Comparing the RX3 250cc with the Vstrom 650
 

I just got a PM asking for a comparison of my RX3 and my Vstrom 650. It's a very fair question and it's been on my mind too ... whether I need both.

He asked me if I could only keep one, which would I choose ... and whether I could really feel the weight difference between the two. Here's my response, in case any others are curious ...
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Sorry for the long-winded post, but they're both awesome bikes.

Still, if I could only keep one, I would definitely pick the RX3. But that's only because of what I want out of my 'only' bike: quick, fast enough, fun to ride on pavement and easy to take offroad. I don't want to do wheelies, cruise long distances at 90 mph, or have anything to prove to my friends.

To answer your other question, I really can feel the weight difference between my Vstrom's 475 lbs and the RX3's 385, especially in parking lots and at slow speeds. With my 30" inseam, I can flatfoot the RX3, but I'm on tiptoes on the Strom. The Strom is still totally rideable, but you can feel its height and weight. Plus, if you want to take it offroad, you have to add 30 lbs of engine guards and skidplate, and more weight in luggage. The RX3 already includes all of that at 385 lbs. Or you can take it all off and drop 50 lbs.

Where the Vstrom 650 shines is on the highway. It can accelerate in any gear and smoothly go as fast as I want, and it's virtually silent (which I love). The strom's weight and longer wheelbase are liabilities in the tight stuff ... but make it perfect for the highway, where it stays planted despite the wind and very stable at high speed. If I need to pass I always have the power, and the windscreen keeps the wind off my shoulders.

Still, with a $13, 13-tooth sprocket, the RX3 is very nimble ... about as quick as the 650 up to about 45 mph and almost as good through 55 mph. It tops out at about 75 mph, but that's fast enough for me. I commute on the highway at 65-75 all the time on the RX3 and I keep up just fine. There's just no top end to pass at 65 mph and the windscreen dumps air on my shoulders (only a problem if I open the shoulder vents in my jacket).

Where the RX3 really shines is in the canyons and twisties, where it's a lot more fun than the Vstrom. It's easier to turn and adjust its line, but it stays planted when you want it to ... basically point and shoot, a very nice, nimble design. And with the 13T sprocket, it will go offroad where the Vstrom can't (or not as easily).

If you're taller than my 5'10" (30" inseam) or heavier than my 200 lbs (all geared up), love riding fast on the highway and don't go offroad, get the Vstrom. If you prefer a smaller, lighter bike with an amazing ride, or want to explore offroad, the RX3 is probably the better choice.

Thanks for sharing your experience by posting this clear, detailed, and concise comparison of those two motorcycles. :tup:

wow, that was indeed a very impressive comparison/contrast. I guess my next bike will be a RX3!

I concur,I had both bikes and just sold the Vstrom.
Agility,nimbleness and pazazz won me over.
The problem with big bikes is...they're Big.

That's my philosophy, also. :)

P.S. That's a pretty good signature line. ;)

There is also screaming value of the RX-3. Part of better is price.

I enjoy forums where the members are well-informed, passionate, and courteous. :thanks:

So with that, over coffee here are my thoughts about my former V-Strom 650 and the RX3.

I really admired the Wee more than I loved it. Great engine, fine suspension, lots of farkle options, etc etc. But the physical size of the bike, including the largish cowl in front, hindered my feeling really connected with the bike.

I love smaller bikes, and for years blasted around on an Aprilia RS50 two stroke sport bike. So I was a good fit for the RX3.

At this point I love the RX3 more than admire it. Lets face it, there are some rough edges we are working out. But I am having a blast riding the RX3. Its my favorite choice for anything for errands to heading out for a hike.

And I still have a larger bike for the rides where that is appropriate. I ride with groups, and while my buddies will put up with and even be amused by the RX3, I don't want to hold them back.

The RX3 is a ton of fun for a modest up-front cost. Is it a real bargain? I don't think we will be able to answer that until they "age" a bit more, and we start getting an idea what they will fetch on the used market. Right now, for the cost of an RX3, including (the very helpful) set-up and shipping, you can get a good well-equipped used Wee Strom or KLR650. And for riders who have little appreciation of the joys of smaller bikes, that's a better option.

That captures my love for small bikes right there.

x2. :)

That is an articulate, intelligent, and thoughtful assessment. :tup:

Being one of the older members of this forum, I'm truly enjoying watching history repeat itself. In my youth, small bikes were a necessity and the only game in town. I grew up in England on 125's, 250's and a Lambretta TV175 scooter (yes, I was a mod), and saw the US embrace British 650's as big bikes. The rest of the world still views 250-450's as medium sized bikes and the US is drifting in that direction.

With our freeway systems and our penchant for power and speed, small bikes will never rule, but they will play a much more important role in future transportation.

I'm neither a mod nor a rocker. A mocker? A rod? :D

I love scooters and bikes, and I believe that the NA fixation on big bore motorcycles is silly. I like hp like the next guy, but a sub-400 bike would meet my needs nicely. I have several 250 and under machines, and I love all of them.

Here's a spec chart for the V-strom 650 and RX3. The third column shows how removing the RX3's stock engine bars and luggage affects the power and torque to weight ratios.