2012 V-Strom 650 ABS versus 2012 Tiger 800

**Barts** · 25th April 2012, 09:33

Hey,

Just landed my 6R and have been out and about test riding a few bikes to upgrade from my Hornet 250.

I'm 6'3" / 85K and looking to upgrade to a bike that's a bit more comfortable given my height / weight.

I have really enjoyed my experiences on both the new V-Strom and Triumph's Tiger 800.

I've read heaps of reviews and online threads on both bikes (in their own right) however haven't been able to source any good reading/knowledge on bike a vs. bike b.

I plan to test ride some more as in all honesty I've only spent about 30-40 mins on each.

Main aim of bike is day to day commuting. Roughly 60KM each day with a 80% motorway and 20% urban.

If I can convince by better half I'm in need of some 'me' time I'd like to take bike on ferry and tour south island at some point. So a bike that I can tour NZ with and maybe possibly 2 up would be good future proofing.

For now I just need a solid bike that can get me to work and back safely with no big issues re: service costs, maintenance and the like.

I think I have the answer with the Wee however will it make me smile as much as the Tiger???

Anyone out there have experiences on both bikes? What led to your ultimate buying decisions?

Cheers folks.

Barts

**paturoa** · 25th April 2012, 10:03

I've had a wee (old model) for a while now and it has an international reputation for being one of the most reliable bikes ever made. I did a 15k trip around oz last year in 4 weeks on it and only had to change a back tyre and oil changes. The new wee is more of a refresh than a totally new bike and has a huge amount of common parts with the old weel

I've test ridden both the new wee and a XC.

Reasons for a new wee:
Better fuel consumption and range than XC (a lot more)
Cheaper $5000
I'd rate the seat comform for both the rider and pillion as better on the wee.

Reasons for the XC:
21 inch front wheel is better for gravel roads.
More power across the rev range. 50kw vs 70kw,

The XC will likely be my next bike simply because of the extra power and the 21 inch wheel for gravel roads.

However my big problem is the cost. A new wee is under 15k on the road, and a new XC is 20k. OUCH. In real terms that is $250 per kwatt!

If you are thinking touring you can fully farkle the wee with after market goodies for well under 5k, There are plenty of them. Basic list would be engine bars, heated grips, hard panniers, top box, tank bag, sump guard, radiator guard, hand guards, centre stand, headlight protectors and front mudguard extension.

Genuine trumpy farkles will make your eyes water and empty your wallet faster than a trip to Fort Street! http://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.nz/...ate-my-triumph Click on "launch create my triumph" lower right. The above list of trumpy farkles will cost about $7k. Suddenly a $20k bike is $27k Double OUCH.

**banditrider** · 25th April 2012, 11:01

I have no experience of the Trumpy but I think for your use of mainly commuting then the Wee would be the way to go (no need for that 21" wheel commuting unless your jumping kerbs eh). They appear to be unbreakable and the economy and range is outstanding. I ride a Vee but did ride a Wee around town for a bit and it was the better bike for the job.

**paturoa** · 25th April 2012, 11:05

Oh and I commute daily in dorkland, 20km 1 way on the ugly wee version. Great commuter bike except for the slightly wider bars than a standard road type bike.

**Barts** · 25th April 2012, 11:39

Ooops typo. That should read 6F !! Thx for replies

Barts

**Hitcher** · 25th April 2012, 16:34

A big difference between these two bikes is that the Suzuki's engine doesn't have that annoying high-pitched whine that the Triumph does. Indeed of late that Triumph whine, a feature of most current models, is starting to drive me nuts. Perhaps I should keep away from them.

**chasio** · 25th April 2012, 17:03

I reckon this is a good deal near here and a good ride home for you: 2011 Wee for $10k. $5k off the new price is a lot for having been run in...

**tri boy** · 25th April 2012, 17:35

Sounds like the wee V might be the one to go for, for your intended use.
But, damn they have an ugly rear mud guard, (as in that orange ones pic).
The designer who came up with that needs hanging.

**Barts** · 25th April 2012, 20:17

Originally Posted by paturoa

I've had a wee (old model) for a while now and it has an international reputation for being one of the most reliable bikes ever made. I did a 15k trip around oz last year in 4 weeks on it and only had to change a back tyre and oil changes. The new wee is more of a refresh than a totally new bike and has a huge amount of common parts with the old weel

I've test ridden both the new wee and a XC.

Reasons for a new wee:
Better fuel consumption and range than XC (a lot more)
Cheaper $5000
I'd rate the seat comform for both the rider and pillion as better on the wee.

Reasons for the XC:
21 inch front wheel is better for gravel roads.
More power across the rev range. 50kw vs 70kw,

The XC will likely be my next bike simply because of the extra power and the 21 inch wheel for gravel roads.

However my big problem is the cost. A new wee is under 15k on the road, and a new XC is 20k. OUCH. In real terms that is $250 per kwatt!

If you are thinking touring you can fully farkle the wee with after market goodies for well under 5k, There are plenty of them. Basic list would be engine bars, heated grips, hard panniers, top box, tank bag, sump guard, radiator guard, hand guards, centre stand, headlight protectors and front mudguard extension.

Genuine trumpy farkles will make your eyes water and empty your wallet faster than a trip to Fort Street! http://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.nz/...ate-my-triumph Click on "launch create my triumph" lower right. The above list of trumpy farkles will cost about $7k. Suddenly a $20k bike is $27k Double OUCH.

Thanks paturoa,

Do you have any comments or concerns about wind buffeting on the V-Strom? The model I rode had the screen set mid-way. My head was getting hammered buy the wind. The sound was intense. I am going to ask the dealer to either raise or lower for me for my next ride. This however was really the only thing that put me off this bike - I am sure it is fixable however given amount of time spent on SH1 this is a bit of show stopper.

Also any comments on the fuel efficiency between these two bikes? Sounds like wee wins hounds down with fuel economy?

Given I'm looking at purchasing a bike for long term use do you recommend I look at / test ride BMW's offerings? Just seen this bike on TM. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=375420457

It would appear F650GS is similar price and spec to XC with G650GS close to V-Strom?

Need to get out on a few more bikes I reckon - any others worthy of a look?

Cheers.

**paturoa** · 25th April 2012, 20:31

Originally Posted by Barts

Thanks paturoa,

Do you have any comments or concerns about wind buffeting on the V-Strom? The model I rode had the screen set mid-way. My head was getting hammered buy the wind. The sound was intense. I am going to ask the dealer to either raise or lower for me for my next ride. This however was really the only thing that put me off this bike - I am sure it is fixable however given amount of time spent on SH1 this is a bit of show stopper.

Also any comments on the fuel efficiency between these two bikes? Sounds like wee wins hounds down with fuel economy?

Given I'm looking at purchasing a bike for long term use do you recommend I look at / test ride BMW's offerings? Just seen this bike on TM. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=375420457

It would appear F650GS is similar price and spec to XC with G650GS close to V-Strom?

Need to get out on a few more bikes I reckon - any others worthy of a look?

Cheers.

I don't know about the new model wee for buffetting. However I've got my screen on the hightest setting, I'm 1.78 tall and have no problems at all. Others use the madstad or other solutions for the old wee. The forums (stromtroopers is a good one as well as VRSI) have lots of info on this issue and all have easy solutions. Note that it is an issue with all bikes and can normally be tuned out by simply adjusting the height.

A friend at work go the taller "touring" screen for his new tiger but he rekons that he has lots of buffetting problems with that too.

Fuel economy. No contest the wee is miserly and will do 450km on a tank if your gentle at over 25km per litre.. The tiger is from what I've read a thirsty beast.

I've only test ridden the GS a couple of times but it was a while ago so can't really comment. The mags and online reviews (MCN has one) says that there is little difference between them with the beemer getting the better off road nod over the the tiger and obviosuly the other way for on road including gravel. The GS is pricey too, but appears to hold its resale value.

If your looking for on sealed road only also have a look at the kwaka 650 versy and if your off road intentions are high have a look at the KLR, DR and KTM offerrings.

Good fun looking isn't it!

**chasio** · 28th April 2012, 11:55

Originally Posted by Barts

Given I'm looking at purchasing a bike for long term use do you recommend I look at / test ride BMW's offerings? Just seen this bike on TM. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=375420457

It would appear F650GS is similar price and spec to XC with G650GS close to V-Strom?

Just a note: the G650 GS is a thumper, so not really comparable to a wee-Strom in the engine department. You could buy that orange Strom (no ABS?) plus a decent older DR650 for what they are asking for that ex-demo G650. It all depends on what you want, and I'm not bagging the G650 GS, but the blue and white badge seems pretty expensive to me!

**AllanB** · 28th April 2012, 12:01

For the use you are describing I struggle to see how you'd justify the $5k difference on a new one. In the Triumph favour it will hold it's resale value better.

**Barts** · 28th April 2012, 19:33

Update from me. I purchased the Wee-Storm today - pick her up later this week!!!

Bottom line decision for me was value for money over the Tiger 800 (purchase cost, insurance, fuel economy maintenance etc.)

Took another long test ride before making my final decision. Power is more than enough for my needs. Loving the V Twin already.

I picked up a great trade in on my 250 and negotiated a sweet deal on a number of accessories including under cowling, knuckle covers and a 40Ltr top box.

The best bit - close to $3,000 in savings on the Tiger 800.

Will post some pics next weekend.

Barts.