5
I finally had enough, and pulled the trigger today. After months of searching for a new bike, I plopped down a deposit on a new 2012 V-Strom 650 Adventure today. I had it. I was flip flopping back and forth between a KTM 990 SM-T, a Hyperstrada, and V-Strom 650's and 1000's for too long. I finally decided to keep my hooliganism for the dirt, and play it safe on the street. Of all of the bikes I was considering, the V-Strom 650 was the least expensive, by quite a bit, and it ticked off all of the boxes that I had set up for myself - except for the whole 3rd gear wheelie thing. 2-up comfort, range, weather protection, and reliability were all addressed with this choice. With a top case that matches the standard side cases, a few other accessories, and all of the fee's and taxes, it came in at around $10K. With Suzuki's current 0% deal, this will let me spring for a nice new EXC or Beta for the dirt, and maybe even upgrade my daughter's ageing Ninjette to a new CB500R. She will love me for that, although I have grown quite fond of that little 250.
So, as soon as they get the 650 ready for me, I will go pick it up, and my garage will be on its way back to being "whole" again.
I hope that I do not regret this purchase, but only time will tell. From what I have read, most 650 owners love their bikes, so lets see what happens...