VStrom Owners Thread - Page 61

Brakelate · 05-30-2007, 10:17 PM

Welcome aboard! You won't regret it. I just sold off my '04 Kawasaki ZX-12R and got onto a 'Strom. After purchasing increasingly powerful (and beautiful) sportbikes over the years, I was scared to scratch the ADV bike itch that has been nagging me for the last year or so.

Gawky looks, reduced on-road performance and the mature-comfort first mindset turned me off, as I was determined that my aches and pains brought on by my many years of riding / racing / crashing / illness / work injurys etc. were not going to make me "compramise" what or how I ride.

But how many high speed wheelies, blasts up to 180+ and canyon blasts brought on by having 165 RwHp on tap can one survive? Being a family man, now 40, and not wanting to lose limbs a career or tolerate any more discomfort I figured the time is right.

I can only say that I wish I would have done it sooner! The 'Strom has brought me more positive comments from people passing by in crosswalks, at fuel stops and from other riders than any other bike I have ever owned. I get more waves from other riders, more accepting looks from LEO's, and have been getting more giggles from having peace of mind, that I can go anywhere I want to go, anytime. All while still having enough power, handling and comfort to outperform most sportbikes in the canyons, ride longer distances, while riding double and for alot less money!

My 12 sat because it hurt to ride it, it gobbled up very expensive premium soft compound tires at an alarming rate, got horrible fuel mileage and ran on premium. Sure it was fun slaying Hayabusa's in the canyons and at the local dragstrip. But, the Strom gave me more giggles on the 100 mile ride home, than a full season of dragracing.

I've been introduced to a whole new world of like-minded ADVers and look forward to more good times and rides to parts unknown. Hell, I've even got into GeoCaching and love it.

Welcome to "The Machine". Trust me, you won't look back with any regrets!

GO KANEMAN GO!

buildit · 06-02-2007, 05:03 PM

Let the assimilation begin!

The V-Max is being jacked up and a brand New Black DL 1000 will be parked under it next week. I'll miss the V-max power and comments it draws. However, I won't miss the low seat, small gas tank, speeding tickets (because it's so easy to do!

), oil level light coming on every time I accelerate and the poor gas milage (33 - 35mpg). Now I can look forward to engine guards, an endless search for the perfect tires and endless farkles to be added.

KayLR · 06-02-2007, 09:25 PM

Whoa,looks like you took the plunge!!!! I will be looking forward to pics Chris.....and don't think it comes without power--it has it---you're gonna love it---the stock tires are a bit squirrelly on gravel---well--- a lot squirrelly!!! I haven't changed mine yet--if only I could get the same mefos that are on my KLR

for my wee-how happy I would be

Congrats!!! Kay

buildit · 06-03-2007, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KayLR

Whoa,looks like you took the plunge!!!! I will be looking forward to pics Chris.....and don't think it comes without power--it has it---you're gonna love it---the stock tires are a bit squirrelly on gravel---well--- a lot squirrelly!!! I haven't changed mine yet--if only I could get the same mefos that are on my KLR

for my wee-how happy I would be

Congrats!!! Kay

Thanks Kay. It will be interesting to see how much better the Strom does that the Max did on gragel and dirt. I became pretty good at hitting corners with gravel on the Max. Maybe some of those skills will transfer?

As I figured the search for the perfect tire for a 17in rim will be just as exciting as it has been for the KLR.

Monkey_Boy · 06-03-2007, 07:36 AM

I was assimilated May 16, 2007. Off to Jellystone tomorrow then on to Vermont. Then where should I go? Canada maybe?

buildit · 06-04-2007, 07:15 PM

Need some assistance from the collective. Saddle bags hard or soft and mounting brackets. Need to know the best types and web sites with prices. Good crash bars, same thing. No word yet from the dealership on arrival date but they have four more days to make it happen.

Thumpercrazee · 06-05-2007, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buildit

Need some assistance from the collective. Saddle bags hard or soft and mounting brackets. Need to know the best types and web sites with prices. Good crash bars, same thing. No word yet from the dealership on arrival date but they have four more days to make it happen.

IMO this is a personal choice but... I have the early factory bags which I am happy with although the brackets could be beefier. I recently saw a set of the new factory bags & brackets and the brackets are awesome. Very strong and solidly built. The bags appear more aerodynamic but smaller in design.
My next ones will be a set from Happy Trails in the Targhee config as they are really strong and solid. Plus, they are big enough for extremely long trips.
Off road riding creates some real issues with panniers and strength/waterproofness is first and formost.
Hope this helps.

TC

buildit · 06-05-2007, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thumpercrazee

IMO this is a personal choice but... I have the early factory bags which I am happy with although the brackets could be beefier. I recently saw a set of the new factory bags & brackets and the brackets are awesome. Very strong and solidly built. The bags appear more aerodynamic but smaller in design.
My next ones will be a set from Happy Trails in the Targhee config as they are really strong and solid. Plus, they are big enough for extremely long trips.
Off road riding creates some real issues with panniers and strength/waterproofness is first and formost.
Hope this helps.

TC

Thanks, I'll scope out Happy trails for prices.

GreatWhiteHunter · 06-05-2007, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buildit

Thanks, I'll scope out Happy trails for prices.

I have the 9" Targhee's and I love the build quality so much that I just purchased and mounted their largest trunk. The set is absolutely amazing!

ADK · 06-05-2007, 08:59 PM

I saw 7or8 650s but no 1000s.Wuzupwidat?

Uncle Pollo · 06-05-2007, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buildit

Need some assistance from the collective. Saddle bags hard or soft and mounting brackets. Need to know the best types and web sites with prices. Good crash bars, same thing. No word yet from the dealership on arrival date but they have four more days to make it happen.

Hard

you wellcome

See the stromadillo above

GreatWhiteHunter · 06-06-2007, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADK

I saw 7or8 650s but no 1000s.Wuzupwidat?

I'll be in Lake George tomorrow! There will be at least one 1K!

bowone · 06-06-2007, 05:48 PM

Now I need saddle bags, tail bag, engine guard, crash bars. whats good?

buildit · 06-06-2007, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bowone

Now I need saddle bags, tail bag, engine guard, crash bars. whats good?

The research I've done so far suggests the Givi V35N at $620 with mount to be the best bang for the buck. Any objections?

Fat Toney · 06-06-2007, 09:00 PM

Just picked up a DL1000...03 grey with 4k miles...stock...love the bike...

View Results: Whatcha got?
DL650	2,316	61.93%
DL1000	1,377	36.82%
Both DL650 & DL1000	49	1.31%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 3740. You may not vote on this poll

05-30-2007, 10:17 PM	#901
Brakelate I come in Peace! Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Antelope Valley, CA. Oddometer: 160	Welcome aboard! You won't regret it. I just sold off my '04 Kawasaki ZX-12R and got onto a 'Strom. After purchasing increasingly powerful (and beautiful) sportbikes over the years, I was scared to scratch the ADV bike itch that has been nagging me for the last year or so. Gawky looks, reduced on-road performance and the mature-comfort first mindset turned me off, as I was determined that my aches and pains brought on by my many years of riding / racing / crashing / illness / work injurys etc. were not going to make me "compramise" what or how I ride. But how many high speed wheelies, blasts up to 180+ and canyon blasts brought on by having 165 RwHp on tap can one survive? Being a family man, now 40, and not wanting to lose limbs a career or tolerate any more discomfort I figured the time is right. I can only say that I wish I would have done it sooner! The 'Strom has brought me more positive comments from people passing by in crosswalks, at fuel stops and from other riders than any other bike I have ever owned. I get more waves from other riders, more accepting looks from LEO's, and have been getting more giggles from having peace of mind, that I can go anywhere I want to go, anytime. All while still having enough power, handling and comfort to outperform most sportbikes in the canyons, ride longer distances, while riding double and for alot less money! My 12 sat because it hurt to ride it, it gobbled up very expensive premium soft compound tires at an alarming rate, got horrible fuel mileage and ran on premium. Sure it was fun slaying Hayabusa's in the canyons and at the local dragstrip. But, the Strom gave me more giggles on the 100 mile ride home, than a full season of dragracing. I've been introduced to a whole new world of like-minded ADVers and look forward to more good times and rides to parts unknown. Hell, I've even got into GeoCaching and love it. Welcome to "The Machine". Trust me, you won't look back with any regrets! GO KANEMAN GO! __________________ '05 KTM 525 SMR , '09 DRZ 400SM, '02 ZRX1200R

06-02-2007, 05:03 PM	#902
buildit Pumpkin Rider Joined: Jun 2006 Location: Near London, OH "sort of" Oddometer: 13,262	Let the assimilation begin! The V-Max is being jacked up and a brand New Black DL 1000 will be parked under it next week. I'll miss the V-max power and comments it draws. However, I won't miss the low seat, small gas tank, speeding tickets (because it's so easy to do!), oil level light coming on every time I accelerate and the poor gas milage (33 - 35mpg). Now I can look forward to engine guards, an endless search for the perfect tires and endless farkles to be added. __________________ Don't trust links? Google ADVFilmer for videos. http://www.youtube.com/user/advfilmer

06-02-2007, 09:25 PM	#903
KayLR Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jan 2007 Location: West by God Virginia Oddometer: 463	Whoa,looks like you took the plunge!!!! I will be looking forward to pics Chris.....and don't think it comes without power--it has it---you're gonna love it---the stock tires are a bit squirrelly on gravel---well--- a lot squirrelly!!! I haven't changed mine yet--if only I could get the same mefos that are on my KLR for my wee-how happy I would be Congrats!!! Kay __________________ current bike 2011-BMW F650GS 05 KLR-the faster red one-sold-already miss her 07 silver wee-strom----sold I was dual before it was cool!!!

06-04-2007, 07:15 PM	#906
buildit Pumpkin Rider Joined: Jun 2006 Location: Near London, OH "sort of" Oddometer: 13,262	Need some assistance from the collective. Saddle bags hard or soft and mounting brackets. Need to know the best types and web sites with prices. Good crash bars, same thing. No word yet from the dealership on arrival date but they have four more days to make it happen. __________________ Don't trust links? Google ADVFilmer for videos. http://www.youtube.com/user/advfilmer

06-03-2007, 07:36 AM	#905
Monkey_Boy Beastly Adventurer Joined: Nov 2005 Oddometer: 7,459	I was assimilated May 16, 2007. Off to Jellystone tomorrow then on to Vermont. Then where should I go? Canada maybe?

06-05-2007, 08:59 PM	#910
ADK Bimble Fick Joined: Dec 2005 Oddometer: 7,763	Stroms at Americade I saw 7or8 650s but no 1000s.Wuzupwidat?

06-06-2007, 05:48 PM	#913
bowone Adventurer Joined: Jun 2006 Oddometer: 19	OK I bought one( 07 DL 1000) Now I need saddle bags, tail bag, engine guard, crash bars. whats good?

06-06-2007, 09:00 PM	#915
Fat Toney Up Yours PoopSicle Joined: Dec 2004 Location: Washington State Oddometer: 7,381	Just picked up a DL1000...03 grey with 4k miles...stock...love the bike... __________________ Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.- Dr. Seuss

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