Mike's Tenere & Motorcycle Blog

2014 KTM 1190 Adventure (test ride) It was odd in some ways riding the KTM after the Wee-Strom (Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS) & I needed to recalibrate my expectations & senses...not because the KTM justifiable plays in a completely more sophisticated/powerful category/market segment, but because of how surprisingly good & capable the Wee-Strom is…it swings way above its weight class more than any bike I’ve ever ridden….it felt more satisfying & peppier than the BMW F800GT I rode earlier this year. So I will try to recalibrate & compare to the Ducati Multi-Strada I rode a while ago. If I had only ridden the KTM I would be reveling in how good it is, particularly given it’s a brand new model. Like the Ducati it is a technology tour-de-force…the ride & suspension settings provide a greater range of adjustment in the simplest to operate format I’ve seen so far…including the ability to change ride modes (Sport 150hp, Street 150hp, Rain 100hp) while riding (all you have ...

2014 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS (test ride) The Wee-Strom rep is of a bike that magically hits that sweet spot of alchemy where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts…something that the larger 1000cc V-Strom never accomplished.  It really is a sweet ride that never feels underpowered despite its 645cc displacement.  It handles intuitively, feels light, taught & well damped despite basic suspension components...feels right sized for my frame size allowing both feet flat footed at stops (Suzuki offers a taller & lower version but is unadjustable)...has a very comfy seat with room to move around on & provides decent wind protection that can be improved nicely with aftermarket windscreens.  The real jewel is the motor & tranny, which are sublime in feel (clutch take up & feel was superb, despite being cable vs hydraulic) + reasonable performance (providing you aren’t expecting 150 hp excitement)…given the displacement it will never feel big twin torgue...