Which motorbike should I buy for touring; BMW or Suzuki?

I would go for the BMW personally as the build quality and reliability of the BMWs I have owned have left all the Jap bikes well behind. Only ever owned a couple of Suzukis and they are the worst out of the big 4 for overall build quality.

I ride my current BMW all through the year rain, shine, hail and snow and know that a Suzuki would be in pieces by now if rode the same amount.

If you want to cover megamiles over different types of terrain, you should definitely be looking at a BMW. I've just checked out some reviews of the V-Strom and apparently the fuel consumption is lousy, which is not good if you are intending to cover lots of miles. And the bike has to be really revved to get any sort of performance from the engine. Again, something which will affect fuel consumption. Whereas the BMW, with it's large tank and good consumption, will obviously go much further between fill-ups. And if you need further evidence of just how good the BMW is as a tourer, just Google search The Long Way Round or The Long Way Down. I've never owned a BMW, but I've ridden plenty and enjoyed every minute of it.

I'm in the same boat. Already have 1 BMW but the V Storms pricing and reputation are very tempting. I don't think you would be making a mistake. The F650 really is not what I would call a touring bike. Get the Suzi and keep saving for the BMW 800.

I owned a 1000cc V-Strom a few years ago. (The 650 has the same chassis, just a smaller engine) In my opinion, it was every bit as good as a BMW R1150GS for a dual-sport touring bike. Nice ride, with good on-road handling, but a little bit short on leg room for me.

The question is though... If you already own an F-650 CS, why not just modify it to GS specs, and then you don't need to trade bikes at all!

If you have the money now for the Suzuki, pull the trigger and get it. Enjoy the riding while saving up the cash for the BMW. Either one would be a fine bike for touring. I've talked to a ton of folks here that speak well of either bike.

I *LOVE* my DL650!!!! I've taken it all over the states and in my opinion it's the best bike out there, especially for the price. It has a huge fan base plus a bunch of aftermarket accessories available, and would be cheaper to fully dress and add any other farkles or modifications than it would to buy a stock BMW. I'd suggest checking out advrider.com , sport-touring.net and/or stromtrooper.com for more information on the Suzuki. Much love my way for it - easiest bike to maintain, comfortable as all getout, and I think it looks good (I seem to be in the minority on the last one though lol). :) Either bike, though, would definitely be good for what you want to do. Good luck and happy touring!!!

If I was you I would get the BMW. I own one and its by fare the nicest bike I have owned yet. They ride so nice you cant even believe it. I would deff save up for the BMW!

Ok i own , a suki, 1100GL

great bike for touring . and ive found there more guys that will work on my bike .

as for bmw i would stick to what you have ....

Have you considered a TDM 900, they are comfortable, reliable, economical and good value for money.

They are good for commuting(I do a 100 mile commute every day in all weathers) motorway or town, and comfortable enough to ride all day(600 miles no problem).

See here for more info

http://www.carpe-tdm.net/ipb/index.php?

The Suzy will be a far better tourer than the over-priced, over-rated BMW in my humble opinion