strom for a few years, I put a lot of miles on it.
Coming off a feet-forward cruiser, the riding position was strange at first but I got used to it quite quickly and wondered why I ever went over to the dark side.

The Strom isn't hugely heavy, but it's no light-weight either. The bad part for me was that the Strom carried its weight up high, it made it a little unwieldy at low speeds.

The V-Strom is a good all-around motorcycle. I liked the riding position and used it to ride in a variety of different environments. The 19" front wheel really gave it a leg up for rough surfaces, when compared to the more road-going 17" fronts.

I crashed mine a few times trying to treat it like an offroader. The bike is probably capable but I was not.

I sold my V-Strom to buy my 1200 Sport. The 1200 does everything better for me as long as I stay on the pavement.

After a while I got the dirt itch and bought a KTM 640 Adventure. It was a revelation for going offroad. The 21" front, relatively light weight, and huge suspension made me feel like superman. Unfortunately the reliability of the KTM was an issue and that made me feel like a full-time mechanic.

A few years ago I bought the CB500X. I wanted to get somewhat dirty again and was looking for a lightweight "Adventure" bike. The footpeg position was not great and the 17" front wheel made rough roads...rough. I did a few rides into Mexico, Baja and Copper Canyon, before I decided this just wasn't for me.

Last year I decided to give it another shot. I had some specific desires this time; front wheel bigger than 17", fuel injection, light weight, and fit in my budget. I test rode a few bikes, the RE Himalayan, Honda CRF250L Rally, and Kawasaki Versys-X.
I really liked the Himalayan, I was ready to be an owner. I understood the shortcomings and was okay with them as this bike did everything I wanted. But when I actually looked at my budget I realized that a new bike, no matter how inexpensive was out of the question.
I really wanted to like the Rally. A local dealer had one that they priced right at the top of my budget. I was going to buy, but then I rode it. Perhaps it was the test ride they provided, which involved following another rider on crowded surface streets, but the engine was totally uninspiring and doggy. It didn't help that the dealership was staffed by people I ended up not wanting to have to interact with.
The last bike was the Versys-X. Relatively light weight at under 400lb, it's a full-sized motorcycle even if it's only 300cc. It has the Most HP of any of the bikes I was looking at (38!) and will do highway speeds, topping out around 100mph.
The Versys-X uses the engine of the Ninja 300, so it revs to the moon. At highways speeds, around 80mph, the engine's turning at about 10k rpm. I put in earplugs as it just doesn't seem right to spin the engine that high.
Next week I have a trip planned down into Baja. I expect all will be fine.

[SeanF]

I have owned 2 650 V-Stroms, and found them perfectly adequate for all sorts of paved-road touring, grocery getting, graded/groomed off-road, and even a bit of riding at a spirited pace. I know a guy who uses one for on-racetrack riding instruction. If I were limited to only 1 do-(almost)-everything bike, a V-Strom 650 would be on my short list for consideration.

I'll echo the relatively few downsides: can feel top-heavy/unwieldy at parking lot speeds, or off-road. I don't really care for all of the plastics. Some industrious folks have come up with a "thin-Strom" variant that gets rid of some of the extra bulk.

That being said, I never really bonded with either one.

[Ncdan]

I had a V-Strom for a few years, I put a lot of miles on it.
Coming off a feet-forward cruiser, the riding position was strange at first but I got used to it quite quickly and wondered why I ever went over to the dark side.

The Strom isn't hugely heavy, but it's no light-weight either. The bad part for me was that the Strom carried its weight up high, it made it a little unwieldy at low speeds.

The V-Strom is a good all-around motorcycle. I liked the riding position and used it to ride in a variety of different environments. The 19" front wheel really gave it a leg up for rough surfaces, when compared to the more road-going 17" fronts.

I crashed mine a few times trying to treat it like an offroader. The bike is probably capable but I was not.

I sold my V-Strom to buy my 1200 Sport. The 1200 does everything better for me as long as I stay on the pavement.

After a while I got the dirt itch and bought a KTM 640 Adventure. It was a revelation for going offroad. The 21" front, relatively light weight, and huge suspension made me feel like superman. Unfortunately the reliability of the KTM was an issue and that made me feel like a full-time mechanic.

A few years ago I bought the CB500X. I wanted to get somewhat dirty again and was looking for a lightweight "Adventure" bike. The footpeg position was not great and the 17" front wheel made rough roads...rough. I did a few rides into Mexico, Baja and Copper Canyon, before I decided this just wasn't for me.

Last year I decided to give it another shot. I had some specific desires this time; front wheel bigger than 17", fuel injection, light weight, and fit in my budget. I test rode a few bikes, the RE Himalayan, Honda CRF250L Rally, and Kawasaki Versys-X.
I really liked the Himalayan, I was ready to be an owner. I understood the shortcomings and was okay with them as this bike did everything I wanted. But when I actually looked at my budget I realized that a new bike, no matter how inexpensive was out of the question.
I really wanted to like the Rally. A local dealer had one that they priced right at the top of my budget. I was going to buy, but then I rode it. Perhaps it was the test ride they provided, which involved following another rider on crowded surface streets, but the engine was totally uninspiring and doggy. It didn't help that the dealership was staffed by people I ended up not wanting to have to interact with.
The last bike was the Versys-X. Relatively light weight at under 400lb, it's a full-sized motorcycle even if it's only 300cc. It has the Most HP of any of the bikes I was looking at (38!) and will do highway speeds, topping out around 100mph.
The Versys-X uses the engine of the Ninja 300, so it revs to the moon. At highways speeds, around 80mph, the engine's turning at about 10k rpm. I put in earplugs as it just doesn't seem right to spin the engine that high.
Next week I have a trip planned down into Baja. I expect all will be fine.

Good assessments, thanks 👍

[fotoguzzi]

 Rand new 2017 DR 650. ... $6000.

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/mcd/d/anoka-2017-suzuki-strom-650-motorcycle/6828122385.html

[Darren Williams]

I've been down this road too. KLR's, a DR, a Wee, and now have a GS. I remember the KLR guys always talking about those who put the Versys motor in their KLRs and I agreed that would be about perfect, thought. Part of my problem is I don't go anywhere I don't have to fight 80 mph highway traffic to get to where I want to ride. The thumpers didn't have enough left when I got there and the Wee was good but not enough for the more off road parts (19" front and not enough suspension travel). The GS is too big and heavy for anything but bad gravel roads but is surprisingly good on twisty pavement. It travels well too, so it has been my camping bike, but still just to big and heavy.

Now I'm just patiently waiting for the new Tenere 700 to get here in a year and a half. Thinking that it may be in the sweet spot. I will be able to drop at least a couple bikes out of the stable if it is what is promised.

[Ncdan]

Going to look at this one in a couple days. 07 25k miles. This one is loaded with every accessory that's been mentioned here, bags, guards, heated grips, tall shield, oiled and many others. Guy has it advertised for 4200.00. I'm not sure what the book is but there is close to 2K in add on's which are all desirable. Good deal or NO?

[JohninVT]

Dan, I think he’s at least $700-$1,000 too high.  It has accessories but Suzuki has sold tens and tens of thousands of V-Stroms and this bike is 12 years old.  The add-ons I see aren’t worth $2k.  I’m also not crazy about side loaded cases on an ADV bike.  Top loaders are better, imho but the ones shown are decent cases, detachable and they’re large.  The mounts aren’t shown but I’d look them over good if I were you.  The top case is just a Pelican.  They’re tough but it’s not detachable.  The seat is stock.  That explains why the owner has only put 2,000 miles a year on it.  The rotors are replacements.  At 25k I’d want to make sure all of the following were fresh; rotors(front and rear), pads, chain, sprockets, tires and a valve adjustment.  I’d also check the rear shock and ask if the fork oil has been changed. 

One last thing that is a personal quirk of mine and may not be the case with anyone else.  I probably wouldn’t buy a motorcycle that someone has de-badged.  The owner removed the Suzuki and V-Strom stickers.  If you don’t have pride of ownership with a motorcycle, it would seem to speak volumes about how the bike was treated or maintained.

All that being said, if you like it then buy it.  You’re the kind of guy who’s going to spend a lot of time(and money) making the bike your own so whatever you get is going to look and ride a lot different a year after you buy it. 

[Ncdan]

Dan, I think he’s at least $700-$1,000 too high.  It has accessories but Suzuki has sold tens and tens of thousands of V-Stroms and this bike is 12 years old.  The add-ons I see aren’t worth $2k.  I’m also not crazy about side loaded cases on an ADV bike.  Top loaders are better, imho but the ones shown are decent cases, detachable and they’re large.  The mounts aren’t shown but I’d look them over good if I were you.  The top case is just a Pelican.  They’re tough but it’s not detachable.  The seat is stock.  That explains why the owner has only put 2,000 miles a year on it.  The rotors are replacements.  At 25k I’d want to make sure all of the following were fresh; rotors(front and rear), pads, chain, sprockets, tires and a valve adjustment.  I’d also check the rear shock and ask if the fork oil has been changed. 

One last thing that is a personal quirk of mine and may not be the case with anyone else.  I probably wouldn’t buy a motorcycle that someone has de-badged.  The owner removed the Suzuki and V-Strom stickers.  If you don’t have pride of ownership with a motorcycle, it would seem to speak volumes about how the bike was treated or maintained.

All that being said, if you like it then buy it.  You’re the kind of guy who’s going to spend a lot of time(and money) making the bike your own so whatever you get is going to look and ride a lot different a year after you buy it.

Some very good points John that I have not considered. So probably to be a good deal it would need to be in the 3000.00 range and that's if it runs out real well?

[alanp]

I agree that it is priced high,but if it is in good condition and is set up the way you like, I would go for it.  IMO, you can spend a lot of time searching, but if the right bike comes along, price isn't that big of a deal IF you are getting what you Want.

[Ncdan]

I agree that it is priced high,but if it is in good condition and is set up the way you like, I would go for it.  IMO, you can spend a lot of time searching, but if the right bike comes along, price isn't that big of a deal IF you are getting what you Want.

I hear your point but I'm not in so much of a hurry or need to be 1000+ bucks over my head, out of the gate. To pay to much is really not as much about the money as it's about principle, at least for me.

[JJ]

This lovely, Guzzi-like (see motor), 2013 Honda CTX 1300cc, V4, shaft-drive, sport touring beast we saw in ALBQ at MOTO AUTHORITY for only $8500 is definitely touring capable also!! ,




d20 roler

[Huzo]

Any bike will tour as long as it doesn't blow up, run out of fuel or get crashed in the process.
All YOU need to do is make up for it's perceived deficiencies..
BTW..
Very exciting day, the Norge went into the box to go to Europe..

[twowheeladdict]

This lovely, Guzzi-like (see motor), 2013 Honda CTX 1300cc, V4, shaft-drive, sport touring beast we saw in ALBQ at MOTO AUTHORITY for only $8500 is definitely touring capable also!! ,




d20 roler

But it ain't light!.  I was interested in these when Honda was lowering the price by $5000 to get them out the showroom doors.  Then I found out it was a detuned Honda sport touring engine.  Blah!

[JJ]

But it ain't light!.  I was interested in these when Honda was lowering the price by $5000 to get them out the showroom doors.  Then I found out it was a detuned Honda sport touring engine.  Blah!

Yes, it's true, they are about 750 pounds!!! - - and I already have one white whale in the stable!   However, I'll bet they cruise pretty well at 75-80 mph, even de-tuned!!

[Ncdan]

I think we jumped track. Not looking at touring bikes, looking at lighter bikes that are also capable of mild off road capability and the VStrom was the bike I was considering. Thanks for the responses.

[JJ]

I think we jumped track. Not looking at touring bikes, looking at lighter bikes that are also capable of mild off road capability and the VStrom was the bike I was considering. Thanks for the responses.

OK, back to the original question then...see photo below...and the answer is "YES!!" - - Touring Capable!!

[twowheeladdict]

I think we jumped track. Not looking at touring bikes, looking at lighter bikes that are also capable of mild off road capability and the VStrom was the bike I was considering. Thanks for the responses.

Then you want a V7 or an FZ07.  Probably the FZ since you went mind dropping it as much.  The FZ is only 400 lbs wet.  Givi makes racks and you can add a variety of windscreens .

[Ncdan]

Thanks to all who responded with suggestions, tips, comparisons, testimonies and advise.
I'm going this weekend to look at an 09 that has all the add on's already installed. We'll see how she goes.

[keener]

Thanks to all who responded with suggestions, tips, comparisons, testimonies and advise.
I'm going this weekend to look at an 09 that has all the add on's already installed. We'll see how she goes.

    good on ya   they are great reliable motorcycles

[kingoffleece]

If you can stand the new MCN they have a feature on the 650 in the current issue.

[Huzo]

I can't follow the reasoning of some of you guys.
You're on a Guzzi forum, you want to try to promote the existence of Guzzi, you want a bike that'll "tour", why not do the simple thing and sink your money into the new V85 and stop buggerising around with pre thrashed Jap crap ?
How is buying a poxy old V Strom, going to help ensure the ongoing success of Guzzi ? All the hand wringing about how Guzzi's been going out of business since 1921 and all the other worn out old phrases and anecdotal opinions about why Guzzi can't grab a larger market share, are trotted out ad nauseum and when there's the opportunity to put up or shut up, all the would be devotees are standing around with their knees knocking and rubbing the backs of their necks in rueful indecision because it might be a couple of Hp short of 80, or their damn inseam might not mesh with the ergonomics.
What a crock..!
If the V85 is a sales failure, you can ponder why as you're riding your Suzuki..

Just sayin'.

[Huzo]

Going to look at this one in a couple days. 07 25k miles. This one is loaded with every accessory that's been mentioned here, bags, guards, heated grips, tall shield, oiled and many others. Guy has it advertised for 4200.00. I'm not sure what the book is but there is proof lose to 2K in add on which are all desirable. Good deal or NO?

Looks reminiscent of a decommissioned Bulgarian Police bike..

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I can't follow the reasoning of some of you guys.
You're on a Guzzi forum, you want to try to promote the existence of Guzzi, you want a bike that'll "tour", why not do the simple thing and sink your money into the new V85 and stop buggerising around with pre thrashed Jap crap ?
How is buying a poxy old V Strom, going to help ensure the ongoing success of Guzzi ? All the hand wringing about how Guzzi's been going out of business since 1921 and all the other worn out old phrases and anecdotal opinions about why Guzzi can't grab a larger market share, are trotted out ad nauseum and when there's the opportunity to put up or shut up, all the would be devotees are standing around with their knees knocking and rubbing the backs of their necks in rueful indecision because it might be a couple of Hp short of 80, or their damn inseam might not mesh with the ergonomics.
What a crock..!
If the V85 is a sales failure, you can ponder why as you're riding your Suzuki..

Just sayin'.

Not everyone has $13k + to spend...

[Ncdan]

Huzo, stop with the drinking the fermented kangaroo piss and take a short walk-about until you get your breath😂
I have ridden moto Guzzi bikes for years now and have been a devoted member on this forum for years now. I am simply kicking around the thought of getting a second bike, something lighter and a little more around town friendlier but that could handle a little light touring as well as the occasional dirt road, we do have a few of those here;)
I threw out the original post for an opinion  from any of the guys who may have owned one and could offer some thought. The reason the VStrom was the focus was because there were several on CL that were in my price range and there is a Suzuki dealer a few miles from me.
I apologize if my post has offended you and caused you a great deal of stress. Just say and I'll gladly remove it, my Pal down under.

[JohninVT]

I can't follow the reasoning of some of you guys.
You're on a Guzzi forum, you want to try to promote the existence of Guzzi, you want a bike that'll "tour", why not do the simple thing and sink your money into the new V85 and stop buggerising around with pre thrashed Jap crap ?
How is buying a poxy old V Strom, going to help ensure the ongoing success of Guzzi ? All the hand wringing about how Guzzi's been going out of business since 1921 and all the other worn out old phrases and anecdotal opinions about why Guzzi can't grab a larger market share, are trotted out ad nauseum and when there's the opportunity to put up or shut up, all the would be devotees are standing around with their knees knocking and rubbing the backs of their necks in rueful indecision because it might be a couple of Hp short of 80, or their damn inseam might not mesh with the ergonomics.
What a crock..!
If the V85 is a sales failure, you can ponder why as you're riding your Suzuki..

Just sayin'.

There’s more to our hobby than a manufacturer that sells a couple thousand bikes a year in the US.  If this board only allowed Guzzi content from people who exclusively ride Guzzi’s it would be boring as hell. 

If you only want to eat one flavor of ice cream for the rest of your life that’s ok.  Forgive the rest of us who are more adventurous.

[Huzo]

Huzo, stop with the drinking the fermented kangaroo piss and take a short walk-about until you get your breath😂
I have ridden moto Guzzi bikes for years now and have been a devoted member on this forum for years now. I am simply kicking around the thought of getting a second bike, something lighter and a little more around town friendlier but that could handle a little light touring as well as the occasional dirt road, we do have a few of those here;)
I threw out the original post for an opinion  from any of the guys who may have owned one and could offer some thought. The reason the VStrom was the focus was because there were several on CL that were in my price range and there is a Suzuki dealer a few miles from me.
I apologize if my post has offended you and caused you a great deal of stress. Just say and I'll gladly remove it, my Pal down under.

Sounds fair..
Although in defence of Aussies, our beer tastes a lot nicer than Kangaroo piss..
I find the latter to be a little low in pH for my tastes and a little hard to extract from the male of the species without risking bodily harm during their mating season, but again I digress.
Just a bit of theatre (or theater) for some fun, I doubt I could ever be offended by anyone Dusty would allow to remain here.
Here's an apology from me...

[Huzo]

There’s more to our hobby than a manufacturer that sells a couple thousand bikes a year in the US.  If this board only allowed Guzzi content from people who exclusively ride Guzzi’s it would be boring as hell. 

If you only want to eat one flavor of ice cream for the rest of your life that’s ok.  Forgive the rest of us who are more adventurous.

Bon appetit...!
Oh and
Nothing to forgive you for, as I suggested, "Just sayin'.."
I don't think the subject matter of what I wrote is what made it offensive, more a function of who wrote it..

[Nick]

I don't think the subject matter of what I wrote is what made it offensive, more a function of who wrote it..

+1 

Here's an apology from me...

Why apologize? I, for one, did not find your post offensive at all.    (I actually like the V-Strom BTW  )

[Ncdan]

Sounds fair..
Although in defence of Aussies, our beer tastes a lot nicer than Kangaroo piss..
I find the latter to be a little low in pH for my tastes and a little hard to extract from the male of the species without risking bodily harm during their mating season, but again I digress.
Just a bit of theatre (or theater) for some fun, I doubt I could ever be offended by anyone Dusty would allow to remain here.
Here's an apology from me...

You are a gentleman and a scholar my friend and I'm proud to call you a buddy Pal and maybe some day I can sit down with you and have one of those great Aussie beers. For the record I was just funning about the Kangaroo piss thing and laughing the whole time I was saying it:)
Speaking of you Aussie boys? have you heard anything out of Mark (Beetle) of late?

[Huzo]

+1 

Why apologize? I, for one, did not find your post offensive at all.    (I actually like the V-Strom BTW  )

Because an apology is due IMO, when the recipient of a comment is unintentionally offended, even though the opinions offered by the author of the comment, may still be valid in his OWN view..
The very fact that Ncdan offered to pull the thread so as to not prickle me, is evidence that he cares about my feelings, so I therefore by default feel inclined to reciprocate.
I do love the cut and thrust of verbal and written exchange, but it's only fun while everyone's laughing or 'till someone loses an eye.
Things like bullying, RACISM (as completely random examples) and such, are the topics I try not to indulge in....
(I feel a thread drift and possible PM coming my way... )
BTW..
Beetle has been a bit quiet of late, but he'll be here when there's something worthwhile or important to add, I'll wager.