Someone talk me out of...

[misterprofessionality]

As somebody who has spent quite a few miles on both a Vstrom and a Versys as a primary commuter bike, I can say that they're both amazing and excellently capable bikes, but the Versys will outperform in almost every way other than off-road capabilities. I might also mention the exhaust note being godawful on the Versys, but the Vstrom doesn't sound all that great either, so it's a moot point.

the thing is you mentioned the bike being cheap, and you will certainly usually spend less on a used Vstrom than you will on the Versys. the thing that I love about the Versys in particular, is that when you wind it up it really likes to party. It's a much more energetic bike than it might indicate to you the first time you ride it.

[Gone in 60]

That is an interesting take, Mister. My limited research has found more V-Stroms at lower prices than equivalent Verysyses. Also looking at NC700s and 750s. Clearly the 700s are cheaper as they're older.

[pekingduck]

NC700s are nice and nimble, fun to ride around town, but the first time you run up a freeway offramp and quickly hit the rev limiter, you'llfind one of their limitations - low power.  The V-Strom passenger seat was not artificially higher than the front, meaning easier to swing a leg over, especially with a rear case.

I always had at least a rear case on my V-Stroms, and noticed that its luggage, bags and trunk, are further forward than the Versys and NC700/750X, meaning less pendulum effect. 
   

[Gone in 60]

Power would be a limiting factor of the NC700X.
I'm sure our resident NC750X fan can chime in about power and cruising speed, and we've traded messages about it. The attractive thing about this platform to me is easy to access, screw-type valve adjusters and Honda quality.

[the Ferret]

While true that the NC 750X is not a high horsepower bike, it is a very torquey bike, and acceleration is good. It has no trouble keeping up with freeway traffic, but you can't expect a lot of passing power at that speed. A Versys 650 or V Strom 650 will not have a lot of passing power at that speed either. All 3 have less than 70 crank hp.Adequate but not excessive. None of them were designed to be pocket racers.

I have read it only takes 34 hp to cruise at 70 mph, and many bikes making less hp than that will cruise much faster than that. My NC 750X cruises at 70 mph at 3,500 rpms.



Only will test rides tell you, which is the right bike for you, because the right bike is a combination of several factors of which hp is only one. Weight, handling, ergonomics, dealer network, reputation of reliability, as well as looks all are factors in the motorcycle buying decision process.

[Gone in 60]

Thanks for giving the Honda perspective, Ferret.
As for my performance needs, I need to cruise comfortably at 80, but don't need much more than that.

Perusing FB, I'm tabbing the Versys 650, V-Strom 650 and NC750X.
I had made an offer on a 2020 manual trans NC750X months back, which was rejected by the seller. I gambled that he'd bite on the offer as the bike had been listed for quite a long time.

All good points to consider, and I thank everyone for the information!

[MagnaRider]

What about a second CB?

[misterprofessionality]

That's not a bad idea. I just so happen to have a spare one...

[MagnaRider]

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.

A CB1100 does fit all of these requirements.  

[Gone in 60]

Yes it does, and so do my Bonneville and Interceptor. 
And, I follow YouTubers who tour on all three as well. 
But, I'm looking for more wind resistance and relaxed comfort than any of them provide, and using the new bike as a mile-mule will let me enjoy my modern classics for more recreational purposes. Plus, if I'm adding one more to the fleet, it would be nice to have a little more variety than I have now. 

A CB1100 does fit all of these requirements.