Author Topic: Varedero vs Dl 1000? (Read 689 times)

HeeBs · « **on:** June 09, 2020, 01:22:33 pm »

Hi Guys

Just wondering about the comparison between these two machines? Friend of mine has to option on either bike.

Long distance touring with some dirt roads in between. Maybe a trip up Sani Pass or something similar. Nothing high speed or hectic off road stuff. Dude is quite big 6ft & 130kgs!

Thanks

IceCreamMan · « **Reply #1 on:** June 09, 2020, 01:46:44 pm »

Both are similar type soft roaders.... both well built and both strong bikes...capable as the GS s are basically.

Of the 2 i would go Strom just becuase it has more history , is still a current model and parts are easy to get. The varadero was never a big seller and stopped production around 15 years ago...the current strom still used the same 1037 cc motor from the first strom in 2002.

Battlestar · « **Reply #2 on:** June 09, 2020, 01:56:04 pm »

Both are great machines with bullet proof engines. Varadero has a smoother ride but is HEAVY. My vote also goes for the DL1000 although I would think twice about taking either up Sani Pass without proper beefy sump protection.

Fuzzy Muzzy · « **Reply #3 on:** June 09, 2020, 02:20:49 pm »

I cant see him going wrong with either.. even though im a Honda fan i would probably be more inclined to go with the Dl because in the end it had a better resale value

Toothless · « **Reply #4 on:** June 09, 2020, 03:16:31 pm »

Quote from: HeeBs on June 09, 2020, 01:22:33 pm

Hi Guys

Just wondering about the comparison between these two machines? Friend of mine has to option on either bike.

Long distance touring with some dirt roads in between. Maybe a trip up Sani Pass or something similar. Nothing high speed or hectic off road stuff. Dude is quite big 6ft & 130kgs!

Thanks

Just for interest sake: What is he looking at model, price and km wise.

Ian in Great Brak River · « **Reply #5 on:** June 09, 2020, 03:37:17 pm »

I have the 2005 Varadero, great all purpose bike but yes, heavy because so well built and nothing goes wrong with them ... but up Sani with 130kg - plus - plus? ... no thanks.
However, nice one for sale on the 4Sale thread for the other 99.9% of SA.

Gérrard · « **Reply #6 on:** June 09, 2020, 04:20:59 pm »

Honda, rock solid reliability, but the V Strom appeals more to me. Nothing wrong with the latter's mechanics, but I do have a thing about Suzuki electrics. Maybe they sorted it on these later bikes.

BV · « **Reply #7 on:** June 09, 2020, 04:28:32 pm »

The carb Varadero was kak heavy on fuel.

HeeBs · « **Reply #8 on:** June 10, 2020, 10:06:22 am »

Quote from: Toothless on June 09, 2020, 03:16:31 pm

Quote from: HeeBs on June 09, 2020, 01:22:33 pm
Hi Guys

Just wondering about the comparison between these two machines? Friend of mine has to option on either bike.

Long distance touring with some dirt roads in between. Maybe a trip up Sani Pass or something similar. Nothing high speed or hectic off road stuff. Dude is quite big 6ft & 130kgs!

Thanks

Just for interest sake: What is he looking at model, price and km wise.

The Dl 1000 is R58 000 and the Honda R49k I think.

I did send him to look at the Varadero on sale here. I don't know the Kms.

Tommy Transalp · « **Reply #9 on:** June 10, 2020, 07:53:27 pm »

The Suzuki vstrom is the lighter of the two, and (I think) lighter on fuel.
The two are very similar and although I'm a Honda fan, I think I'd go for the Strom due to it being lighter.
My 2c

Toothless · « **Reply #10 on:** June 10, 2020, 08:16:41 pm »

All I can say is that I've been tempted to sell my Vstrom often. And everytime I feel like that I take it for a ride and come back with a smile and a happy wife

HeeBs · « **Reply #11 on:** June 11, 2020, 10:39:07 am »

Thanks Guys

Some good advice. It looks like the Strom has come out on top !

I think he was leaning toward the Strom but needed a little push !!

LouisXander · « **Reply #12 on:** June 11, 2020, 04:46:41 pm »

Very much the same .

But, on the Strom you can tweak the handle bars with after market ones.
Why the 1000?

650 Strom is a much better bike

Wild Hearted Son · « **Reply #13 on:** June 11, 2020, 06:31:03 pm »

At one point Pom had a 1000 Strom & I had a Fi Varadero.
Very little differences between the two.
Exact same gas mileage - I said I had an injected one
Both completely bullet proof.

Vara had dual linked ABS, Strom didn't.
If I recall the Vara had twin front discs & the Strom had 1.
Both had 6 speed boxes.

Personally, I found the Vara easier on the eye but I obviously was a bit biased.

Both fantastic tar & gravel tourers.
Would I do Sani on either...er....probably not.

IceCreamMan · « **Reply #14 on:** June 11, 2020, 06:33:20 pm »

Strom always had dual disks upfront.

Strom did not have the dual link system and ABS was not offered on the earlier models. it did come in 2006 but this was not always an option in the ZA market at that time.

Wild Hearted Son · « **Reply #15 on:** June 12, 2020, 08:10:58 am »

Quote from: IceCreamMan on June 11, 2020, 06:33:20 pm

Strom always had dual disks upfront.

Thanks, it was some time ago .....

LouisXander · « **Reply #16 on:** June 12, 2020, 08:41:54 am »

WHS, you thinking DR Big again

HeeBs · « **Reply #17 on:** June 17, 2020, 03:09:42 pm »

Quote from: LouisXander on June 11, 2020, 04:46:41 pm

Very much the same .

But, on the Strom you can tweak the handle bars with after market ones.
Why the 1000?

650 Strom is a much better bike

Interesting Louise. Why do you say this? Thought of the 1000 because he's a big lad !

LouisXander · « **Reply #18 on:** June 17, 2020, 03:15:28 pm »

The 1000's are prone to the following:

Clutch shudder

The EMS on the 1000's was problematic. Suzuki America did a recall, South Africa never. I did a techklusion chip on mine from Tornado to resolve this, money you dont want to spend unnecessary.

Bashplate for the 1000? A nightmare as you need to buy from SW Motech or some expensive oke, for the 650 you get one from Hyde, fooken solid plastic.

Only one pipe to replace with an aftermarket zorst

Lighter on fuel by far.

In all, if its you alone, go 650, you wont be sorry.

Both, both is easy to lift

LouisXander · « **Reply #19 on:** June 17, 2020, 03:16:22 pm »

Oh, and more aggressive footpegs you get from Bigboy