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It was hot, too hot. I've not had occasion to ride my 2018 650 V Strom for a month or two so I haven't. On the way to the MoT man I was reminded of how smooth, quick when asked and generally how very civilised it is. And how tall and wide - great for the taller man. It's as tall as the Stelvio I had a year or two back but different in that it doesn't have a gazillion horsepower or the torque of the Flying Scotsman. The wild Stelvio had 1200cc of course and could step the back end out in third if the throttle was abused. No fancy rider aids on that! In contrast the Strom has traction control (does it need it you ask? I ask too tbh and it's only been in action on gritty, sharp take offs). It has ABS as well and a thing called start assist designed to stop you stalling on a hill. Honestly, if that's a problem perhaps you should walk. Nevertheless the bike sounds quiet, the aftermarket screen is excellent - no buffeting at last.
Then I rode the ST which I have used quite a bit lately, partially to sort out the idle circuit partial blockage on one side that is a pita. Obviously, today it decided to play up but not too badly. After the Strom I was reminded of just how compact 1000cc can be, and how much fun it is to chuck it around. But, the wind noise with no fairing was a pain, the direct dry clutch action requires thought and the brakes, although good for a classic are not superb like the Strom's are.
My rides cleared up my recent wondering whether I'd use the Strom much apart from as a comfortable bike for my wife to come out on pillion... It is so much better to ride that there is no doubt of it being enjoyed a lot in future whilst the ST will be relegated to local rides.
But, if I had to tour the world I do think the BMW more likely to make it successfully. It's very rugged. And as a classic, well who doesn't enjoy swearing at carbs every now and then after you've 'fixed' them and they are worse than before?
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