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I haven’t posted for a while. In fact, I had to sign up under a different name it had been so long. I have been out of motorcycling for too long but want to get another bike and even have some cash (for a used bike). The kind of riding I plan to do is mostly solo exploration of back roads one day a week and some two-up touring once a month with the wife—do an overnight trip or a couple of days. Perhaps do 4-5 days when I have vacation. This riding would be primarily back roads with some interstate travel. Our combined weight is nearly 400 pounds. I like to say, “She is my better third” (instead of half). I am not thinking of riding in the dirt, but if I had a capable bike I may do some light fire road type exploration, though that is not necessary. Though I’ve ridden bikes since I was 8 years old, I don’t have a ton of miles on street bikes. I did take the MSF course not long ago. I am approaching this as a rider who is coming back to motorcycling after some years off. I am not a novice, but I am also trying to be realistic and not foolish.
I have three questions as I narrow the choices. If you don’t like reading, go to the end for a summary.
1. I’m looking at two 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 1000s. They are listed for virtually the same price. One is at a dealer and has only 1,100 miles. It looks new. I asked how this bike could only have 1,100 miles at 9 years old. The salesman said some guys have several bikes in their garage and one doesn’t get ridden as much. Okay. The bike is completely stock. No accessories, like engine guard, hand guard, or side cases. None of that. Just the bike as it sat on the dealer’s floor when new.
The second DL1000 has 13,000 miles. It is privately owned. It is in really good condition, runs well, no mechanical issues as far as I can tell. It has new tires, engine guard, top box, and hand guards. These are all extras I would want. In addition, I would add side cases and a metal bash plate.
Assuming both are in better than good running and cosmetic condition, which would you buy? A bike that has been broken in, ridden, and apparently cared for with 13,000 miles. Or one that is almost new because it sat in someone’s garage for years. It has no known mechanical issues, but…
2. I am also considering a 2009 Suzuki Bandit 1250S with 13,000 miles. It is privately owned. It has top and side cases. It also is in better than good mechanical and cosmetic condition. My concern with this bike is its heft, weighing around 560 lbs. At 57, I wonder how handling the weight will be as I age. I also wonder about all that torque. I’ve never owned a liter bike. I rode a 2018 V-Strom 1,000 for a day and believe I can handle its power. I’m wondering about the GSF 1250, not knowing its engine characteristics firsthand. So, Bandit or V-Strom?
3. Or perhaps I should just find a well-cared for DL650 and make that my bike. The advantage here is it is lighter, easier to maneuver, and will be more economical to operate. The two concerns I have with the DL650 is how it will work as a 2-up touring bike given the nearly 400 lbs. it will have to lug in addition to what we will pack; and will a 650 become too dull after a couple of years of riding?
I realize my questions are subjective. But I am hoping you can give me some rationale for deciding 1) which available V-Strom 1000 to prefer? 2) V-Strom or Bandit 1250? and 3) DL1000 or DL650? given my dimensions and use (see above). And, yes, I plan to test ride as a way to aid my decision. I would appreciate your thoughts on one, two, or all three questions, if you care to respond at all. Thank you.
I have three questions as I narrow the choices. If you don’t like reading, go to the end for a summary.
1. I’m looking at two 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 1000s. They are listed for virtually the same price. One is at a dealer and has only 1,100 miles. It looks new. I asked how this bike could only have 1,100 miles at 9 years old. The salesman said some guys have several bikes in their garage and one doesn’t get ridden as much. Okay. The bike is completely stock. No accessories, like engine guard, hand guard, or side cases. None of that. Just the bike as it sat on the dealer’s floor when new.
The second DL1000 has 13,000 miles. It is privately owned. It is in really good condition, runs well, no mechanical issues as far as I can tell. It has new tires, engine guard, top box, and hand guards. These are all extras I would want. In addition, I would add side cases and a metal bash plate.
Assuming both are in better than good running and cosmetic condition, which would you buy? A bike that has been broken in, ridden, and apparently cared for with 13,000 miles. Or one that is almost new because it sat in someone’s garage for years. It has no known mechanical issues, but…
2. I am also considering a 2009 Suzuki Bandit 1250S with 13,000 miles. It is privately owned. It has top and side cases. It also is in better than good mechanical and cosmetic condition. My concern with this bike is its heft, weighing around 560 lbs. At 57, I wonder how handling the weight will be as I age. I also wonder about all that torque. I’ve never owned a liter bike. I rode a 2018 V-Strom 1,000 for a day and believe I can handle its power. I’m wondering about the GSF 1250, not knowing its engine characteristics firsthand. So, Bandit or V-Strom?
3. Or perhaps I should just find a well-cared for DL650 and make that my bike. The advantage here is it is lighter, easier to maneuver, and will be more economical to operate. The two concerns I have with the DL650 is how it will work as a 2-up touring bike given the nearly 400 lbs. it will have to lug in addition to what we will pack; and will a 650 become too dull after a couple of years of riding?
I realize my questions are subjective. But I am hoping you can give me some rationale for deciding 1) which available V-Strom 1000 to prefer? 2) V-Strom or Bandit 1250? and 3) DL1000 or DL650? given my dimensions and use (see above). And, yes, I plan to test ride as a way to aid my decision. I would appreciate your thoughts on one, two, or all three questions, if you care to respond at all. Thank you.
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