Author Topic: The Very Best All-Round Bike?!? (Read 4609 times)

jbrough7 · « **on:** June 04, 2006, 07:55:28 AM »

I won't say I've read this everywhere but I HAVE read it in a few places: The V-Strom (or the wee-strom) is the BEST ALL-ROUND BIKE!

This always made me kinda proud (although I would never buy one) with the Suzuki connection and all.

But then I just read an article a couple of days ago and the writer went on and on about how the VFR 800 was the best all-round bike like there was no debating this point; it was a foregone conclusion:

I never paid much attention to them before because they seemed kinda pricey to me. So I talk to my nephew, who owns one, and he says they're ok...but, get this, he says they're not that great for touring! Plus, he's ridden a 650 Bandit and he says he really wants one! They're way more flickable than the VFR!

Does this mean the Bandit is THE BEST ALL-ROUND BIKE? I realize this is a moot point to a lot of people and that we ARE on a Bandit site...still, I find it interesting to ponder. Is there a better all-round bike than the Bandit? Throw price in there and it is really hard to beat, I think.

Any thoughts?

Sven · « **Reply #1 on:** June 04, 2006, 09:32:50 AM »

The guy I met in Dahlonega said he wished he'd had a Bandit instead of his V-Strom on the Dragon the previous weekend. This past week, my Bandit has been a tourer, a sport, and a standard for commuting.

PitterB4 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 04, 2006, 10:10:47 AM »

Jim, I think you read about the 'Strom in "Visually Impaired Monthly".

jbrough7 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 04, 2006, 10:53:19 AM »

I know it's supposed to be a fantastic bike and all, but I just can't get past the styling also...and what would it handle like with those bars halfway to heaven?

I guess the best 'all round bike' is silly anyway cuz there's so many different ones, different uses, different riders with different needs...etc.

Who's to say THIS isn't the best?

Seanybiker · « **Reply #4 on:** June 04, 2006, 11:08:02 AM »

The Bandit is a great al rounder. Obviously Im biased as I own one but I use it for all different kinds of driving.

Red01 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 04, 2006, 11:20:58 AM »

I guess it depends on your definition of "all-around" - if it's just pavement, the B12 is tough to beat, if you include gravel/dirt roads, then the Strom twins would be better. If your menu includes trail work as well as road work, then something like the KLR or DR 650.

Farre · « **Reply #6 on:** June 04, 2006, 03:20:48 PM »

incidentally, last week i spoke with a guy riding a VFR800i, he used to have a B6, says it was more flickable indeed, but he said the VFR is more stable in curves on the tracks.. "With Pirelli's on the tracks, i never need to worry" were his words.
Still, with such a price-difference...
As complete all-rounder i believe the V-Strom is close on the mark, another guy i know uses it to commute, loves it, now stepped up to the 1000cc version

gyrogearcrunch · « **Reply #7 on:** June 04, 2006, 10:58:50 PM »

There is no such thing as a "best bike" for everyone. If there were, you would only see one model of one brand on the streets.

The best bike for any person will always depend on what that person wants or expects from a bike. Some want looks. Some want top speed. Some want acceleration. Some want comfort. Some want high MPG. Some want handling. Some expect reliability. Some don't know what they want. To me, the 1200 Bandit is great because it does a lot of things well and does many things better than most. I love that it's the best buy for the money, goes 0-60 in 3 sec., is cheap to insure and it runs on 87-octane.

Herb