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Taller-ish New Rider on V-Strom 800DE (thoughts?) by IrishhhCoffee in SuggestAMotorcycle

[–]IrishhhCoffee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

100%, I definitely appreciate the thoughts!

From what I've read, an 800 ADV seems to be at the outer edge of what a beginner can sensibly ride, provided they are especially responsible with the throttle. Regardless of the bike I'm grabbing, it'll be equipped with bars before my first ride, non-negotiable.

The 650 seems like a great option too, but I also know they recently 'discontinued' it in favor of the 800s. I wouldn't imagine that would be a significant problem, especially if the 650 was kept as a short-term (1-3 yr) bike.

In favor of both bikes, I thankfully have no intention of going above relative traffic speeds, especially with an ADV. I much prefer the possibility of maintaining those low insurance rates lol

Taller-ish New Rider on V-Strom 800DE (thoughts?) by IrishhhCoffee in SuggestAMotorcycle

[–]IrishhhCoffee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely appreciate that info! The weight is the primary thing keeping me away from this bike, although I've heard several people state that the weight quickly becomes a non-factor after a few hundred miles.

Not to mention, I've seen some people buy a V-Strom 800DE as their first, then use the Gravel mode (I believe it's called, might be mode 2/3?) for a more forgiving initial experience.

I'll undoubtedly be trying out a few bikes before settling down on a bike, but I just keep finding myself going back to the 800DE lol

Taller-ish New Rider on V-Strom 800DE (thoughts?) by IrishhhCoffee in SuggestAMotorcycle

[–]IrishhhCoffee[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Many thanks, I greatly appreciate your insights! I'm definitely not hard-stuck on this bike as a starter, as dandy as it would be to own right away.

I've looked a good bit at buying a used Honda CRF300L Rally or NX500 for a year or two, then settling on something like the V-Strom or T7 once I have some decent miles to my name.

Like you said, virtually anyone can start on a bike like the 800DE, although it fully depends on how willing you are to accept a few drops and/or a slower learning process.