V-Strom - 650 or 1000

[newold81]

I'm looking at buying a Suzuki V-Strom in the near future.

My only question, which one to get, the 650 or the 1000.

I currently ride a Suzuki GS850G.

The bike would be 50% daily commuter, 30% 200 mile day cruises, 20% 800-1000 mile "long weekend" trips.

Maybe you V-Strom owners could let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Tim

[bajakirch]

I don't own a V-Strom but I know several people who do or have. This includes a co-worker who recently sold his Versys and was planning to get a V-Strom 1000. His riding was almost identical to yours -- other than 1-2 week-long trips every year, the bike would primarily be used as a daily commuter and weekender. He fully planned on the V-Strom 1000...until he gave it a test ride. That sealed it for him and he decided the 650 was better-suited for his purposes.

He felt the 650 offered much better maneuverability that would come in handy for the city traffic he had to deal with.

[newold81]

Originally Posted by bajakirch

He felt the 650 offered much better maneuverability that would come in handy for the city traffic he had to deal with.

That's exactly the thought I had.

[tgm1220]

650, good power, but better mileage too

[ccRider246]

I was in the same position - tossed between the Wee and the V-Strom. I made my mind up to buy the 650...until I got a great deal on the Honda NT700. I would still opt for the 650 over the 1000. Much better handling and mileage in my opinion.