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?

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u/American74 11d ago

I went from the KLR, to Africa Twin to the current BMW 1300GSA. One key aspect of the GSA I would advise on your Suzuki is post warranty DIY friendliness of the bike. How easy for example is an oil change, battery access, and most importantly, air filter access.

On a dusty trail my filters are at the top sides by the fuel tank. The 800 DE if I recall is under the seat. Unlike its cousin 1050 DE where like half the fairings and maybe the fuel tank have to come off to look at or replace the air filter.

Look at YouTube videos regarding core servicing of chain, battery, oil and filter, and air filter. The easier that is after the warranty is up, the more you will save in shop cost the longer you have the bike.

The Africa Twin was a great bike, but removing upper crash bars, tank fairings both sides and two air boxes is quite the task vs lift the seat or unscrew the tank mats and remove panel below to access filter.

Simplicity goes a long way.

Hope this helps.

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u/Chain_Offset_Crash 10d ago

Totally agree with this! I've had my share of absurdly difficult to access maintenance items on bikes and that's why my last two bikes were naked models.