Compare V-Strom to others

[Hangetsu]

Just a quick question. I have pretty much decided on a V-Strom over other adventure tourers, primarily in favor of price and power. However, does anyone have an opinion based in experience as to how the V compares to the R1150GS or the Tiger for real adventure touring; i.e. Alaska, South America, lousy weather, muddy roads etc.? The reviews on this bike are all pretty favorable, but I run across a lot of comments about the V such as; fragile, maybe trouble in rough, dirty, muddy, and winter riding conditions, where the bulk will be exposed to a lot of muck, etc.

Does anybody have any comments regarding these concerns? Any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks

Alex

a_tinsley303@msn.com

[St-Germain]

I'll be able to tell you at the end of July about the mud riding since I'll
go through a 1000 miles of dirt roads on my coming trip. But as far as
riding those tree bikes, the V-Strom is really the one I prefered.
I didn't like the BM because of the engine. Doen't rev enough and
sounds like a moped. Tiger was OK but dull. I guest that with the
optional exaust from Triumph it would have been better but still the
front was to soft... It was a 2000 model? Thing is, if your gonna use it
in really bad condition, the least expensive the better! From what I've
read before buying mine, the Suzuki's beats them all, apart from the
coments on its look and one guy said to be carefull off road because
he allmost took a dive but he was on a train track!!!?

St Germain

When I purchased my V-Strom, I did it sight unseen and it was one of the first (if not the first) sold in Indiana. I read about the machine in the magazines, and new about the V-Strom in June 2001 when Suzuki announced it. I thought I had to have one to add to my stable.

When it became available, I was deciding between the Aprillia Capanord and the V-Strom. I have owned several BMW's, and put many miles on GS's. I had a Triumph Tiger at my disposal too. I nixed the BMW GS because it was too expensive and I owned BMW's before. I nixed the Tiger for several reasons. Lack of dealer support, expensive if they go down and expensive too maintain.

In the end, I nixed the Capanord because it was too pricey, too bulky, lack of dealers across the states, and too easy to break stuff. Plus it was (at the time) 5K more. Now you can find Capo's for less than the retail of 2003 V-Stroms.

I had a conversation with a Suzuki, Triumph dealer yesterday about the Capo vs. the Strom. He too had the same opinions that I had. "Imagine traveling across the country and your Capanord breaks down. Then think about the resources you have if a V-Strom has problems"

I like the way it handles both on pavement and in the dirt-gravel. In the end, while Suzuki doesn't have the status that the other brands have, I strongly feel as if it is the better all around machine for those that are looking for "one bike" and one that they can go almost anywhere on with comfort and peace of mind.

Brendan #653

I guess I should have added that I would have no problem or concern taking it on an "Adventure Tour". They look sweet with all the Touratech gear too :)

For serious "Adventure Touring" I would change the tires.
Brendan #653

[Gisle]

Hi Brendan,
did you ever take a pic of the bike with all the touratech gear on :?:
I also tried the Tiger, but back when it had the 850 engine. It sounded sweet, but the front end needed some tuning. Way too soft. It did however steer me in the direction of adventure tourers though, and I still think this class of bike is the sweetest thing.

[replaced]

The pic I took isn't too good due to the V-Strom being crammed in the booth. Touratech sent me a pdf file of their catalog shot. It's 2.2 meg, so I am going to see if they can send me a smaller file. If you want, I can forward you the one they sent me. Just e-mail me at bkearns@howboucha.com

My cases are on the way, I am too excited and my wallet is much lighter.
B.K.

[wr_wallen]

I've owned my V for two weeks - spent the first four days on a 1400-mile trip. One of the guys in our group was on an 03 GS. Even with my gentle hand on the throttle prior to break-in, he had to wring the GS out to stay with me in the twisties.

I'm a big fan of the GS, but also could not justify the cost (I've also got a Ducati in the garage).

So, I'd say get the V, keep some cash in your pocket for bags (I've got the Suzuki/Kappa bags) and a taller windscreen. I'm going to get a Cee Bailey on order here soon.

Bill

[RiffRaff]

I have dented the exhaust tube where it crosses under the bike. I read a note about cracked cases, from rocks, around the oil drain plug.

[Doely]

Hi there,
The Strom vs GS debate will be never ending. I recently sold my GS to buy a V strom, due to the fact that I rarely leave the road.

The main differences I like about the V is it really is a sport-tourer. Sure you can go up dirt tracks, but what lmmits it, is the very exposed oil-cooler, radiator and alloy wheels. Damage these in a remote area and your pretty, well....stuffed.

As an "Adventure" bike the air/oil cooled boxer twin and rim spoked wheels, on the GS is superior in this regard. Very reliable, lots of ground clearence and that shaft drive means that when in the dirt, no filthy chain to destroy your sprockets and come loose. The GS is very much designed for remote dirt riding, you can drop one off the stand and you won't damage much. I wouldn't attempt this with my Strom. The BMW is very heavy though.

The Stroms' alloy wheels won't sustain constant bashing.

I hasten to say that I'd be interested to see a Strom in the Paris Daker, I'm not sure it would age well.

Sounds like I'm in favour of the BMW, not so. For what I do the Strom is much better. In terms of on-road performance it beats the GS, in my opinon, by a long way. That V-twin sound........mmmm(yoshi exhaust on mine)

In many respects they are very different bikes.

If you want a competent street bike that is quick, sounds wicked(get yoshi's), comfortable, with the occasional dirt raod in mind, get the Strom. Much better fairing too.

If you are prepared to sacrifice a little comfort and performance, and really need a bike that can take a fair amount of bashing, the GS is designed to do so. A better prospect for crossing the Simpson desert (I live in Australia)

Don't forget that the Strom is made to a budget and Suzuki's first attempt at this bike. They have done a fantastic job! BMW invented the class and are charging for it!

Just my thoughts on two fantastic bikes.

Doely.

[mgarrow]

It's a good question and has been discussed at length on the Yahoo Groops for the V-Strom. There have been may converts to the "V" from BMW and others. Check out the group and do a message search. You'll find it at http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/VStrom2/ ... You can also look at the V-Strom FAQ page that will also give you quite a bit of info on almost every topic about the bike. http://vstrom.info

You won't regret getting the bike. It's a blast!

Mark

[St Germain]

I came back from my 3 week trip. One strech of it was 1200km of dirt
and I had fun because of the Metz. Karoo tires. I don't think I would have
done 110 km/h with the original tires. When you're in a real off road
condition, i.e. steep, narrow, muddy end of road, the 2nd gear is to long
compare to the short 1st. Gonna change some gears...

To do everything in one trip, long highway, twisties, gravell or just a trail
that seems to bring you where nobody went to take THE picture, it's a
wonderfull bike!

St Germain[/img]

[St Germain]

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