Fancy a change from the V-strom....

[Ruhrpott1977]

Hi Folks.
Happy Friday.

I'm currently thinking of
replacing my 2007 V-Strom 650 with a 1000cc + 4 cylinder bike as I fancy a change.

While the wee has been a fantasic bike I.e. reliable, comfortable and very frugal I just feel the urge to get something else.

Some friends warned me to better stick with the wee as it's such a versatile great bike

Anyways I had a test drive on the Versys 1000 and loved the engine but unfortunately it's out of my price range.

I was thinking of alternatives like a faired Bandit 1250, BMW K1200s or a Blackbird....

Has anyone any experience with these machines and how they fair against the wee?

Cheers,
Dan

[Mad Malone]

You're trying to compare chalk with cheese.

[porter]

As has been said there very different bikes. I used to have a Yam fz1 Frazer, I loved that bike and think about something similar all the time but that was 6-7 years ago, it might not seem so good now as I've got used to the relaxed and comfy vstrom!
If you're on a budget it has to be the 1250 bandit really, the beemer is nice but would cost if needed any repairs and I never found a blackbird comfortable, quite a reach for the handlebars. Good luck

[Himself]

In the past 6 years I have owned a Tiger 1050, Versys 1000 MK2, Kawasaki 1000SX (currently for sale) and the V-Strom 1000.

Tiger 1050 - Cracking bike, but old. The standard headlight was a criminal offence. Forks were much better after the oil was changed. Good bike. Good motor but just dated

Versys 1000 - Everything the Tiger was, updated for 2016 (when I bought mine). Smooth. Great brakes. A solid bike that was slow to turn, but handled well enough. Heavy would be the main comment.

1000SX - If only the Versys handled like the SX. What a bike. Feet stay warm in winter too as they are tucked up slightly. Comfy to tour on. So why did I buy a 3 year old V-Strom? Character. The SX is perfect, but for me lacked character. It was the perfect girlfriend (get your minds out of the gutter). Always agreed with everything and never complained. For some strange reason, I just could not love it. I urge you to ride one if you are looking for an across the frame 4.

V-Strom 1000 - Pannier loads of character. Handling is good once you learn its ways. The gearbox is from a tractor but you get use to it. So much torque it counter rotates the planet. The only thing I've ridden with more was the R1200GS, which has a great motor but the rest of the bike you can keep.

Hope that helps. Good luck

[infidel]

Not fond of the versys or the Sx to be honest - the H2 SX different story but too expensive.

Go get a '12 GSXR1000. Comfy, fast (1/4 in 10.3) and 50mpg thrown in.. 

[Tusker]

Do at least try a Z1000SX  I have had a 650 Wee and a Tiger 1050 for a good number of years, The Kwack is the machine..

[old git]

FJR1300? I sold mine last year after 7 trouble free years. Superb Yamaha build quality and capable of massive mileages if well looked after. Maybe too big and heavy coming from a 650 but masses of power, comfy and a real mile muncher if that's your thing.

Why did I sell mine? Like you I wanted something different. A lifetime of IL4's and felt like I needed a change but the FJR remains the best all round bike I've ever owned.

[kissofdeath]

Try a Honda crosstourer

[Ruhrpott1977]

Thanks a lot blokes for your input!
As nice as the Blackbird looks it's just too uncomfortable.

I had a go on the FJR 1300. Great power and super riding position.

I think it's a toss up between a faired Bandit 1250 and a FJR 1300 now

[Brockett]

I echo what Tusker writes. The  engine in the SX is happy at all speeds and the bike is fairly comfortable although Kawasaki's don't have the most comfy padded seats. I wouldn't go for louder pipes because the air box is tuned to give you "noise" which can be louder than the exhaust.
I had a K9 1250 Bandit and a 2015 SX. The SX beat it hands down although I don't carry a pillion so it depends how you will use it. The only advice is: Test ride, Test ride, Test ride.

[mr_diver]

The bandit 1250 I found cramped (top faired) and SWMBO said the seat was very steeply sloped, meaning she way sliding towards me all the time.
Didn't even bother to test ride.

The FJR1300 was a good contender until I discovered my 33" legs didn't fit. But SWMBO said the rear seat was much better.

Top if the list was the Pan 1300 for both of us but finding a good one with low miles for a fair price is the problem... that's why I ended up with the Varadero. Also didn't have time to shop around too much.

[RoadWarrior1978]

Just be aware, all of the 4 pot bikes mentioned here will all be 50ish mpg or less, just be prepared for the hit. Trust me, going to the pumps twice a week gets old very quickly.

[Ruhrpott1977]

I can live with 40-50 mpg If the Varadero would have the Blackbird engine then she would be a contender as well...

[infidel]

Go try a GSXS. 2005 GSXR lump - absolute hoot to ride if you can deal with the looks and 40 mpg and less when enjoyed. Proper tool though with limited luggage. 

[sjrainsford]

I had a GSX1250FA (very faired Bandit) prior to my 2014 DL650 and I much prefer the VStrom. It's more fun.
A 1250 is a very heavy bike by modern standards. That engine is bloomin lovely though. Up to 100mph it will easily keep up with sports bikes on the straight.  They'll do seriously decent drag strip runs believe it or not.

[Ruhrpott1977]

Hi Folks

Just to let you know that I sold my Wee and bought a CBF1000ABS mk1 today.

While the V-strom was a bit more comfortable I absolutely love the detuned Fireblade engine.
All the power where you need it and very easy to drive.

No doubt that one day I will probably come back to the V-strom but for now I'm very happy with my new toy

Thanks again for your input blokes!

Dan

[tallpaul]

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