Thumper VS. Polycylinder adv bike

[markbvt]

Originally Posted by cutler686

Thank you all for the great replies and helping my through me decision. I am going to sell the HD and the FZ6, and most likely go with a GS658/800. I like the idea of the V-strom or Versys, but feel they are just to close to my FZ6 and know I will just envy every GS I see on the road.

I do wish there was a cheaper alternative to the (what almost seems to be boutique like) BMW GS. Maybe a DR658 if you will.

Triumph Tiger 800 (either roadie or XC). Similar to the BMWs overall, but price is slightly lower and there haven't been nearly as many quality control problems. Also, Triumph's triple engine is frigging awesome.

--mark

[tkent02]

Originally Posted by cutler686

I will be using the bike for 70% commuting on the highway (35 miles one way), 20% crappy back roads and logging trails, and 10% light 2up riding.

70% commuting on the highway (35 miles one way), 20% crappy back roads and logging trails, and 10% light 2up riding.

The 800GS would be much better than the DR on the highway, equal on crappy back roads an logging trails, much better for light two up riding. I couldn't get my wife on the back of the DR, it's too small. If by logging trails you mean something a log truck can get up, not out of bounds at all for an F800GS. I have taken mine on some very rough places, Jeep trails and single track, it does pretty darned well although if I was going to do a lot of that I'd fix the suspension.

Smaller crappier trails, rougher single track the DR 650 would be better than the 800 but as the trails get worse the DR 650 will soon become too heavy as well. After getting the F800GS I sold my DR 650 for a DR 350 which is much better on the tight stuff. It doesn't sound like you are planning much of that...

I'd say the 800 is hands down better for your purposes, but is it many thousands of dollars better?

You decide.

The F800 is a new model so you can't save money by buying one older than 2009. The 650 twin is an awesome bike too.

[cutler686]

HAHA.. Spent a bit of time at the local bmw dealer and they wouldn't budge on the suggested retail price on the F800GS.. The sales man said all he would do is throw in a set of BMW gloves.

I left and went to a Suzuki dealer. They just took on trade a 2011 DL 650 w/ different handlebars, Sargent seat, luggage, and high windscreen, with about 2000 miles on the clock. Took a 10 min ride and bought the bike. $7500 out the door, and they threw on hand guards for 1/2 price. saved myself $7000

[ec90t]

The bike has also been lowered, at least in the front. If it is setting level then the rear has been lowered too by changing out the rear dog bones. Yep, just looked at the photo again and you can clearly see the aftermarket dog bones.

Congrats on the new bike.

[LexLeroy]

Sweet deal, particularly the part about saving yourself 7 large. Now take it over to the BMW dealership and haggle over the price of the gloves.

[pluric]

Originally Posted by cutler686

I have been commuting on an FZ6 and a Sportster for 4 years now and I am thinking its time for a new bike. I inherited the Sporster, which is an ok bike, but Harley enthusiasts in my neck of the woods are a special breed.. needless to say 2 years ago I bought a slightly used FZ6, which I ride most of the time.

I have been giving some thought to touring or adv touring since there are some great roads in Northern WI. Initially I thought bigger was going to be better so I rented an FJR for a day. I did a bunch of research and was ready to drop the 13k on the FJR and just thought I would take it out for a day to confirm.. I was extremely disappointed. To me, If felt to big, cumbersome, heavy and out of place on anything other than a four lane highway.

I ended up stopping at a BMW dealer on my way home with the FJR and took out a F800GS and was pleasantly surprised. After bring the FJR back to its home, I stopped and drove a DR650, and although 1/2 the price of the other two I drove, I was also quite surprised at how much I liked the bike.. decision made: Adv tour it is.. now which one??

I was able to do a short ride on both the DR and the F800, but only on a back road 55mph where both bikes are in their element, and only for short rides. I will be using the bike for 70% commuting on the highway (35 miles one way), 20% crappy back roads and logging trails, and 10% light 2up riding. I really liked the F800 but definitely did not notice $7000.00 price difference when comparing to the DR in my short rides. Would the DR be suitable for my type of riding or would I be better off with a twin? I would like to get off road more in the future as well.

One thing I will NOT miss is the high RPM torque of my FZ6, maybe I am getting old, but I need something with more low end grunt and less forward lean. Thanks for any help!

Go with some sort of twin.

Edit.

Just saw your post. Good choice.

[MillCreek]

I just traded in my 2004 Scarabeo and 2008 DR650 to a 2012 DL650. The DR was not fun on the freeway, even with a Spitfire windshield. I cannot believe how much smoother and quieter the DL is on the freeway, and it gets better MPG with the 6th gear. When I looked at my weekend use of the DR, the offroad use that I did can also largely be done by the DL. I use my mountain bikes for the really gnarly stuff, and the DR was pretty heavy for double/single track.

I also pondered the BMW, but could not really justify the additional cost, and some of my friends were cautioning me about service costs.

[Adv Grifter]

Good choice on the Vstrom. I've owned two and now own a DR650, among other bikes. With the right mods the Vstrom can be better than it is. Yours is "interesting" in White! Never seen that before!

Suspension up grades help if you plan off road. You've got the Corbin ... so now you can do 500 mile days. The rest is up to you. I'd ride it a few months and start reading the Vstrom forums. So Much To learn ... and lots of easy and cool mods to do! You'll be glad you're NOT shopping from the Tourtech catalog for that 800GS!

Finding a quiet shield is an individual thing ... hope the one on there works OK, if not, lots of other choices.

The main thing about the Vstrom over the F800GS is it's superior reliability and easy DIY servicing. My two Vstroms never saw the inside of a Suzuki shop. (80K on one/15K on another)

If going off road fit some Bark Busters on there and maybe crashbars to protect radiators in a fall. With TKC knobbies fitted the DL650 is not half bad off road. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

For commuting its a no brainer. Its a bike you can rely on ... everyday, day in day out, year after year.

I'm also a huge DR650 fan. And most of the negative comments here come from those who've probably never ridden one and certainly not one set up correctly. With a good seat and small shield a well sorted DR650 can do 400 mile days for weeks of Long Day riding. Like the Vstrom, the DR650 is a rock ... and will smoke just about anything on a tight, bumpy twisty back road. Come to Nor Cal and I'll prove it! Ride safe on your new bike ... take time to learn its ways.

[Bigolechalupa]

I was reading your thread, as I've been doing a lot of pondering myself( almost exactly like your story)...........my question is--- Does riding the Vstrom feel like riding your FZ6? I remember that was one of your concerns.
I've got a GSX650F and would like to get an ADV bike.... But I'm worried a Versys or Vstrom would just end up feeling like my street bike.
Thoughts?
Cheers, BiGo

[rcf2]

Try a Ulysses, small money, tons of fun!

[pluric]

Originally Posted by rcf2

Try a Ulysses, small money, tons of fun!

Disposable too!

[cutler686]

Originally Posted by Bigolechalupa

I was reading your thread, as I've been doing a lot of pondering myself( almost exactly like your story)...........my question is--- Does riding the Vstrom feel like riding your FZ6? I remember that was one of your concerns.
I've got a GSX650F and would like to get an ADV bike.... But I'm worried a Versys or Vstrom would just end up feeling like my street bike.
Thoughts?
Cheers, BiGo

400 miles of mixed riding so far, and I am absolutely loving the Vstrom.. It is exactly what I was looking for. The bike fits me like a glove. The seat does make a big difference in the comfort of this bike, and I was very lucky to find a bike already set up decent. If I wouldn't have I don't know if I would have appreciated the comfort potential of this bike. I am SO glad I didn't go with the F800gs.

I already ordered the DL650 German style stickers, not only because they look decent, but also in mockery of my bad experieInce.

One of these days I am going to go buy those BMW gloves though

[Adv Grifter]

Originally Posted by pluric

Disposable too!

Holy Crap! Tell me that's Photo Shop!

[Adv Grifter]

Originally Posted by cutler686

400 miles of mixed riding so far, and I am absolutely loving the Vstrom.. It is exactly what I was looking for. The bike fits me like a glove. The seat does make a big difference in the comfort of this bike, and I was very lucky to find a bike already set up decent. If I wouldn't have I don't know if I would have appreciated the comfort potential of this bike. I am SO glad I didn't go with the F800gs.

I already ordered the DL650 German style stickers, not only because they look decent, but also in mockery of my bad experieInce.

One of these days I am going to go buy those BMW gloves though

Good News!
VStroms are still very popular in Germany. Did you know Suzuki Germany first conceived and developed the Vstrom? There is some interesting development history here.

Vstrom Rally in Germany a few years ago:

About 200 Vstroms at this event!

[GrahamD]

Originally Posted by Adv Grifter

Holy Crap! Tell me that's Photo Shop!

I think you give photoshop too much credit.