Best all around/tourer for the money?

[runner00]

Yes the r1150r is some great deal. And 4.9 % financing looks mighty tempting.

[triumph900]

With rebates etc., you can almost steal a Triumph Sprint ST/RS. Both great all-rounders.

[wwalkersd]

There are several aftermarket windscreens available for the Strom, too. I've got the tall Ermax screen on mine and I'm pretty happy with it. Love the bike otherwise. Nearly as much fun as my previous Ducati ST4, and much more comfortable. See the V-Strom FAQ for more.

[tshelver]

Wind protection? Commuter? Weekender?



To me that means a full fairing.

For commuting / touring it is hard to beat hard bags.



For commuting you want a relatively slim profile.



I use a ZX12R for commuting a lot (Ventura rack system which is semi lockable. Expensive to run (tires, gas, insurance).



Also own a Concours (have had 2 over the last 6 years): best value bike out there, slightly heavy / big for commuting.



Recently bought an 03 VFR ABS for the wife. This has to be the answer: very good wind protection for something relatively small and light, very good handling, brakes and power. Top notch quality, and can be had used for a reasonable price.

The hard bags fit in quite tightly.



Other worthwhile choices could be a YZF600R (97+) or a Futura (spendy, but very narrow profile for a bagger, and great fun).



The adventure touring bikes are great, but lack in the wind protection dept (ex R11GS owner). If you can put up with that, the VStrom would be a great choice.