Picture: Me on the V-Strom with Neil making my ears look even bigger.
Last Wednesday I rode 330 miles on my friend Richard's 650cc Suzuki V-Strom, to have lunch with the ROMEOs in Howard, KS. You can't really compare the V-S with the REB but I will anyway.
I guess power is biggest thing, my gawd this thing has power, way more than any same person needs, and it is a small bike compared to what most people ride. With a 10,500 rpm red line and a six speed transmission it is totally different than the slow revving thump of the REB. I never had it over 6 grand and just once in 6th and that was about 80mph. Sorry Richard, just couldn't resist one little burst up to that speed. The rear suspension on the V-S works as opposed to the REB's which doesn't unless you are carrying a passenger. The seat on the V-S is more comfortable and my butt and back didn't start hurting bad until the return trip. The V-S sits high enough that I could just get my feet on the ground but the foot rests are so high that I felt a little scrunched up. Handling is great as is the REB but with the extra power it was easy to get sideways when powering around corners (just a little joke Richard, I wouldn't do that).
Riding at 65-70 is not nearly as enjoyable as 55, things happen much quicker but I found myself become more comfortable with the speed the longer I rode. I still don't understand what people get out of riding on the Intestates unless they are in a hurry.
Dual disk brakes vs. drum, now that is a now brainer. The V-S stops as well as it goes. So does the REB I guess.
Anyway since the REB is still in the shop I had seriously been thinking about another bike, the V-S is #1 on my list but I'm still thinking.
Lunch.......it was OK.
Thanks for the ride Richard.
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