tpierce

What the hell am i thinking??!! My dad recently traded in his '06 Suzuki S50 for a '07 Suzuki V-Strom 650 (affectionately called a "Wee-Strom"). My car was getting it's windows tinted last weekend so he let me take his bike for the day or so. I knew i shouldn't have ridden it. Not a load of power, not even that smooth compared to the VFR and it sounds like a friggen lawn mower... BUT it is comfortable! I rode the damned thing around all day. 90+ on the highway was no problem. Threw it into some corners and it just obeyed loyally. I hit bumps that i make me stand on the pegs of the VFR or i get jarred badly, the suspension of the Strom just soaked them up. That night i asked the GF if she wanted to take the bike out to dinner. We got to the restaurant and she couldn't believe how comfortable it is compared to the VFR (which she really doesn't like riding on, except for short trips).
I hopped back on the VFR yesterday and it felt like a race bike in comparison: hard suspension, firm gear shifts, lots of power, loud, fast. I really like it, but i really never get much of a chance to use it like i wish i could.

So what do you all think? Many places have '08 Strom 650s for ~$6k these days. I'm really not interested in a 1000 (i probably wouldn't be able to afford the insurance). My bike is pretty much loaded now with accessories, i know i should be able to get $6.5-7.5k for it, but i'd still be left modding the VStrom now... The thought of having a bike that can do some light dual sporting is appealing...

MonkeyLover

...very versatile and affordable. You can order a 2008 from us for $6399...if you're anywhere near Albany =)

tpierce

Here is what i am looking at:
<a href="http://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/2008-SUZUKI-V-STROM-650-91926632">No ABS</a>
<a href="http://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/2008-SUZUKI-V-STROM-650-ABS-91927196"> w/ ABS</A>

If that is with ABS, that's a good deal. I'm in Ohio though...

s.carder

I rode the one with the 1000cc motor and it was a panic.

Togglehead

would be a fun ride home!

tpierce

i'd totally consider it.

tpierce

I had no problems with the 650 power, plus it's much cheaper. the 1k just isn't worth it to me.

MonkeyLover

...we can get ABS models for $6899 and they retail for $7199.

The thing you have to consider with ANY dealership is the "out the door" price. Anyone can list a brand new bike for $5999 and then charge you $1000 in freight/prep charges. Our freight/prep charges are listed right on our site. You're out of state so you wouldn't pay sales tax which means a non-ABS V-strom 650 is $6399 + $150 (freight) + $65 (prep) = $6614. Considering the bike RETAILS for $6699, I'd say that's a pretty good deal : )

Whenever you're shopping around for a new bike always get the out-the-door price from each dealer. You'd be surprised how much people vary on their "additional charges". I'm actually curious as to how much that dealer you listed is going to charge you for that bike out the door. If you get time, give them a call and get a price and see how it compares to $6614. Remember, you don't have to pay sales tax here, but you obviously will when you register it in Ohio.

BTW, the ride back to Ohio would be a perfect break-in for that bike...seriously =)<ul><li><a href="http://troycitygarage.com/street_bikes.htm">http://troycitygarage.com/street_bikes.htm</a</li></ul>

tpierce

I bought a new '04 VFR last year (just like the one i have now). They had them listed like that online for $7k. It was $7k out the door, including temp tag, and i bought it out of state, so i just paid the taxes when i got back in town. I guess i just assumed all dealer advertised like that.

s.carder

they came out. He threw me the keys and said have fun....which I did. I'm sure the 650 is sufficient. V-twin power (torque actually) is addicting.