[Rupmisc]

If not the sex factor, then at least the comparison factor. Is the V-Strom pretty much the same bike? I see that the 2009 is on Suzuki’s web site, with ABS. Is the V-Strom a comparable ride to the SVs?

[ShannonG]

I would say the V-Strom 650 is way more touring and way less sport. Very upright riding postion, easy to mount saddle bags, etc. That said, from a very quick glance at the Suzuki website it looks like the two bikes use the same engine. Performance wise, expect the same horsepower/torque, although the V-Strom may be a little heavier.

[Matt]

DL650 V-Strom (aka Wee Strom) is a sibling to the SV650, but with a very different role.

It is an adventure touring bike. It sits perfectly upright with plenty of wind protection, and dirt capable suspenion and tires. It is meant for touring about and travelling down the roads less travelled. It is tall and very top heavy (it has a 5.5gal gas tank!).
The engine is also detuned for a less stressed engine to prolong life in rougher riding conditions.

The SV650 is much lower and much sportier. It is the “civilized” of the two. If you plan on spending time on dirt roads, the Strom is the a good bike. If you never plan on seeing dirt, then you’ll want to swap out the stock tires right away.

If you are interested in a canyon carver, or other fun bike without much plans for exploring (either long distance on the roads, or just down the little town side roads that inevitably turn to dirt) the SV650 is the bike designed for you. If long distances (as in multi-day trips) or adventures away from perfectly smooth asphalt and clear cellphone reception is your plan, the V-Strom is probably a better choice.

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“The two seconds between ‘Oh S**!’ and the crash isn’t a lot of practice time.”

[Rupmisc]

I want a bike that is highway capable and comfortable for a 100 mile trip. Yes there are town dirt roads, hardpan not trail. I like upright but appreciate performance. I do want to be able to attach saddlebags to carry gear (camera, emergency kit and rain/weather gear). Won’t be camping from bike. Won’t be doing track days either. Still recommend SV?

I also have same sort of question on Kawasaki (650R vs. Versys). Am also curious about Honda Sport Tourer (Interceptor-maybe with ABS this year?). Or BMW 800s. All as second bike. Comments?

[Matt]

Versys vs 650R is the same as SV vs DL.
Versys uses many of the same parts, with a similar engine, as the 650R, just as the DL and SV share.

Versys is often said to be the better of the two between it and the 650R. The SV is often called the better of the two between it and the DL. In the Versys’ case it is because the Versys has more upscale suspension than the 650R. In the case of the SV, I think a lot of it has to do with the looks of the DL and the top heaviness.

All four are good bikes.
Between the Versys and the DL, the versys is a newer design, and more road oriented. It is more sporty, with more road biased tires and suspension. It’ll still handle dirt roads, just not *as* well. Nor does it have as large a gas tank, and stock I believe it has less wind protection.
As a light weight touring bike the versys is pretty darned good (see webbikeworld’s versys project).

All four bikes have hard luggage options, and I see lots of 650Rs, Versys, and DLs loaded up. Don’t notice many SVers doing the long distance thing, but that could simply be a reflection of the local riders and the forums I visit. Haven’t heard any reason why the bike wouldn’t be as good for it as the 650R.

If dirt roads are in your planning, I’d stay away from the Honda VFR (Interceptor) unless it really turns your crank. It’ll handle dirt roads, but not as confidently as a bike meant to visit them. Ditto for a BMW F800ST.

BMW F800GS is offroad overkill for most. Most people who buy them could get by just fine on the less expensive more road biased F650GS. I’ve ridden one of these and it is a nice bike. Far faster than you’ll need on the road. Reviews say it’ll keep up with the supersport badboys on the twisties, and I don’t doubt it.
Never having ridden a Versys (just sat on one), I tend to think of the F650GS as an upscale Versys. The versys can do everything the bimmer can 95% as well, but it doesn’t have the feeling of “premium” that the bimmer has.

Just my opinions – Remember, I’ve only ridden one of these bikes!
I’ve been looking into the category a fair bit, since I see my future bike being something akin to a DL or Versys…

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“The two seconds between ‘Oh S**!’ and the crash isn’t a lot of practice time.”

[Rupmisc]

Thanks for the info on the Versys. The BMW I was looking at was the Sport-Tourer the 800FT[?]. More looking for comfort and control in a mostly upright posture. The Versys feels more comfortable for my legs than the 650R which isn’t bad either. I’d even look at a Harley (standard), and love the look of the Triumph bonneville (but service would be a pain. I’d like a little more size weight , carrying capacity and power, without going to extremes. I have just seen it suggested that the dual-sport versions are both more comfortable and controllable (with the trade off being top end speed which I care little about).

The key will be mid size, mid weight, next step from Nighthawk 250 (which is loud and vibrates at over 50mph).

[Rupmisc]

You may have a point. It’s not a single cylinder any more (didn’t it used to be?). It really does look interesting.

[Matt]

Yea, the F650 was a 650cc thumper. By all accounts it was a good bike. The new one is the same mill as the F800ST (the sport touring bmw). But it has be detuned a bit (mostly to differentiate it from the 800GS).

Trust me when I say it doesn’t need the extra ummph of the “bigger” 800s. It goes plenty quick.

The other thing is that BMW really tried to make that engine sound and feel like the boxer twin in the R1200 bikes. I don’t know how well they succeeded, but it doesn’t feel like any other twin I’ve sat on. Very little vibes, and very quiet. It doesn’t have any of the rattling sounds I’m used to from so many other motorcycles. As I said, the bikes feels “premium”.

If you want leg room, the F650GS/Versys/DL650 are better bet than the F800ST/VFR bikes. I actually found it disconcerting at first to have my feet so far below me. I’m not sure I like the seating position (purely personal preferance), I just find it odd.

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“The two seconds between ‘Oh S**!’ and the crash isn’t a lot of practice time.”

[Author]

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