Define your usage.... If you do mostly roads, two track, and gravel.... Get the Vstrom. The V-Twin is the best motorcycle engine ever made based on throttle response at all RPM's and reliability. Also, the 19 inch front wheel on the Vstrom is significantly better on the roads than the Honda 21 inch. If you do any baby head roads, get the parallel twin Honda... If you hang out at Starbuck and Hooters, get the BMW....
So many Africa Twins end up with a dented bash plate that also cracks the case or opens up the stator. With the ground clearance and 21" tire, you'd think the AT was more one track capable. But I'd rather hop an 18" log with my DL1000AL8. You need more skills to ride the AT. It makes you work for that better off-road performance. I do need some progressive fork springs and a four way rear shock, but its been three years and I'm still trying to blow a seal or cook my rear shock. I do wish Suzuki would quite farting around and start putting 21" stock on the XTs. It just costs too much to make the changes to it yourself.
Define your usage.... If you do mostly roads, two track, and gravel.... Get the Vstrom. The V-Twin is the best motorcycle engine ever made based on throttle response at all RPM's and reliability. Also, the 19 inch front wheel on the Vstrom is significantly better on the roads than the Honda 21 inch. If you do any baby head roads, get the parallel twin Honda... If you hang out at Starbuck and Hooters, get the BMW....
So many Africa Twins end up with a dented bash plate that also cracks the case or opens up the stator. With the ground clearance and 21" tire, you'd think the AT was more one track capable. But I'd rather hop an 18" log with my DL1000AL8. You need more skills to ride the AT. It makes you work for that better off-road performance.
I do need some progressive fork springs and a four way rear shock, but its been three years and I'm still trying to blow a seal or cook my rear shock. I do wish Suzuki would quite farting around and start putting 21" stock on the XTs. It just costs too much to make the changes to it yourself.
Elephants are the smartest animal there is!
Lol, Good one