V Strom 1000 vs. R1150R

[DG02]

While I'm waiting to get home to pick up my new F800 next week, a few of us on the course I'm attending rented bikes and rode the Sea to Sky highway from Vancouver to Whistler B.C. today.

I had a V Strom 1000, and although the pace was quite tame to accommodate a new rider (her second time on a bike since passing her test and she did really well on a challenging road) there are some interesting comparisons to the 1150R.

The V Strom red lines at 9500, and really needed to run at 3500 to pull at all. Below that it felt as though it was lugging, especially in the upper gears. 6th gear was useless below 100 km/h. I would compare it to the 1150R at less than 2500 rpm.

If I kept the engine spinning about 4000 it was happy enough, so I found I spent a fair bit of time shifting gears to accommodate. The riding position was quite comfortable and handling good enough, but the engine wasn't a patch on the 1150R.

Next week I get the F800ST, so that will be an interesting comparison as well.

[Ian]

Next week I get the F800ST, so that will be an interesting comparison as well.

DG - i was talked into riding the 800ST instead on the 1200ST, was very very disappointed - strange tank vibe, spongy front end and terrible brakes BUT a great gearbox and dash....

[SlideRuyle]

I was seriously thinking about a vstrom before I bought the r1150r. I did not get to ride a 1000 but rode a 650.
I have had some second thoughts about the decision. Your comments helped me.