Topic: V-Strom

[medic09]

The wife and I stopped in at a local dealer the other day.  There was a used V-Strom for sale.  I'd never really looked at one.  I'm a small guy (5'7", 145 lb), and all the dual sport types always seemed way to tall for me.  This looked like a bike I could ride.  Could only have one foot down at stops, but it didn't seem to bad from a first impression.  What's more, even my wife was half-serious about me looking at it.

Anybody have experience with these?  I'm just sort of toying with the idea of a bike that would do well on the highway, but be flexible enough for fire roads and the like.  That would be more *my* idea of a 'touring bike'.

Thanks!

[ofreen]

I put about 120 miles on a DL1000 V-Strom last summer.  My wife was on the back for most of it, all on pavement.  I liked it well enough.  It has good power, smooth enough, and handles OK - maybe a little soft.  I was riding it to see if it could replace both my CBR1000F and R100GS-PD.  I decided the answer was nope, but that doesn't take away anything from the bike. 

I haven't ridden the 650.

There are V-Strom forums on the web you might want to check out.

[Uncle Ernie]

I know 2 people with 650s and they ride the living **** out of them.  LOOONG tours and amazing pictures kind of rides.  Too tall for me, but if you feel cofortable with the height, I'd say go for it.  Get a good bash-plate for it.

[oconnor]

I added a 650 to the garage last spring.
Rode it to Road America for the AMA races (about 400miles each way). I replaced the seat with the taller 1000 seat (I'm 6'1"), added Givi lugage, a taller screen, engine guards, skid plate, 16 tooth CS sproket(+1), and center stand. Perfect. Very comfortable, plenty of power for 80-90 on the interstate and 40-50mpg. We have lots of gravel back roads in the mid-west and the 650 handles them much better than my FZ1 but not as well as my DRZ400 (right in the middle which is what I was looking for).

I started looking at a KLR650 (50/50) then pregressed to the F650GS (70/30) then finally settled on the DL650 (90/10).

[Terry in Australia]

I put about 120 miles on a DL1000 V-Strom last summer.  My wife was on the back for most of it, all on pavement.  I liked it well enough.  It has good power, smooth enough, and handles OK - maybe a little soft.  I was riding it to see if it could replace both my CBR1000F and R100GS-PD.  I decided the answer was nope, but that doesn't take away anything from the bike. 

I haven't ridden the 650.

There are V-Strom forums on the web you might want to check out.

I really like the Suzy V Twin engines, but I'd love a low mileage BMW R100GS-PD parked beside my K1100LT, that'd be just about the best of both worlds, Offy! Cheers, Terry.  

[ofreen]

.. but I'd love a low mileage BMW R100GS-PD parked beside my K1100LT, that'd be just about the best of both worlds, Offy! Cheers, Terry.  

They are great bikes.  They will carry more weight than a Gold Wing, about as comfortable, handle in the corners, have adequate power, and will go most places you might want to go.  The 9 gallon tank is nice.  Prices on them appear to have quit dropping awhile back, and are now rising, at least here in the U.S.  It was temporary insanity that made me think I might want to get rid of mine.  If you find a good one, snap it up.  More and more people are getting interested in them.  They have a weak spot, and that is the driveshaft.  I replaced mine at 36,000 miles.  I'll send the old one out to get rebuilt with greasable u-joints one of these days.

[wardmoto]

The cousin of the VStrom happens to be my 03 SV1000S.  That motor is unreal.  Suzuki built an awesome bike with the TL (minus the not reality based stability problems)  The stability factor aside, the Tl motor was a gem.  It is a damn shame that Rule changes (Four to 1000 cc's extinguished these V twins (TL and RC51...Ducati doesn't count) in AMA and WSB venues.  I was interested in the Super Hawk for the longest time, but Honda's "B" team and accountants designed that bike.  I grew up loving the Honda CB750 Nighthawk  and all the other bikes of that era that were partially faired.  The modern naked look did it for me.  When Suzuki did the SV, I bit.  They made real world changes for me.  That motor is a freight train diesel that revs to 11.5k.  Shifting is an after thought, it pulls no matter what.  The only problem is the monster torque means I get 1500 miles per rear tire while still riding responsibly.  The VStrom was blessed with the same motor.  It is bullet proof.  That whine you hear is from the hybrid cam drive...The gears involved are straight cut and they make a wonderful whine.  Honda decided to neuter that from one of the all time great bikes the VFR.  The only gripes I ever heard about the VStrom was the flaccid suspension.  While it's role appears to be suited to handle off road...Fire roads would be the extent.  Regardless of your choice of tires, the torque that thing produces...those tires have no hope in the dirt.  My rear churns and squirms on pavement all the time, I cant imagine off road!!!!  Suspension is easily fixed, oil and some springs and a new rear shock.  With the SV ( there exist an awesome forum...almost as good as this one) that helped.  The same is true for the VStrom.  I am partial obviously....good luck

[medic09]

Well, there's two for sale about an hour from here.  The wife thinks it might suit me; but then she got sensible.    Said we'd have to sell the other two bikes I have in the garage, and pony up a little extra cash to pay for this.  That would leave me the Suzuki and my Triumph project.

I would actually consider selling the SR500 if I could get a good price; but there is no way I'm parting with my daily ride (my 750K).

Soooo, I probably won't get a VStrom any time soon.  Just as well, I'm already quite spoiled.   

[Terry in Australia]

Get rid of that "Trumpy" Mordy, it'll only disappoint you, send it to me mate, and I'll put it out of it's misery, ha ha! Cheers, Terry.

[medic09]

Get rid of that "Trumpy" Mordy, it'll only disappoint you, send it to me mate, and I'll put it out of it's misery, ha ha! Cheers, Terry.

Now, why should I have known that suggestion would be making it's way across the ether?   

Besides, when I finally get to work on it, I'll be riding the last year of the SOHC 750 and the last year of the Trident.  Has a nice ring to it.

Did you get your new Honda from NY yet?

[Terry in Australia]

G'Day Mate, nah, it's all paid for, but still sitting in Long Island while I wait for approval to import it from the Oz government.

Andy says he'll look after it for me until all the red tape stuff is done and it's ready to send, but I really hope those civil servants get their fingers out, I wanna take it for a ride! Cheers, Terry.

[Uncle Ernie]

SR500s are terrific bikes, but they don't get much money- yet.  I truely envy people who can start them.

[medic09]

SR500s are terrific bikes, but they don't get much money- yet.  I truely envy people who can start them.

I have to say, I have absolutely no problem kicking it over.  Never have.  It has a decompression lever, and I line up the piston more or less by feel; but it has that nice little indicator window on the motor.  Mine kicks over most days by the second kick.  On really difficult days it'll take four kicks.

OTOH, my wife always hated starting it.  Got horribly frustrated with it.  That's one of the factors that led to her buying an electric start Shadow.

And you're right, they are TERRIFIC bikes.  Still, since I ride my Honda everyday for my highway commute, the Yamaha is sitting unused.  Hence my recurring thoughts about selling it.

[Stormer]

I'm 5'7" too and just sold my DL1000 that I have for two years.
Well, the bike is tall and heavy, but in time, you get used to it.
Some extra care in parking lot and low speed maneuvers will always be necessary.
That said, the Strom is a great bike, solo or two up.
Good power and excellent confort. It was my first where I felt OK doing 700km trips in one day.
Go for it and be happy.

[medic09]

Well, I only want to part with the SR if I can get decent money for it.  Ernie is right, by the book they're not worth very much.  I'm considering running a Craig's List ad offering it for someone who would pay top dollar knowing that it's a great base bike restored, or turned into a cafe or track racer.  It's not worth selling just for book.  I paid more than book myself.  That's the only way I see funding parts for my Triumph, or money towards a VStrom.

[Uncle Ernie]

Run a trade offer up the flag pole and see if anyone salutes. I've done that on occasion when I couldn't get the money I wanted.  Come to think of it- that how I got my currrent CB400F; I wanted one but i couldn't sell my sidecar for what I wanted.  So, this guy wanted my sidecar, had a really nice 400 and some money ~ et voila!

Maybe there's a V-Strom owner who's always lusted for an SR.  I think you'll be sorry someday, though.  They are great bikes up in the mountains and in-city commuters.

[medic09]

Run a trade offer up the flag pole and see if anyone salutes. I've done that on occasion when I couldn't get the money I wanted.  Come to think of it- that how I got my currrent CB400F; I wanted one but i couldn't sell my sidecar for what I wanted.  So, this guy wanted my sidecar, had a really nice 400 and some money ~ et voila!

Maybe there's a V-Strom owner who's always lusted for an SR.  I think you'll be sorry someday, though.  They are great bikes up in the mountains and in-city commuters.

I never thought of a trade.  That's a good idea...IF I decide to do it.  Your second part is what I keep thinking; that I'd be sorry at some point to have given up a pretty unique and nice to ride bike.  But for now, it doesn't get ridden much.  We'll see.

Meanwhile, I just saw the PO of my Triumph rebuild project at the synagogue.  With the snow melting out on his property (where the bike still is) we need to get back to work and get that machine running for summer (if I can afford the time and parts!).

Heffay's going to be down this way.  Maybe his dad wants an SR...