Cruiser to ADV Bike

dcmalone · 11-13-2009, 09:47 AM

Has anyone switched from a cruiser to a Adventure style bike? I curerntly own a VTX1300 and previously had a CBR600RR. Most my riding is commuting to and from work with an occassional weekend ride, etc. I guess my main question is, we're you happy with the decision? I really enjoy the VTX but would also like the option of taking dirt/gravel/logging roads if I feel like it. I have been looking at the KLR650 and V-Strom family (really prefer the 1000 to the 650, mainly for the twin exhaust...yeah, yeah...stupid reason), but just kinda hesitante in pulling the buy trigger for fear that I won't like the ride. It's just really hard to compare a "demo" ride and "everyday" ride. Advice from riders who made the switch would be greatly appreciated.

T.REX63 · 11-13-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcmalone

...but just kinda hesitante in pulling the buy trigger for fear that I won't like the ride. It's just really hard to compare a "demo" ride and "everyday" ride. Advice from riders who made the switch would be greatly appreciated.

If you liked the demo ride, you'll better than 80% will like the bike for the commute and what else you want to do with it. If you don't like it after all, ...sell it again!

badweatherbiker · 11-13-2009, 09:52 AM

I went from I Vulcan Classic to a Buell Ulysses, but I have have adv bikes as well as sport bikes before. After 3 cruisers I am not a big fan of them at all. I actually have a Honda XL600R for sale right now.

dcmalone · 11-13-2009, 10:34 AM

I appreciate your responses. Will definately look into it a little harder once I get back home. Thanks again.

Stretch67 · 11-13-2009, 10:36 AM

I went from a Honda V45 Magna to my Tiger. The Tiger is much more comfortable for all-day riding, and is capable of meandering down a dirt road fully-loaded... something the Magna couldn't even think about.

StabbyMcCutty · 11-13-2009, 11:02 AM

I went from a Vulcan 900c to a V-Strom 650. Honestly, the cruiser wasn't a practical decision and I regretted it after a while. The cleaning, polishing and inability to go off road got old in a hurry. I couldn't be happier with the V-Strom. Before you decide on the 650 versus the 1000 do yourself a favor and do some research on the V-Strom forums (vsri and stromtroopers). The additional weight, lack of ABS and a few other annoyances made the 1k a non starter for me.

Good luck.

MMcnamara · 11-13-2009, 11:14 AM

I had a CBR600 Hurricane, then bought a Shadow 1100 as a second bike.

I sold both and got a DR650, and never regretted a thing (until I sold it).

Get the V-Strom. You'll look back and wonder WTF those other bikes did better.

Night_Wolf · 11-13-2009, 11:16 AM

Went from the Suzuki Intruders (VS800 & VS1400) to the Wee Strom. Couldn't be happier with the versatility of the Wee. I will own another cruiser, but it won't be for a daily ride

Chad_NC · 11-13-2009, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMcnamara

I had a CBR600 Hurricane, then bought a Shadow 1100 as a second bike.

I sold both and got a DR650, and never regretted a thing (until I sold it).

Get the V-Strom. You'll look back and wonder WTF those other bikes did better.

I have a VFR right now, had a KLR650 and loved it. If you are thinking of buying the bike for commuting, I would go for the V-strom to. The KLR is great, but the vibes got to me after a while. Stay safe over there and come home in one piece.

FlyNavy · 11-13-2009, 04:05 PM

I went from a Honda Shadow Spirit 1100 to a Wee Strom. So much more fun!!!

Bushwhacker · 11-13-2009, 04:26 PM

I had ridden cruisers for a number of years and next to last and my favorite was a Honda Valkyrie Tourer. A pickup pulled out of a driveway right into my front whell and totaled that one.

I replaced it witrh a Valkyrie Interstate.

Two friends and I then flew to Anchorage rented KLR's and took them on a 5000 mile, 16 day ride around Canada and Alaska including the Dalton Highway to the Arctic Circle.

The KLR made a believer out of me on the long travel dual sport susbension and when I got back I traded my Interstate on an 05 Tiger.

This was followed by a Multistrada, an 07 Tiger and now the F800GS.

The upright seating position along with the long travel suspension gives much better all day comfort than a cruiser.

I bought a V65 Magna for an "around town bike" and after a couple of years and about 2500 miles, I sold it. When I went out to ride whether around town or not I just never seemed to pick it.

Cromagnum Man · 11-13-2009, 04:30 PM

Yeah, sporty's intruder honda choppers etc..now ride an xtz660 (older one) and should've made the move years ago, having more fun these days than i have for ages.....still got a few cruisers in the shed, but not in such a hurry to ride them.

my 660 disapoints only in engine performance, itd be nice with a 1000cc v twin.

endurothon · 11-13-2009, 07:15 PM

Had a KLR 650 and loved it. I always wanted a Harley and got one. It was great, but I missed trails. Bought a BMW F800GS. It's better than either by a wide margin. I would recommend it for anyone looking to spend more than 50% on the road. If you want to spend more time off road, or more intense off road, you might look at the KTM 690 E or R. I looked at it hard, but it wasn't as strong on the road as the F8GS. Good luck.

Chap · 11-13-2009, 10:26 PM

I went from a Seca to a V-Star 650 (bobbed and chopped) to my current V-Strom 1000. Couldn't be happier. The big V is a fantastic bike. Great ergos, power, and handling. I'm sure there are better bikes but for now this is the one for me.

reubenRN · 11-13-2009, 10:42 PM

I had a Vstar 650 Vstar Classic for a couple of years and 10K happy miles. Took the plunge on a DL1000 6 months ago. On the Vstrom I can do a lot more things, like extended HWY rides or dirt roads.
The Vstrom has some bugs, but all can be worked out with a limited budget.

What really struck me was how the Vstrom does all the things, get this, EFFORTLESSLY !!! I'm not a fan of hi-speed riding, but the Vstar topped off at 90 MPH (with windshield and bags). The Vstrom runs at that speed with no effort.

Buy used, those Vstroms are bulletproof. There is a guy from Newnan, GA who has over 100,000 miles on a 02 DL1000. No breakdowns.

If money are of no issue, go for the top bikes, you know who they are!

11-13-2009, 09:47 AM	#1
dcmalone ^OP n00b Joined: Apr 2008 Location: Old Hickory, TN Oddometer: 9	Cruiser to ADV Bike Has anyone switched from a cruiser to a Adventure style bike? I curerntly own a VTX1300 and previously had a CBR600RR. Most my riding is commuting to and from work with an occassional weekend ride, etc. I guess my main question is, we're you happy with the decision? I really enjoy the VTX but would also like the option of taking dirt/gravel/logging roads if I feel like it. I have been looking at the KLR650 and V-Strom family (really prefer the 1000 to the 650, mainly for the twin exhaust...yeah, yeah...stupid reason), but just kinda hesitante in pulling the buy trigger for fear that I won't like the ride. It's just really hard to compare a "demo" ride and "everyday" ride. Advice from riders who made the switch would be greatly appreciated.

11-13-2009, 10:34 AM	#4
dcmalone ^OP n00b Joined: Apr 2008 Location: Old Hickory, TN Oddometer: 9	Thanks I appreciate your responses. Will definately look into it a little harder once I get back home. Thanks again.

11-13-2009, 10:36 AM	#5
Stretch67 Mad Scientist Joined: Mar 2006 Location: Bent, but not broken Oddometer: 3,168	I went from a Honda V45 Magna to my Tiger. The Tiger is much more comfortable for all-day riding, and is capable of meandering down a dirt road fully-loaded... something the Magna couldn't even think about. __________________ IBA # 33113 Alaska 2007 Blue Ridge Parkway & Outer Banks 2009 XR400 Thread Index

11-13-2009, 11:14 AM	#7
MMcnamara Where does that go? Joined: Apr 2005 Location: University City, MO Oddometer: 1,996	I had a CBR600 Hurricane, then bought a Shadow 1100 as a second bike. I sold both and got a DR650, and never regretted a thing (until I sold it). Get the V-Strom. You'll look back and wonder WTF those other bikes did better. __________________ "...falsehood is just as much the opposite of dialogue as is silence." - Albert Camus

11-13-2009, 11:16 AM	#8
Night_Wolf Leg Humper Joined: Feb 2006 Location: Lat: N 90°00'00" Long: N/A Oddometer: 8,025	Went from the Suzuki Intruders (VS800 & VS1400) to the Wee Strom. Couldn't be happier with the versatility of the Wee. I will own another cruiser, but it won't be for a daily ride __________________ *Night_Wolf's Lair* *& AAR* *L 51.01.900 /* *L W 114.05.900* *Wee Strom Index* "That road less traveled is a toll road, and sometimes the charge is more expensive than we ever expected. Most of the time, it's a one way road. Make the decision, hope for the best, and start traveling. Carry lots of coins." PecosBill Pick good friends and you'll never be lacking Family Me

11-13-2009, 09:52 AM	#3
badweatherbiker Studly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2007 Location: North Florida Oddometer: 650	I went from I Vulcan Classic to a Buell Ulysses, but I have have adv bikes as well as sport bikes before. After 3 cruisers I am not a big fan of them at all. I actually have a Honda XL600R for sale right now.

11-13-2009, 11:02 AM	#6
StabbyMcCutty Adventurer Joined: Jun 2009 Oddometer: 53	I went from a Vulcan 900c to a V-Strom 650. Honestly, the cruiser wasn't a practical decision and I regretted it after a while. The cleaning, polishing and inability to go off road got old in a hurry. I couldn't be happier with the V-Strom. Before you decide on the 650 versus the 1000 do yourself a favor and do some research on the V-Strom forums (vsri and stromtroopers). The additional weight, lack of ABS and a few other annoyances made the 1k a non starter for me. Good luck.

11-13-2009, 04:05 PM	#10
FlyNavy 2 much not chromed 2 list Joined: Sep 2006 Location: Northern NJ, Oddometer: 498	I went from a Honda Shadow Spirit 1100 to a Wee Strom. So much more fun!!! __________________ http://jmledy.com/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wi40rP_k-XA

11-13-2009, 04:26 PM	#11
Bushwhacker Dirt, Sweat & Gears Joined: Jul 2004 Location: Houston, Texas Oddometer: 442	I had ridden cruisers for a number of years and next to last and my favorite was a Honda Valkyrie Tourer. A pickup pulled out of a driveway right into my front whell and totaled that one. I replaced it witrh a Valkyrie Interstate. Two friends and I then flew to Anchorage rented KLR's and took them on a 5000 mile, 16 day ride around Canada and Alaska including the Dalton Highway to the Arctic Circle. The KLR made a believer out of me on the long travel dual sport susbension and when I got back I traded my Interstate on an 05 Tiger. This was followed by a Multistrada, an 07 Tiger and now the F800GS. The upright seating position along with the long travel suspension gives much better all day comfort than a cruiser. I bought a V65 Magna for an "around town bike" and after a couple of years and about 2500 miles, I sold it. When I went out to ride whether around town or not I just never seemed to pick it. __________________ 09 F800GS ABS Yellow/Black When you look like a rude, crude, scum sucking cretin, people tend not to ask you stupid questions!

11-13-2009, 04:30 PM	#12
Cromagnum Man Adventurer Joined: Jul 2009 Location: The Gong Oddometer: 49	Yeah, sporty's intruder honda choppers etc..now ride an xtz660 (older one) and should've made the move years ago, having more fun these days than i have for ages.....still got a few cruisers in the shed, but not in such a hurry to ride them. my 660 disapoints only in engine performance, itd be nice with a 1000cc v twin. __________________ "Theres no room for bluegrass in vulgarity"

11-13-2009, 07:15 PM	#13
endurothon Keep ridin' Joined: Oct 2009 Oddometer: 6	RE: Cruiser to ADV Had a KLR 650 and loved it. I always wanted a Harley and got one. It was great, but I missed trails. Bought a BMW F800GS. It's better than either by a wide margin. I would recommend it for anyone looking to spend more than 50% on the road. If you want to spend more time off road, or more intense off road, you might look at the KTM 690 E or R. I looked at it hard, but it wasn't as strong on the road as the F8GS. Good luck. __________________ endurothon Keep ridin'

11-13-2009, 10:26 PM	#14
Chap n00b Joined: Oct 2007 Oddometer: 1	I went from a Seca to a V-Star 650 (bobbed and chopped) to my current V-Strom 1000. Couldn't be happier. The big V is a fantastic bike. Great ergos, power, and handling. I'm sure there are better bikes but for now this is the one for me. __________________ Chap 04 VEE Madstad, PCIII, Speedo Healer, SS Brake Lines, G2 Throttle Tamer, 43T rear, Pro Taper bars, 2" Rox risers, Speedstar Tank guard, Headlight Masks & Triple Tree Guard, Fenderectomy, Painted Cans Chap screwed with this post 11-13-2009 at 10:34 PM

11-13-2009, 10:42 PM	#15
reubenRN Adventurer Joined: Jan 2009 Location: Buford, Georgia Oddometer: 81	take the plunge! I had a Vstar 650 Vstar Classic for a couple of years and 10K happy miles. Took the plunge on a DL1000 6 months ago. On the Vstrom I can do a lot more things, like extended HWY rides or dirt roads. The Vstrom has some bugs, but all can be worked out with a limited budget. What really struck me was how the Vstrom does all the things, get this, EFFORTLESSLY !!! I'm not a fan of hi-speed riding, but the Vstar topped off at 90 MPH (with windshield and bags). The Vstrom runs at that speed with no effort. Buy used, those Vstroms are bulletproof. There is a guy from Newnan, GA who has over 100,000 miles on a 02 DL1000. No breakdowns. If money are of no issue, go for the top bikes, you know who they are! __________________ ... man is destined to die once, and after that comes the judgment...

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