nikster Posted October 29, 2013 Share Posted October 29, 2013 It's horses for courses. IMHO the V-Strom will make a more accomplished go most places tourer than the CB500X. It costs a fair bit more than the Honda but I think you're getting a lot more bike for your money. That's not to say that the Honda isn't a decent little bike in it's own right. +1 exactly Still impressed V-Strom is so close to the Versys in price. Must be the FTA with Japan?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ll2 Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 ^ maybe assembly in Thailand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BSJ Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 ^ maybe assembly in Thailand. Hopefully not at the dealership! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DILLIGAD Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 ^ maybe assembly in Thailand. Previous posts confirm that its made in Japan then imported (thankfully) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ll2 Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 Yes. I remember now sorry. I remember asking this to manager lady of suzuki on bike show as well but could not geta satisfactory answer like how come that cheap. Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coley Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 I think that this is a perfect "bigger" bike for Thailand. It has decent suspension and as long as the brakes and tyres ok wont need to many mods. I would consider the dealer shortage a concern so my versys will have to do. Not the most beautiful bike but has some good angles. Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikster Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 I think that this is a perfect "bigger" bike for Thailand. It has decent suspension and as long as the brakes and tyres ok wont need to many mods. I would consider the dealer shortage a concern so my versys will have to do. Not the most beautiful bike but has some good angles. Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Most reviews see the Versys as a better street bike and the V-Strom as a better kinda-offroad bike with the 19" front. If you have a Versys I'd think the "upgrade" to a V-Strom would be disappointing. Some things are better, some are worse, and in the end you paid money for nothing. And yeah service would be a concern; Kawasaki is outstanding in that regard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coley Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 No arguments with any of that. I was speaking from my 3 month ago purchase of a new versys. My experience with 3 trips to kanchanaburi for some ride outs has made me appreciate many good things about the bike and the v-strom's off road capabilities are wasted on me. Love to imagine a world tour but its doubtful in my lifetime. Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TramsRepus Posted November 29, 2013 Share Posted November 29, 2013 I was told that the bike now has arrived. Sadly I'm heading to China for 3 weeks on Sunday :-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TramsRepus Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 Im heading back from China today and is due to pick up my v-strom. But im getting a second thought as it might be difficult to get spare parts and proper service around Pattaya area as the model does not seems to be so popular among farangs/thais living there. And I also plan to buy a fun car and the 350k could be better spent on tuning and customizations instead... And I already have a PCX150 and a CRF250 in the garage and GF thinks we need a car instead, so it has to be fun car then if spending money on one according to my opinion... Though decision.... Go for the bike and buy a cheaper, boring car. Change to another bike like Honda NC700X and a cheaper car. Skip the bike and go for the nicer car.... What would you guys do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ll2 Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 Im heading back from China today and is due to pick up my v-strom. But im getting a second thought as it might be difficult to get spare parts and proper service around Pattaya area as the model does not seems to be so popular among farangs/thais living there. And I also plan to buy a fun car and the 350k could be better spent on tuning and customizations instead... And I already have a PCX150 and a CRF250 in the garage and GF thinks we need a car instead, so it has to be fun car then if spending money on one according to my opinion... Though decision.... Go for the bike and buy a cheaper, boring car. Change to another bike like Honda NC700X and a cheaper car. Skip the bake and go for a nicer car.... What would you guys do? I go for a bike always. Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BirdsandBooze Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 If you spend any time riding on poor road surfaces this seems the best choice IMHO. For me neither the V-Strom or Versys are good looking bikes and are definitely function over form - both good at what they do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DILLIGAD Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 If you spend any time riding on poor road surfaces this seems the best choice IMHO. For me neither the V-Strom or Versys are good looking bikes and are definitely function over form - both good at what they do. I agree, but think the WeeStrom looks better with its twin headlights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guzzi850m2 Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 Im heading back from China today and is due to pick up my v-strom. But im getting a second thought as it might be difficult to get spare parts and proper service around Pattaya area as the model does not seems to be so popular among farangs/thais living there. And I also plan to buy a fun car and the 350k could be better spent on tuning and customizations instead... And I already have a PCX150 and a CRF250 in the garage and GF thinks we need a car instead, so it has to be fun car then if spending money on one according to my opinion... Though decision.... Go for the bike and buy a cheaper, boring car. Change to another bike like Honda NC700X and a cheaper car. Skip the bake and go for a nicer car.... What would you guys do? I go for a bike always. Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app I have to agree on that. Fun bike (depending on needs): 250K baht up to +4 mill baht for top shelf Ducati. Fun car (again depending on needs): +2 mill baht and up to perhaps +30mill for Bugatti Veyron (not sure you can get one for that, haven't checked since I saw my bank balance, lol). I given up long time ago getting a fun car here, so I bought a new pick-up truck instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edwinchester Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 Im heading back from China today and is due to pick up my v-strom. But im getting a second thought as it might be difficult to get spare parts and proper service around Pattaya area as the model does not seems to be so popular among farangs/thais living there. And I also plan to buy a fun car and the 350k could be better spent on tuning and customizations instead... And I already have a PCX150 and a CRF250 in the garage and GF thinks we need a car instead, so it has to be fun car then if spending money on one according to my opinion... Though decision.... Go for the bike and buy a cheaper, boring car. Change to another bike like Honda NC700X and a cheaper car. Skip the bike and go for the nicer car.... What would you guys do? Change the girlfriend. Sent from my GT-I9003 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikster Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 Im heading back from China today and is due to pick up my v-strom. But im getting a second thought as it might be difficult to get spare parts and proper service around Pattaya area as the model does not seems to be so popular among farangs/thais living there. And I also plan to buy a fun car and the 350k could be better spent on tuning and customizations instead... And I already have a PCX150 and a CRF250 in the garage and GF thinks we need a car instead, so it has to be fun car then if spending money on one according to my opinion... Though decision.... Go for the bike and buy a cheaper, boring car. Change to another bike like Honda NC700X and a cheaper car. Skip the bike and go for the nicer car.... What would you guys do? Instead of the V-Strom I'd either get a Versys or a new Honda 650 inline 4. By all tests V-Strom and Versys are head to head but Kawasaki has a large distribution network, spare parts are cheap and easily available, as are trained mechanics. Suzuki has nothing like that support network. Dealer support was one of the best things owning a Kawasaki. On top of that the Kawa is cheaper. Not even sure the V-Strom has ABS in Thailand. I just sold my Versys to a friend who used to have a V-Strom and he said the Versys is better. Cars, no. Cars aren't that much fun unless you're spending 8M Thb+ so as fun factor is concerned bike is way more bang for the buck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DILLIGAD Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 Instead of the V-Strom I'd either get a Versys or a new Honda 650 inline 4. I just sold my Versys to a friend who used to have a V-Strom and he said the Versys is better. Just curious, was your mates a current model V Strom. as I understand the engine was upgraded a couple of years ago? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikster Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 Instead of the V-Strom I'd either get a Versys or a new Honda 650 inline 4. I just sold my Versys to a friend who used to have a V-Strom and he said the Versys is better. Just curious, was your mates a current model V Strom. as I understand the engine was upgraded a couple of years ago? Might very well have been the old model as this was some years back. Was it a significant update? All comparison tests I've read have them head to head... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guzzi850m2 Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 Well the V-Strom have a V engine, love the sound of those. Never heard a Versus sounding good, just an odd sound even with modified exhaust. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DILLIGAD Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 Instead of the V-Strom I'd either get a Versys or a new Honda 650 inline 4. I just sold my Versys to a friend who used to have a V-Strom and he said the Versys is better. Just curious, was your mates a current model V Strom. as I understand the engine was upgraded a couple of years ago?Might very well have been the old model as this was some years back. Was it a significant update?All comparison tests I've read have them head to head... I read it had a number of improvements but more noticeably in the mechanics. You are right that they both are similar and good bikes. I think the V Strom"s are better on rough terrain and a bit quicker at low down acceleration.Suzuki say the Big Bike network is coming (don't hold yer breath). My own opinion is it looks better and I like to own a more uncommon bike (always have! 555 ). The fact that they are Japanese built also attracts me too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogpoo Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 My local Suzuki is now stocking the V Strom and the Heyabusa, there workshop is extremely small, not sure if I would be confident of them servicing such a powerful bike!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Briggsy Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 If I recall, I think I read somewhere Suzuki are not going down the road of Honda and Kawasaki, who have a separate company dedicated to their larger bikes. Suzuki are retailing their larger bikes through their existing network of dealers. I have no idea how this will work in practice, particularly when it comes to repairs and maintenance. I mean it is a huge leap from a Smash to a Hayabusa. I was surprised to actually see a Gladius out on the road today just outside of Prachinburi city. If they ever do expand their network of service centres here, I might go mad and buy one. Sorry for derailing thread, back to the V-Strom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogpoo Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 The V Strom looks a great bike fully loaded, saw it recently at a big shopping center, looked a beast! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beardog Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 Im heading back from China today and is due to pick up my v-strom. But im getting a second thought as it might be difficult to get spare parts and proper service around Pattaya area as the model does not seems to be so popular among farangs/thais living there. And I also plan to buy a fun car and the 350k could be better spent on tuning and customizations instead... And I already have a PCX150 and a CRF250 in the garage and GF thinks we need a car instead, so it has to be fun car then if spending money on one according to my opinion... Though decision.... Go for the bike and buy a cheaper, boring car. Change to another bike like Honda NC700X and a cheaper car. Skip the bike and go for the nicer car.... What would you guys do? Instead of the V-Strom I'd either get a Versys or a new Honda 650 inline 4. By all tests V-Strom and Versys are head to head but Kawasaki has a large distribution network, spare parts are cheap and easily available, as are trained mechanics. Suzuki has nothing like that support network. Dealer support was one of the best things owning a Kawasaki. On top of that the Kawa is cheaper. Not even sure the V-Strom has ABS in Thailand. I just sold my Versys to a friend who used to have a V-Strom and he said the Versys is better. Cars, no. Cars aren't that much fun unless you're spending 8M Thb+ so as fun factor is concerned bike is way more bang for the buck. Wow that was quick Nick. I am sure your buddy is loving life a new motor & all. What is your next ride you are looking at? Congrads! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogpoo Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 Im heading back from China today and is due to pick up my v-strom. But im getting a second thought as it might be difficult to get spare parts and proper service around Pattaya area as the model does not seems to be so popular among farangs/thais living there. And I also plan to buy a fun car and the 350k could be better spent on tuning and customizations instead... And I already have a PCX150 and a CRF250 in the garage and GF thinks we need a car instead, so it has to be fun car then if spending money on one according to my opinion... Though decision.... Go for the bike and buy a cheaper, boring car. Change to another bike like Honda NC700X and a cheaper car. Skip the bike and go for the nicer car.... What would you guys do? Instead of the V-Strom I'd either get a Versys or a new Honda 650 inline 4. By all tests V-Strom and Versys are head to head but Kawasaki has a large distribution network, spare parts are cheap and easily available, as are trained mechanics. Suzuki has nothing like that support network. Dealer support was one of the best things owning a Kawasaki. On top of that the Kawa is cheaper. Not even sure the V-Strom has ABS in Thailand. I just sold my Versys to a friend who used to have a V-Strom and he said the Versys is better. Cars, no. Cars aren't that much fun unless you're spending 8M Thb+ so as fun factor is concerned bike is way more bang for the buck. Wow that was quick Nick. I am sure your buddy is loving life a new motor & all. What is your next ride you are looking at? Congrads! Buy a bike and forget the car, cars are boring bikes are not! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BSJ Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 This is what you need for exciting when it's got 4 wheels. Even a little CB500 is exciting when it's 2 wheels you have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BSJ Posted December 23, 2013 Share Posted December 23, 2013 This is what you need for exciting when it's got 4 wheels. Even a little CB500 is exciting when it's 2 wheels you have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ll2 Posted December 24, 2013 Share Posted December 24, 2013 a simple and cheap 6000 USD cb500f offers better acceleration than a Porsche for 1/10 of the price! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogpoo Posted December 24, 2013 Share Posted December 24, 2013 a simple and cheap 6000 USD cb500f offers better acceleration than a Porsche for 1/10 of the price! Yea who wants to be cocooned in a metal box on these lovely sunny days? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TramsRepus Posted January 17, 2014 Share Posted January 17, 2014 Im getting my V-strom next Friday. I have added: Top case kit 15,000 bahtBack rest 1,800 bahtCrash bar 4,900 bahtEngine cover 4,800 baht For hand guard 1,200 bahtscreen 4,200 baht Skipping the side boxes as I will seldom use them and i have bought soft saddle bags (Givi 431.. something) as a reserve plan. Will i regret this do you think? The Suzuki side boxes can not be bought separately...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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