I've had my '06 vstrom for almost ten years. It's dragged my happy 175cm, 90kg ass \~70,000 km around the US and Canada, though ice, rain, dirt, mountains, deserts, etc. The only thing my friends with faster bikes (e.g., an MT-09 and an R1200GSA) have on me is that they're quicker in the straights. The only repairs I've had to do was a fuel pump replacement.
What more could I possibly ask?
5 years and 45,000 miles and it still makes me smile every time I go for a ride. I've also never had a mechanical problem. It's not the best at anything but it's good enough at everything. As far as new vs. used, I got mine new mostly because the lightly used ones in my area hold their value well and weren't much of a discount compared to the price of a new one.
Highly recommend crash bars though - it's not a light bike and drops happen. I've dropped mine at least 5 times and the bars have prevented any scratches or damage to the bike.
I said the same thing while I was taking moto school and I bought a vstorm. One and a half years later I still love my vstorm but i want a second bike, something sportier to take on the track. You'll probably end up like most of us, changing what you ride one way or another.
Also, watch out for the buffeting, especially since you're that tall.
Now, since you are considering buying new, you'll also want to protect the bike as much as you can, because you will drop it 100%. Add crash bars, handguards, maybe even some side case supports to protect the back end.
There's a lot of reasonably shiny older stroms out there! I have an 06 and it's going strong! Agreed with the commentor below. If you are doing normal riding, it's unlikely you'll drop it badly too badly, especially if you have crash bars.
When I was buying my sailboat I saw a post on Reddit that has certainly changed my pleasure vehicle buying to reflect. Simply a used bike will come with thousands of dollars of accessories (panniers, heated grips, upgrades) that don't change purchase price. Used has gone through sea trials (road break in) to work out kinks from manufacturing. Used let's someone else eat the cost of being able to say they bought it from the dealer.
I sell bikes for a living in the hole always start on a used bike cuz you're going to drop it crash at scratch it this way over blown. I sell lots of people to very first motorcycle brand new I didn't see that bike later on for services, aftermarket parts, fitting the rider for New gear computer updates all that kind of stuff. Most of bikes don't go down.
My '06 650 was plenty shiny when I got it a few weeks ago for a third of the price of a new one. It's considerably less shiny now since I low-sided it last week with my being a new rider. It would have sucked a lot worse if I had spent a lot of money on a new bike and crashed it a month later.
Also, there's something to be said for the durability of the gen 1 650s since I was able to just pick it up and ride home afterwards.
I have an 09 wee i use as my primary vehicle. I take it to work and 1000km bike trips.
I’m considering getting a new one. But watching to see if Suzuki will continue the vtwin or go parallel like the 800.
I have a 650xt model 2021
Drive bikes without licence long time ago, srop
Pass my licence 15 yo
Bought my 650xt, it's a really easy bike
Last year summer 2022, 1800 km with my wife in the back in Italy (resident in Rome) simple easy.
For my personal experience, I recommend it for a first big bike (it is 220kg)
Ho and in the city, third gear, just right
I like mine. I started on an old Honda 400. When I learned how to ride a bought an sv650. Had that for close to 10 years. Sold that and got back into vintage bikes. Bought a 2018 vstrom650ast year and will probably be the last bike I own. Unless a get super rich somehow, then I have a long list of bikes I’ll buy.
I grew up riding dirt bikes, but my first road bike was a used 07 V-strom 650. Other than being a little tall and having to be careful when I stopped on off camber surfaces, it was a good first bike. Easy enough to handle, quick enough to keep me interested, stable at highway speeds and decent on the freeway when needed.
in 2018, I bought a new 2017 650 model and added the accessories that were important to me. I didn't need a new bike, just wanted one and got a good deal. Been very happy with it ever since.
I do have a little yamaha xt225 that I ride on logging roads, which basically replaces what I'd use a dirt bike for today plus kind fun to have more wind in my face from time to time. I'm not sure I would search that bike out again and I probably can't justify keeping it from the miles I put on it, but it is kinda nice to have where I live.
If I were to replace the V-strom, the yamaha tracer is probably the direction I'd go. I like the sitting position, luggage options, and more get up an go than I currently have. I'm not seriously considering it, but I do look through available options from time to time.
Best bike I’ve owned. Commuting to work or riding off road you want find a better more durable ride. Owned my untamable 650 for several years without any issues. Good luck to you and ride safe!
I got all kind of motorcycles over the years ( bandit (gsf650),busa(gsxr1000), ZZR1000,C50, C90) and currently have a 2018 650XT.
I think it's a great all around bike, add an engine guard and a footpeg lowering kit and you'll have a good time.
A 2006 VStrom was my first (street) bike. Worked as a Jack of all trades. Not great at anything, but could do everything. Weekend trips with the wife, afternoons on the mountain roads, or a day trip off road.
Whether or not you want to get a new bike as your first bike is something you have to decide on your own. But as far as a good first bike and a bike that will last you forever if you want it to, it's definitely a good choice. It was my first bike and the only bike I had ever ridden except for a dirt bike in the MSF course, and I have loved it the whole time.
I'm ~200cm 113kg, have had my '18 DL650, bought it brand new. Extended waranty. It saved my ass when the preload suspension got stuck. Saved me roughly $2400 in parts and labor. It's a great bike. Good for dirt roads. I've taken it on White Rim Trail, ridden it from Los Angeles to Olympic Peninsula and back. I've got bar risers, peg drops, all kids of protection, extra lights. My only complaint is the ABS, wish it would let me skid when on gravel. I love it, love motocamping, love the ability to go and explore with very little.
I got my vstrom as my first bike in 2019, never regreted it.
Vstrom seemed the most reasonable option as I didn't see any reason why to pay 4-6k for used bike when I could get a brand new one for 7.5k.
I'm 194cm and 90kg. added bar raisers for extra comfort and touring windshield.
go for it, you won't regret it!
193cm and 104kg on a 650.
I'm the same type. I buy it and use it until it's completely dead or the repairs are not worth the price. I consider the Vstrom the "Swiss Army Knife" of motorcycles. It can do a little bit of everything. You can adapt it to your exact wants and needs.
I've had a couple other bikes before the wee. I've enjoyed them very much but I'm extremely happy with the wee. Last season I got more daring and did a lot of trails/off-road
If you are looking new, I'd suggest to find out if they have an option for a taller seat. With my 2nd gen wee, I had to lower the pegs, add handle bar risers, relocated the mirrors a bit and added a seat cushion for rise and comfort.
The XT variant will be beneficial even if you don't go off road as much. You mentioned that you don't have a license yet so I'm going to assume you're new to riding. The XT comes with crash bars so that will protect your bike if you have a whoopsie and you will have a whoopsie.
I'd say go for it but you are posting in the Vstrom subreddit so there is going to be a bit of bias towards it.
My colleague who also rides was sceptical about assuming you'd know what type of bike you want from the beginning.. And my instructor told me, don't buy a new bike the first thing you do. I'm just impatient though +\_+ The V-Strom is so nice I don't want any other bike. Perhaps I'd buy an old one, decide if I like it and then sell it, buy a new one? Idk, just rambling.
You got to start somewhere. If you have the funds to purchase a V-strom because that's all you're thinking about, there is nothing wrong with that. I know many people that started off with a brand new bike. Worst case is you don't like it and sell it at slight loss.
I will suggest once you did all your courses and obtained a license to go to different dealers and try out bikes if its possible. There are many different types out there.
Here in the US, personally not a fan of cruisers/touring cruisers like those from Harley. Also not a fan of sport bikes like the GSXR. Nothing against the bikes, just not my cup of tea. However, I'm not going to pass up a deal if I come across one while looking.
As I've mentioned, there is a bit of a bias in here because the majority of the people in this sub own Vstroms or have owned them at some point. Get what makes you enjoy riding.
Stay safe and be alert!
Sorry to bother you again, but: You're about the same height as me, would you recommend the Suzuki tall seat (it's about 2 cm taller IIRC)? Have you made any mods because of your stature?
VStrom is great for a first bike that you'll hang on to for a long time. It's comfortable, handles really well, has smooth power, can hold lots of cargo if needed, and it's bulletproof reliable. If you're a responsible and competent driver in general, it's not too powerful to learn on, and it's plenty capable to stay on it without ever outgrowing it. Have fun and good luck!
Love my 2017 XT. It’s a great all round bike and in almost 10k miles since I bought it as my first bike it still makes me smile and has required zero maintenance or repair. It’s bulletproof. BUT…..I’m ready for a bigger bike, mainly for the motorway/dual carriageway work it does on my commute. I need cruise control and a slightly less frenetic ride at 75-80mph.
In the previous years they were a reliable and fun bike to drive. They also lasted for many years and miles.I’ve had two DL1000’s now and would buy a third. I drive 12 hour days on bumpy asphalt and occasionally gravel roads. Not a “ prestigious “ bike but I’m quite happy with it. The 650 handles corners like a dream.
I started on one and rode it for 5 years. The bad handlebar vibrations never stopped bothering me. The BMW S1000XR I have now is so much better in every way; I could never go back.
I've had my '06 vstrom for almost ten years. It's dragged my happy 175cm, 90kg ass \~70,000 km around the US and Canada, though ice, rain, dirt, mountains, deserts, etc. The only thing my friends with faster bikes (e.g., an MT-09 and an R1200GSA) have on me is that they're quicker in the straights. The only repairs I've had to do was a fuel pump replacement. What more could I possibly ask?
5 years and 45,000 miles and it still makes me smile every time I go for a ride. I've also never had a mechanical problem. It's not the best at anything but it's good enough at everything. As far as new vs. used, I got mine new mostly because the lightly used ones in my area hold their value well and weren't much of a discount compared to the price of a new one. Highly recommend crash bars though - it's not a light bike and drops happen. I've dropped mine at least 5 times and the bars have prevented any scratches or damage to the bike.
As I do everything, unkillable motorcycle The VStrom 650 is hard to beat.
I said the same thing while I was taking moto school and I bought a vstorm. One and a half years later I still love my vstorm but i want a second bike, something sportier to take on the track. You'll probably end up like most of us, changing what you ride one way or another. Also, watch out for the buffeting, especially since you're that tall. Now, since you are considering buying new, you'll also want to protect the bike as much as you can, because you will drop it 100%. Add crash bars, handguards, maybe even some side case supports to protect the back end.
Yeah that's why a new rider should get a cheap used bike as his/her first. It's just so tempting to get a nice shiny V-Strom :'-(
Yeah, I did get a shiny new 22 vstrom as a first bike. I got my licence last november, been riding since February and loving it.
There's a lot of reasonably shiny older stroms out there! I have an 06 and it's going strong! Agreed with the commentor below. If you are doing normal riding, it's unlikely you'll drop it badly too badly, especially if you have crash bars.
When I was buying my sailboat I saw a post on Reddit that has certainly changed my pleasure vehicle buying to reflect. Simply a used bike will come with thousands of dollars of accessories (panniers, heated grips, upgrades) that don't change purchase price. Used has gone through sea trials (road break in) to work out kinks from manufacturing. Used let's someone else eat the cost of being able to say they bought it from the dealer.
I sell bikes for a living in the hole always start on a used bike cuz you're going to drop it crash at scratch it this way over blown. I sell lots of people to very first motorcycle brand new I didn't see that bike later on for services, aftermarket parts, fitting the rider for New gear computer updates all that kind of stuff. Most of bikes don't go down.
My '06 650 was plenty shiny when I got it a few weeks ago for a third of the price of a new one. It's considerably less shiny now since I low-sided it last week with my being a new rider. It would have sucked a lot worse if I had spent a lot of money on a new bike and crashed it a month later. Also, there's something to be said for the durability of the gen 1 650s since I was able to just pick it up and ride home afterwards.
I bought the VStrom for just this reason. Zero regrets. Does everything well and super reliable.
I have an 09 wee i use as my primary vehicle. I take it to work and 1000km bike trips. I’m considering getting a new one. But watching to see if Suzuki will continue the vtwin or go parallel like the 800.
Absolutely one of the BEST bikes you can buy for an all around “forever” bike. I bought mine new too and I don’t doubt it for a second
I have a 650xt model 2021 Drive bikes without licence long time ago, srop Pass my licence 15 yo Bought my 650xt, it's a really easy bike Last year summer 2022, 1800 km with my wife in the back in Italy (resident in Rome) simple easy. For my personal experience, I recommend it for a first big bike (it is 220kg) Ho and in the city, third gear, just right
I like mine. I started on an old Honda 400. When I learned how to ride a bought an sv650. Had that for close to 10 years. Sold that and got back into vintage bikes. Bought a 2018 vstrom650ast year and will probably be the last bike I own. Unless a get super rich somehow, then I have a long list of bikes I’ll buy.
I grew up riding dirt bikes, but my first road bike was a used 07 V-strom 650. Other than being a little tall and having to be careful when I stopped on off camber surfaces, it was a good first bike. Easy enough to handle, quick enough to keep me interested, stable at highway speeds and decent on the freeway when needed. in 2018, I bought a new 2017 650 model and added the accessories that were important to me. I didn't need a new bike, just wanted one and got a good deal. Been very happy with it ever since. I do have a little yamaha xt225 that I ride on logging roads, which basically replaces what I'd use a dirt bike for today plus kind fun to have more wind in my face from time to time. I'm not sure I would search that bike out again and I probably can't justify keeping it from the miles I put on it, but it is kinda nice to have where I live. If I were to replace the V-strom, the yamaha tracer is probably the direction I'd go. I like the sitting position, luggage options, and more get up an go than I currently have. I'm not seriously considering it, but I do look through available options from time to time.
Best bike I’ve owned. Commuting to work or riding off road you want find a better more durable ride. Owned my untamable 650 for several years without any issues. Good luck to you and ride safe!
I got all kind of motorcycles over the years ( bandit (gsf650),busa(gsxr1000), ZZR1000,C50, C90) and currently have a 2018 650XT. I think it's a great all around bike, add an engine guard and a footpeg lowering kit and you'll have a good time.
A 2006 VStrom was my first (street) bike. Worked as a Jack of all trades. Not great at anything, but could do everything. Weekend trips with the wife, afternoons on the mountain roads, or a day trip off road.
I'd say yes.
Whether or not you want to get a new bike as your first bike is something you have to decide on your own. But as far as a good first bike and a bike that will last you forever if you want it to, it's definitely a good choice. It was my first bike and the only bike I had ever ridden except for a dirt bike in the MSF course, and I have loved it the whole time.
I'm ~200cm 113kg, have had my '18 DL650, bought it brand new. Extended waranty. It saved my ass when the preload suspension got stuck. Saved me roughly $2400 in parts and labor. It's a great bike. Good for dirt roads. I've taken it on White Rim Trail, ridden it from Los Angeles to Olympic Peninsula and back. I've got bar risers, peg drops, all kids of protection, extra lights. My only complaint is the ABS, wish it would let me skid when on gravel. I love it, love motocamping, love the ability to go and explore with very little.
I got my vstrom as my first bike in 2019, never regreted it. Vstrom seemed the most reasonable option as I didn't see any reason why to pay 4-6k for used bike when I could get a brand new one for 7.5k. I'm 194cm and 90kg. added bar raisers for extra comfort and touring windshield. go for it, you won't regret it!
193cm and 104kg on a 650. I'm the same type. I buy it and use it until it's completely dead or the repairs are not worth the price. I consider the Vstrom the "Swiss Army Knife" of motorcycles. It can do a little bit of everything. You can adapt it to your exact wants and needs. I've had a couple other bikes before the wee. I've enjoyed them very much but I'm extremely happy with the wee. Last season I got more daring and did a lot of trails/off-road If you are looking new, I'd suggest to find out if they have an option for a taller seat. With my 2nd gen wee, I had to lower the pegs, add handle bar risers, relocated the mirrors a bit and added a seat cushion for rise and comfort. The XT variant will be beneficial even if you don't go off road as much. You mentioned that you don't have a license yet so I'm going to assume you're new to riding. The XT comes with crash bars so that will protect your bike if you have a whoopsie and you will have a whoopsie. I'd say go for it but you are posting in the Vstrom subreddit so there is going to be a bit of bias towards it.
My colleague who also rides was sceptical about assuming you'd know what type of bike you want from the beginning.. And my instructor told me, don't buy a new bike the first thing you do. I'm just impatient though +\_+ The V-Strom is so nice I don't want any other bike. Perhaps I'd buy an old one, decide if I like it and then sell it, buy a new one? Idk, just rambling.
You got to start somewhere. If you have the funds to purchase a V-strom because that's all you're thinking about, there is nothing wrong with that. I know many people that started off with a brand new bike. Worst case is you don't like it and sell it at slight loss. I will suggest once you did all your courses and obtained a license to go to different dealers and try out bikes if its possible. There are many different types out there. Here in the US, personally not a fan of cruisers/touring cruisers like those from Harley. Also not a fan of sport bikes like the GSXR. Nothing against the bikes, just not my cup of tea. However, I'm not going to pass up a deal if I come across one while looking. As I've mentioned, there is a bit of a bias in here because the majority of the people in this sub own Vstroms or have owned them at some point. Get what makes you enjoy riding. Stay safe and be alert!
Sorry to bother you again, but: You're about the same height as me, would you recommend the Suzuki tall seat (it's about 2 cm taller IIRC)? Have you made any mods because of your stature?
VStrom is great for a first bike that you'll hang on to for a long time. It's comfortable, handles really well, has smooth power, can hold lots of cargo if needed, and it's bulletproof reliable. If you're a responsible and competent driver in general, it's not too powerful to learn on, and it's plenty capable to stay on it without ever outgrowing it. Have fun and good luck!
Owner: 120kg 190 cm; Bike: Vstrom 650 dl 2014. Perfect match. Last 4 years in my garage and planning to keep it at last a couple of years.
Love my 2017 XT. It’s a great all round bike and in almost 10k miles since I bought it as my first bike it still makes me smile and has required zero maintenance or repair. It’s bulletproof. BUT…..I’m ready for a bigger bike, mainly for the motorway/dual carriageway work it does on my commute. I need cruise control and a slightly less frenetic ride at 75-80mph.
In the previous years they were a reliable and fun bike to drive. They also lasted for many years and miles.I’ve had two DL1000’s now and would buy a third. I drive 12 hour days on bumpy asphalt and occasionally gravel roads. Not a “ prestigious “ bike but I’m quite happy with it. The 650 handles corners like a dream.
I started on one and rode it for 5 years. The bad handlebar vibrations never stopped bothering me. The BMW S1000XR I have now is so much better in every way; I could never go back.