Comparing the RX3 250cc with the Vstrom 650

[detours]

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 ...
__________________________

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.