Well... fact is, I *really* hate to do this -- I love the 6R. However, been looking for just a *bit* more versatility, and something that doesn't have my hips and knees aching (after I finally got my butt straightened out, with the Corbin).
I wanted something that would be a little more fire road friendly, that I could tour with, longer distances, and more diverse terrain, improve the ergos a bit (to accommodate my no-longer-20yo-joints), and be as reliable and smooth as the 6R, with approximately the same power band, *without* moving to a cruiser.
So, after a *lot* of research and reflection (and weighing the 650 against the 1000 on multiple criteria), Saturday, I pulled the trigger on a new Pearl White 2013 V-Strom 650 ABS:
Should have it in about a week or so... It's not going to win any beauty contests (although, I like it's 'looks')... but, that's never been what I've been about as far as my bike...
Downside, I think the 6R is an incredibly good all around sport bike (with the exceptions noted above), and it's been absolutely bulletproof. Also, this is one of the best forums I've been on for info, meeting other riders, and civility (so I won't be running off, except to be spending some time on the Strom forum).
Upside, there are *lots and lots* of Strom riders in my area! Couple of years ago, it was between the Strom, and the 6R. 6R won. With the redesign of the Strom in 2012, it pushes it over the top for me, now. I get to start all over again with farkles on another bike (oh joy...). Which also means I'll have quite a few accessories for sale shortly, including the Corbin seat, Puig light-smoke touring windscreen, Shad rack and topcase, sprockets and chain (which I never got around to installing), etc. Watch for them in the FS section....
Anyway, finally joined the ranks of the "once owned an FZ6R."
But, for the record, you're not getting back the t-shirts...!~
I wanted something that would be a little more fire road friendly, that I could tour with, longer distances, and more diverse terrain, improve the ergos a bit (to accommodate my no-longer-20yo-joints), and be as reliable and smooth as the 6R, with approximately the same power band, *without* moving to a cruiser.
So, after a *lot* of research and reflection (and weighing the 650 against the 1000 on multiple criteria), Saturday, I pulled the trigger on a new Pearl White 2013 V-Strom 650 ABS:
Should have it in about a week or so... It's not going to win any beauty contests (although, I like it's 'looks')... but, that's never been what I've been about as far as my bike...
Downside, I think the 6R is an incredibly good all around sport bike (with the exceptions noted above), and it's been absolutely bulletproof. Also, this is one of the best forums I've been on for info, meeting other riders, and civility (so I won't be running off, except to be spending some time on the Strom forum).
Upside, there are *lots and lots* of Strom riders in my area! Couple of years ago, it was between the Strom, and the 6R. 6R won. With the redesign of the Strom in 2012, it pushes it over the top for me, now. I get to start all over again with farkles on another bike (oh joy...). Which also means I'll have quite a few accessories for sale shortly, including the Corbin seat, Puig light-smoke touring windscreen, Shad rack and topcase, sprockets and chain (which I never got around to installing), etc. Watch for them in the FS section....
Anyway, finally joined the ranks of the "once owned an FZ6R."
But, for the record, you're not getting back the t-shirts...!~
