Author Topic: Should I? (...buy a V Strom 1000)  (Read 2731 times)

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Offline rbmgf7

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Should I? (...buy a V Strom 1000)
« on: August 30, 2009, 09:26:21 PM »
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.

Offline bucky katt

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Re: Should I? (...buy a V Strom 1000)
« Reply #1 on: August 31, 2009, 02:23:17 AM »
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)
Of all God's creatures there is only one that cannot be made the slave of the lash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat.
Mark Twain - Notebook, 1894

Offline rbmgf7

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Re: Should I? (...buy a V Strom 1000)
« Reply #2 on: August 31, 2009, 05:06:59 AM »
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

Offline andy750

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Re: Should I? (...buy a V Strom 1000)
« Reply #3 on: August 31, 2009, 05:15:49 AM »
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
Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

Offline Steve_K

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Re: Should I? (...buy a V Strom 1000)
« Reply #4 on: August 31, 2009, 06:56:18 PM »
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
Steve_K

76 CB 550, 73CB750, 86 GSX-R750, 16 Slingshot
Old rides:305 Honda, CL350, 74 CB550
 05 SV1000S, 88 CBR600,92 VFR, 88 Hawk GT, 96 Ducati 900SS, 98 Kaw ZX6R, SV650

Offline rbmgf7

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Re: Should I? (...buy a V Strom 1000)
« Reply #5 on: September 01, 2009, 06:30:32 PM »
So I did it. Sealed the deal tonight.



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

Offline andy750

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Re: Should I? (...buy a V Strom 1000)
« Reply #6 on: September 01, 2009, 06:58:53 PM »
Very nice!!! Ride report please ;-)

cheers
Andy
Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

Offline rbmgf7

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Re: Should I? (...buy a V Strom 1000)
« Reply #7 on: September 02, 2009, 06:39:02 PM »
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

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Re: Should I? (...buy a V Strom 1000)
« Reply #8 on: September 06, 2009, 07:23:28 PM »
Here is the website you need to check out. I have a v strom 07 650 and love it.

www.stromtrooper.com

Offline rbmgf7

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Re: Should I? (...buy a V Strom 1000)
« Reply #9 on: September 07, 2009, 09:33:03 AM »
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.
« Last Edit: September 07, 2009, 09:35:44 AM by rbmgf7 »

Offline andy750

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Re: Should I? (...buy a V Strom 1000)
« Reply #10 on: September 07, 2009, 02:42:24 PM »
Thanks for the detailed report - good to know your experience.

Thanks
Andy
Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

ottoman

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Re: Should I? (...buy a V Strom 1000)
« Reply #11 on: September 07, 2009, 04:08:25 PM »
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