The January 2013 issue of CW includes a shootout article between the Honda NC700X (DCT ABS), Kawasaki Versys, BMW 700GS, and the Wee.
"As it is, the V-Strom takes it here for its all-around goodness. Its 649cc V-Twin has mega spirit and delivers nearly 50 mpg. It feels solid and planted without undue heaviness. Its go the best wind protection and the finest seat. Dings against it? All that not-nice plastic that's always right there in front of you."
The Wee is the second least expensive of the bunch ($8,299), second lightest (442 lbs dry), second best in mpg (48), fastest 0-60 (3.5 sec), second fastest 1/4 mile (12.43 sec at 101.77 mph), most HP (62.4), third best in torque (41.2 ft lbs at 6,480 rpm), and third best in top speed (113 mph).
Was pretty much true until the facelift and today's sluggish economy. I've heard about several thefts and attempted thefts of the 2012 wee, including one locally. Unfortunate.
He's under the illusion that paying 3 times the money for a bike makes it 3 times better and "prettier". I used to own a GS and most people said something like "That's sure is a strange looking bike, what is it?" With the V-Strom it's more like "That's a cool looking bike, what is it?"
No, but it wouldn't be the first time a magazine exaggerated a performance statistic(s). The BMW 700 is supposed to make 75hp, which is greater than the Wee. I also wonder if the new stock seats have improved much over the one on my '06.
Not saying the Wee wouldn't be my choice amongst that group, though.
The back of the Wee looks a lot better than a full front on shot. I can tolerate a side profile, but looking at the Wee from the front is very unflattering. The tear-drop headlights being among the ugliest on the planet. But I won't trade my Wee for any other bike, (in its price class).
Here's a shot of my Wee next to my brothers 2009 KLR650, also an ugly bike. Neither will turn heads.
Thoughts from a V-Strom owning motorcycle enthusiast
What a mixed bag of feelings this issue generated for me yesterday. Even after years of subscribing, it always brings a smile to my face when I discover the newest issue of Cycle World in the mailbox. When I discovered the cover comparison included the V-Strom 650 my magazine reading enthusiam peaked. At the article's conclusion I was left pretty disappointed. It must be embedded within Cycle World's mission statement to make Suzuki the least desirable brand to ride. Yea, the bike won the comparison, but they acknowledged that the data should only appeal to socks with sandals wearing high mileage junkies.
Is the V-Strom perfect? No. Was it perfect for me and my budget? Yes. Would I prefer to have a Ducati Multistrada or, perhaps the selection of a dozen bikes to choose from? Absolutely!
Of course I'm biased since there's a 2012 650 in my garage, but I think this bike deserves a little more love than the press seems willing to give it. In this economy manufactures putting forth an effort to produce a good bike for the "one bike option" sure are appreciated by those of us who spent a few years living in the purgatory of the no bike option.
Now that I've ranted, it's going to be in the 60's here today. I think I'll trade my socks and sandals in for some boots and go for a ride on my ugly V Strom.
Whenever someone asks me "What kind of bike is that?", usually with a strange expression on their face, my response is always "The type I can ride anywhere!".
I was supremely shocked to find that my letter to the editor "the CW guys must have been smoking the cool-aid!" got into that month's issue. Great issue - they are finally getting the whole 'practical bike' thing, to which their love of the Honda owes much to that.
In the article they took a shot at us Strommers too, calling us sandal-and-sock wearers--I had to re-read the last few paragraphs to even realize the Strom had "won". It just goes to show how well conceived the Wee is, and how it is far beyond others in class, regardless of price. Its a hard bike to improve on.
I would have enjoyed them testing the old Wee with the new bikes. I suspect the old Wee would have been competitive.
I found out when my kids were in high school that socks with sandals are a great way to prevent teenagers from asking for rides. :thumbup: It helps if you insist on getting out of the car a few times. I would never wear them that way without a teenager to blame it on. .
I think they greatly improved the looks on the new Wee, especially from the side, the sculpted tank, and rear fairing panels, and the lack of gaudy graphics, only the little S emblem.
I'll buy 4.0sec or the 4.1sec the Sept 2006 issue of Cycle World posted when the Wee won Motocycle of the Year, but that's a big difference from 3.5 sec if you ask me. I think the Haybusa is often rated at 0-60mph in 2.9sec, FWIW.
Here in eastern Pennsylvania I have yet to see another standard DL650 in any showroom. Saw one adventure but no standard like mine. Only reason I got mine was a cancelled purchase.
These comparisons are all pointless. I don't know any of these people who write them, have no idea what kind of bikes they like, how they ride, or if their mothers love them. Just sayin'.
Oh, man, I haven't gotten to the latest issue of Cycle World yet and you just spoiled the surprise for me. I may as well throw the mag away now.
Oh, go ahead and tell me, How does the new Hobbit movie end?
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