Can't find a conventional mid size bike for me...

[MikeB]

Suzuki is releasing an updated version of the DL1000 V-Strom, which hopefully addresses some of the nagging issues of the first generation literbikes. I'm a huge fan of the series -- my '08 Wee-Strom (650) is easily the best bike I have ever owned for overall practicality and performance. It is dimensionally quite large, and therefore comfortable for long-distance use, but at the same time light enough to be agile. It's plenty powerful enough; many DL1000 owners switched to the 650 when they realized they weren't giving up much useful performance and were getting a better all-purpose platform.

When I owned a BMW R1150GS and later a Kaw KLR 650 I noticed a lot of members of those forums migrating to the 'Strom. On the 'Strom forum (Stromtrooper.com) I can't recall a single person announcing that they were leaving the bike for another model or marque. There must be something that instills this level of loyalty.

Another point is that there are about a zillion farkles available for the V-Strom series which allow the owner to raise it, lower it, gear it for different uses, add luggage of various sizes, and choose a windshield from tiny to huge that is fixed to an adjustable mount (Madstad) that can be raised, lowered and tilted over a generous range -- all to find the perfect combo for your particular taste.

Of the many motorcycles I have owned over many years this is the closest to the Swiss Army knife of bikes.

[Alexander]

I will give the V strom a chance, too. And I actually belive the Hyosong in my previous post is based on the older Suzuki 650.

[MikeB]

And I actually belive the Hyosong in my previous post is based on the older Suzuki 650.

Yup. I think Hyosung has the license to produce the previous generation (carbureted) Suzuki 650 engine. All Suzukis are now EFI, I think.

[John Hopkins]

I wouldn't give a Chinese, Indian or Korean bike houseroom..The only British bike left is Triumph and I think they are making the engines in one of the above countries now, I heard a rumor that Harley are doing the same, so that really just leaves some of the Japs if you want a bike that you can ride every day in all weathers at it's top speed for long distances and up steep hills.

John.

[gat803]

Originally Posted by John Hopkins

I wouldn't give a Chinese, Indian or Korean bike houseroom....

Having spent a fair amount of time with a small Chinese scooter, I can say without a doubt that I will never own a Chinese motorcycle. The materials on this scooter are of the lowest quality they can possibly be.

[ZackDaniels]

Originally Posted by Alexander

For all that extra money I get 50 hp I do not need and a horrid design. I could still consider it if the costs were more reasonable

I thought one of your big gripes with XJ6 was that it was boring to drive? Sounds like you need at least some of those 50 horses.

Yeah it's more expensive new but there's always a used market... if you're looking for all this and brand new I'm not sure I have anything else to recommend.

This is becoming something of a pick 2 of 3 scenario: Has all the bells and whistles, Affordable, Reliable

If you're willing to go used you might be able to get all 3, but I don't see it happening on a brand new machine.

The 919 for example might be hanging around in Sweden as the CB900F or Honda Hornet, but it hasn't been made by Honda since the late 2000's so you won't be finding it on any showrooms.

[vzshadow]

Is the Bonneville that expensive in Sweden? It is very competitively price in the USA. Essentially the same price as the Honda 750 cruisers and about 50% more horsepower. But as you said, no ABS and chain drive. I can tell you it is a blast to ride!!

[GadgetBandit]

What about the Shadow RS?

GadgetBandit

[Gnigma]

You probably won't like the Honda 919, either, then--- I'm 6'2" and the flared out part of the 919's tank hits the insides of my knees. Maybe a Triumph triple or Suzuki Bandit with ABS can be found used.

[GDI]

You race horsepower, and you drive torque. . . . Get yourself a Kawasaki Versys!

Yeah, I know only 60 hp, and chain drive. It's a pretty good bike especially for taller guys. My biggest gripes would be chain drive maintenance and having to adjust valves. It has plenty of power for me, but I'm old! What I like is the fuel efficiency, ergos, light weight.

Maybe you need a couple different bikes to tick off all the boxes?

GDI