Author Topic: Should I buy a Vstrom? (Read 6680 times)

Fra · « **on:** March 27, 2016, 18:44:01 »

Hi blokes,

I am considering to buy a Vstrom 1000 but I am undecided because I also like the KTM 1050. Can you please comment on reliability issues of both bikes if you know them from experience? I would appreciate knowing your opinions.

Thanks a lot !

plumber02 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 27, 2016, 18:48:55 »

are you dead set on a twin ? drive an xr if not , I've driven the 1050 not just a spin I had 1 for a few days over in spain on and off road its fairly grunty low down a lot more so than the strom ( but a well sorted strom thou with a few mods with a handy pilot wouldn't be left behind from any 1ltr sports bike), definatly better off road most KTM's usually are- if that's your thing, but for just touring and fast blast sunday spins it would be the strom, they're both reliable both have their probs and issues but if its out of warranty bikes you're looking at I'd stray to the strom, that engine's been around since 1997 ,the 1050 is just a 990/950, now the ktm1190 is a different animal completely

Fra · « **Reply #2 on:** March 29, 2016, 09:20:03 »

Thank you for your help, I appreciate it. I am looking for a brand new bike, because of the warranty indeed. I sat on both bikes last week and the KTM feels more adequate for my height. As far as the V strom is concerned, I do love its sound. My purpose is long distance adv traveling. I'll never beat the bike and I'll never take it off road.

What should I expect to pay for a V strom 1000?

ProfG · « **Reply #3 on:** March 29, 2016, 11:06:24 »

KTM is a brilliant bike, more maneuverable than the V-Strom but also much more expensive. If something goes wrong you will be out a fair bit in your pocket especially as they are known to have frequent electrical issues. When they work they are brilliant but when something goes wrong they are worse than GS1200 in putting right.

V-Strom on the other hand is a perfect all round bike. Like I was saying to a mate just yesterday, I just cannot fault them except their fixings.

If I had a choice, I'd buy a V-Strom and then remove all the bolts and other fixings, grease them and put them back. That's enough to give you years of trouble free enjoyment.

sasha28yug · « **Reply #4 on:** March 29, 2016, 17:05:31 »

I was in the same situation as you are and in the end I went for the v strom ... why ? Here are couple of reasons : 1 suspension is adjustable on the v strom ..
I've been a production manager for the last 6 years in German automotive industry and know how parts and cars are manufactured . I still think the Japanese have the better quality but a bit lacking in the finish department. ..
Never test drove the bikes just went and ordered a 1000 v strom ... happy with the purchase ... love the bike so far
Hope that helps ????????

plumber02 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 29, 2016, 18:27:29 »

if you have experience on road bikes drive the BMW xr- just to say you have, its just unbelievable but you would get bored of it quick just before you lose your licence ,strom all the way that tl engine has bags of caricature and just as much torque- so very underrated , you'll know what bike to buy once you have driven all and if not by then just get a GS adv with all the toppings inc alu boxes- buy a white schubert lid BMW boots n gear, never wave at the other peasant bikers and pretend you're that jedi from trainspotting going around the world when 99% of them only go offroad when the wifes car is in the way and they have to cut through the grass,

ProfG · « **Reply #6 on:** March 29, 2016, 19:39:29 »

Quote from: plumber02 on March 29, 2016, 18:27:29

99% of them only go offroad when the wifes car is in the way and they have to cut through the grass

Too true

The Menace · « **Reply #7 on:** March 30, 2016, 00:17:25 »

If you have the money and it's a KTM you're after spend the extra and get the 1190. Personally I'd spend half that and get a 990. When I sold my GS, I test rode most of the adventure style bikes and opted for a low mileage 2014 VStrom 650 with extras, I have not been disappointed, the more I ride it, the more I like it. The savings enabled me to buy more goodies and a second bike. The Vstrom 1000 is a great bike, I needed something lighter, don't have the muscle strength I used to have

Abercol · « **Reply #8 on:** March 30, 2016, 13:30:51 »

Quote from: ProfG on March 29, 2016, 11:06:24

....If I had a choice, I'd buy a V-Strom and then remove all the bolts and other fixings, grease them and put them back. That's enough to give you years of trouble free enjoyment.

Yup....Now on my 7th year of trouble free enjoyment! Must be good, its the longest I've owned any bike in the past 33 years.

Brucey · « **Reply #9 on:** March 30, 2016, 22:17:32 »

Agree completely with the Menace. The more I ride my 650 Glee the more I like it. The 1000 is the same with a bit more weight and grunt.

Fra · « **Reply #10 on:** March 31, 2016, 18:05:08 »

Quote from: sasha28yug on March 29, 2016, 17:05:31

I've been a production manager for the last 6 years in German automotive industry and know how parts and cars are manufactured . I still think the Japanese have the better quality but a bit lacking in the finish department. ..

Thank you so much for your answer. I am really fascinated by your experience and would love to hear something more about it and why you think Jap bike are better

Fra · « **Reply #11 on:** March 31, 2016, 18:08:53 »

Quote from: Abercol on March 30, 2016, 13:30:51

Yup....Now on my 7th year of trouble free enjoyment!

Wow! That's my cup of tea Pal!

Fra · « **Reply #12 on:** March 31, 2016, 18:24:44 »

Thank you for all your answer Blokes !

I was not considering the 650 because I will be riding with a pillion

Then I went to both KTM and Suzuki dealers and sat on both bikes (I agree that test ride is not essential). The fact is the Suzuki is a little bit short for me, the KTM is a better fit.

I myself believe that Jap bikes are better but on the other hand I spoke to KTM owner and they told me their bike have been flawless. I actually posted on the KTM forum that I doubted KTM reliability

and they said it's not correct and in any case reliability issues do not apply to the big cc engines. It could be a matter of pride. I personally am not a Suzuki bloke, Honda bloke, or KTM bloke... I believe in quality and technology.

Are KTM really know for electric issues ? That's too bad...

SteveH44 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 31, 2016, 20:24:20 »

only thing I have done is go +1 on the front sprocket of my 2007 DL650, makes all the difference to the engine revs at 70/80 mph.

plumber02 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 31, 2016, 20:31:11 »

quality and technology- its a less than 10k motorbike you're buying not a maybach , basically you're looking for something that will put some kind of smile on your face everytime you look at it and ride it , all modern bikes will have some probs but more so if you listen to 95% of these computer screen mechanics with less than 1% mechanical knowledge and the rest is google and the only time they see a spanner is when they look in the mirror , I don't think I'd buy anything without riding it first but that's just me ( twud be like going to thailand for a wife and findin out 2 months later that she has a gear stick instead of the flappy paddle yoke ), the 1190 is a good bike I'd say( only had a spin ) but most KTM's are anyway if you're a handy pilot the KTM will be more rewarding but you'll have to stick a full set of akra's on it or it'll sound like a pw50 submerged in chicken soup, PLEASE HEAD TO 2.37min

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zjz16xjeBAA&list=RDZjz16xjeBAA&index=1

Fra · « **Reply #15 on:** April 01, 2016, 20:23:15 »

Quote from: plumber02 on March 31, 2016, 20:31:11

quality and technology- its a less than 10k motorbike you're buying not a maybach , basically you're looking for something that will put some kind of smile on your face everytime you look at it and ride it /watch?v=Zjz16xjeBAA&list=RDZjz16xjeBAA&index=1

gotcha

...I just meant that I mind the nature of what I buy more than its brand or popularity.

Fra · « **Reply #16 on:** April 01, 2016, 20:39:01 »

Quote from: plumber02 on March 31, 2016, 20:31:11

all modern bikes will have some probs but more so if you listen to 95% of these computer screen mechanics with less than 1% mechanical knowledge and the rest is google and the only time they see a spanner is when they look in the mirror

I agree... far too many big mouths. Even if you owned a bike for years you can only report your personal experience , and that's it.

Fra · « **Reply #17 on:** April 01, 2016, 20:50:15 »

A plot twist

Hi blokes I want to thank you all once again for your support and your help. Today I purchased the bike...

but surprisingly is neither KTM nor Suzuki. The KTM must be a fantastic machine and I do love it but I need more time to test ride it and get to know it. I strongly believe that the Suzuki has a fantastic engine as everybody says but it is a face that only a mother could love and it felt a little bit too small for my size. Since I told I was after peace of mind I opted for a XT660Z, the little Tenere. Single cylinder a tank on 2 wheels!

Fra · « **Reply #18 on:** April 01, 2016, 20:56:47 »

Please comment !

Ps I didn't want to write "blokes" it is bloody automatic !

sasha28yug · « **Reply #19 on:** April 02, 2016, 10:55:17 »

Good to hear you found the bike that suits you're needs and fits you the best ... wish you many happy miles on the tenere ;)