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VS650, VS1000, Bandit or ???

4K views 39 replies 16 participants last post by  Taidog1 
#1 · (Edited)
I posted almost a cut & paste of this in the 650 vs. 1000 thread even thought the question is more complicated and involved than the 650 v 1000 conversation.

Threads all over internet motorcycle forums asking which is "the" one bike to get for doing it all are fun to read, generate great discussions but are complicated in a different way than having too many darned bikes.:bom_juggle2:
I've been blessed to be in the latter category and am looking to thin the herd yet still have all the bases (bases I run on, anyway) covered.

I thought I wanted to by a V-Strom 1000 and joined with great forum specifically to educate myself towards that end but ... here goes.


I am by no means new to motorcycling - well over 250,000 miles on all sorts of bikes over too many years.

My current stable is in my signature and I want an ADV road bike seeing as the DR650 (not for sale) has dirt covered to the extent that I want to do dirt. That said, if I ever did get rid of my beloved DR650, it would be for a smaller/lighter DR or DR type bike.

The H-D Road Glide does the big trips, on big roads, at big speeds with big amounts of gear road trips just fine. I rode from the east coast to/from Sturgis this past summer and tore up the Black Hills for another 1,000 miles in addition to the t/f travelling - love that bike!

I have a 1250S Bandit that I put mild up & back risers on, lowered the pegs to get a little more of an Old Man's riding position and added a V-Stream windscreen which, to be honest, puts a blast of noisy air right on my face/head at just about all speeds. Did I mention that I absolutely adore that 1250cc lump? Great engine!

Despite having too many bikes, I have a void in my stable. I was planning on getting rid of the Bandit for a V1000; it's actually why I joined this forum. That said, the 2008 fat Bob was supposed to go to Daytona to be my Florida bike - but after this past Biketoberfest I realized that I just can't part with my '10 Road King - which is already in FL. The Fat Bob, great bike that it is, is either going to be sold or traded. Someone will great a great bike.

The mission profile for whatever new mount I get is weekend trips with the inevitable slabbing of getting to the good stuff in a timely fashion, then curvy back roads in some new/exciting place with some (i.e. fire roads) mild dirt here and there. Though the DR650 I have (and want to keep) does enough dirt good enough for my riding style - it ain't doing the slabbin' the way I want to slab to get "there."

The Bandit 1250S is a good bike with a great engine but I just can't connect with the riding position despite flipping the peg mounts over for more reach and the mild pull back risers. I'm only 5.9" with a 30" inseam but I just ain't 20 years old!

Soooooo ...,

Do I keep the Bandit 1250S for "Sport Touring" and get a 650-Strom for weekend ADV-ing?

Just run that Bandit in everything; maybe with dirtier tires?

Sell/trade the Bandit 1250S for V-Strom 1000 for longer range ADV-ing and the inevitable slabbing that goes with it? (This was my original thought)

The V-S1000 can do what the Bandit does but not what the DR650 does.
The V-S650 can kinda/sorta/mostly do what the V-S1000 can do but not so much of what the Bandit 1250S or the DR650 does for me. I'm a torque junky.

If all of this weren't enough, did I mention that I have the Italian Model hots for that Moto-Guzzi 850TT?? :kiss:

HELP! :bom_juggle::mod2_helpsmilie:
 
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#2 ·
Welcome to the forum, a nice collection of bikes you've got. If we we're comparing the first gen V-Stroms I, and many people, would recommend the 650, but the new bikes are both very good, with the 1000 is much improved from what I've heard.

I think you have a pretty clear idea on how the V Stroms fit between the Bandit and DR, but the fact that you said "The Bandit 1250S is a good bike with a great engine but I just can't connect with the riding position." and "I'm a torque junky"
means you should sell the Bandit and get the DL1000.

I also have an infatuation with the MG 850 TT, I rode one and liked it a lot, very similar to my DL650.
 
#3 ·
Since you already have motorcycles you are not in panic situation to buy. Start hitting up dealerships and see what all is out there. Try as many as you can from different manufacturers then once you have it narrowed down then ask questions on the bike that have been shortlisted.

Several years ago I went into herd thinning mode and after I sold off 2 Ducati's, 6 Guzzi's, 2 Suzuki's I ended up with 2 bikes in the stable a 2006 R1200GS and my DR650 sidecar rig.

Though I never thought one bike could do it all for me the GS comes extremely close or at least to the point where I've tried to look for other bikes and just cannot see what they offer me the GS does not.
 
#4 ·
Thank you guys so much for the replies.

The DR650, IMHO, is a big dirt bike that can do some pavement to get to the dirt while the next bike I am seeking would be more of a road bike (Sport-Touring) that can do some (light) dirt.

Gear Patrol used the phrase, "adventure sport touring segment" and I think that describes what I'm looking for.
 
#5 ·
For the use you describe the vstrom 650 sounds ideal. It will do long trips fully loaded with no problem, and handle the fire roads and gravel well enough, (though its by no means a dirt bike.)
I did a recent 1800 mile trip in company with 2 big harleys, (both ridden by cops who know they aint getting a ticket), and had no problem keeping up on the slab.
 
#6 ·
Decisions Decisions Decisions !!!!

During your deliberations, here's a motorcycle ergonomics app that is mighty helpful >>> Motorcycle Ergonomics I suggest putting whatever motorcycle you have that fits you well into the app. Then put in whatever bike you're considering and compare the two or three or four.
Good Luck :thumbup:
 
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#7 ·
Whisky Tango:Sell/trade the Bandit 1250S for V-Strom 1000 for longer range ADV-ing and the inevitable slabbing that goes with it? (This was my original thought)
Go with your original thought.

I had a very similar situation when I bought my 2014 1000. I had a fleet that included a K1200RS. It had a longitudinal 4 cyl engine, it was chipped with a full SS exhaust. Sargent seat and all the trimmings. It was comfy for long hauls and handled pretty well but the best part was engine. It was brutally fast. After using it to do the Moto Marathon in the Rockies, I realized that I was working a lot harder than the guys on the Multistartas to keep the pace. So I bought the V-Strom but kept the BMW (just in case).

I scheduled my first service while I was still at the dealership and once that was completed I did a 900 mile day on the V-2. I rode with some guys from this forum who joined in and peeled off along the way. The next day I did another all day ride. The day after that I sold the BMW. I missed it for about an hour (maybe 45 minutes).

As for the Moto Guzzi, I get it. I lust after various European bikes. But as I've said before, I categorize them with that stripper down by the airport. Fun to ride but not to live with.
 
#8 ·
I just sold my old 06 Weestrom, and picked up a '15 650 Versys. BUT, the real story is my 1250 Bandit. I sold it 10 years ago, bought it back this summer, and like you, I LOVE that engine! Is it comfortable for me?....uh, NO! lol Bar risers, flipped pegs, just like yours. I also added fold down pegs at the lower mid motor mounts, tho' I rarely use them.It is a hooligan bike for short blasts right now, but I admit, it's not a great bike for an old guy with achy joints and an arthritic spine. The guy only put 1500 miles on in those 10 years, so honestly, I bought it cuz I felt it was being neglected. The brake fluid looked like butterscotch pudding, and smelled rotten! lol Lots of maintenance kept me occupied this year, but it turned out great! No doubt I'll probably sell it, but the poor thing needed a friend. 0:)

This will be of little help to your situation, but I never miss an opportunity to defend the old school bikes that are being overwhelmed by the glitzy technological wonders of today.
 
#9 ·
You guys are great - you're like a few drinking buddies of mine helping to decide what shot to get next! LOL

In all seriousness, the breath and depth of the experienced based brain-trust here is exactly why I joined and exactly what you all are providing; I am truly appreciative.

I do not think I could possible come up with an intellectually honest argument against what any of you have stated; and I'd cross the street for a good argument!

If I got the DL650, which would, in all likelihood suit my mission profile, I'd likely keep the Bandit, whose engine I love and therefore tolerate the rest of the bike. That arrangement wouldn't facilitate thinning the herd.

If I got the DL1000 I certainly would get rid of the Bandit but the cost delta between the 1000 and the 650 would almost allow me to keep the Bandit for darned near free given trade-in values.

If I got the "Stripper at the Airport" Italian Supermodel Moto-Guzzi V85TT (can you tell I got the hots for it?) I'd probably have to keep the Bandit so I'd have something to sport-tour on when rides come up and the Moto-Guzzi is in some far away dealership's shop waiting for some far away part to arrive.

Granted these are First World problems - but arrrgh, ... problems nonetheless.
 
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#10 · (Edited)
Forgot to mention, although I had two BMW GS bikes - years apart, I am not considering anything BMW. They were good enough but I'm so done with their hyper-complicated way of accomplishing simple things and am really so done with the BMW company and its dealerships - they almost make H-D Stealerships seem compassionate and friendly.
 
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#11 ·
Forgot to mention, although I had two BMW GS bikes - years apart, I am not considering anything BMW. They were good enough but I'm so done with their hyper-complicated way of accomplishing simple things and am really so done with the BMW company and its dealerships - they almost make H-D seem compassionate and friendly.
Amen to that.
I'm quick to remind my good friends with beamers that BMW made their reputation for being reliable back when you only had to be better than a BSA.
 
#12 ·
The newer DL650's will more than fit the bill. I culled down to 1 bike from an R1100R and R1150RT to just my 2017 DL650A. Don't miss either of them.....SWMBO and I dont do any long distance touring now, so the RT became redundant. The R1100R was fun to ride but was, in the end, surplus to requirements and was sold way before the RT.
The RT was a trusty friend for 17 years but my riding changed and the VStrom has proven to be a worthy successor. We went out for a lunch ride yesterday and decided to slab it back home on Interstate 10 to test the bike and new Madstad screen at speed. Two-up with side cases and top box doing 6k rpm with 80mph indicated, the bike was smooth and stable plus the screen was magic?.

I ride with a group of 17 or so old farts, with all being experienced riders and some ex-racers. Pretty much all are agreed that the newer 650 V-Stroms are the Swiss Army knives of motorcycles. I have farkled mine to suit me and I am now really happy with the bike. I am 72, 6'1", 204lbs an ex road racer and been riding in both the UK and USA since I was 16. I rode both the 1000 and the 650 and thought the 650 was the better "balanced" bike. Adding an Adventuretech fork brace and EBC HH pads immediately improved handling and braking and the AT peg lowering kit and Madstad screen increased riding comfort.

IMHO - You won't go wrong with the 650?
 
#13 · (Edited)
A bandit would be an odd bike to lump in with the adventure bikes. It has more in common with my FZ1 than a V-strom.
Best advise is to ride whatever you are looking at. A vstrom is a comfortable bike that has as much in common with a Bandit as a pickup truck has in common with a corvette.

Also worth noting that Vstroms are tall bikes. At 6ft I lowered mine 3/4" so that I could flat foot it.
 
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#14 ·
a Bandit as a pickup truck has in common with a corvette.
Got that; a lowering is almost guaranteed. That said, a pick-up and a Corvette both have "push you back in the seat torque."
 
#19 ·
And then there is me... I'm 65 and started on dirt bikes and progressed to sport bike. Still ride a 2010 BMW S1000RR and a Suzuki SV 650. But the bike I ride out of state, on weekend trips, camping in the mountains is my 2007 Wee. Absolutely love this bike. I'm 5'7" and 145 lbs so a small guy. I took the seat bumpers out from under the seat years ago and can deal with this thing off road well enough. It's tall, a handful in the dirt and has never failed me when I've been scared poopless in the back country alone in an awkward road situation. It satisfies my need for torque, and is easier to manage in the dirt than the Vee for me. (Had one for a short while before it got killed by a truck. Better it than me!) Just my experiences, others may vary... :wink2:
 
#20 ·
I considered the Bandit, change the bars etc to make it a bit more comfortable but in the end the DL won. Better suspension, better brakes. The bandit's suspension is on par with the DL 650's where the 1000's is O.K. and really the power difference doesn't make up for suspenders and brakes.
 
#21 ·
The Bandit ain't no Corvette - a muscle car perhaps, but not a Corvette.
The V-Stroms (both of them) seem like today's Jeeps - honoring the heritage but more Mall Crawler than rock crawler anymore.
 
#22 ·
I was strongly considering a Moto Guzzi v85tt. Test rode one for ~20 minutes. Was also thinking about a v-strom 1000 and a Honda vfr1200x.

I am a frugal guy, and with the v85tt being a "hot" bike now, CA Moto Guzzi dealers wanted a bit over $16K OTD. Ouchie mama. So if I bought it, and ended up having a fun 1-2 years with it and decided to sell it ... I would lose a ton of money. If I kept it longer, put on some miles, say up to 25K-30K miles, and then tried to sell it, wow, selling a MG with 30K miles on it? I would lose a TON of money.

Also, the v85tt is "fun & zippy" like the new gen vstrom 650 ... not a booming torque or fast motor like the v-strom 1000 or vfr1200x ... and I wanted some power!

Looking at left over deals on 2018 v-strom 1000's and 2016/2017 vfr1200x's, the v-strom 1000 was coming in $2K cheaper. And almost 100 lbs lighter. So I bought a new 2018 v-strom 1000 (last Friday!).

Oh, so the new v-strom worked out at $5000 cheaper than the v85tt!!

I also have a 2017 v-strom 650 (my East Coast bike, stored in VA).

The 650 is a magical kind of bike. The design team for that should all get mega bonuses! I just love riding it, it is so fun. But ... I don't like taking long interstate rides on it. Like 75-80 mph for 4 hours. But for east coast back roads, blue ridge parkway, all those mountains in the West VA/VA/NC/Tenn area, the 650 is just wonderful.

In CA, there are lots of places where you have fun roads, then a ~3-4 hr high speed interstate blast to the next collection of fun roads, so I wanted a bigger bike than the 650 for that purpose.

For you, since you have the 1250 and big Harley's, I think you'd be happier with the 1000.
 
#23 ·
Usedtobefast, thank you for the informative reply. Your user name is similar to a phrase I use a lot, "the older I get - the better I used to be!"

The NOS/left-over V-1000 seems to be the direction I am heading.

Stupid question, do the 2018s come with a center stand?
 
#29 ·
Stupid question, do the 2018s come with a center stand?
No. You can order the Suzuki OEM optional one for ~$210 online (got mine from motosport). Some guys buy the SW-motech brand, but I just figured the stock Suzuki one is cheaper and no idea if it is better than the SW-Motech one.

The 2019 V-Strom 1000 XT Adventure (blue bike, blue wheels, aluminum side cases stock) comes with the center stand (and a few other items too).
 
#24 ·
Dont give up on the 650 yet....
FYI I live in Central TX and am surrounded by 70/75 and 80mph roads. SWMBO and I were legging it down I-10 at 6k rpm/80 indicated for an hour or so and still had passing power!
Solo, and with my ride buddies, I run 75/85 mph all day on our Hill Country back roads. The 2017 and later motor is a gem?
 
#27 · (Edited)
Dont give up on the 650 yet....
FYI I live in Central TX and am surrounded by 70/75 and 80mph roads. SWMBO and I were legging it down I-10 at 6k rpm/80 indicated for an hour or so and still had passing power!
Solo, and with my ride buddies, I run 75/85 mph all day on our Hill Country back roads. The 2017 and later motor is a gem?
What he said. Exactly. Obviously, I'm a Wee fan. (2019 - my 2nd one)

It seems - typically - the want for more power diminishes as we get older. The Wee has enough and then some. Strong, capable and dependable - when you need it to be - where you need it to be! A no excuse motorcycle. IF you are among those who still need the "Bandit rush," then the 1000 will probably be your best choice. If not........................the Wee will surpise you. And - in the opinion of MANY - the Wee advantages not only stay with you for a very long time - but grow on you - every time you ride. :smile2:

Best of luck with your decision. Hope I've helped. >:)

Cheers.
 
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#25 ·
The Bandit is a basic Do It All street bike. Strong Inline 4 engine. I've had 3 of them and they were all good bikes. Sounds like ergonomics is the big hurdle for you. IMHO keep the Bandit.
 
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#28 · (Edited)
You guys have all helped - helped confused my confused self!

In all seriousness, there is a wealth of experience and knowledge here - the reason why I joined!

Once I calmed myself down, took a cold shower and looked at both the acquisition cost then resale value of the Moto Guzzi, I cured myself of the Italian Supermodel fetish disorder.

While none of the Japanese companies make a bad ADV bike, Suzuki motorcycles have provided me with service and value; I like that.

I like the V-Stroms and they seem to support my mission profile for this purchase - so it kinda comes down to the 650 or 1000 ... a question of the ages it would appear.

If I get the 650, I would pretty much have to keep the Bandit for the torque fixes I am addicted to. That being said, for the price delta between the 650 and the 1000s, I would be owning the Bandit for very little in the overall scheme of thing. But, it's one more insurance, battery, spot in the garage, oil change, tires to replace by age not wear ...

If I get the 1000 I could reduce the fleet by one (Bandit) and be at a net null; not a reduction but, close enough.

Decisions, decisions ... _(^@%(&%^@&*%
 
#30 ·
Another spin on your decision ... if you buy the 650, sounds like you will most likely keep the 1250 ... so why not buy the 1000 V-strom, if you find it can replace your 1250 then sell it, if not, keep the 1250 and the 1000.

I had a 1250 for a while ... never gelled with it. Wonderful motor! But really, if you stuck a 750cc basic inline four in that same bike no one would buy it or like it ... meaning, the only good thing about it is the motor (sorry).
 
#31 ·
I had a 1250 for a while ... never gelled with it. Wonderful motor! But really, if you stuck a 750cc basic inline four in that same bike no one would buy it or like it ... meaning, the only good thing about it is the motor (sorry).
You're not insulting my bike - nothing to be sorry about; you speak the truth.
 
#32 ·
Have a 650 and LOVE it! 2008 model bought used and well outfitted 5 years ago. Honestly don't think I could part with it.

Had a Bandit 1200 and really liked it but after a 3 day weekend ride, decided to sell it. Just not comfortable plus I was always twisting the right hand grip too much. I would have eventually run out of luck. That bike felt like it could climb a tree!

Briefly had a first gen V-Strom 1000 at same time as my 650 and the motor was great, but the quirks (issues?) with the 1st gen made me pick my 650 for my style of riding. By most accounts the newer versions of 1000 are really good bikes; you would probably be happy.

Like you, that Moto Guzzi is the first newer bike that has really tripped my trigger! I think it really suits me but haven't seen one in person yet. Looks great and the price isn't that bad either considering what you get. Lack of dealers and fear of an "exotic" brand are tempering my lust but only a little. Have a dealer 45 minutes away that has one so I must go see it!

Happy hunting
 
#38 ·
.....plus I was always twisting the right hand grip too much. I would have eventually run out of luck. That bike felt like it could climb a tree!.....
You should ride one with a 1 tooth smaller countershaft sprocket. They will really 'get up and move' then. :thumbup:
 
#33 · (Edited)
After a Bandit 1250, you should DEFFINATLY test-ride a Vstrom 1000 before making any moves. And ride it a bit hard. Ridden gently, the VStrom 1000 feels pretty normal. Ridden hard, the VStrom 1000 feels pretty...flat. Might be kind of a let-down after the Bandit. Sure, everyone likes low rpm torque. But a bland and flat top-end isn't for everyone and could easily be a deal-breaker for many. You might also try a FJ-09 or the new Tracer 900 GT. The Vstrom 650? Well if the 1000 is kind of a let-down, the 650 has to be a snore-fest with budget brakes, suspension, AND engine.

I'm always skeptical of anybody saying THEIR bike is the greatest. Most people badly want to believe that their bike is great (and that they were smart to buy it) whether it's true or not. I demo'd a Tracer 900 GT and hated it for all the reasons that most people love it. Then, after a too-gentle test drive, I bought a 2014 VStrom 1000 expecting it to feel a lot like the 1997 TL1000S I used to own. Man, what a let down; the engine in the VStrom 1000 feels nothing at all like the engine in the TL1000S (that bike had it's own problems but the engine was very engaging).

I used to own (both at the same time) a 1994 CB1000 and a 1993 CBR1000F. The CB1000 used the engine from the CBR but "tuned for mid-range torque" and with a 5-speed transmission instead of a 6-speed. It was a total dog. Great-looking but bland and boring as hell to ride. The CBR1000F meanwhile had all kinds of character and was very enjoyable (and it never felt lacking for mid-range torque). It was stunning to me that Honda could neuter an engine so badly. I was glad to eventually get rid of "The Big One" but I've often felt regrets about letting the CBR1000F go as soon as I did (putting together a down-payment for a house) - that was a great bike even if it was a little heavy at 582-lbs.
 
#34 ·
Snore Fest??

Motorazr,
One learns over the years that there are "Horses for courses" mate!
And one mans snore fest is another mans grin fest....it is all about life balance and a lot depends on the needs, and experience, of the rider. And your statement about "Most people badly want to believe etc" could be viewed as border line insulting to "most people".
With over 55 years of riding experience, some on the track, many riding to work in the UK and then riding/touring in the USA, I feel my opinion about my DL650 (and the DL1000) is, perhaps, a little more objective than subjective.
Can I handle and ride a BMW S1000RR, most certainly, is a great bike, yes, could I buy one, most definitely, would it fit my needs.....well, a small part of my ageing brain (the crazy 18 year old part!) might say yes (LOL!).
But, I wanted to simplify and reduce engines in my garage and find a bike that would take me (and occasionally SWMBO) wherever I wanted to go and with a modicum of "fun factor" involved.
The DL650A is not heavy, it is "spritely" with "sufficient" horsepower...the handling and braking can be improved with moderate expenditures and without tearing the bike down. And, in the right hands, it is as fun as a box of frogs in the twisties of the TX Hill Country.
And as far as upgrades and maintenance, I've done all that for years with BMW's and Brit Bikes but, to be honest, and at my age, I want to spend time out on the road and not pushing bikes around the garage and/or ripping them apart.
Our local Suzy dealer is a friend and ride buddy and he pointed me toward a very lightly used (228mile) 2017 DL650A and it certainly fitted my bill. I rode it and traded my BMW RT in and haven't regretted it one whit.

Horses for courses..... :) !!
 
#36 ·
Motorazr,
One learns over the years that there are "Horses for courses" mate!
And one mans snore fest is another mans grin fest....it is all about life balance and a lot depends on the needs, and experience, of the rider. And your statement about "Most people badly want to believe etc" could be viewed as border line insulting to "most people".
With over 55 years of riding experience, some on the track, many riding to work in the UK and then riding/touring in the USA, I feel my opinion about my DL650 (and the DL1000) is, perhaps, a little more objective than subjective.
Can I handle and ride a BMW S1000RR, most certainly, is a great bike, yes, could I buy one, most definitely, would it fit my needs.....well, a small part of my ageing brain (the crazy 18 year old part!) might say yes (LOL!).
But, I wanted to simplify and reduce engines in my garage and find a bike that would take me (and occasionally SWMBO) wherever I wanted to go and with a modicum of "fun factor" involved.
The DL650A is not heavy, it is "spritely" with "sufficient" horsepower...the handling and braking can be improved with moderate expenditures and without tearing the bike down. And, in the right hands, it is as fun as a box of frogs in the twisties of the TX Hill Country.
And as far as upgrades and maintenance, I've done all that for years with BMW's and Brit Bikes but, to be honest, and at my age, I want to spend time out on the road and not pushing bikes around the garage and/or ripping them apart.
Our local Suzy dealer is a friend and ride buddy and he pointed me toward a very lightly used (228mile) 2017 DL650A and it certainly fitted my bill. I rode it and traded my BMW RT in and haven't regretted it one whit.

Horses for courses..... :) !!
Very, very well said.
 
#35 ·
The V-S1000 can do what the Bandit does but not what the DR650 does.
I owned a 97 1200 Bandit and a VS1000. The VS wouldn't come remotely close to matching the Bandit on road. It was a rocket, I could knee drag in the turns, pulled like a train in the straights and was bullet proof reliable. I sported it up instead of cruizifying it. It hated gravel.
 
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