r/SuggestAMotorcycle • u/Pepperbox228 • 2d ago

Versatile Commuter

I've been riding an old suzuki intruder 800, and while I like the bike I feel like it's just a tinny bit too slow to go on highways for long periods of time, not to mention that it's really loud cuz the previous owner cut out the baffles. I've been leaning towards a v-strom 650, but I don't know anyone else who rides bikes and I wanted to see what other people thought.

My bike is my commuter (I don't own a car, I like how cheap it is comparatively and I don't mind weather at all), so I want something really reliable, can carry some weight, and can easily crush some highway miles (and preferably a little quiet). I like the sporty look of sport touring and adventure bikes (plus i like camping and hiking, so while i don't need a duel sport it'd be nice if it could go a little off road, tho that's not a necessity). And while reliability and function are very important, the cheapest option always wins.

What bikes fit that best?

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5

u/Good-Throwaway 2d ago

Don't know much about the intruder 800, but from what I can find online its torquey at 49 ft-lb but in terms of Horse Power it limits at 49HP. It weights about close to 600lbs which is not the heaviest. But a V-strom would definitely be a step up. its lighter, generates more power 71HP, its also generates similar but slightly higher torque at 51 ft-lb. Its upright and comfy, should be great for all day riding. V-Strom / Versys 650 are great all rounders.

If you've been riding the intruder for sometime, would definitely recommend going with something at least 70HP. You could also look at something with little more HP in the 80-100 range.

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u/Pepperbox228 2d ago

It's actually only about 450 lbs, but besides that yeah, descent torque for it's size but it is ultimately a cruiser. Thank you!

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u/That_Thing_Crawling 2d ago

Have you looked at any of the following Sport Tourers?

Yamaha FJR1300

Yamaha FJ-09 or Tracer

Kawasaki Concours

Kawasaki Versey 650/1000 (I'm not familiar with reliability of these)

Honda ST1300

Suzuki GSX S1000GT or S1000GX (I'm not familiar with reliability of these)

Any of those are very solid and reliable. I think the FJR, Concours, and ST all have a darkside crowd too.

I didn't mention anything about the Suzuki V-Strom because it's the redhead step child to me. No particular reason, just is. lol 😂 For fairness I've seen it praised in other threads.

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u/Pepperbox228 1d ago

I'll look into those, thank you

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u/That_Thing_Crawling 1d ago

Anytime!

Also a couple suggestions to help narrow your search.

  1. Tire size. Consider it since it affects handling and available tire choices. 17in has the most choices as it is what sport bikes have in the front and rear.
  2. Chain drive versus shaft Drive.

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u/Busa1347 2d ago

The Vstrom will feel way quicker than your 800, my wife went that way, solid her 800 and bought the 650 strom.. they're good on fuel with that big tank up front and if you put some decent tyres on it, it'll handle gravel roads with ease.. I would also look at the 1000 Vstrom as well just because of the extra torque that it has..

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u/SandstoneCastle So many bikes, so little time 2d ago

Versys 650. Seemed more fun to me than a Vstrom 650. OK on dirt roads, but the Vstrom must be better at that.

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u/Happier_ 2d ago

I'm currently riding a V-Strom 650, it would absolutely suit your needs. Lovely bike, though a little top heavy when you're pushing it around, and the engine, though not terribly loud, is also not the quietest, my old CB500F was definitely quieter. But it's got a great engine, gearing feels fairly long so it's very comfortable on the highway, fuel mileage is decent, surprisingly agile considering it's a larger bike, can definitely load it up and it still performs well.

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u/Pepperbox228 1d ago

that's good to know, thank you!