I have had both the Vee and Wee (currently have the Wee). I loved the Vee but the Wee is much more nimble and the engine is smoother and the front wheel never felt as planted as the Wee. HOWEVER, I miss the acceleration of the Vee. Also, I miss the lower RPM's at higher sustained highway speeds.

If BMW can do it (GS800), I know Suzuki can.

Also, I'd love to see tubeless spoke wheels (does BMW have a patent on these?). Maybe make it an option?

And NO, I do not want a BMW. Been there, done that; NEVER AGAIN!:mod2_censored:

P.S.- BMW and Vee owners, please don't take offense. This is just what I and I am sure a lot of Strom owners would love to see happen.

The BMW GS800 is unlike any BMW I've ever ridden...more like a KTM than a BMW...but without the KTM problems. Price wise is not to bad either, loaded with bags for 12K.

If you haven't ridden one..and you're serious about a new bike, you might want to consider it.

I'd consider it...but I absolutely refuse to own anything under 1000cc again.

BTD.

Suzuki already has a great 800cc motor in the 50's m or c.
Have 2 m-50's in my garage and think it would be a great build for a strom.
Put the shaft drive too
Mike

Moto Guzzi has the tubeless spoked wheels on some of their bikes also. Nice looking without the hassle of the tubes if a flat occurs.

I would also be interested in an 800 cc version of the Wee 650 -- just an enlarged version of the current 650 and not a side-by-side twin. I hear and read that the side-by-sides are buzzy at higher RPM That would not be attractive to me at all.

My current ride is an '08 Concours C-14 ABS and thinking my next bike is the Wee ABS. Reason: as I get older, handling the weight of the C-14 might get to be too much for me.

Zlock Racing can build you a DL 744. But, they say you should pull apart the entire engine and put stronger rods and bearings in it as well. So, I suppose it is possible for Suzuki to do it if they so choose.

Steve

Some real suspension for off road would be nice(usd forks)!

I have a Suzuki VX 800 I'll sell ya. You can put the motor into a chassis. It is a 91. Not sure that the motor was designed as a structural part of the bike though.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/mcy/1273428151.html

This is an accidental rehash of a rumour from two years ago. At that stage there were leaked photos floating around of what was supposed to be the new 1000 engine replacement which was an 800cc V-twin with variable valve timing. It hasn't surfaced in a bike yet but who knows what might appear eventually.

Yeah, but the 800GS is no Strom. You are correct that it is more like a KTM and I think BMW designed the bike to compete directly with KTM. The GS isn't highway friendly, not is it 2-Up friendly like the Strom.

I would like to see Suzuki ditch both the DL650 and the DL1000 for a single bike that has two versions. While they are at it....not a 800cc....but an 850cc V-Twin that makes nearly 90hp. And.....the bike needs to weigh less than 425lbs, dry.

DL850S (S for Sport Edition)
DL850A (A for Adventure Edition)

The Sport Edition would be a similiar setup to what the Strom is today. It would appeal to 75% of the Strom purchasers which use the bike for 90% pavement and 10% dirt.

The Adventure Edition would appeal to about 25% of the market who use their bike for true adventure riding with up to 50% dirt....touting upgraded suspension (adding 2" clearance over the "S"), Spoked Rims, TKC's, etc.

And for God's Sake!!!!!!......a different faring that is a little more eye appealing and mostly...."ANTI HELMENT BUFFTING"!!!!!!!

Then pricing.... the "S" would retail for $8,900 and the "A" would retail for $9,900. (ABS is standard on both with an OFF switch for the "A" edition.)

I would purchase a DL850A, right now without hesitation!!!!!


PS....anyone wanting something bigger than a liter and more than 100hp......you just need to purchase an FJR or a 1200RT and call it a day.

MTNAdventureRider - What great insight and ideas !!

Maybe keep the DL650 in it's current form - it's still selling well and it has a good price point. As you have stated, Suzuki should offer the larger DL as a torquey/performance V-Twin 850 to 950 cc model in the Sport and Adventure configurations. The weight and horsepower ratings you have suggested are right on the mark. In my opinion, the correct approach for the "S" model would be the direction Triumph has gone with the new Tiger 1050 regarding styling, tires, brakes, suspension components, etc. My personal choice would be the "S" model. The closest I've ever been to "off-road" with my 2004 DL650 was the gravel entrance driveway to a KOA Kampground this summer. The "Adventure" model would fill a huge gap/need in the Adventure/Off Road Capable Motorcycle marketplace. The current stock DL models are just not as happy in off-road situations or in the dirt as a new Adventure-Specific model would be. Due to it's appearance, versatility and toughness, the "A" model would be very unique and have great appeal - greater than any one could imagine. I would hate it for the way it would cut into the sales of "Adventure-Type" BMW's, KTM's and KLR's.

Both "S" and "A" models should have belt drive and "under engine" (Buell/Versys type) exhaust or at least a single underseat exhaust, to cut weight and get the pipes out of the way of side mount luggage and legs. Plus both exhaust configurations look really cool.

Hmmmm....They WOULD really be different enough, maybe I'd have to have both models !! :rolleyes:

Suzuki - don't make us hold our breath too much longer. :frown5: We are turning blue !! We know you can do this. You would have the market for standard/adventure motorcycles totally cornered.