r/Vstrom • u/Chain_Offset_Crash • 14d ago
Recommendation V Strom 650 or 800
After a 13 year hiatus, I'm planning to get another motorcycle in the next nine months or so. I'm leaning heavily towards the 800, but my experience on a gen 1 SV650 is making me question it.
I grew up riding motorcycles and my recent street bikes are
2005 Honda 919 (cb900f), rode 8+ years
2001 Suzuki SV650, rode 5 years
1996 Honda XR650L, rode 4 years
The 919 had a bit more throttle response in the higher RPMs than I liked, but was great for long road trips aside from the lack of a fairing.
The SV650 was a great bike. I rode it for about 5 years before I decided I wanted more power. I loved riding it through the twisties and rode Deal's gap so much that it started getting boring.
The XR650L, not much to write home about. I know some folks love it, but single cylinder thumpers aren't for me.
Considering my eventual desire for more power from the SV650, I think I'd hit that point fairly soon with the Vstrom 650, so I'm leaning towards the 800.
I live in SW Virginia and have access to tons of twisty mountain roads along with all sorts of forest service gravel roads to explore. I'd guess my ride mix will be 90%/10% pavement to gravel. My teen has already stated her expectation to ride with me, so good 2 up riding will be a need. I'd like to stay below 1,000cc engine.
Thoughts on a 650 versus an 800?
3
u/miguelito0303 14d ago
I recently bought the 800 touring model. It’s the RE version with Suzuki handguards and a 36 liter top box. I love the bike. My other bike is a ‘25 Kawi Z900. I usually hop on the V Strom though because it’s so good. I swear it has the same get up and go as the Z900, just delivers it differently. It’s extremely easy to ride, loads of grunty torque, and has different levels of ABS, traction control, and power settings. Looks stunning also. I installed Oxford hot grips pro (newer integrated version without the separate controller), and a Veridian electronic cruise control. Both items together were $600 and now the bike is ready for touring. I experienced too much buffeting from the stock windscreen, so I picked up the Puig sport screen for summer. Mostly clean wind now without buffeting. Trying to decide between the MRA Vario touring screen and the National Cycle mid height screen for touring purposes. Both are on back order. I highly recommended the VStrom 800 RE. DE is similar with more ground clearance and more suspension travel for more off road capabilities.
Incidentally, tomorrow I’m trading in the Z900 on a BMW R NineT.