RideForum.NET

Article talking about the new V-Strom and Crossrunner. Neither seems to be a serious offroad threat, but both should be able to handle what most people want. And it's always nice to see manufacturers sharing some love with the adventure market. I like the looks of the V-Strom. The Honda looks too fragile. Would have to see one in person.

The strom looks better and lighter but still misses the mark in my eyes.
The honda looks nice but too fat and low.

I rode my 2006 Vstrom 650 for 3 years, so I'm biased, but I think the Vstrom is a decent looking machine. Mine looked even better with me sitting on it--I make that bike look good.

I think the 2012 design is pretty darn good--an improvement in my book. After reading a bit more, though, it's not much of a change from the old bike where it matters. Apparently everything but the style changes are basically the same. The weight is barely reduced from the prior model. If they raise the price, I think they are making a mistake. For many, a large part of the Vstrom's appeal is the high value of what you get for the money. It's not a secret that for that class of machine, there are "better" options---but you pay a lot for them.

I agree about the Honda--too fat and low. (At least looking that way.) I tend to like Honda's in general, though.

troy wrote:I rode my 2006 Vstrom 650 for 3 years, so I'm biased, but I think the Vstrom is a decent looking machine. Mine looked even better with me sitting on it--I make that bike look good.

Oh Brother