WeeStrom or Tranny

JoeC · Post by **JoeC** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 1:54 pm

Has anybody owned or had any experience of using a WeeStrom (650 VStrom) - especially all year round - as their main bike?
I am looking at a GT but a bit concerned about Suzi's build quality.

Also, the same as above for for a Transalp 650.

R-Man ... got you PM from a while back which was helpful.

winger · Post by **winger** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:00 pm

I'd go for the Transalp every time,i picked a V Strom up the other day for a high profile gent,the bike had seen a fair bit of winter weather, what a pile of shit,when it comes to finish big H is miles in front of everyone else.

bigblackfalco · Post by **bigblackfalco** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:08 pm

Hondas are great for build quality, shame that Suzuki make such nice engine and gearboxes.
The 650 Honda lump is great, but the gearbox is terrible.
I've seen a litre Vstrom with the paint falling off.....shocking for a modern machine.
Bailey.

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:55 pm

To ride - the Wee Strom
To own - the Transalp

If I lived somewhere where it never rained/snowed etc I'd take the V-Strom any time - and by all accounts the litre one is bit of a dark horse, and if looked after is capable of some serious big mileage. On advrider.com they seem to love 'em.

Still, for this country and to use as an everyday bike the Transalp would get it imho.

PBBoxer · Post by **PBBoxer** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 5:20 pm

The litre onen is a corking ride. Had on on loan for a month and although it wallowed it actually still handled well and went really well

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 5:49 pm

PBBoxer wrote:The litre onen is a corking ride. Had on on loan for a month and although it wallowed it actually still handled well and went really well

This is exactly as I've heard - and apparently the TL thou motor just slots in nicely too.

Now that'd be a giggle.

JoeC · Post by **JoeC** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 11:33 am

Lowest prices given to me so far without any haggling :

WeeStrom Tour £5099 (list 5699)
WeeStrom GT £5299 (list 5899)

Tranny 650 £4399 (I am sure I can better this though)
Tranny 700 £5150 (list can't remember but think 5500)

or
should I put the money into a used 1150GS which, at 5-6 years old, might start to need bits looking at, replacing, etc.

Quality wise. People warned me of my Fazer quality but I looked after it and the downpipes lasted me 7 years before I had to replace them (they are mild steel) and bike was used all year round in rain, snow, ice and almost forgot the sun!

BockingBandit · Post by **BockingBandit** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 11:42 am

Transalp to Own definately.

Alternate, .. Tiger 955i (Cast Wheels) much better road bike. 05/06, 3/4K miles below £4,000 ,... just a thought

JoeC · Post by **JoeC** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 3:55 pm

Well, in the end I privately bought a 2002 1150GS - blue/white - went with the heart rather than the warranty.
BMW panniers and top box, ABS, heated grips, 6.5K miles, service history is iffy (2 previous owners worked on mileage for servicing rather than looking at period of time as well) but nothing to worry about. £4808.
Now comes the even more expensive bit buying all the extras for it!
Will post a pic as soon as I have one.

Blithering · Post by **Blithering** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 6:52 pm

The thing that worried me about your new 1150GS was the rear tyre pressure! I mean 10 psi is a bit low by anyone's standards, and below the minimum oil levels. Clearly looked after and cared for...

JoeC · Post by **JoeC** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 9:31 pm

Jealousy will get you nowhere except me giving you a lift to pick your one up.

www.boxertrix.com

WeeStrom or Tranny

WeeStrom or Tranny

Gone To The Dark Side