I have the 2009 ABS model and it does everything well (bought in 2009). These are great first bikes used as you can find them for $2000 with some farkles on it. I do long distance (700km) days and the seat is 'ok'. The engine is indestructible and relatively simple to maintain. It is undersprung if you are doing distance. A spring upgrade is called for. The 2009 had a lot of people complain about wind buffeting. I changed out the windscreen and recently switched it back with the purchase of a new helmet. I do find that at slower speeds (traffic) it gets hot (the fan is on all the time). I keep on thinking about a new bike but when I see the price I figure I will just stay with what I have. Maybe I will buy a used small dual sport for really going offroad and keep the Vstrom for all the rest.
The best value IMO. I put 16k miles on my 2004 last year. Routine maintenance of course.
I have the 2009 ABS model and it does everything well (bought in 2009). These are great first bikes used as you can find them for $2000 with some farkles on it. I do long distance (700km) days and the seat is 'ok'. The engine is indestructible and relatively simple to maintain. It is undersprung if you are doing distance. A spring upgrade is called for. The 2009 had a lot of people complain about wind buffeting. I changed out the windscreen and recently switched it back with the purchase of a new helmet. I do find that at slower speeds (traffic) it gets hot (the fan is on all the time). I keep on thinking about a new bike but when I see the price I figure I will just stay with what I have. Maybe I will buy a used small dual sport for really going offroad and keep the Vstrom for all the rest.