Topic: Should I? (...buy a V Strom 1000)

[rbmgf7]

I'm in the market for a newer bike. Looking to do some light touring without being afraid to hit a little dirt. As long as it's EFI, I'm not too concerned what else it has. At first I spotted the Kawasaki Versys. Liked it (besides the look of the front) so I was considering it. Then I stumbled upon a used 2007 V-Strom 1000 totally decked out with misc. accessories and travel cases with only 4400 miles. The price is $6700 which seems great since a new 2009 Versys retails for $7100. I was considering at least a middle class displacement like 600's. This will be my first large displacement over the CB750. Don't worry, I don't plan on getting stupid, just something to feel confident on the highway.

This will be my first "new" bike. I've only ridden older bikes and then my KLX. I sat on the V and it felt great. Kinda reminded me of my CB750. Just wondering if anyone could chime in with some info. I've scanned the ADV website and haven't scooped up anything bad on the bike.

I currently have a hold deposit on the bike so I can think about it until Tuesday. What would you do? It looks great and appears it was taken care of. What would you offer? The salesman was coaxing my saying there were numerous test rides in the past couple days.

[bucky katt]

have you actually tried flat footing while in the seat? if not, how tall are you? that vstrom has a pretty high seat (33.1 inches)

[rbmgf7]

I can get the balls of my feet to touch the ground. Might have been lowered. Yeah, I'm 5'4" so it'll look goofy with a small guy on a huge bike

[andy750]

Buy it! Great bike and very reliable. You might want to consider a 650 strom though due to your height - they are less heavy and more flickable in corners. Still great for highway or dirt as well.

good luck
Andy

[Steve_K]

I have a SV1000S and I love it.  The engine similar to the V Strom, quite a motor.  That part you will love.
Never rode one, but the 650 looks good to me.
Steve_K

[rbmgf7]

So I did it. Sealed the deal tonight.



loaded with extras including the hard bags, shift indicator, slider pegs, swingarm pegs, and aftermarket exhaust

[andy750]

Very nice!!! Ride report please ;-)

cheers
Andy

[rbmgf7]

i only putted around town and little on the highway. surprisingly nimble for a large bike. it's definitely lowered so that helps a lot with footing and handling. more than enough power; cruised down the interstate at 70 in 6th effortlessly. since it's my first "new" bike i have nothing to compare to. seems comfortable but i only rode for 20 minutes. the cons so far are the aftermarket exhaust and controls. i have baby hands and the control seems like they were made for average to large hands. definitely have to make it an effort to clutch and use the turn signals. otherwise, it is a very nice bike.

[ottoman]

Here is the website you need to check out. I have a v strom 07 650 and love it.

www.stromtrooper.com

[rbmgf7]

alright, i knocked out a 400 miler and got to experience the bike a little more.

not caring for the hydraulic clutch. doesn't have that assurance like a cable. still getting used to finding the engagement spot but i get the feeling it fluctuates.

apparently there were problems with the efi module and i guess i have it. at constant throttle positions, the bike will hiccup when you go to accelerate. happens on rare occasions. it also will stall when decelerating. this happened twice so far. from reading, the cure for this is either a new module from suzuki (recalls) or a power commander from dynojet. at lower throttle positions, the bike can surge causing an out of control situation. so just need to be aware and work the clutch.

ergonomics is great for me being 5'4". the lowered bike also helps. just a little sore butt from sitting all day but most comfortable i've been on two wheels. the windshield puts me in an awkward spot. i'm catching the turbulence over the windshield so it causes my head to bobble from time to time. if i duck underneath, the windshield does the job right. so a taller windshield is on the list.

can't help it but the aftermarket exhausts are killing me. loud as hell with the visor down but gotta admit, it sounds pretty good. ears are a little sore.

the 6 speed is nice. on a flat road, it'll hold 70ish in sixth and still pull effortlessly. got about 47mpg.

i hit the mountain roads and curves. handles pretty well. turning is responsive and easy. i guess the geometry makes it feel like a smaller bike. front end feels flimsy when i hit a bump. kinda like if the bearings were balls instead of tapered.

overall a good bike for the price. would consider another one if ever need be.

[andy750]

Thanks for the detailed report - good to know your experience.

Thanks
Andy

[ottoman]

The stock seat is crap, some people like but it but i hated it, Onedia Suzuki or everthing Suzuki which i think just changed to everthing motor sports has a gel seat for $ 150.00 and its well worth it. I did almost 1300 miles in 3 days last year with no issues. The other aftermarket thing i got was a fork brace, and it makes a world of difference, you can get one for $80.00. Then you could pick up a MadStad Adjustable Windshield Mount which i also have it will raise the shield higher then the 3 postions that are stock. Any ways go to strom troopers and there is all the info you need to make your VEE BOMB PROOF