I know we have several on this site that own these bikes I would like to hear from you. I have spent hours researching both trying to look at all the negatives and positives of each but would like input from owners that went from the vstrom over to a large sport tourer.

I would like see how insurance, fuel mileage etc compare.

I have owned sport bikes for 20+ years and while I enjoy riding the vstrom and actually for what I do its a great bike but I miss the grin on my face merging onto the interstate.

Also would be interested in knowing what you paid I have seen new fjr's going for low 13's not much out there for pricing on the concours.

thanks

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2011 DL650 ABS - Pearl White

Don't want to hijack your thread right off, but personally, I'd throw the Sprint GT in the mix as well. There have been some really good deals on the GT, esp. leftover 2011s and at least from what I am told, you are throwing around a good bit less weight in the corners than say with the Connie. The 1050 triple pulls pretty good as well. Or the new Suzuki 1250 gs whatever it's called Bandit.

I had a Sprint ST and after considering the Connie, I knew it was not needed for solo sport-touring, but the GT is better all-around than the ST.

If you are interested, check out this guy's take on the difference between the GT and the Concours 1400. He owns both.

http://www.triumphrat.net/sprint-for...4-gtr1400.html

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06 V-Strom DL650

Nothing against the Sprint or the Bandit (I had 2 1200 Bandits) but I'm not sure if you can really compare them to the other two. Both the Connie and FJR would be roomier and of course have shafts...

I've yet to ride an FJR but lusted after them when they first came out. But then when I was ready to buy the Connie came out and it just offered a bit more: a more modern package, 6 speed, KI-PASS, ABS and a stonking motor. The Connie was also quite a bit cheaper than an FJR when I bought it. I also feel that the FJR is starting to look a bit dated, although looks count for nothing once you're out there enjoying the ride.

After 82,000km on the Connie I'm still blown away at what a great bike it is and have no plans for selling it. A waste of time me talking prices with you as I'm on the other side of the world from you but as for economy I get 350km from a tank easily without dipping much into the 4L reserve. Michelin PR2's so far seem to be the best tyre for 'em too (I tried some 3's but got less mileage, will try another set one day).

Go ride both bikes...

My other dirt bike:

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'08 Vee: Suzy luggage, Crash bars, Rad Guard & front mudguard extension, Zumo 550, Oxford Hot grips, Stebel, PC-8, 12v acc, Scott oiler & lube-tube, Remus Revolution Cans, Bark Busters.

'08 Concours 14: Rad guard, Stebel, Oxford Hot grips, Projekt D Screen, Hugger, GPS mount, helmet locks & front guard extension, Zumo 550, Stebel, Phil's rack & Givi V46, Sheepskin seat cover, Phillips Extreme vision +100 bulbs.

My Website
My Blog

C14......but lose the big ugly bazooka exhaust, sure am loving mine.

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BRIAN

2008 WR250R 2006 DL1000

I am thinking the sprint is going to be too aggressive riding position my knees, back and hips cant take it anymore. Then there is the maintenance side valve check intervals etc? Looks like a great bike though and certainly more interesting than the japanese sewing machines.

I really need a vstrom with a few more HP not interested in the vee to many issues maybe the yamaha tenere! Supposedly very good bike and smooth as silk.

Maybe I need to go for a long ride and enjoy what I have lol maybe i need to buy a few more farkles and re ignite the love affair

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2011 DL650 ABS - Pearl White

Love the looks of the C14 minus the exhaust as you pointed out my god that thing is huge.

What sort of fuel mileage do you see in real world numbers? I see alot of upgrades in 2010 including some economy mode (25%) better mpg and better heat management.

Will a XL helmet fit in the side cases, also how is the protection from the elements I ride frequently down into the teens provided the roads are dry and 100f in the summer months.

thanks

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2011 DL650 ABS - Pearl White

That exhaust looks small compared to the one on my new GSX1250FA.

I sat on the Kawasaki and it felt like a very comfortable bike. Problem is here in AUS it is twice as much money as what I paid for the Bandit.

I am really liking the 1250FA, very comfortable bike, and HUGE torque.

Whatever you get, you can buy a lowered peg kit from Twisted Throttle. My friend Tom put some on his Sprint and he loves it. Not sure your legs being a little less folded will help with your hips and back, but it could possibly.

I saw the GSX1250A at a recent racing event and thought it was a great looking bike with fairly upright ergos.

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06 V-Strom DL650

The Sprint's riding position is definitely more aggressive than the others. It's a sport bike with touring ability, where the others are touring bikes with sporting capabilities, if you catch my drift.

I get consistent mileage in the 40's, unless I get throttle happy. The 2010 to present does have allot of nice features including factory heated grips, traction control, larger windscreen, eco mode, handlebar dash controls, re-designed fairing. I love my 2008 but am sure I would love the current model even more. There is "no" better ST bike out there for the money PERIOD, and it sure loves the roads in Tenn. And yes an XL helmet will fit into the side cases.

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BRIAN

2008 WR250R 2006 DL1000