Background
I've now been riding for 6 months since returning after a 20-year hiatus. I've put down over 2500 miles, which isn't necessarily a lot. But for much of the winter my riding has been hit and miss due to weather. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming summer when I can put in some serious miles. Overall I've been happy with my M50. It's been a good bike to re-learn, as well as commute to work. I suspected when I got the bike that the day would come when I would be looking for a different one, but not after only 6 months!

Last fall when I started the search, I was drawn to the cruiser. I didn't really consider a standard, and my style is not conducive to a sport bike. And of all the cruisers in my price range, the M50 was the best choice. Now as I explore the world of motorcycling and gain more experience, I find myself drawn to the possibility of doing longer-distance rides. My goal is to ride from Seattle to Alaska within the next 2-3 years.

The Dilemma (or not)
Despite how much I like my M, there are a couple of issues I have. As all fellow M50 riders can attest, the seat can be less than comfortable after a short period of time. I don't want to dish out another $300 right now on a new seat, so I bought an AirHawk seat cushion. So far it's been a good investment; it makes the ride somewhat more comfortable, but only to a certain point. I still get pretty restless and uncomfortable in the saddle after about an hour. In addition, because of the extra 1/2 inch or so that the cushion adds, my leg now rests against the air cleaner. It's not too much of a problem now, but I wonder about how it would be after several hours in the saddle. Another factor: the pillion. My son complains that his butt gets numb after riding for a while. The seat issue may not be that big of a deal; I would invest in a new seat if it would resolve the issues I have.

But with a sore lower back, I wonder if the riding position of the cruiser puts more stress on the spine as another style. So the other day, I sat on a V-Strom at my local dealer. The position felt good and I liked being up higher. I liked the seat and pillion. But without actually riding one, I am a little hesitant to say it would be a better bike for me. If I could afford a second bike, I would just add it to my M50. Instead, I'd have to trade in or sell in my M50 for the V-Strom.

Questions
Having never ridden a V-Strom (or similar bike), I'd like to know how it compares to a cruiser (e.g. my M50).

1. How does the riding position affect the lower back or knees compared to a cruiser?
2. How does it handle compared to a cruiser?
3. How is the seat for long distance travel?
4. Is this bike more conducive to traveling than a cruiser (for example.... Alaska!)

Any other insight would be much appreciated.

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2007 Suzuki Boulevard M50 Limited (SOLD, to buy a...)
2007 V-Strom DL-1000

1. How does the riding position affect the lower back or knees compared to a cruiser?

-It's an upright riding position so it's a matter of how that affects your back. However, a fellow strommer sells driver backrests for ~$80 that make long trips easier. The knees again depend on you. Other **cough**older**cough** riders complain about this more than younger. However, some highway pegs or different foot pegs seem to solve the problem.

2. How does it handle compared to a cruiser?
Turns on a dime, handling a bit more sensitive to input but not fidgity. A fun easy to use ride.

3. How is the seat for long distance travel?
Depends on the user. A seatpad generally solves this and some nice ones can be had from dan vesel at around $50

4. Is this bike more conducive to traveling than a cruiser (for example.... Alaska!)

Yes. Better position, at least some fairing, good on all kinds of roads, they sell cruise control for it. This bike does it all.. or at least as well as you can by doing it all

Any other insight would be much appreciated.

vstrom.info is the best site for lots of reviews, data, articles and a forum
stromtrooper.com another good site for info.

Are you looking at the 650 or the 1000?

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Thanks for the info. I'll check those sites and see what they have to offer.

I am more interested in the DL1000. My dealer offered me an 07 for $4489.15 + trade-in, or $10973 cash OTD. Don't know yet if that's a good deal or not.

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2007 Suzuki Boulevard M50 Limited (SOLD, to buy a...)
2007 V-Strom DL-1000

That doesn't sound right at all. I heard people getting otd for a 1k for under 9k

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