I am going to sell my Samurai, my last work van, and my Honda CBR 250 RR, and get one of these, so all i will have left is my RX-7, and my Bike, and my future wifes Mistubishi 4x4.

here is the bike.
http://www.bikez.com/bike/21407/index2.jpg

I want something that i can ride for amny hrs at a time, take camping, and on weekend trips away, and considering we will soon be living full time at the property, at the end of a 10 mile dirt road. i think trhis will fit the bill pretty well. anyone else ride a cross tourer?

the specs

General information
Model: Suzuki V-Strom 1000
Year: 2005
Category: Allround
Rating: 80.3 out of 100. Show full rating and compare with other bikes
Engine and transmission
Displacement: 996.00 ccm (60.78 cubic inches)
Engine type: V2
Stroke: 4
Compression: 11.3:1
Bore x stroke: 98.0 x 66.0 mm (3.9 x 2.6 inches)
Fuel system: Injection
Valves per cylinder: 4
Fuel control: DOHC
Cooling system: Liquid
Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type
final drive: Chain
More details Consult a Suzuki repair manual.
Physical measures
Dry weight: 208.0 kg (458.6 pounds)
Seat height: 840 mm (33.1 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall height: 1,395 mm (54.9 inches)
Overall length: 2,295 mm (90.4 inches)
Overall width: 910 mm (35.8 inches)
Ground clearance: 165 mm (6.5 inches)
Wheelbase: 1,535 mm (60.4 inches)
Chassis and dimensions
Front suspension: Telescopic, cartridge-type, oil damped, adjustable preload
Rear suspension: Link-type, adjustable spring preload and rebound damping
Front tyre dimensions: 110/80-R19
Rear tyre dimensions: 150/70-R17
Front brakes: Double disc
Rear brakes: Single disc
Speed and acceleration
Other specifications
Fuel capacity: 22.00 litres (5.81 gallons)
Color options: Blue, Black
Further information
Parts and accessories Check out parts and accessories from our partners. Suzuki V-Strom 1000 accessories
Ask questions Join the 05 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 discussion group
Insurance, loans, tests Search the web for dealers, loan and insurance costs, tests, customizing, etc.
Related bikes List related bikes for comparison of specs

I've got buddy with one. He's like 6'2" and probably 210 lbs and he really likes it. He calls it his poor man's BMW. I'm only 6' 185lbs and like my motorcycles on the lighter side. I was considering the 650 V-Strom myself, but decided not to get back on two wheels. See if you can't get a long ride on one and make sure it will work for you.

VStroms are allright, but they are shit off road. If you want a really good dual-sport bike I would suggest a BMW R1200GS Adventure or a XR650R, since they come already street legal in Aus.


edit: for shittons of info on dual sporters (and better answers to your question) go to http://www.advrider.com they have sections for beemers, KTM Adventure series, BRP, VStrom, pretty much all the big dualsport rigs.

I can't tell... The pic isn't big enough. [/sarcasm]

I'm too biased against Suzuki to answer.

another option i have discovered, is the Triumph Tiger, the BMW is a bit out of my price range, and the KTM is too dirt orientated. ill take them all for a ride over the next month or 2 and report back