Going from a 750cc inline 4 to a 650 V twin (V strom) questions...

[MacDoc]

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The BMW looks nice but I'd have a job getting a good priced one here.

$8999 new afaik - which is what attracted me - saw it at the show in the fall and did a double take when I saw the price point.

The KLR IS tall and the problem comes trying to mount dismount on a forest track with poor footing. I think I will lower mine just for that reason and then stiffen the shocks a bit.....but the much lower GS is very attractive for my 32 inseam and the weight is down lower as well. The problem with the VStrom as noted in that wind thread is its tall and top heavy. Add a topcase and it gets worse.
I hop on and off to take photos and birdwatch and I don't ride hard so the very long suspension travel is rarely used. I was jealous of that suspension on the James Bay Road tho - so there is a benefit on the less than perfect pavement

 

[MacDoc]

DRZ 400 is perfect

Something I'm considering here as well....lighter and weight down low as well due to a nifty oil supply design ( oil in the frame ).

http://www.dirtbikeworld.net/Reviews/Suzuki/DRZ400/DRZ400_text.html

That's an almost ideal bike here in Queensland Aus. and not just restricted to gravel but will do rougher tracks as well.

 

[DaveG]

I just bought a 2012 weestrom
trading in my Bandit 1200


Want to hit the dirt roads where 50 over may not draw a racing charge.

 

[revrandy]

I have owned a Yamaha YZF600r, 2 Wee's and now have a Tiger.

Wee's are very competent, but to me a bit boring - hence the tiger.

If you are looking at purchasing a new 2011 Wee, consider the U.S. Dealers here are blowing them out for under $7K; the 2012 is now in stock and not much interest in the 2011. If you are considering other bikes, the Versys can be had for under $5k (2 years old).

Also Honda has a new 700 sport touring coming out/is out - depending on where you live. People seem to love it. Lots of discussion about it on advrider.

 

[stevie t]

I should also mention that I don't ride 2-up.

So the question is, who is the passenger...

 

[RedDogDarren]

go with the DL 1000, but for gravel roads the DRZ 400 is perfect

If it's gravel any relaxed steering geometry bike is fine. A light cruiser is fine let alone the DL1000. It's not like you are riding in deep sand.

 

[Baggsy]

you'll miss going to the gas station so often.

You may have to switch gears occassionally, but not too often, after the move.

 

[Ikan]

Suzuki actually has a factory lowering rear link for their DL's (VStroms). Stock is silverish and the lowering one is black in colour if memory serves me correctly, from what a dealer told me.

So I take it that many VStroms are lowered by their owners.

It might be an idea to simply contact a dealer of whatever brand of bike you are investigating to enquire if they have factory rear lowering links. I do not know how they compare in price to after market. But factory might help with any warranty concerns for the bike if a new bike were the issue here or for some one else.

 

[daught]

keep the 750 and buy a used adv/touring bike, this one is for sale at dualsport plus in stoney creek, asking 3250..

DAAAAMN I want. I really really want. This is the only bike i'd be willing to compromise on. I wonder if these guys do trades.

BTW I thought I wanted a v-strom but as soon as I sat on one I was very disappointed. The suspension feels very "boat" like and the seating position is way in the back. The tiger feels a lot better.

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