As many of you already know, after my recent trip I've decided to take on another style of riding and sold the R1. Over the last 3 months I've been researching all the ADV bikes. Anyhow, I haven't made up my mind yet but the Vstrom is a stong contender ( as well as the 2008 KLR 650, BMW f650gs, and a few others). So I thought I'd share a few picts of it in action.




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized88-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/pic006gm6Small-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized54.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/pic023etx0Small.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized48.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized69.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized67.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized28.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized23.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized78.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized71.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized84.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized82.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized81.jpg

more...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized80.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized67.jpg

more...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized66.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized91.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized9.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized86.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized22.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized17.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized101.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized11.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized44.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized42.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized31.jpg

last ones


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized59.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized55.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized51.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized73.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized72.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized66.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/pic030zt4Small-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized99.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized97.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized92.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized9.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/steelervenom/vstrom%20picts/vstromadvresized100-1.jpg

Looks like fun bro but..............I think I will need a couple more pics to help you decide!! :mock:lol

Looks like fun bro but..............I think I will need a couple more pics to help you decide!! :mock:lol



Now isn't that the pot calling the kettle black!:fawkdance:hammer:hammer:hammer:hammer:fact

Looks like fun bro but..............I think I will need a couple more pics to help you decide!! :mock:lol


:rofl:rofl

thought about a triumph tiger? or a ktm?

Now isn't that the pot calling the kettle black!:fawkdance:hammer:hammer:hammer:hammer:fact

:mock:mock

Very cool pics. Good luck on choosing the one your going to purchase.



Oh and I think you just passed Bogie on posting Pictures. :lmao


Ride safe.

:rofl:rofl

thought about a triumph tiger? or a ktm?


Both have interesting bikes and the KTM makes a fine adv bike and I have given them some consideration. They are very cool.

Some of the main issues with choosing an adv bike (for myself at least), is total cost of the bike and the adv set up ( luggage/racks, crash guards, skid plate, heated grips, etc.), but also it has to be very easy to find parts while on the road, have a reliable reputation and be suitable on the highway( to get me home and back on time) and decent in the semi-rough stuff. All things considered its a tough decision. I'm in no big hurry, so I enjoy reading all the stuff over on the adv boards and gathering information. I've never done so much research on getting a new bike in my life...lol...





Very cool pics. Good luck on choosing the one your going to purchase.

Oh and I think you just passed Bogie on posting Pictures. :lmao



Thanks, I'll need alittle luck...lol...and there is no chance of me passing Bogie in the picture department, thats his title and I don't think anyone will take it from him:workout:lol

there is no chance of me passing Bogie in the picture department, thats his title and I don't think anyone will take it from him:workout:lol

Thats right!! :nono:muahaha:rofl

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q60/vmaxman06/PictureLarge-1.jpg
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q60/vmaxman06/MY%2007%20R1/Marchesini3.jpg
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q60/vmaxman06/Kimber/IMG_1513.jpg

daayyymmm...your bike looks better everytime I see it:bow

daayyymmm...your bike looks better everytime I see it:bow

:lol Thanks bro!! :mrgreen

Wow your trip looks awesome fun! :thumbup

And that jump looks fun... :mrgreen

Great pics....Makes owning an ADV look like it might be a fun time. :thumbup

Great pics....Makes owning an ADV look like it might be a fun time. :thumbup



Well, come on man...lets gooooo....

Might need to request a ride report section of the forum soon :lol

Do some more research on the Vstrom Shawn. One of my friends up here bought an '07 and he has serious problems with it stalling, cutting out, and lack of power. I've heard of a couple of other people having bad luck as well. but, it could be luck of the draw with the models.

V-strom would be cool if you're doing more highway riding. I plan on more firetrails, dirt roads, etc. So, I'm still leaning towards a 650 or WR450F that's made street legal.

Great thread, the only thing I could ask is to not put so many in one post... lol With 50+ images at imageshack... it takes a few minutes for this thread to load... :lmao


Great pics though...

Few minutes? Sheesh... What are you on for 'net connection? My mobile broadband loaded it in under 1. :mock

Do some more research on the Vstrom Shawn. One of my friends up here bought an '07 and he has serious problems with it stalling, cutting out, and lack of power. I've heard of a couple of other people having bad luck as well. but, it could be luck of the draw with the models.

V-strom would be cool if you're doing more highway riding. I plan on more firetrails, dirt roads, etc. So, I'm still leaning towards a 650 or WR450F that's made street legal.


Hey Shawn, Thanks for the heads up, from what Ive read, I think your refering to the Vstrom 1000, the 06 and 07 had those issues for sure.

I'm only interested in the vstrom 650...smaller, lighter, very off roadable, and totally bullet proof. So far I've have found no issues with it on any of the boards, and lots of bikes with 40,000+ miles. Its looking very good so far. 6300 OTD here local...not bad. I'm far from a final decision though....

Great thread, the only thing I could ask is to not put so many in one post... lol With 50+ images at imageshack... it takes a few minutes for this thread to load... :lmao


Great pics though...



sorry, I resized them to keep it within reason....I'll do better next time and only post a few.

Hey Shawn, Thanks for the heads up, from what Ive read, I think your refering to the Vstrom 1000, the 06 and 07 had those issues for sure.

I'm only interested in the vstrom 650...smaller, lighter, very off roadable, and totally bullet proof. So far I've have found no issues with it on any of the boards, and lots of bikes with 40,000+ miles. Its looking very good so far. 6300 OTD here local...not bad. I'm far from a final decision though.....


Yeah, I think his is a 1000 that has the fuel issue. Though, I was only aware of one size on the Vstroms. Didn't know of the smaller 650 ones. thanks.

A Suzuki would be fairly easy to get parts for in most places I would think. I'm still torn on what to shoot for. Good thing I've got a couple of years yet. :mock

This is one of the more interesting comparisions done on the Vstrom 650 and the GS.




In the 2005 "Alpen-Masters" test by Motorradfahrer, the 1200GS and DL650 were compared in the enduro class. The DL650 outscored the 2nd place BMW by 3 points - 342 to 345, although it would have been 354 if they used the ABS model. The other bikes compared were the Ducati Multastrada and a Yamaha XT 660 X, a water cooled single Supermotard.

The only areas where the Suzuki significantly outscored (4 or more on their 15 point scale) the BMW were in shifting (Schaltung), range (Reichweite), payload (Zuladung - 206 to 183 KG), "Managability on mountain roads" (Handlichkeit auf Passstraßen), and one term I could not translate - "Ansprech-/ Lastwechselverhalten."

The only area where the BMW significantly outscored the DL650 was in [Standard] Equipment (Ausstattung) and ABS. In all other areas, they were either tied or within a point or two of each other.

VStrom 650 weight = 427 lbs., ground clearance = 6.5"
R1200GS weight = 439 lbs., ground clearance = 7.3"
R1200GSA weight = 492 lbs., ground clearance = 9.3"


Wet, the BMW weighed 242 KG (532 lbs) compared to the 214 KG (471 lb) Suzuki. The BMW had 98 PS (Pferdstoss, literally "horse power" ) compared to 84 for the zook. The loaded ground clearance for the BMW was 5.5" [14cm] and the zook 5.1" [13 cm] - which shows that showroom data sheets aren't telling the real tale.

In the final five bike showdown, the BMW BMW R 1200 RT and BMW K 1200 R were included along with a Honda CB1300 and Suzuki GSXR1000. The performance tests included a slalom, 46 meter skidpad, 0-140km acceleration, 2nd gear acceleration 25-75kmh, and top gear acceleration 50-100 kmh. In all but one of these tests, the Suzuki was last or 2nd last. In the objective testing, the DL650 placed 3rd of five.

But something interesting happened on the way to the forum. The five editors voted their personal preference for the title of "Alps King." Three of the editors picked the vstrom as their top choice, beating out the CB1300.

So the results of this 20 bike test, which included track testing and 11,800 km of riding on Alpine roads (but no dirt riding) came down to personal preference. Ride 'em.

And a really good thread over on the adv forum....owners of bmw and vstroms chime in. Some very good disscussion.


http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=275507

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u284/Boiler88/bigjunction.jpg

VStrom 650 weight = 427 lbs., ground clearance = 6.5"
R1200GS weight = 439 lbs., ground clearance = 7.3"
R1200GSA weight = 492 lbs., ground clearance = 9.3"


Wet, the BMW weighed 242 KG (532 lbs) compared to the 214 KG (471 lb) Suzuki. The BMW had 98 PS (Pferdstoss, literally "horse power" ) compared to 84 for the zook. The loaded ground clearance for the BMW was 5.5" [14cm] and the zook 5.1" [13 cm] - which shows that showroom data sheets aren't telling the real tale.

Although, I think they should have compared the V-strom1000 to the BMW R1200. Would have been a more similar bike comparison. Going by the weight you posted, the Vstrom is a heavy bastard. Especially when the regular 1200GS is 12 pounds heavier.

BTW, I want to have an option of the Yamaha XT660 over here as well. Been hearing very good things about them as an enduro bike.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u284/Boiler88/bigjunction.jpg


Mother*****, Thats pretty low...lol....I didn't dog you that hard:moon:whiteflag:whiteflag:whiteflag you win....

That must have been him on that vstrom spanking you at the track, and you like the view so much you save some of his picts for your alone time :rofl


I didnt get any email notification on that post so missed it:lol:lol

Although, I think they should have compared the V-strom1000 to the BMW R1200. Would have been a more similar bike comparison. Going by the weight you posted, the Vstrom is a heavy bastard. Especially when the regular 1200GS is 12 pounds heavier.

BTW, I want to have an option of the Yamaha XT660 over here as well. Been hearing very good things about them as an enduro bike.

I totally agree on both counts....I expect there is no way, Honda, and yamaha can stay out of the adv market...its a popular discussion. Kawasaki has been holding R&D meetings to see what the adv public wants...about 2 dozen Adv riders have been on 2 hour interviews and posted it up over there, so they are planning something besides the KLR and Versys....so the next few years will be very interesting. BMW has just set the bar though with that 800gs and the soon 600gs.

Mother*****, Thats pretty low...lol....I didn't dog you that hard:moon:whiteflag:whiteflag:whiteflag you win....

That must have been him on that vstrom spanking you at the track, and you like the view so much you save some of his picts for your alone time :rofl


I didnt get any email notification on that post so missed it:lol:lol

I take it you didn't see the thread over at r1 site, then. :rofl

I take it you didn't see the thread over at r1 site, then. :rofl


SSSSSSShhheeoooot...running there now:oh