OUT FROM THE SHADOWS
I find myself defending the V-Strom more than I feel should be necessary. For a bike that’s sold in such amazing numbers (301,500 between 2002 and 2019 to be more precise), it’s commonly viewed as good at a lot of things but not great at any one thing and rarely seems to stir passion in the broader riding community.
The gravitational pull of mediocrity sucks many in, and no opinion on a particular motorcycle is stronger than one formed by someone that hasn’t ridden it. Quite often I’m told the V-Strom isn’t this or isn’t that by a bloke who then admits he’s never ridden one — and views like this populate the Internet in great numbers.
The indisputable fact is the V-Strom is a great motorcycle. It’s truly beloved by those that ride it. Not in the same way people pretend to like Kanye West’s music but because it’s like AC/DC — you know exactly what you’re going to get every time and you are totally satisfied by the end of the album. Rush play more notes and Pink Floyd has a better light show, but who’s ever left an AC/ DC show unhappy?
The V-Strom line was birthed in 2002 with the DL 1000, which was not the prettiest bike and somewhat resembled a bag of dog food with handlebars. It was followed in 2004 by the 650 and the two were set on a course for tremendous sales success and wins over hearts and minds the world over. There are plenty of riders who still refuse to update from these original or early models.
The V-Strom shape we now know so well didn’t come along till the 1000 got a major overhaul
