Calling all supersport owners...

[STROMETTE]

well, here's the deal... I'm a supersport rider to the core (and btw furthest thing from a Squid). I've got many years and miles in the saddle of true sportbikes and they will remain in my stable. I ride a LOT (mileage and year 'round) and circumstances have now allowed an opening for a different bike, one capable of serious touring, some off road - no question a Strom fits and will parked next to the sportbikes soon--- 95% sure it will be a 1000. Before completely ruling out the 6 fiddy I'm hoping to hear from others re the Wee vs 1000 dilemma (which seems to be very common). My concern is the Wee Strom just won't be enough bike for me given my experience. Yep, I've read owners saying it has "all the power they need" but I sure would like to know what power rides they are coming from or comparing the Wee Strom to. So, if you have owned (not just ridden one day around the block) a supersport I'd like to hear how you compare your Strom, whether you have the Wee or the 1000, what you were looking for the bike to do for you prior to purchase, and lastly if your Strom is meeting those goals. Seems to me I read somewhere in a post someone also owns an RC51 but now I can't find the post to PM the person. Thanks in advance for your reply. :wink:

[MikeinLA]

Not a supersport owner or a V-Strom owner yet (waiting for 2006 colors). But this is such a no-brainer that even I can answer it. Get the 1000. You're used to twist and GO. I think the 650 will bore you after a short while. There is a reason you like supersports, so indulge your love of power and get the 1000. Just my opinion.
Mike

[STROMETTE]

Hey Mike - after rereading my post I guess it does look like a no brainer, huh? :wink: I didn't make my question very clear so let me try again. Basically my concerns w/the 1k come down to weight and height (though my inseam is 33.5"):
1) The concern of weight being the added 40+ lbs of the 1k over the Wee will make a difference at the end of a day either in the dirt or in the canyons.
2) It seems given the height of the 1k there's quite a distance to cover when moving from side to side in the canyon corners (significantly more so than on supersports) and this will equal earlier fatigue.

Re the dirt... my experience on a bike in the dirt, well, never was out of a plan :oops: ...but I'm really interested in purposefully exploring the off-roads now. It's the only other reason I'm hesitant on the 1k V-Strom, fearing it will be too much bike for me for that purpose.

Thanks again to anyone offering clarity.

[teddyrob66]

stromette...i admit i have limited experience as far as street bikes in general and none on supersports. for me the bike does occasionally leave me wanting more power (though ive never lost to a car) so i can imagine it would be true for you only more so...based on what your telling us i think you need the 1000...on the subject of dirt...i think even the 650 would be too much of a handful on anything except fire roads..bikes like the dr650 are much better suited and alot lighter...i myself would be afraid to take the v-strom to places ive taken some other street/trails...it would be way too heavy and i would dump it easily over ruts and the like...matter of fact i have almost dumped my bike in my yard of all places while doing tighter turns on the dirt...it just pitches over and i was barely there to catch it both times....maybe others have better stories but personally i wouldnt venture too far offroad with mine simply because its too valuable and there are other play toys much better suited....good luck. in your decision..rob

[trooper101]

Stromette,

I currently own a ZX10R among other bikes, there has always been a supersport in my litter. Riding is spirited twisties with a few trackdays /year, do not commute or squid/ ride much in the city.

The 1000 does not have enough oomph to impress a liter bike open classer, on the other hand it handles slower than the 650 if you intend to ride the twisties. They are both good bikes but if usage is going to be technical twisty riding + light offroad then the 650 will cut it with flying colors.

[Imagine]

I'm not a supersport owner, but close. I have a Kawasaki Z1000 (same power plant as the ZX9R for the most part.) I tossed around the idea of a 1000 thinking that the 650 would just be to small, then I remembered why I wanted a DL. I wanted something that I could do distance on, it had to be capable of lugguage, still feel sporty, good for in town or the open road, get good gas mileage on. The DL650 was obviously cheaper. I wasn't looking for a race winner, I just wanted something that I could tool around on at sane speeds with my parents. So I decided to go with the DL650. So far I been happy with my decision. It feels light. The only time I miss the power is when I go to pass, and even then it still passes fine it just doesn't have the punch like my Z1000 does.

If I was going to do it all over again, I would still get the DL650.

[Bruno Valeri]

The 1000 does not have enough oomph to impress a liter bike open classer, on the other hand it handles slower than the 650 if you intend to ride the twisties. They are both good bikes but if usage is going to be technical twisty riding + light offroad then the 650 will cut it with flying colors.

Same here.
The handling difference between the 650 and 1000 is greater than the weight difference suggests. The higher reciprocating mass of the crank makes the 1000 noticeably slower in quick transitions. So if by riding an open classer you mean technical riding in the twisties, the 650 will be more fun.

But if by open classer you mean rolling on throttle in a straight line, the 1000 will be better.

Having said that, the 650 is one sweet motor, all else aside.


Bruno
Montreal, Canada
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