I know it sounds like a poor comparison but let me explain my predicament. I am currently looking for a DL 1000. Looking at new and used. Preferrably used. I do mostly 2-3-4 day trips solo. Average about 600 mile days while taking in the sites. I like to explore gravel roads and felt the DL 1000 would be perfect with bags as 95 percent if not more is pavement. Then I find this smokin deal on a nearly new Yamaha FJR with low miles. So I do a little research on the FJR to find nothing but praise from owners on touring comfort. Just wondering if others have owned or ridden both. The FJR may not like gravel roads but if it is much more comfortable than the DL I may lean that direction. Wish I could ride both back to back. Anyone switch from a sport tour to a DL or have both or any opinion to help a guy out. I had not been looking for a FJR until this very nice bike appeared. I don't want 2 bikes so thats my dilema. Any thoughts. Thanks, Rethy

I own a '07 V~Strom & have a Buddy w/ a FJR.
After riding both I can state ....Do not take the FJR off on anything rougher than you'd take a mid 70's 225 Buick.
The FJR also Eats rear tires if you use the power at all... i.e.; I get 12~17,000 miles on a Anakee & he's never gotten 6k out of anything he's put on the bike.
Yes, the FJR is much better than a V-Strom on the I-roads..... but the buy in is not nearly as much either....

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"Streaching the Limits of Performance & good taste"

Unless you're talking about fairly rough gravel roads, my guess is both bikes would handle your requirement well.

I've never owned an FJR, but have only heard praise for them. But it is a big, heavy, (good looking) rocket ship. But if you don't care about the 600+ pounds and want the 150HP, what's not to love? It just may be overkill for your needs.

The DL1000 is pretty comfortable. The FJR may be more comfy, but I can't imagine it being worlds better 1 up. The FJR is definitely more powerful, I would guess quite a bit more refined, and should have lots of doohickeys (doesn't it have a power adjusting windscreen ). It's also better looking, IMHO.

The DL1000 obviously has offroad ability (but it's still a big street bike), lighter weight, and presumably a lower cost.

Not sure which one handles better. I know the FJR is the consummate sport tourer, but how good can it be in the twisties at 600 pounds? Not that the DL1000 has exactly wowed me with its handling, but it's quite a bit lighter. I'd be curious if somebody has ridden both.

I will say one thing that shocked me - per the specs, they have the same wheelbase and the FJR is shorter in overall length. The FJR always looks huge to me.

I have ridden both extensively, and you are trying to compare apples to oranges. The DLK is much more versatile, but when you are talking 600 mile days the FJR will leave you much less drained. SMOOTH dirt roads on the Yammer are no problem, but you want to avoid any ruts, (the suspension doesnt have much travel when set up properly for sport touring). If it will be any help to you, my Concours stays in the garage now that I have the DLK. and it is the next candidate to be placed on CL. YMMV.

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79 GS1000S
97 TL1000S
2002 Concours
2005 DRZ400
2005 KDX220R
2007 DLK
2009 KLR650

If its a smoken deal on the FJR take it, Do not look back
The same with the DL if its a killer deal jump on it , do not look back...
And if its that good of a deal I am sure its gone...
Mike

Apples to oranges, but both good choices.

I was VERY close to buying an FJR before my previous DL1k, but at the end of the day, I really did not want a 600+ pound bike, as I really enjoy something much more nimble.

That said, if the majority of my annual riding was 600ish mile days, on nice pavement, I would not hesitate to seriously consider the Yamaha.

......but I'd probably end up buying a Connie 14 instead

general rule of thumb, lighter is better. but sometimes you can make heavy work for you. example, high speed straight line touring.

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fuelly link: http://www.fuelly.com/driver/jbw/dl1000

Wow what a great website. Such good information. I would like to add that my budget is a concern since any cash I save is more for road trips which I usually tent camp at reasonable rates. I had not considered the FJR rear tire costs at 6000 miles. Something to definately evaluate. The DL seems to be easier on the wallet. I am seeing brand new 2012 bikes for $9499 with all 3 bags and no freight or setup. Seems hard to pass up but I usually buy used and see the DL requires some investment for proper tuning. Let me ask you guys how many are still running a stock bike? (engine wise). I dont want to have to spend alot for like a PC3 and slipons if not necessary. I am leaning towards the DL. I really don't need 150 HP and suspect may be easier to keep my license with the DL. Perhaps a low mileage used with all the extras I want will show up. As far as the used bike market and smokin deals right now is insane. I am seeing bikes go for 2-3 thousand less than they should be. I can only assume the weak economy to blame. Thank you all very much for your well informed replies.

My 2003 Vee is completely stock and I now have 58,000 km on it. A buddy of mine has a Strom and an FJR. He never rides his Vee. However, when I toured with him my Vee kept up very nicely and left him in the dust on a 100 km bit of broken pavement.
I regularly do 1000 km (600 mile) days when touring and have no complaints, but I am sure they would be much nicer on a Concourse or an FJR.


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I realize this is sacrilege on a Strom site, but there is NO WAY I would buy a brand new DL1000. It's pretty much the same bike it has been for 10 years and they are cheap and plentiful on the used market. They run forever.

$4-5K will get you a great used Vee that is essentially identical to a 2012 that costs more than twice as much. Moreover, a used one may very well have some of the many little quirks already worked out. Quirks that are pretty hard to take when you buy a brand new $10,000 Japanese motorcycle. A Vee is a great bargain when you're buying it at around $5K. But for $10K, no way, I'll take a Tiger 800 or 1050 for just a bit more. But really, a 2012 Vee's biggest competition is a used Vee.

I know, I know, flame away.