Straw Poll - Bike A or B?

[DeskJockey]

Straw Poll - Which of these bikes would you rather buy? I'm looking for a Wee-Strom to go cross country on, and these two caught my eye. I've never used the NESR poll functionality so hopefully this works.

A: 2005 Suzuki V-Strom DL650 with extras
B: 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650

Also, any advice on common issues with these bikes would be appreciated. Or just general comments about how much you love your V-Strom.

[jhawley]

new one. its only going to cost you a grand to get something 7 years newer. not that there is anything wrong with the 05, but I'm sure there is plenty of items that need to be replaced due to age.
and if you got a better deal on the 12 even better,

[LuvDog]

Without actually seeing them... I voted for the '12.

7 Years is a lot difference and who knows what the maintenance has been on that bike.

[aldend123]

I don't know a much about the Strom's, but based on those too I'd be leaning strongly towards the 2012. And it has ABS. The only thing I'd be slightly concerned about is if it had a defeat switch, a fuse that could be removed, or well reviewed off road mode *if* I was planning to use it off road.

[carsick]

If I were going cross country, bike B, the 2012. The price seems high on the '05.

[MattR302]

Both of those are priced high. Gen 1 Wee's are usually in the $2500-3500 range, the 09-11's could be up to $4000 with ABS and farkles. Gen 2 Wee's are usually in the $4500-5500 range. People on the Strom forums are highly recommending going with the '12-16 i model if you can afford the newer one - slightly better suspension, power, and fuel mileage on the 12+. Check the classifieds on stromtrooper.com.

[Tricky Mike]

Might just be a glitch or something with the poll, but I don't see Busa as an option.

[nhbubba]

The '12 all day. Those aluminum cases are way better than the plastic ones on the '05. The '12 is a gen-2 bike and superior to the gen-1 in many ways.
The extra $1500 for the farkles, newer vintage and lower miles is a nobrainer to me.

[DeskJockey]

I didn't expect such consensus! I'm going to start asking all of my life questions on here...

Thanks for the gen 2 vs gen 1 tips, the pricing info, and for pointing me to the StormTrooper forum.

And the 'busa is always an option. It's just so obvious that it goes without saying.

[nhbubba]

It's like your SV but doesn't need to be plugged in. You'll love it.

[TheIglu]

Either bike is priced really high IMO.

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Might just be a glitch or something with the poll, but I don't see Busa as an option.

Nor do I see the required "Beet is naked". WTF?

[RandyO]

Either bike is priced really high IMO.

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Not do I see the required "Beet is naked". WTF?

the "05 os really really high, the '12 is closer to reality + it has ABS

[feralchimp]

Unless you want that $1500 for gas, I'd go with the new one.
If the 2005 has recent battery / brake pads I doubt it needs anything else, but the '12 is two generations newer and has ABS and (imo) nicer hard bags.

[Garandman]

Funny you mention this as my 09 was purchased sight unseen by a German, who took a cab from the airport with his gear and set off cross country.

I had an 05 and an 09 ABS. 14,000 miles is nothing for these bikes, so that's no biggie. That motor whether in the VStrom or SV is just such an overachiever that you can't go wrong.

ABS can save your ass, so that's a tie breaker. You can find a list of upgrades for the new gen but they made the bike much more appealing. Well worth the $1,500 for a bike you'll put 6-8,000 miles on in short order.

PS. I have those side cases. The earlier versions were notorious for leaking at the front in extended rain. I sealed mine with Silicone sealer and it seemed OK. But the later bags came with nice waterproof bags: be sure they are included.