2014+ DL1000 Vstrom

How does it compare with your V1?

Nice, very nice. I'm jealous!

After spending the day with my Wee yesterday, I believe I am right. These are 2 very different bikes. The old 1000, and the old 650 are VERY similar. The new 1000 just ROCKS !. Very nimble, light feeling compared to my Wee. My Wee feels like a top heavy living room couch by comparison. But it is a little more stable and smooth on the hiway. Seems to settle into turns more effortlessly. It's sportbike heritage shows, where as the new 1000 is much more Dualsport heritage.

I had wondered why I had so much trouble finding the turn signal switch. It just seemed like it was never there when I wanted it and I had to look for it. I think some of it was the tight gloves I was wearing. But yesterday I think I figured it out. The traction control switch is in the multi function switch closer to your hand and thus they had to move the turn signal switch farther away to accommodate it. Something you would get used to I'm sure, but I would use the turn signal a lot more than the traction control switch, so it should be first priority. but they are located in the same multi function switch.

comparing to the older Wee, as you'd expect, it is behind in many ways. The newer (12-) Wee does a lot better in comparison, though it won't match the 1k in every area. But there's a difference in their price tag, too (and the 650 will certainly be more economical.)

Is there an option to add a kick stand?

I got to do a showroom sit today. Noticed a couple of things that are different from the '06 1000 I used to own....

New bike feels much more compact than the old bike. Slimmer and less top heavy maybe. Feels closer to an 800cc bike in size than a liter bike. Everything just feels tighter and better integrated than the old bike.

Bars are now in the right spot. Old 1000 had too much forward lean and needed bar backs.

Bike looks MUCH better in person than in pictures. Finishes are good, but some things look a little cheap....like the passenger pegs.

Not sure I like the grippy seat cover. Seemed to make it hard for me to find my "spot".

One thing I was surprised about concerns the passenger accommodations. I had my wife hop on, and it seems like there may be less room for a passenger than the old bike. It's been awhile since I owned the old DL1000, but this new one feels more cramped maybe, like my wife was right on my back. I always thought the old Strom was really good for a passenger but the new bike might be a little tight.

I checked out the new Super Tenere ES sitting right next to it. Wow, that is a seriously nice bike. A much bigger feeling bike, and seems to be built like a tank, which is not a bad thing at all. Passenger seating is better than the Strom. Passenger higher up and farther back making for more room. Finishes were several steps ahead of the Strom. Shaft drive, center stand, cruise, heated grips, etc, all standard. I know it's thousands more than the Suzuki, but it may be worth it.

The Suzuki is probably the better choice for those wanting something on the lighter, sportier, solo side. The Yamaha would probably be the better choice for a long haul, two up, loaded with tons of crap bike. Sort of a two wheeled Land Rover.

If I were a single man, I'd probably go with the Suzuki. But for my needs right now, I'm leaning towards the Yamaha.

Amazing the stuff that some people notice. :huh

The base S10 is $2391 more
ES is $3491 more.


Ive never ridden the 2014 S10, but it looke like a lot of extras. Looks like the S10 could be the better value.

ACCESSORY
Center Stand
The Center Stand is ideal for use with V-Strom luggage sets. Use the center stand when stowing cargo, doing maintenance, or just storing your motorcycle in the garage.

Part #: 42100-31810
$284.95

Having not ridden the new Vee ,with only bike show impressions myself, my gut agrees with your thoughts. If a demo ride proves that to be true I'll do the only logical thing and have one of each

all Vstroms, regardless of model (650/1000), or year, have done pretty well two up, loaded with tons of crap, needing perhaps only small suspension tweaking first. One of the higlights of the whole bike actually. I'll be surprised, if the new 1k is a one-up bike.

Yes as well as stuff like hand guards etc.

I'm thankful that no one pointed out the painfully obvious problem that I had typed "kick stand" instead of centre stand.

And, thanks for the info.

The power is pretty close, but the V2 power does come on much lower in the rpm range. The V2 feels slightly more nimble due the better suspension. The brakes are a HUGE improvement. I rode so wet gravel roads for 15 miles or so yesterday and I had the TC set on 1 and it worked great for my heavy handed riding style. I also do NOT see the ABS being an issue for me for gravel or light off road that I would use this bike for. I tried a few panic stops on the different surfaces I encounter and the bike stopped very well every time with a minimum amount of ABS intervention. I am extremely happy with this bike so far.

I think for me and my style of riding the S10 would feel like a tank in comparison, I think it's 125 pounds heavier. I traded my C14 on the V2 and it also weighs 625, that bike was just never as flickable as my 03 Vee.

I'm 6'6" and 300# and I don't see an issue with riding two up on the V2 at all. I have a Givi E55 Maxia that I had on the C14 that will be getting mounted on the V2. That should make it pretty comfy back there. My old Vee has adjustable passenger pegs so I may get a set of those for the V2 as well.

Confirmed yesterday the 2014 DL1000 will be available for demo rides all day Friday (5/2) and Saturday (5/3) at Romney Cycles, Romney WV.

Of course you are welcome to make a weekend out of it at the Camp and Ride event.

I will have to say I am very intrigued by the new V2. I put 3 seasons on my V and really enjoyed many aspects of that bike but I also did not like a few of the common shortcomings. I am now starting my second season on my S10 which is a great bike..but hey I am always looking. A 21" wheeled V2 could create a lot of interest..

What is 125lbs heavier than a V2? 😶

On paper, the Tenere is a bit beefier. But nowhere near that amount. And once rolling, it's famous for giving off a much lighter experience.

But I agree with the Tank analogy. It is sturdy as heck.

Regardless, it sounds like the V2 is a much refined bike in every way. I'm betting it can be farkled into a worthy Beast. 2-up & solo.

S10 ES 81lbs (36.8 kg) more.

S10 72lbs (32.7kg) more.

The 2012 S10 handles good, but the V2 seemed much better.

Typical question about more off road vs more street. More continental vs RTW.
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I think an XC version would take a lot of business from Yamaha.
Like a lot of folk, i do not need too much profermance off road.
Meaning Ill never complain about having ABS off road, cause ill never push the MC that hard, yet I believe a 21" tyre provides more confidence and less drops and dumps, and i would not miss the handiling in the turns.