A V-Strom 650.
Back to looking for a comfortable long-distance cruiser that can sit at 80mph for hours and isn't any larger than my CB1100.
Having put about 150k combined miles on 1st gen 1000 and 1st and 2nd gen V-Stroms, I found the 650 to be far more pleasant. While the 1000 definitely had more power, it was rougher feeling, and noticeably heavier. And its sweet spot was at 80-90 mph. I sold it because I was gravitating to those speeds on the freeway, and knew I'd get tickets.
The 650 would happily hold those speeds too, but was more comfortable in the 70-75 mph zone. 1st gen bikes had better lighting, fairing protection, much more comfortable seat, and would be my preference. Don't know how they compare to the later generations.
Sucks to be you, Gn60. Sounds like you need to start cleaning out the garage to make room for a newish motorcycle.
(10-06-2025, 12:40 PM)rdprdp01 Wrote: [ -> ]Sucks to be you, Gn60. Sounds like you need to start cleaning out the garage to make room for a newish motorcycle.
Ha! I've been going back and forth on the notion of adding something more touring-friendly for my long commutes, and the idea of possibly getting away for weekends and vacations. Just looking at more options, and seems the V-Strom 650 is highly regarded.
As for making room, It would get me off my duff to clean out Mom's side golf cart garage, which is where one bike would have to go if I were to add to my collection.
Seat hight:
V650 = 32.9"
CB1100 = 31.3"
Z650RS = 31.5 & very comfy seat!!!!
(10-06-2025, 02:14 PM)peterbaron Wrote: [ -> ]Seat hight:
V650 = 32.9"
CB1100 = 31.3"
Z650RS = 31.5 & very comfy seat!!!!
Much as I like the Z650RS, it doesn’t really have the touring vibe I’m going for.
(10-06-2025, 10:46 AM)pekingduck Wrote: [ -> ]Having put about 150k combined miles on 1st gen 1000 and 1st and 2nd gen V-Stroms, I found the 650 to be far more pleasant. While the 1000 definitely had more power, it was rougher feeling, and noticeably heavier. And its sweet spot was at 80-90 mph. I sold it because I was gravitating to those speeds on the freeway, and knew I'd get tickets.
The 650 would happily hold those speeds too, but was more comfortable in the 70-75 mph zone. 1st gen bikes had better lighting, fairing protection, much more comfortable seat, and would be my preference. Don't know how they compare to the later generations.
Thank you for the very detailed review! That’s a lot of good information.
(10-06-2025, 03:38 PM)m in sc Wrote: [ -> ]I have nothing bad per-say to say about them, but they are pretty freaking vanilla..but reliable. if you're comfy on it, buy it. me? id go for a 900 tracer.
In this case, vanilla is fine.
I wouldn’t mind cheap in this case. It will be a mule for commuting and taking trips where I wouldn’t be in a position to baby it as much as I do my current fleet. Not going to beat it up, but simple, reliable and comfortable are the goals.
