Big or Medium

[Disguised_as_an_adult]

Hello there

I have a newbee question.
I'm about to buy my first bike and first V-strom.
I'm 60 years old, 180 cm and in a mansize (+100 kg).

I have felt in love with the V-strom, but I am in doubt what size.
My son, who also just got his licence this year, says: Go big or stay home ;)
But I have watched alot of YT with the 650 and I find it charming, enough power for a beginner.
I don't know if I'm going to tour Europe or just some local cruising.

Will the 1000 be too much or if I drive carefully (which I normally do in my car) and I will learn to handle the power?
I intend to buy used, if that matters.

Best wishes from Denmark

[Upt North]

Hi fella.
Bought a 650 in April this year.
You won't need any more, but you may want it.
You may desire more, but you're unlikely to use it.
Try a 650 you won't be disappointed. It'll do Europe and beyond.
Upt'North.

[Rixington43]

You'll never 'need' the litre version but it's no fire breathing death trap if you decide you 'want' the extra noise and shove. You'll love either option though, good luck, take it steady and you'll have a great ride.

[Barbel Mick]

I have a 650 & I'm 100kg (16 stone in real money) & my wife (no size 8 model  ) has been pillion for the majority of the 50k miles it's done. We've been up mountains, down valleys, motorways, little lanes with grass in the middle & everything in between.
Very, very rarely have I thought I need a 1000!! Maybe I could have made the odd extra overtake or climbed one of the mountains a bit quicker on a 1000 but what's a few extra seconds when you're out enjoying yourself?

 
 

[crump]

Extra power is always nice but the 650 is very able.
Comparing it to my FJR, obviously it has no where near as much power but to be honest, I haven't noticed it that much. This Summer was our first time touring with the little one and it was very good.
For overtaking you have to be a bit more careful and give it some revs but it's more than capable. On motorways it has to work harder than a bigger bike but it never complains, seems to thrive on revs.
It's also more fun on tight nadgery roads.
I still love the power of the big Yam but I've noticed when I decide which bike to take out, the 650 often takes precedence now.

[tonkie]

I’m 62, slightly shorter and a few stone lighter 😜
Only got into biking in the last 6 years(after a 40 year break) and up until recently biggest was a GT185, but passed my big boys licence early this year.
So I’ve had a 650 V for about a month now and although it’s a massive step up from what I’m use to, I’m lovin it, it’s big and heavy and my feet just touch the ground.

So as you have never had a bike before? you won’t know if it’s to big or
to small for that matter?

So my opinion as a novice is, the 650 will be fine

[NeilM]

I'm going to add similar comments to all the others.

I am 63, around 1.85m and weight 71kgs.

I passed my test in 1976 and have been on and off motorcycles of various sizes ever since. A couple of years ago I decided I wanted to go solo touring and the VStrom 650 was my choice then and has been ever since, over 10,000 miles later.

Loaded with tent, clothes and all the other gubbins needed I have been all over the UK, including over the three highest road passes in the UK with ease and never felt the need for more power.

The 650 is not a small bike but it is easily manageable both when ridden and in the garage / car park, even loaded with 40kgs of luggage. Plus, when ridden with a little restraint the fuel economy is amazing.

[Bobmc]

I have owned both at the same time. The 650 was my run around bike and I used the 1000 for longer trips. I sold the 1000 earlier this year as it was becoming difficult to manage for a variety of reasons. The 650 is now my do everything bike and I can honestly say I do not miss the 1000 other than the odd occasion when an overtake might be quicker.

The 650 will be a great bike for you

[Upt North]

Does anyone else remember a study of how much throttle movement, usage of power and torque, revs attained etc that motorcyclists use. I can't remember where it was now but the average motorcyclist used very little of all the above in normal riding. The bigger the bike, the more power etc, they used even less. I spose it's obvious.
I'm not suggesting we should all go out and buy CBF125's to tour two up on with luggage, but the extra 30 or 40 horses of a 1000 may never be used. It was interesting to read and if my Glenmorangie haddled brain cells can find the report I'll post it. But don't hold your breath.
Upt'North.

[Disguised_as_an_adult]

Thank you all for you good and honest advices.

I think I will take your advice and buy a 650.
Because:
Better fuel economy
Better/nice on smaller roads
Should have a very reliable engine

I'm don't like motorways on a bike (what I've tried getting the licence).
I think most of my riding will be on "normal" roads and smaller, enjoying the big difference between a car and the more nimble mc.

Best wishes from Denmark

[Barbel Mick]

Upt North, I remember reading something a year or two back, I don't think this is the same article though.....
https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/blog/how-much-horsepower-does-my-bike-use

[MartinW]

I bought the 650 and I've had it nearly 18 years. I don't know if I miss having a 1000 or not because I've never had one. I rode a demo bike once, but I didn't really get to use the extra power so I may as well have been on the 650.

I'm way taller than everyone who's commented and heavier than most of them. However, there are some 650 riders on here bigger and taller than me.

The 650 will be enough.

[mrp192]

I’ve recently changed from a 650 Glee to a 1050 and it’s a great bike. A bit heavier, almost identical riding position and just like a 650 on steroids.
However my Glee was a brilliant bike and did everything I needed over 6 years and 40k miles.
If you can, try riding both a Glee and the 2017+ model 650 as I found they rode differently, and the later bike didn’t feel as substantial and solid as the Glee did.
When Suzuki did an offer on the 1050, to clear the showrooms for the new model, that’s the reason I upgraded. I don’t regret it, but I don’t need the ‘extra’ the 1050 provides, the Glee was the best bike (of many) that I’ve owned.
Good luck in your search.

[timangus]

I traded down from a 1000 to a 650, and 8 years and 64,000 miles later still love it. It took me and the wife around the world and coped. It is also significantly more frugal that the big one which is more important than ever.

[Upt North]

Thank you Mick, I don't think that is the article I read but very interesting.
Thanks for diggin it out, much appreciated.
Upt'North.

[user650]

On my 5th 650 now had lots of "bigger" bikes in the past that don't match up to the "newer" 650.

[The Doctor 46]

I love the great power and speed of a big bike but, the last one I had lost me my licence, almost lost me my job and if I hadn't sold it, it would have cost me my marriage. A lot of bikes later and I found the 650 V-Strom and never looked back. I'm soooooo happy with it. I am still twice divorced though.