FJR vs Vstrom

[motochick]

Hi,

I wanted to resurrect this post because I own a WeeStrom (DL650). I have to sell both my bikes to get an FJR. I really hate to get rid of the WeeStrom but my hopes are the FJR can fill the void. I use the Strom mainly for commuting around town, fun roads, and a few long trips. I rarely ride the bike on gravel.

When I take the long trips often I ride a lot of freeway to get to destinations. The freeway ride on the WeeStrom can be exhausting due to the tall, thin lightness of the bike and wind buffeting. However I love the way the WeeStrom handles the twisties. Its so flickable. I can almost take my hand off the bars when its leaned far over on a sweeper. I think that big wheel in the front keeps the bike stable.

My question to you WeeStrom and FJR owners. Does the FJR give similiar or better confidence on the twisties? I know the handling characteristics of every bike are different, but my hopes are the FJR will give a pleasant ride on the freeway and put a smile on my face carving up these great roads here in NorCal.

Thanks,

Jen

 

[RenoJohn]

Does the FJR give similiar or better confidence on the twisties?

V-strom will mutilate a FJR in the twisties. And any doubters, put your cash on the table and let's go ride norCA .....
....now that is not to say the FJR is a good bike for gobbling up miles, including sweepers, but the twisties the old gal is just too obese.

 

[Fred W]

Does the FJR give similiar or better confidence on the twisties?

V-strom will mutilate a FJR in the twisties. And any doubters, put your cash on the table and let's go ride norCA .....
....now that is not to say the FJR is a good bike for gobbling up miles, including sweepers, but the twisties the old gal is just too obese.

Gotta go with RJ on this one (except for his incongruous affinity for the dirty black and silver team). On the dragstrip, there is no substitute for cubic inches (or cc's). And on the twisties, there is no substitute for lightness. Yeah, an awesome rider can work wonders with a goldwang, but just imaging how quick they'd be on an actual sport bike?

 

[9MileCatDaddy]

I agree with everything ToyNut has said... I also have both an 05 FJR and DL1000 VStrom.

The Vstrom is more comfortable and I can stretch out on that versus get onto the FJR...

The FJ is *FAST* and smooth.... Hard to decide If I could only have 1.... Probably the VSTROM 1000

It Just fits me and talks to me... *Thats what you have to look at and can be fearless on most any road with it.

I like seeing the ~WHOLE~ motorcycle also in that implement kinda way like looking at a Harley...

Another reason why I favor the Strom - Just a simple well built bike that handles great.

 

[motochick]

I agree with everything ToyNut has said... I also have both an 05 FJR and DL1000 VStrom.
The Vstrom is more comfortable and I can stretch out on that versus get onto the FJR...

The FJ is *FAST* and smooth.... Hard to decide If I could only have 1.... Probably the VSTROM 1000

It Just fits me and talks to me... *Thats what you have to look at and can be fearless on most any road with it.

I like seeing the ~WHOLE~ motorcycle also in that implement kinda way like looking at a Harley...

Another reason why I favor the Strom - Just a simple well built bike that handles great.

Interesting...I wish I could test ride an FJR for a hundred miles or so. I had an old Concours so I'm familiar with braking and entry speed of a heavy bike. I just wonder when the stock suspension of the FJR is setup properly, will it give me the feedback and confidence I need. It doesn't necessarily have to keep up with the sportbike crowd.

I love my Strom too, but I would think the ergos of the FJR would be more comfortable. I tend to get a pain in the middle of my back after riding the Strom 4 hrs or so, it seems like the wide handlebars could cause this or maybe I'm not relaxed enough. And the highway cruise I'm sure you'd agree the FJR is more comfortable, I nearly get blown off of the WeeStrom going over some of the passes.

So I guess I'm in a quandary :blink: I'm going to miss my Strom, but I can only afford one bike now and I hope the FJR will fill all my needs. Or maybe I just need to upgrade to a VStrom 1000....nah.....the FJR :dribble: :dribble:

Thanks for you input guys,

Jen

 

[Panman]

Rent one.

https://www.thethunderroad.com/index.html

 

[motochick]

Rent one.
https://www.thethunderroad.com/index.html

THANK YOU

I got one booked for tomorrow

 

[jbh]

Rent one.
https://www.thethunderroad.com/index.html

Thats what I did.

I used to have a strom 650 and rented an FJR. Thats all it took. I really did not ride the strom off pavement much at all and the FJR is so much more planted and stable on the road than the wee strom (can't emphasis this enough). To me the FJR is much more comfortable (once the Heli triple clamp installed. I even like the stock seat. Wind buffeting is also much better.

I have absolutely no regrets at all about selling the Strom, the FJR fits my style better. I picked up a used DR 650 for the offroad/gravel stuff. And hey, the FJR will do gravel roads a car can drive on, just don't drop it.

 

[MojaveFJR]

Before you buy a V-strom check out the R 1200 GS BMW. Don't tell us you don't have the money, not that much more than a new feej OTD. Difference between the V and the R is amazing.

OH, get the feej. Rockin bike.

 

[madmike2]

Er...uhm...both!?!?

[SIZE=8pt]I mean...as long as we're sharing opinions and spending YOUR money....[/SIZE]

(Edit: RenoJohn has both and he rides them, often! Not only did Kathy let him buy them both she encourages him to riee them. John, does she have a sister? Nevermind, she'd be waaaay to young for me!)

 

[RenoJohn]

(Edit: RenoJohn has both and he rides them, often! Not only did Kathy let him buy them both she encourages him to riee them. John, does she have a sister? Nevermind, she'd be waaaay to young for me!)

LOL LOL, I missed this post earlier Mikey.Well, I'm luckky that kathy understands my passion to ride moto-bikes. She likes the FJR (as pillion) more than the strom ..but really doesn't have much interest in moto-bikes. I can't complain, she aint crazy like some gals ....as far as sisters, nope, but she's got some good friends who we'll introduce you to when you come up here to ride moto-bikes with me. ...That is if you bring some Zelda's with you when you come.

....and back on topic, The strom and FJR are groovy stable-mates, they compiment each other splendidly. Make no mistake, they are different bikes, designed for different things. When I see someone choosing between the two, I know that person is clueless -as it makes NO SENSE, as the bikes are designed for different things, -not much overlap.

overview I did a while back here(clicky)