On November 21, 2002, I wrote about the arrival and evolution of sport utility motorcycles. Below is a compilation of MD reader responses:
- I liked your comments on sport utility motorcycles. I bought a Suzuki V-Strom in July after owning a YZF600R for three years. When people ask me about the change from the YZF to Strom, I tell them the Strom is the motorcycle equivalent of an SUV. Goes most anywhere and still offers decent street manners. I put more miles on the Strom in 4 months than I did on the YZF in over a year.
I agree with your statement that this market could be the next big sales segment. Too bad Honda doesn’t offer something in the US to compete.
- Gee, basically like the FZ1/Bandit semi nakeds, with hard bags. Only now people with larger resources, $$$$$, can pay the price and feel better.
- Just a comment on the new Ducati Multistrada. I remember when motorcycles were good looking.
- As an owner of a “sport utitlity” motorcycle, Ducati 900E Elefant, they
are one of the best types of bikes made. It has been an ignored segment of
the motorcycle industry for to long. For most road conditions they excell at
less then perfect pavement. They also put the rider in a more comfortable
and aware riding position. Now if we could just get them in the USA. Don’t
knock them until you try one. Most of my sportbike friends can only keep up
if the road is straigh and smooth. So do not be suprise when the “soccer
mom” comes rolling by you tight bumpy corner.
- Those SUV motorcycles, especially the Suzuki Vstrom, have a nice
appeal because they are comfortable, practical standards and probably
some of the best all-rounders today. Unlike many/most bikes, almost all have factory hard luggage available, including huge topcases.
They are lighter than full tourers.
The seating is very comfortable and natural.
Visibility is very good.
Handling should be really good on real roads (long travel suspension, wide bars) although not the track (bad aerodynamics, limits on ground clearance).
Most have road biased, reasonably low vibration engines.
I’m highly tempted myself to get a road-biased one myself! And I HATE SUVs.
- You failed to mention the KING of sport Utility Motorcycles. KTM
Just look up The Paris Dakar Rally if you are unfamiliar!
- I’d opt for the extra cladding found on the typical sports tourer. Yeah, a few more bux, but ya get a better looking machine, imho, and ya still have utility.
- Let’s hope this brings more choices in under 500 lbs., shaft drive, no valve adjustment bikes. Except for the chain drive, my CB750 with Chase Harper Speedbag does the job pretty well.
