Had a 2008 mode first l and Got mine 2013 one for over 5 years now. At one point I Sold it for a triumph Tiger 1050 and traded it back for the same vstrom within a month. Vstrom stays with me! Love it.
Fantastic bike. I have the same gen1 model dat alongside a beemer R1200rs and the Vstrom is the one I mostly prefer riding. It’s got that Xfactor few bikes have. Easy, well balanced and comfortable, decent handling too. Engine suits the bike well. Not fast but torquey and dependable if a bit rattly. The only problem some have, including mine, is fragile stators and rectifiers. I upgraded mine after the rectifier burnt itself out at 9K miles. People moan about the screen but I find it pretty decent with little buffeting. Although not intended as true off road, I wouldn’t hesitate to use it off road and just be mindful of the limited suspension travel. Possibly one of the best all round bikes ever made. I even prefer the gen1 rounded looks to later more angular styling. For road, I’ve found the Bridgestone BT023 tyres to be very decent handling and grippy.
Great video! Thanks for the inspiration. I shall now climb on my 2013 V-strom650 and try to not eclipse legalities while singing without a condom. ✊🏻😉👍🏻
Nice motovlog. You seem like the right guy to ask. I have similar dimensions... 250 lbs. I am wondering if you have had opportunity in the last year to do any two-up touring. My passenger is about 140 lbs. I am looking to purchase a bike for mostly solo riding but also able to do a weekend trip with the wife on the back. Do the passenger and rider both have enough room for two-up riding? What is the comfort level for both rider and passenger? Does the bike have enough power to ride at speed on the hwy and pass other motorists if necessary? Any insight you may provide will be appreciated. Thank you.
I'm 6'4", 285# in gear. I've tried LOTS of bikes and found none with more room 2up. Spouse is similar sized to yours. Power is adequate for overtaking on the highway. I've installed many options to accommodate my height and weight. Bar risers, mirror extender, tall seat, lowered controls, beefier suspension. From the Africa Twin to Goldwing to Super Tenere to GS1200ADV to R1200RT my V-strom650 fits me best. Not the prettiest or fastest but it's efficent (I've average 54mpg over 29,000 miles), I wrench on it myself and my complete investment is about $7,000.
@@got_to_roll Thanks for the detailed reply. I still have not ridden a DL 650 but when a 2012 DL1000 came available in my area for a good price, I bought it and am enjoying it immensely. It is the most comfortable bike I've ridden. I just need the weather to cooperate so I can get more time in the saddle.
@@Bass1923 I absolutely LOVE the DL1000 engine. I thought the 650 better for my offroad excursions and way better for not riding maniacally!😉 I test rode 2 DL1000s and found the addictive torque made triple digit mph speeds too easily and too often. I truly didn't trust myself to own it. It's been a few years, maybe I've settled down a bit and should reconsider. Love that engine!!!
I put 1k miles on my drz400s in its first month lol. I'm wanting something better suited for the street now and I'm pretty sure I'm going to to get one of these. Do you still have yours?
