StromTrooper banner

Strom's goin

3K views 19 replies 18 participants last post by  sdbeck 
#1 ·
Anyone else feel like they mighta made the wrong choice buying their DL650?
I'm not bagging it completely, I like the commute to town - lots of nice twisties to keep me focussed - it's just that riding for 2 hours, 1 hr even, on the M1 is kinda boring. And, this's probably just me, my right hand starts to get a burn after half an hour.
I bought it new last August to do some long tours on it. While I expect it'll be fine on the back roads, I'm not looking forward to riding the eleven hundred km up Highway 1 to Mackay on it, which is going to be my next long one.

The two bikes I had before this one were quite good to ride on long trips, a 2009 Versys 650 and a 2014 TDM900. Maybe also my expectations were unduly raised by a heap of glowing reviews I read online about the Strom, but it comes in a distant third behind those two for that sort of riding.
Anyway, no offence to all you loyal troopers. I'm trading it in on a 2012 F700GS next week. I test-rode one a week ago and they're very nice, a lot more fun on the long straight stretches of hi-way. And I like that it's noticeably lighter and nicely balanced with that low COG it's renowned for - probably should've got one years ago. Then again, at least I found out what's not to like about the Strom, apart from its looks; obviously.

(One of those Kaoko throttle locks might be good to put on the BM too, to help relax the grip on long trips.)
 
See less See more
#3 ·
Had issues with vibration, great at lower rpms but was bugging at 5k. Now at 8,000mi don't even remember.

They get better with mileage, especially after break-in and switch to synthetic oil.

Still think kwak engine is smoother at highway 5-6k, but as long as there is no problem on 10-12hr days I am on with Wee. I do appreciate low end torque Kwak p-twin had a gap between idle and 3k.

Things which helped to tame vibration:
- filled up handlebars and crash bars with Great Stuff (look it up if it is not sold down under)
- undid and re-torqued engine mount bolt (crash bars were not installed correctly from dealer)
- put pieces of old tube between handlebars and triple, crash bars and skid plate
- 3 oil changes, last with 5w40 synthetic R at 4,800mi.

With regards to regret, definitely no. Wee is much better bike for 2up than Versys
 
#4 · (Edited)
I've ridden the BMW f800gs enough to know that for me the DL650 is a much better highway touring bike. True, the 700gs is more street oriented than the 800, but I think you'll find that a DL650 properly set up for your body type and riding style is a better highway touring machine than the BMW f700gs.

Simply changing out the stock seat and windshield can completely transform the V-Strom for long-distance highway riding. Other ergo mods to fit your body and riding style can also make a huge difference (seat upgrade, bar risers, peg lowering, throttle lock, etc.)

The only thing you can't improve with those types of mods is the looks and the image. If you need that BMW image, (which is the real reason some guys switch) then there's nothing you can do to the V-Strom to get it.
 
#5 ·
I prefer my 13 Wee Adv over my Ultra on the interstate, I find your assessment, not in line with my own experiences. I can run my wee at 90 all day without a hint of vibes, On my ultra I would be blowing oil out of the breather all over my leg.

Try a set of risers and throttle lock for the wrist pain. You are holding on too tight. I ran mine 800 miles straight last summer and got off ready to go again. All bikes require some ergonomic adjustments to fit the individual. Good luck, I wouldn't be so quick to give up on a great bike.
 
#6 ·
DL650 was the right choice both times, 07 and up graded to 13.
My BMW was the wrong choice, what it did good was the best, the things it didn't do well drove me nuts.
Things that drove me nuts may not drive you nuts. Every meet a couple and think, what does he see in her.
Bikes are the same if you like it, cool, if you don't get a divorce and start over.
 
#7 ·
I've recently purchased a '12 650 and do not have any regrets. It is not perfect, no bike is. I have not "personalized" it yet. I need to ride some more miles when it gets nicer out in the spring before I have a good idea of what to change to make it "mine".

I don't think any stock bike works for very many folks. Seems like wind protection, seating and handlebars are all unique to each rider. The diameter of the throttle, or even the material it's made out of. So many little things that add up to personalized comfort.

I don't have an opinion on the 700GS, haven't ridden it. Looks nice and all though. Seems like the same basic bike as the DL650, in German clothes. Asphalt centric, limited off road, modest power, twin, etc. Oh yea, and way more on maintenance costs.

Get the BMW if it makes you happy. Personalize the 650 to make it yours. It's all good.

I do own an old BMW as well so I do like the brand. I would not choose to take on a new BMW though due to fear of high maintenance costs. Nearly bought a 2004 1150GS instead of the DL650. Too big, too much of everything....so I got the DL650 to sleep well at night. No, they are not really comparable, but for my use the DL seemed better. $1200 for the 36k service on the 1150GS. Yikes almighty.
 
#13 ·
I have bad memories of the Bishop, $280 speeding ticket back in '10. You live withing a few hours away of some of the best riding, CA-81 one of my favorites, and if you shoulder crossing NV there is Utah and Colorado on other side. South and east any way you look at it. I remember how my loaded bike maxed out on Tioga pass at 60mph.. there upper campsites still had several feet of snow and NO RVs!
 
#9 ·
We cant expect the V-Sroms to please EVERYONE. Just listening to how you're talking , it really sounds like your mind is made up. So, whatcha gonna get next ? I have a DL1000 and a VTX1800F. I wud LOVE to add a dual sport bike and a Goldwing. I'm low on devotion and high on lust !!!! My friends ride Harleys and BMWs and Aprilias ....you name it . Next year we all may be riding something else. So many choices . We want to hear what you get . Looking and buying is half the fun.
 
#10 ·
Well if you think the WeeStrom boring wait until you have had the BMW for a while. The smaller engines are bland, several friends were drawn to them from learner level and they were so bored with the way they handled and gutless. Some money lost in those deals as they realised they just could not live with them, one traded to a V Strom and has not regretted it, even though the engine is smaller he loves the way it it so easy through the rev range. However you pays your money...........then live to regret it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Or not.
 
#11 ·
Buy what makes you happy. I think the 700GS is a great choice, and more comparable to the Vstrom. With the fuel under the seat, it does 'feel' much lighter. Both bikes have pros and cons, but things I read, 700GS owners are very happy with the bike. Enjoy and report back with a review after you've logged some miles. f800riders.org has a 700GS section with active members and lots of good information.
 
#20 ·
Well, I did just that last week. I've had my 2013 Wee for about 3 1/2 years and while I like the bike, I don't really look forward to riding like I thought I should. I was into dirt biking for the last 17 years or so but hadn't owned a street bike since high school. I thought the strom would be a good starting place to get back in the saddle.

Did the usual mods like windshield, mirrors, etc to address wind. I even rode it to Colorado a couple of years back. I liked riding it once I got to my destination but the trip there was not really fun. I considered just getting rid of it and going to a true dual sport like a WR250R.

Curiosity got the best of me and I picked up a 2009 FJR1300 with 11,000 miles for $5800 last week. Bike is immaculate. I really wanted a Gen3 for cruise but I didn't want to invest a lot if I didn't like it or the riding position was painful.

Man, what an eye opener! I have ridden this thing every day. It has a VStream windshield and while in the down position I get wind noise, but it's clean air. All the way up and it's so quiet. Endless smooth power, great brakes and handles well. I love getting on this bike and just cruising down the highway. It's hard to keep it under 80.

A person really has to look at their personal riding habits. I didn't enjoy the strom on dirt roads. If I'm on dirt, I want a more dirt-oriented bike. If I'm on street, I want a street bike. If I lived in Colorado instead of Oklahoma, I could really enjoy the strom more. Every trip I take here is about getting from point A to point B. It's fun at point B but getting there is not.

Anyway, gotta do what you want to do. You only live once. I may do a more detailed comparison of the two bikes in a day or so. That's something I'd like to see more of on this forum. So many people own more bikes than just the strom and it would be nice to see the good or bad in a comparison. Even if they are so different like "VTX1800 vs. Wee".

Here she is.
 

Attachments

#14 · (Edited)
Anyone else feel like they mighta made the wrong choice buying their DL650? ... And, this's probably just me, my right hand starts to get a burn after half an hour.

...I'm trading it in on a 2012 F700GS next week. I test-rode one a week ago and they're very nice, a lot more fun on the long straight stretches of hi-way.
Soft, foamy grips and a Go-cruise are a cheap and easy solution for the hand issue. ~$10- U.S. for grips and $35 U.S. for the Go-cruise. (not sure what the "down-under" costs would be.) I've ridden some 12 hour days since installing mine.
Grips - https://www.cyclegear.com/parts/trackside-foam-grips
Go-Cruise motorcycle throttle control

I thought for sure I was going to buy an F700GS or F800GS but I was getting too much heat off of the engine for my taste. The 650 Versys I rode was BUZZZZZZYYY. Maybe it was an exception. I had almost given up on an "adventure" style bike until I rode the Strom.

Obviously, to each his own. The Beemers are nice scooters. Thanks for participating in the forum. Have fun and keep the rubber side down.
 
#15 ·
You want a middle weight bike that is decent on the highway. You have to be aware of the key issues and adjust your ride accordingly. I think the main issues are ergonomics, wind control, and vibrations. I expect that buying any bike with all that good for me out of the box is not a likely scenario. There is a lot of value riding different bikes to really feel the particular strengths and weakness of any bike. That is probably the only way one gets to a satisfaction level - although clearly some are always searching.....if you go through a lot of bikes that's a clue. I am warming up to the idea of having 2 bikes; one middle weight and one heavier.....and I expect I won't ride the heavy one a lot......
 
#18 ·
I can't comment on TDM900 but it is first time I hear that Vesys 650 is a better choice as touring machine. May I ask how many km you rode your V Strom? Have you done any long distance at all? I left home Saturday morning 700 km first day, 450 yesterday and 550 today. It is a sweet machine. BTW, you sound like a friend of mine that recently got 1000 after having 650 before saying (after 500 km on it) - I hate it. Good luck with your BMW.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top