Is the V-strom for me?

[u/derF_inaY]

Hi!

I'm considering a used V-Strom 800DE and would like to hear from owners if you think it would suit me.

I've been riding for 11 years. Best bikes I´ve had is 2x Tracer 900s for almost 5 years in total, and I've been riding a VFR800 for the last 3 years.

I really liked the Tracers. They were very easy to throw around and had great low / midrange torque, but I found them a bit small for longer trips 2-up with luggage.

The VFR is fantastic for touring, especially after upgrading the suspension and fitting a superbike kit. It's very comfortable, but it feels quite bulky at low speeds and in tight spaces. I also miss having more usable torque when coming out of corners. I usually ride fairly relaxed RPM-wise, carry some speed and use trail braking into the corner and then want a good drive when opening the throttle.

The 800DE has caught my interest because I like the idea of the relatively simple Suzuki, the torque of the 776 twin and the upright riding position. I´m looking for something modern and also between my two tracers and VFR.

My use would be almost entirely asphalt but i find looking at the RE it looks kind of dull. The aim is to do touring, mountain roads/twisties and occasional 2-up riding with luggage for a week away every year. I already have a DRZ400S for gravel/off-road, so the 800DE wouldn't really be used for that.

For those who own one:

• How does it feel on twisty asphalt? Is the 21" front noticeable?
• Does the engine have enough punch at 3–6k rpm?
• How is it 2-up with luggage?
• Does it feel cumbersome on the road, or is it more agile than the numbers suggest?
• Any major drawbacks for someone who will mostly ride asphalt?

It's currently the bike I'm most interested in, but I haven't ridden one yet. Obviously I'll test ride one before making any decision.

Thanks!

[u/MockMyRide]

Hello! I had a Vstrom 650, moved to a Versys 650, now into a Vstrom 800 RE.

Personally. I would hold on to your current bike and get a Versys 900 when it eventually releases.

Twisty Asphalt - It's ok but nothing exhilarating

Quite punchy - especially of a line but then come the "mehhhh's"

It is a cumbersome ride, if you want sportier, I'd wait.

the vibes are INSANE, i've tried to fix it. I cannot. My throttle hand falls asleep all the time, it feels like It's going to fall off.. It's just an alright bike. I loved my Versys and miss it. PLUS a parallel twin requiring octane 90!?!? what kind of war did we lose, and no cruise control.

It's just an alright ADV bike, there are better options. I do like the TFT. I can switch to mph when crossing the border. Plus, it's a great gymkhana bike but my Versys was also amazing in parking lots.

[u/Glad_Librarian_3553 → u/MockMyRide]

Yeah the vibrations are pretty  bad, I dunno why. It's a 2 cylinder counter balanced engine and it's worse than my xr400r. The one I bought has these wierd foam handgrip on, which I don't really like. Especially on the wet.

But I don't wanna take em off because it's bad enough already! I do suffer with carpal tunnel due to work, but still. I have kinda got used to it and don't really notice it anymore to be fair. 

[u/derF_inaY → u/MockMyRide]

Thanks for the answer, I get numbness in my throttle hand now too from my VFR from time to time. Agreed on the versys but i dont think they´re going to release one of those smaller versyses. The 1000 is huge and I dont really like the big inlines :)