Passenger comfort

[cb1300rider]

Hello

Currently own a 2005 650.  Last 6 bikes since 2008 were all 1000cc + motorbikes and I do miss the bigger bike.
The bike I miss most is my Varadero 1000, big beast, tad heavy but super comfy for her indoors.   So I am thinking of selling my 650 and buying something bigger, back to a Varadero 1000 or a Vstrom 1000.   I know the early 1000 Vstroms share the same seat as my 650 so pillion comfort we know will be comparable to what I have now.  Does anyone have any experience on how the pillion comfort compared from the early model to lets say 2014 - 2016 model.   I have found a nice 2008 model, all bells and whistles, and there is a very nice 2015 currently for sale on here.

Any thoughts from anyone with experience of both models much appreciated.

[Gert]

Many have complained that the seat on a V-Strom gets uncomfortable after an hour or two being in the saddle.  I think that due to your K5 seat's age and use, it has had a time to break in and become more comfortable.  A sit & fly (https://www.sitandfly.com) or similar could make a difference to the seating comfort.

https://www.v-strom.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=39902.0

Adding to your seating comfort question, is this with or without luggage? Actual seating comfort is not the only consideration if luggage is added to the seating comfort equation.  Leg room plus whether the panniers press against your passanger's legs is another consideration.

Then passanger mounting and dis-mounting the bike, with and without luggage, also plays a role.

[crump]

Interestingly, my missus finds the 650 Vstrom more comfy than my old Varadero and my FJR.

[cb1300rider]

@crump, my other liked the seat on my fjr, her knees were too high making her thighs feel numb, hence why the fjr got moved on.

@gert, the bike is intended for day trips and over nighters so with panniers.

Cheers

[porter]

I would say the older Vstrom would be more comfortable for both the pillion and rider than the 2014 on model. Better seat, more leg room for the pillion and more wind protection for the rider.
 Newer models win back by being a bit better for spirited use, better brakes, suspension and more grunt from low down. My partner used to pillion a lot with me and liked it OK but after 100-150 miles she needed a break and a coffee. She liked my tiger 800 better(once I'd changed the rear shock) because there was more leg room.

[cb1300rider]

@porter....thanks for that.  Your thoughts match what I was thinking.  The newer model I am sure is better overall, but for what I want the previous model would perhaps tick more boxes. 

[purplebikeunicorn]

Can confirm that the V-strom seat on the 2017+ models doesn't break in, unless mine has broken in, then broken out again... the pillion seat (that has likely never been used), however, feels as soft as anything.

Expect a numb arse and thighs after about 60-90 mins of riding without a decent walk around/break... and that's not just an excuse to get a sausage sandwich!

[nigel s]

v strom seats do indeed break in, mine did and stole my telly.
ho hum

[Dicky]

I fitted an Air-Cover seat cover to my 2004 650 V Strom which totally transformed the comfort of the pillion seat according to my wife. Prior to fitting it she would slide around a bit on the seat, get hot down below and be ready for a break after a couple of hours. Now she can happily go all day, comfortably. She much prefers the V Strom to our 1150GS. Mind you, she's a tough cookie having ridden pillion for over 77,000kms on a Yamaha XT660R during our time living in Turkey.

Cheers,

Dicky.

[Mark Shelley]

One of the main reasons I bought my 2014 650 (moving from an R1100GS) was for the roomy seat. It was much less cramped than other bikes in the 650 class. We toured all over the place, doing several hours a day on the bike, but only with Airhawk cushions added. I also gave my wife a choice of footrests by making up some that fitted via one of the pillion peg hanger bolts.