Gut check... V-Strom or do I go full ST (FJR)

[Brian Patterson]

Originally Posted by kenneth_moore

I'd get the FJ if you're planning long highway miles 2-up. It's a better design for that use. The Wee is an excellent bike, but it's more multi-purpose than dedicated ST.

Much as I adore my Wee, I agree - an ST is the right bike for that job. Be aware they generate a good bit if heat, though. Hope you find and enjoy what you're looking for...

[Dirt_Dad]

I own a DL1000 and just sold my FJR. If I were going to spend a lot of time riding the slab I'd probably want the FJR. Super smooth with lots of wind protection options using the electric windscreen.

Personally I don't care much for the slab. Avoid it as much as possible. Off the slab on back roads the DL1000 is head and shoulders better than the FJR, which is horrible on rough pavement. Plus the nuclear power plant heat pouring out of the FJR (first generation) was not appreciated.

Slab: super sport touring bike
everything else: Strom...I prefer the 1000, but wife loves her DL650. Both are great.

[bill l]

I have a 650 Strom and a Honda ST1300. The 650 is a good one up bike, hell, it's a great one up bike. It's no ST though.
(Slight hijack warning!)
The ST13 eats miles, handles fantastic - tons (really, TONS) better than you would think looking at it - and gets 47 mpg two up with over 7 usable gallons of fuel. It's the most upright seating and leg room of all the sport touring. No heat issues after the first model year. Needs a suspension upgrade ASAP though. And it's not sexy like a FJR.
(Hijack over!)

Bill

[tmc]

So it sounds to me like the real question I have to answer is the goat/trail vs no goat/trail.

That, and maybe take an FJR out for a test ride... Sitting on it is not enough...

[Dirt_Dad]

Originally Posted by tmc

So it sounds to me like the real question I have to answer is the goat/trail vs no goat/trail.

That, and maybe take an FJR out for a test ride... Sitting on it is not enough...

More like "perfectly smooth road" vs "not perfectly smooth road." If you really think you'll spend the majority of your time on the highway the FJR is truly a perfect bike (minus heat). Far better than the DL1000 which shines brightly off the highway.

[Scouting]

I had the wee...loved it, but for long distance and a smooth ride, power when I need it on the interstate to get away from the big trucks, I bought the FJR. I love it too, I want both. Just selfish I guess, now wheres that money tree?

[ajpower]

Don't agonize for too long, the decision just gets harder. It's not a permanent one either, so if you buy the wrong bike you've gained valuable knowledge. I have a good mix of all road types where I live. I've wanted to explore more of the gravel and dirt roads where you won't see a cop and that's why I like the Wee. I also like going on 3-4 day solo tours so an ST11 or 13 appeals to me. BUT...I'm also a lifetime cruiser so I've priced Road Stars all summer and almost bought an 04 a few weeks ago. It was selling about $3000 below what others were asking. Just make a decision and go for it, a few years ago I bought a brand new bike and only kept it for one year. Didn't lose much money either.

[BOURBON BOY]

Originally Posted by PTRider

Sport touring. The new Honda NT700V looks really interesting...how's your price negotiating skills?

The NT looks nice, BUT is rather heavy, shaft drive is a plus (to me) but the typical Honda 5 speed tranny isn't! Probably buzz like heck going down the road. I like my Vee for doing all that you want to do, very good all round bike, not a Goldwing, not a enduro, but can do both. Sport touring is a strong asset for these bikes and they do that pretty good. Windshields and seats are up to each person, with this or ANY bike, it depends on the ridder. Insurance rates may be a issue with the FJR, a lot higher for me in this area. good luck on your choice! Cheers--BB

[MrMac]

It is really hard to beat a big adventure bike like the Vee for versatility; whether riding to work or riding to Prudhoe Bay. I suppose an FJR might be more suitable for crunching miles, but I'm just not sure how much. A few weeks ago, I put in my longest day on a motorcycle so far; 720 miles from Cleveland OH to Atlanta, in quite a variety of weather conditions. It was slab all the way (not what I normally like to do) and afterwords, I was no more fatigued than I would be from driving a car. With the right seat and right shield, the Vee can handle ST style riding just fine. And you don't have to turn around if the pavement unexpectedly ends..!

[murph3880]

Originally Posted by MrMac

It is really hard to beat a big adventure bike like the Vee for versatility; whether riding to work or riding to Prudhoe Bay. I suppose an FJR might be more suitable for crunching miles, but I'm just not sure how much. A few weeks ago, I put in my longest day on a motorcycle so far; 720 miles from Cleveland OH to Atlanta, in quite a variety of weather conditions. It was slab all the way (not what I normally like to do) and afterwords, I was no more fatigued than I would be from driving a car. With the right seat and right shield, the Vee can handle ST style riding just fine. And you don't have to turn around if the pavement unexpectedly ends..!

Hi there,

Even though I only own the Wee (09), I would agree that with the correct seat and fairing, you will cover just as many miles as an ST.. I recently covered about 700 km (errr, about 440 mile??? - sorry I am down under) over a weekend and I was riding with a group consisting of a GTR1400 Concours, VTR1000 Fire storm, etc and the Wee handled the job better than some of the other bigger bikes... I do not have an airhawk yet, but I have the Madstad screen adjuster and I can sit on the (heavily policed) Australian Motorways at about 120km/h (75mph) all day long... with the obligatory coffee stops thrown in of course.. Dont get too hung up over the choice as both the bikes would do the job, but for the money, the Wee does juuuust fine

Murph