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so heres the deal


sturg

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I've been looking for an ADV bike for a while now with the intent to buy used soon.

i currently own a DR 650 for around town/ohio but am looking for something more comfortable on the long haul. I love my DR and its twq( not stock) but i want more UMPH for a weighted down long trip where i see as much dirt as pavement. Oh and fuel injection for high altitude.

Initially i had my mind made up on a VStrom 1k. Cheap. Common. Comfortable. Reliable. Bullet proof. but recently i've been entertaining the idea of a mid weight (bmw F800GS). Reason being is that i can see myself wanting a more maneuverable bike in the down and dirty.

Ill take any and all input into consideration and will bring a 6 pack of your choice to anyone who is so confident in their recommendation they will let me test ride their machine!:bow:

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at the IMS in indy, I had the chance to test fit a bunch of different adventures.

the r1200gs was hands down my favorite. the flat twin has such a low CG, the bike is effortless to come of the side stand. I love that. its a hefty bike, but feels light. seat height is huge, not going to lie. its the tallest bike ive ever been on, and is the only bike ive ever tip toed on (im 6'2").

after having the small experiece I had on that machine, there would be no way id be interested in anything else.

if you truely want something that can handle more serious offroad, look into the ktm. its more geared towards that side of the spectrum.

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If price is an object then the Vstrom 650 is a great choice.

Very versatile, plenty of accessories available, comfortable and fairly inexpensive used. Its almost twice the hp of your DR and has a very smooth engine.

I you don't mind spending more money then the BMW F800GS or the Triumph Tiger 800XC provide more power and a little better suspension and a 21" front wheel for better off-road handling.

All are good choices, just depends on what you like and how much you are willing to spend. MSRP on the 800's is about $2500 more than the Vstrom and they dont have as many years on the market so used prices are higher also.

Craig

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If price is an object then the Vstrom 650 is a great choice.

Very versatile, plenty of accessories available, comfortable and fairly inexpensive used. Its almost twice the hp of your DR and has a very smooth engine.

I you don't mind spending more money then the BMW F800GS or the Triumph Tiger 800XC provide more power and a little better suspension and a 21" front wheel for better off-road handling.

All are good choices, just depends on what you like and how much you are willing to spend. MSRP on the 800's is about $2500 more than the Vstrom and they dont have as many years on the market so used prices are higher also.

Craig

There is "no better" all around choice for the money than the Vstrom 650, and don't let the only a 650 fool ya, they move along quite briskly. ;) The 1000 is barely quicker in the 1/4 mile and the top speed on both models is more than enough. You will see at least 50 mpg on the 650, and they are reliable as a hammer.

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Damn ive kept looking at the KTM today. There actually alot for sale on advrider.....Heres my concern with the wee- too small displacement .Heres my problem with the V too bulky of a bike for more spirited off road use.

I'm the sort of guy who sees a trail on a trip and I instantly consider shooting down it. I really think the ktm adv. style of bike would fit the bill.

I also think between the bmw and the ktm, for me the ktm gets the nod.

What's the farthest off road anyones pushed their V? Pics would help.

Edited by sturg
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KTM does not have the reliability IMHO for me to trust it beyond the reaches of Ohio. And for the Strom 650 possibly not having enough get up and go, that is ridiculous. The 650 lump is bascially a slightly de-tuned SV650, but hey ya gotta buy what is talkin to ya. I wan't a Tenere next personally, love my C14 to death but like the ADV bikes much better.

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I hear you on the reliability issue. That's why 950s are out. WAAAYYYY too many problems. The 990 is an advanced (lots of moving parts) bike, so more things to potentially go wrong, but then the bike has a lot voinv on too! Since older models are out that means more $ on my part...which sucks. But sometimes that's what it takes to get the job done.

Super Tenere would be my 2nd choice, and given the right price, my 1st.

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Ktm 990 owner for four years. No problems and wouldn't trade it for the world. Hundred mile daily commute and thirty six thousand miles it would still be my pick.except for the new 1190 coming one day. Wheelsports has a used 08 I think. If you have any questions I'd be glad to answer them.

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I'd take a KTM over a WeeStrom. The WeeStrom is nice' date=' but it doesn't have the reliability market stitched up, by any means. The wee is a good bike, but lets be honest. It's not a KTM.[/quote']

Please tell me you are joking, there is no other ADV style bike that has more aftermarket goodies "or" is more reliable than a Vstrom for any price. And it not being a KTM is a very good thing for most of us. KTM's are typical European jewelry with all the bells and whistles and best of everything, but they are all high maintenance and expensive to own bitches. Ducati hit a home run with the new MS, but even it is not the most practical bike for many owners/riders. If the OP wants the best bang for the buck, then there really is no other better choice than a Strom.

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