Well I just took the PLUNGE, and bought a used V-Strom 1000 with Givi Keyless side cases and a V46 top case and only 19000 km (approx. 12000 miles) and I sure haven't regretted my choice of bikes!! This bike is incredible in performance and comfort.I bought this bike in Quebec, Canada on Aug 14 and drove it back home which was a 7 1/2 hour drive and I had a BIG smile on my face the whole time. I have been driving motorbikes since 1978 and had just sold my 2002 Yamaha Royal Star Venture 1300 on Aug 8 so I was bike less for only six days!!
The Venture was a nice bike, extra comfortable for touring, which we did a lot of, BUT it was like driving a school bus compared to the V-Strom. The V is so easy to park, turn, back-up, and drive that I am having a BLAST. I know it's not right to even compare the two (839lbs vs. 460lbs) but I'm just giving my opinion.
They both have 98hp but the V is unreal going from 100kph (60mph) to 140kph (90mph). I was very glad I had read all the reviews about this bike, they were very informative and I hope that mine may sway someone into getting one of these incredible bikes!! Thanks..........
Well I've just come back from a 4-day (2011km-1250mile) camping trip, all around the island province of Prince Edward Island, up along the eastern coast of New Brunswick, and along the coast from Moncton, NB through Fundy National Park and back home just outside Saint John, NB. The bike was loaded with 125lbs of gear and I and it averaged 57 to 60.8 mpg (CDN gals) which I thought was truly amazing!! It was only towards the end of the riding day that my butt began to get a little sore which I think is a pretty natural thing to happen after a 6 to 8 hour drive.
The V works flawlessly thru the twisties and country roads although it's only above 4000rpms in 6th gear that the bike starts to cruise along effortlessly (125kph or 78mph). The only complaints that I would have is that it gets blown around a bit (hang on tight) during high winds, following or passing semi trucks and the stock windshield causes severe helmet buffeting (which I read can be fixed by a larger wind screen). So besides that I truly love the bike and can't wait to ride it again tomorrow. Hope this helps on your decision, Later, STAN
