2005 V-Strom 650. Thoughts?

[_Fergus_]

Hey all, I'm looking at getting a 2005 V-Strom 650 which I would only be using about 95% on the street, and am just wondering what peoples opinions are on these bikes and if there is any thing to look out for on these bikes.

[Laava]

They are good to go bro! Maybe the single biggest improvement would come from a fork brace?

[SVboy]

Reliable as a reliable thing. Does lots of things ok, but nothing outstandingly.

[Night Falcon]

Reliable as a reliable thing. Does lots of things ok, but nothing outstandingly.

so you could say its outstanding at being OK

[jabjab40]

Hey all, I'm looking at getting a 2005 V-Strom 650 which I would only be using about 95% on the street, and am just wondering what peoples opinions are on these bikes and if there is any thing to look out for on these bikes.

I had one exactly 2005. Had an after market Sargent seat which was great. Heated grips, bash plate, hand guards, pack rack. All round great bike. Like all bikes, it's about compromise. Tyre choice will help in off road but if you are doing only 5% off road gravel just get some average dual purpose tyres.
I found it reliable and smooth but always wanted something with a bit more off road capability and power. Now I have something more off road orientated, (DR650), but wish for more power and comfort.
As mentioned, it does everything great but nothing fantastic. I managed some good off road trips, all be it very gingerly.
They are an awesome bike and you cant go too wrong. I think I may even go back to one soon. Nothing to look out for or worry about as they are an all round great bike. Don't surf the net you will just get confused.
Try it, ride it, like it, buy it.

[Moise]

It was the first bike I rode after an extended break from riding. I liked it, and they are probably a good choice for NZ back roads with the right tyres. But definitely not an excitement machine!

[Bigted]

I have a 2009 DL650 ABS. Bought almost 2.5 years ago. Had 68k on it. Now has 118k on it.
I was a returning rider after a break of 20 years (and before that my biggest bike was a GN250).

Wanted a bike to commute on and do weekend rides etc. Something I could also take on Gravel
roads comfortably. It's not a speed demon. 140k max really. Have done a lot to it (fork brace is a good mod as
mentioned above) kept up on the maintainance, Have Anakee 3 tyres on it that are pretty damn good.
I don't travel much over the speed limit but that doesn't mean I don't give it heaps to get there
or to accelerate out of corners.
I'm a big guy and when it is fully loaded with top box and panniers I don't have any issue.
But I did replace the rear shock with a DL1000 unit and an Eibach spring to suit my weight and did the front
springs as well. Made a huge difference.

They can make funny engine noises but it's normal (most of the time)

Starting to look for a bigger bike now, prob the new DL1000 in a year or so.

[Waihou Thumper]

I have a 2009 DL650 ABS. Bought almost 2.5 years ago. Had 68k on it. Now has 118k on it.
I was a returning rider after a break of 20 years (and before that my biggest bike was a GN250).

Wanted a bike to commute on and do weekend rides etc. Something I could also take on Gravel
roads comfortably. It's not a speed demon. 140k max really. Have done a lot to it (fork brace is a good mod as
mentioned above) kept up on the maintainance, Have Anakee 3 tyres on it that are pretty damn good.
I don't travel much over the speed limit but that doesn't mean I don't give it heaps to get there
or to accelerate out of corners.
I'm a big guy and when it is fully loaded with top box and panniers I don't have any issue.
But I did replace the rear shock with a DL1000 unit and an Eibach spring to suit my weight and did the front
springs as well. Made a huge difference.

They can make funny engine noises but it's normal (most of the time)

Starting to look for a bigger bike now, prob the new DL1000 in a year or so.

Yep, nice bikes alright. I have a DL1000....Love it!

[CRM]

I had one for 12 months or so and did a couple of trips on it but never really clicked with it for some reason - just seemed big and top heavy to me. Not really an adventure bike - was pretty bad on gravel - I had a Transalp 650 that was a lot better all rounder. But the VStrom engine is strong and a bit more economical than the Transalp.

[AllanB]

Buy it. Put a rowdy pipe on it. Pick up attractive women. Do rude, slightly questionable things with them. Enjoy.

There - sorted. I'll be here all evening if you need any further advice.

[bluninja]

I've had one for a few years now, and I'd agree with most of the comments above. I've been commuting between New Plymouth and Palmerston North for last 7 months (only at weekends) and it's reliable and efficient. Ride it lazy low revs and it's an easy commute, stick it over 7k and it changes to a bit more fun. Taken it through the gravel between Whangamomona and Taumaranui many times, and on 90 mile beach and it's fine.

Biggest thing will be the suspension, unless you are 60kgs you will probably need to get that sorted for your weight. Otherwise it will squat under accelaration and make the front end feel vague.