Rorty V-Strom

[JamesW]

Took a 2014 V-strom 1000 out for a test ride, looking at it as a lightweight second bike after the wing sells. Thing only weights 502lbs wet and is torquey as all get out, very visceral, not as polished as my FJR by any means but it was a kick to ride, kind of like the V-twin performance. Kind of like any comments from year 2014/15 1000 v-strom riders/owners. Do not want to start a comparison column here, just looking for some input.

 

[Khunajawdge]

I owned both an FJR 1300 and Vee Strom 1000 simultaneously, as have others on here.

FJR Pros -

My '05 FJR was/is silky smooth with its inline four, very quick, and very powerful.

Great LD platform.

Wiith sliders etc. = decent tip over protection.

Very reasonable range (230+ miles on a single tank) and good gas mileage (up to 40 mpg).

Decent weather protection wet or dry.

Pack mule.

Asphalt/hard pavement only.

Cons -

Poor riding position for me, too much like a crotch rocket.

Everything covered by too much plastic.

Eats tires.

Couldn't sell it used in local market due to high mileage @ 65,000+miles (still got it).

'02 Vee Strom Pros

Really kewel Braaap sound with a muffler mod similar to the Trooper mod.

Always seemed like when riding it I was going out for a rumble.

Up right riding position.

Great V-Twin easy to maintain

Gas capacity adequate/range 210 miles per tank.

Highway speeds easily attainable with 5 forward gears plus overdrive.

Also a good pack mule.

Vee Cons

Lower gears too tall

Clutch chudder in 2nd

Too heavy for off road, but OK on dual track fire roads.

When it toppled over handles/bark busters broke off

Rode it for 3 years and sold it for what I bought it for with 70,000 + miles

HTH