FZ6 VS Vstrom DL650

[2wheelie]

My friend is debating on what to get. He likes the sportiness of the fz, but also a comfort and light off-road capabilities of a strom.
I personally like them both for what they offer. The strom is also agile bike but kind of bulky for me (I'm 5'7), so it's hard to suggest to him one over the other.
What is your take on it? I know it is an fz6 forum, but please try to give an unbiased opinion.

 

[alanrim]

Interesting choices, I am currently looking at chopping in the FZ for a BMW F650GS, it really depends what your friend wants. Knowing the Suzuki it will have a silky gearbox, the FZ has an hateful gearbox.

He needs to get good long test rides on both, preferably back to back and decide what he prefers.

 

[Shamus McFeeley]

Has he concidered a XR650L or KLR650? Both are better choices to the DL.

 

[2wheelie]

Well, the KLR650 is more of a dual-purpose than he would need. I know that the DL is more so called "user friendly" in every day use, but for a 5 foot 6 guy the height of DL can be little challenge.
Another annoying thing I have with my FZ is that it emits heat (which by the way I didn't see any complains from others in here) from under/sides of the seat, especially under higher rpm/s (like above 6k) while the temp shows 105F on highway...
Anyway for now he leans to a DL. Will check the prices on both as he wants a used one.

 

[cap'n]

I've taken the FZ on 30+ mile dirt roads with loaded hard bags. If you're careful and know what you're doing, there's no reason you can't get to some good campsites with the fizzer. Keep it under 30mph and gently use the rear brake and all's well.

 

[DefyInertia]

The DL650 is a great touring bike. Not much of an off road bike but with a skidplate you could do a little more with it than with the FZ6. The FZ6 has more cornering clearance and better options for sticky rubber...so its faster than the DL with a fast/skilled rider at the bars.

If I were going to go on very very very long tours that involved straight stretches of road and maybe some gravel roads, I'd get the DL. Otherwise I'd go with the FZ6....as it's a better super-sport touring bike and a better sport bike.

Has he concidered a XR650L or KLR650? Both are better choices to the DL.

Better choices? They are not really in the same class as the DL and definitely not the same class as the FZ.

 

[cap'n]

^ what he said

 

[2wheelie]

I agree. With FZ there is more excitement you can get from. And even on a long straight road, on the strom you’ll get this sleepy feeling (read cruiser) were as FZ has more ”life” in it.

 

[tim_lett82]

ive rode both back to back and i preferr the fz the DL is slower and has half the power and doesnt sound as good as the inline 4 my fz does offroading good as long as it isnt muddy that what my wr is for

 

[Willard]

I'm the proud owner of an 07 FZ6 and an 08 650 V-Strom. Although the 650 V-Strom is more comfortable, the FZ6 is certainly comfy enough for a week long tour. The V-Strom has adequate power and handles nicely but it's not in the same league as the FZ6. The FZ6 has close to 30 more horsepower and is more sport bike like in the handling department.

When I'm feeling frisky I take the FZ6. It's a fun bike. On the longer rides/tours I prefer the V-Strom.

The 400+ kilometer touring range of the V-Strom is nice. Also the ABS brakes. Unfortunately the ABS FZ6 version is not available in North America. The FZ6 brakes are stronger and provide better feel.

You can't go wrong with either bike. Glad I don't have to choose which one to buy. Get both:Flash:

 

[DefyInertia]

If I were going to get a strom, I'd get the 1000.

 

[2wheelie]

I found one person who sells the 07 FZ6 with 800 miles for $4500 I but can talk him down to $4000. It is pretty much stock except the lower pan which looks good and covers the bottom of the bike, and also the frame sliders. I think it can be a good deal...? Can't find any Vstroms for now, so will play first-come- first-serve basis. This way is easier to choose.

 

[tomari]

here in Greece in every place you look there are 10 stroms for sale! u can find one inside your dishwasher too if you look carefully

 

[tuningfork]

how much suspension travel does the v-strom have? I am guessing it is pretty close to the FZ6. I believe you can fit a more aggressive tire to the FZ6 for rough-surface duty. I have not ridden the vstrom, seems like a nice bike, but I am a bit suspect that it is really much more offroad capable than the FZ6. Have you also looked at the Versys? I have seen those fitted with some more rugged rubber, and they have maybe another inch of suspension travel.

Kawasaki Versys Tires - webBikeWorld

Anyway just some options to think about.