D
D.S.
Guest
Someone here used to own a barge, but now has a VStrom? Can someone pls remind me. I was loaned the 650 version yesterday after being loaned the Yamaha XT660X and I'm now keen to find out more about the thou version.
-
Welcome to the new B.I.R.D. Forum. Please be sure to read the "New Member / New Registered ? Please Read" thread in the Coffee Shop. This contains some important information. To become a full member ( £5.90 a year ) simply click on your user name near the top on the right I hope you enjoy the new site ................ Jaws ( John )
M
mikew
Guest
Someone knock?
(sorry, that was my bike)
Yes, I've got a DL1000, and as others have "hinted" at (bastids :f ) I've had a few problems with it, although to be fair, apart from the very first problem, they have ALL subsequently been dealer induced.
As Paunchy says, I'm just off the wales to scrub in some tyres and generally have a ball. Actually meeting a guy there who has a DL650, in order to do a back-to-back comparision.
I'll be back here later (or tomorrow) so post your queries !
(that does not mean put any shirtlifters in a jiffy bag and send them somewhere (like derby))
Mike
(sorry, that was my bike)
Yes, I've got a DL1000, and as others have "hinted" at (bastids :f ) I've had a few problems with it, although to be fair, apart from the very first problem, they have ALL subsequently been dealer induced.
As Paunchy says, I'm just off the wales to scrub in some tyres and generally have a ball. Actually meeting a guy there who has a DL650, in order to do a back-to-back comparision.
I'll be back here later (or tomorrow) so post your queries !
(that does not mean put any shirtlifters in a jiffy bag and send them somewhere (like derby))
Mike
D
D.S.
Guest
Hey Mike
After being loaned the 650 all I can say is that I'm highly impressed with it and like the idea of the 1000 given that this will be a tad gruntier (not that you need any more grunt for real world stuff).
Did you try any other bikes in it's category; say the TDM, BMW R1150/1200GS, KTM, etc; If so, how's it compare to them? I'm looking for a TRUE all-rounder and can compare it to the Beemer's and conclude that the 650 is not ?4k worse than either, therefore I fail to see how the 1000 can be ?3k less a bike than the beemers :dunno: (residual values aside
). Don't worry about offering comparisons to the barge; obviously not in the same category (and we all know the barge is the best bike in it's category :bow: )
What issues (not induced by the dealers) have you had?
Can you get any sticky hoops for 'em? :dunno:
Does the screen provide sufficient protection?
Have you modded the bike at all?
Seen a nice pair of Two-Brothers race cans for the DL already :}
After being loaned the 650 all I can say is that I'm highly impressed with it and like the idea of the 1000 given that this will be a tad gruntier (not that you need any more grunt for real world stuff).
Did you try any other bikes in it's category; say the TDM, BMW R1150/1200GS, KTM, etc; If so, how's it compare to them? I'm looking for a TRUE all-rounder and can compare it to the Beemer's and conclude that the 650 is not ?4k worse than either, therefore I fail to see how the 1000 can be ?3k less a bike than the beemers :dunno: (residual values aside
). Don't worry about offering comparisons to the barge; obviously not in the same category (and we all know the barge is the best bike in it's category :bow: )What issues (not induced by the dealers) have you had?
Can you get any sticky hoops for 'em? :dunno:
Does the screen provide sufficient protection?
Have you modded the bike at all?
Seen a nice pair of Two-Brothers race cans for the DL already :}
T
Tropical Bird
Guest
I owned a V-Strom 1000 for 12 months.
Great fun - the V-twin had heaps of grunt, and the bike actually handled well. A funny, quirky machine - they do not sell well here in oz....strange, they are a great bike for our country....
I sat on one yesterday at the local bike shop - jeez, it felt like a land barge after the bird....
Rgds
Glenn
Great fun - the V-twin had heaps of grunt, and the bike actually handled well. A funny, quirky machine - they do not sell well here in oz....strange, they are a great bike for our country....
I sat on one yesterday at the local bike shop - jeez, it felt like a land barge after the bird....
Rgds
Glenn
D
D.S.
Guest
In mainland Europe everyone's riding 'em, but they don't sell well here either mate; which is surprising given the lack of room/space in the UK, the road conditions combined with current policing tactics (getting worse by the year) and the general prejudice against sport/hyper. Perhaps we're all just a little too self-concious :dunno:Tropical Bird said:
M
mikew
Guest
are you sitting comfortably, good, then I'll begin ....
OK, back safely from a tyre scrubbing session in Wales, and what a brilliant day's scratching I've had, which just goes to show that you don't have to have the latest crotch rocket to enjoy yourself.
Taking your points in order:
No I didn't try any of the others before buying the Strom, but did afterwards (whilst mine was in for some open heart surgery (more later), and felt that for the money I'd paid, and what I needed from this bike, then I got the best deal.
I found the TDM physically small, in comparison to the Strom anyway. One of the things we (Andrea and I) like about the Strom is it's huge comfort and legroom, and even with all the factory fitted luggage in place, you can still swing a cat (should the need arise!).
The BMW's were expensive and to be honest, I couldn't see what you were getting over the Strom, and the expectation of having to buy into the BMW "lifestyle" bit didn't appeal. Maybe next time around, who knows.
KTM's? forget it unless you are a commited off roader, it is simply too focused on on that aspect, and as for touring Europe on it ...... not on my ass anyway!
Resale values
are crap. period. in the UK anyway.
I'll be selling mine in germany, cos the model(s) are actually popular over there, unlike the sports orientated UK market.
Against the barge?
Only comparision I can draw, based on my somewhat less than perfect experience of the bird, is that the Strom has a more relaxed and comfortable riding position, but against that, it's obviously slower. Having said that, I bet in a cross country fast tour with stops for fuel and beer etc etc, there wouldn't be much in it. Also the Strom goes around corners (yes, even with me at the controls!) unlike my 'Bird.
Issues not dealer induced:
My very first engine had a rear piston fail on me whilst running the bike in, the skirt cracked and broke off, falling into the engine and getting all mashed up. Not a dealer induced problem, but the subsequent rectification was appalling. Unfortunately, german and uk dealers that I've used seem to be at the lower end of the intelligence scale, just above a worm.
Suzuki say that they have never had a piston fail in this way before, and I'm inclined to believe them.
Clutch slave cylinder oil seal went, leaving me "stranded" (see article below), but this was a known defect on early models, and has now been rectified. Only affected the 2002 models.
Other than that, everything else I've had problems with have all been down to the various dealers not giving a toss about a customers bike when it is in their possession. And letting fuckwits work on it as well.
Can you get any sticky hoops for 'em? :dunno:
Well as standard they come with Trailwing psuedo knobbly things, which I personally got on well with, in the dry they were reasonable, in the wet they less so, but again, I had no problems with them, cos I modified my riding in the wet. These have lasted 13000kms and the front had plenty of life left in it, but the back had squared off due to all the autobahn work that we do in germany.
I've just fitted (yesterday) BT020's front and back, hence the scrubbing run today, and as these are a road tyre rather than a dual sport type, they are very good on the roads. They are recommended by just about everyone who has fitted them to the Strom, but obviously, not intended for any off road use.!! (bit like the bike then!)
Does the screen provide sufficient protection?
Depends on the rider.
Stock screen is lowset and far away, so some blast is experienced, but it don't bother me. Taller riders (I'm 5'9") sometimes complain that they get a lot of buffetting. I do get this, but only at speeds over a 110mph.
A taller screen is available from Suzuki, which helps, as does the Givi one. As I said, it depends on you.
Have you modded the bike at all?
Only in as much that I've fitted heated grips, engine crash bars, optional mainstand and a Pro-Oiler. As the bike is still under warranty, any "performance" add-ons would be frowned on!
Some riders have fitted a Power Commander which apparently smooths out the lower end of the power range, the bike can be a bit "snatchy" in traffic, but being a big twin, you'd expect that. Chain tension is critical to keeping it smooth in town, as are correctly set up throttle cables and linkages.
The use of the Pro-Oiler has allowed me to run the bike and only have needed to adjust the chain twice in 13000kms, once after the first break-in period (before the oiler was fitted) and once on return from Lake Garda last year. Recommended.
Seen a nice pair of Two-Brothers race cans for the DL already
Akropovics are nicer!!!!
Other stuff.
The engines are mechanically noisy, especially at idle when hot. This is normal. They use semi syn oil, 10-40w is recommended, but I use a 20-50w which quietnes things down a bit.
They run hot in town, again normal.
Despite being only 208 kgs, they can be a bit ponderous when slow moving, cos the CofG is highish compared to a Bird for example. On the move you don't notice it.
They are not a Fazer 1000 alternative. IMHO they are better, but that's cos I couldn't get to grips with the Fazer. I know you like yours and have fettled it to suit you. A stock Fazer will walk all over the Strom, but they are completely different bikes, and their target buyers are different aswell.
They handle well for a bike of this type, but they do get a bit "light" at the front when really going for it. Dropping the yokes 15mm helps reduce this lightness.
Wheelies nicely thank you.
Brakes are good, EBC HH and braided lines make them great.
Uprated fork springs are a good idea if you are considering it as a lazy sport bike.
Later models have adjustable forks and screens.
Extremely comfortable, but tall in the saddle, so if you are vertically challenged (or your bum is low) then you could be on tiptoes at lights. I've an 29" inside leg, and I cope with the bike easily enough. Punchy had a sit on my Strom earlier, and was barely able to touch down on both sides.
Gearbox is good, but treat it as a 5 speed plus overdrive. It don't like 6th below 4500rpm.
Lights are brilliant, literally!
Plenty of underseat storage.
I know I've had my more-than-fair-share of problems with my particular bike, and I've slagged it to anyone who would listen, but the daft thing is, I've still got it, and love riding it, so something must be right with it (or wrong with me). Given how quickly I got rid of Kylie, the fact that I've still got the Strom must mean something.
On another forum I sub to, aimed at TDM/Strom/BMW1150&1200/Transalp/etc etc styled bikes and riders, we were asked to "review" our own bikes within certain categories.
Now the only reason I joined this forum, was because I was asked to outline the problems that I'd had, as someone on the forum was asking about them.
Below is the reply I posted to that forum after being there for about 6 months, during which time my bike was in the UK having had the clutch cylinder pack up, and the whole clutch replaced at the same time. The fact that the dealer then managed to crack my crankcases in two places, kinda summed up the luck I'd had !!!!! .......
AS posted to the DualsportUK forum.....
(The "numbers" referred to are 1 for bad, 5 is very good)
"Ahem, ok before I put the numbers up for my V Strom (stop fooking laughing at the back ya bastid), just want to clear a few things up about the bike.
I had more than my fair share of niggles when I first got the bike, but I do believe that most , if not all, of them were avoidable had my supplying dealer been a little more interested from the outset.
As it was, he wasn't, so me and the Strom suffered as a result.
I am first to take the piss outta my bike, but that's just the way I am, and I have also said here and on other forums, that I hate the thing, but to be perfectly frank, my opinion has changed with the ever increasing length of ownership.
Cutting to the chase, I've done nearly 13000 kms on the thing in about 16 months, so it cannot be all bad. It has let me down by the side of the road just once, but here I have a confession to make. Yes the clutch slave cylinder did fail, but I could have ridden the bike home using clutchless changes and sorted the problem myself, but as I needed Suzuki UK to get involved with the other clutch issue (noisy basket problem) it was to my advantage to have the bike recovered direct to a dealer and then ask "as it's here, can you also have a look at the basket aswell".
The ongoing investigation into the "knocking" sound that a lot of V Strom owners are hearing, has revealed nothing of major concern, no main bearing failures, no crank failures etc etc. Suzuki believe that the most likely cause is build tolerances of various components, and when running together, sometimes they give a large, but acceptable, backlash on the primary drive to the clutch basket assembly, hence the noise some of us are hearing.
So, to the numbers for the list, and taking all the pisstaking out of the equation, I'm hoping that these numbers will give a better indication of what the Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom is really like.....
Off Road:
1 - Rugged Dropability: not dropped mine, but others who have and reported on the V Strom Forum report that they crash well (i.e. little or no damage at 20 mph) and Givi crash bars save almost everything at that speed. so a 4
2 - Obstacles:Enduro course? on BT 020's? don't think so somehow, but then again, no idea personally, but others have done some extreme riding on theirs and have reported favourably, but a bit heavy, so call it a 3
On Road: (The V Strom's natural habitat)
3 - Cruising ability: with a 24 litre, long legged 6th gear, a 300 km+ fuel tank range, the ability to sit at 180 kph all day two-up (I know, I've done it), the lazy power of the motor, lack of vibration above 3500rpm, excellent legroom and eronomics, this bike can cruise all day, and every day, so a 5++
4 - Handling and Day to Day :lofty riding postion, light controls, make for easy town work, fit BT020's, drop the yokes by 15mm, fit braided hoses and EBC HH pads, forget 6th gear and use the revs, then the sports bikes will need to keep up with you, only a relativly soft front suspension stops this getting another 5, so call it a 4+
Adventure:
5 - Long Term : Rectified Clutch issues, and early failure of my original engine aside, I have done nearly 13000 kms, almost all of it two-up with lots of luggage. Can't give it a 5, cos of the problems I had early on, but I think this is justified, so a 4
6 - Long Distance and Luggage Capacity: Lake Garda (Italy) to Hamburg in one day (approx 775 miles on our route), two-up, with 45 kilos of luggage in the three hard cases, plus a fully extended tank bag, plus other stuff under cargo nets on top of the panniers, stopping only for fuel, toilets, and a quickie ( :grin: :innocent: ), proved to me that this bike will tour with the best, and then beat most of 'em. We are planning a run across Europe again for our summer holidays, down to the south of France/Northern Spain area, and I have no doubts at the ability of the bike to do this. Got to be a 5
so there you go, probably a more balanced view of the V Strom than you've seen me post previously.
I'll try to be more "constructive" in my comments about it in the future, but that won't stop me takin' the piss outta of it (or any other bike for that matter!)"
So, there you have it!
If you want to try mine at some point, drop me a line, I'm in Peterborough.
Sorry for the epic!
mike :beer:
DIRTY SANCHEZ said:After being loaned the 650 all I can say is that I'm highly impressed with it and like the idea of the 1000 given that this will be a tad gruntier (not that you need any more grunt for real world stuff).
Did you try any other bikes in it's category; say the TDM, BMW R1150/1200GS, KTM, etc; If so, how's it compare to them? I'm looking for a TRUE all-rounder and can compare it to the Beemer's and conclude that the 650 is not ?4k worse than either, therefore I fail to see how the 1000 can be ?3k less a bike than the beemers :dunno: (residual values aside
What issues (not induced by the dealers) have you had?
Can you get any sticky hoops for 'em? :dunno:
Does the screen provide sufficient protection?
Have you modded the bike at all?
Seen a nice pair of Two-Brothers race cans for the DL already :}
OK, back safely from a tyre scrubbing session in Wales, and what a brilliant day's scratching I've had, which just goes to show that you don't have to have the latest crotch rocket to enjoy yourself.
Taking your points in order:
No I didn't try any of the others before buying the Strom, but did afterwards (whilst mine was in for some open heart surgery (more later), and felt that for the money I'd paid, and what I needed from this bike, then I got the best deal.
I found the TDM physically small, in comparison to the Strom anyway. One of the things we (Andrea and I) like about the Strom is it's huge comfort and legroom, and even with all the factory fitted luggage in place, you can still swing a cat (should the need arise!).
The BMW's were expensive and to be honest, I couldn't see what you were getting over the Strom, and the expectation of having to buy into the BMW "lifestyle" bit didn't appeal. Maybe next time around, who knows.
KTM's? forget it unless you are a commited off roader, it is simply too focused on on that aspect, and as for touring Europe on it ...... not on my ass anyway!
Resale values
are crap. period. in the UK anyway.
I'll be selling mine in germany, cos the model(s) are actually popular over there, unlike the sports orientated UK market.
Against the barge?
Only comparision I can draw, based on my somewhat less than perfect experience of the bird, is that the Strom has a more relaxed and comfortable riding position, but against that, it's obviously slower. Having said that, I bet in a cross country fast tour with stops for fuel and beer etc etc, there wouldn't be much in it. Also the Strom goes around corners (yes, even with me at the controls!) unlike my 'Bird.
Issues not dealer induced:
My very first engine had a rear piston fail on me whilst running the bike in, the skirt cracked and broke off, falling into the engine and getting all mashed up. Not a dealer induced problem, but the subsequent rectification was appalling. Unfortunately, german and uk dealers that I've used seem to be at the lower end of the intelligence scale, just above a worm.
Suzuki say that they have never had a piston fail in this way before, and I'm inclined to believe them.
Clutch slave cylinder oil seal went, leaving me "stranded" (see article below), but this was a known defect on early models, and has now been rectified. Only affected the 2002 models.
Other than that, everything else I've had problems with have all been down to the various dealers not giving a toss about a customers bike when it is in their possession. And letting fuckwits work on it as well.
Can you get any sticky hoops for 'em? :dunno:
Well as standard they come with Trailwing psuedo knobbly things, which I personally got on well with, in the dry they were reasonable, in the wet they less so, but again, I had no problems with them, cos I modified my riding in the wet. These have lasted 13000kms and the front had plenty of life left in it, but the back had squared off due to all the autobahn work that we do in germany.
I've just fitted (yesterday) BT020's front and back, hence the scrubbing run today, and as these are a road tyre rather than a dual sport type, they are very good on the roads. They are recommended by just about everyone who has fitted them to the Strom, but obviously, not intended for any off road use.!! (bit like the bike then!)
Does the screen provide sufficient protection?
Depends on the rider.
Stock screen is lowset and far away, so some blast is experienced, but it don't bother me. Taller riders (I'm 5'9") sometimes complain that they get a lot of buffetting. I do get this, but only at speeds over a 110mph.
A taller screen is available from Suzuki, which helps, as does the Givi one. As I said, it depends on you.
Have you modded the bike at all?
Only in as much that I've fitted heated grips, engine crash bars, optional mainstand and a Pro-Oiler. As the bike is still under warranty, any "performance" add-ons would be frowned on!
Some riders have fitted a Power Commander which apparently smooths out the lower end of the power range, the bike can be a bit "snatchy" in traffic, but being a big twin, you'd expect that. Chain tension is critical to keeping it smooth in town, as are correctly set up throttle cables and linkages.
The use of the Pro-Oiler has allowed me to run the bike and only have needed to adjust the chain twice in 13000kms, once after the first break-in period (before the oiler was fitted) and once on return from Lake Garda last year. Recommended.
Seen a nice pair of Two-Brothers race cans for the DL already
Akropovics are nicer!!!!
Other stuff.
The engines are mechanically noisy, especially at idle when hot. This is normal. They use semi syn oil, 10-40w is recommended, but I use a 20-50w which quietnes things down a bit.
They run hot in town, again normal.
Despite being only 208 kgs, they can be a bit ponderous when slow moving, cos the CofG is highish compared to a Bird for example. On the move you don't notice it.
They are not a Fazer 1000 alternative. IMHO they are better, but that's cos I couldn't get to grips with the Fazer. I know you like yours and have fettled it to suit you. A stock Fazer will walk all over the Strom, but they are completely different bikes, and their target buyers are different aswell.
They handle well for a bike of this type, but they do get a bit "light" at the front when really going for it. Dropping the yokes 15mm helps reduce this lightness.
Wheelies nicely thank you.
Brakes are good, EBC HH and braided lines make them great.
Uprated fork springs are a good idea if you are considering it as a lazy sport bike.
Later models have adjustable forks and screens.
Extremely comfortable, but tall in the saddle, so if you are vertically challenged (or your bum is low) then you could be on tiptoes at lights. I've an 29" inside leg, and I cope with the bike easily enough. Punchy had a sit on my Strom earlier, and was barely able to touch down on both sides.
Gearbox is good, but treat it as a 5 speed plus overdrive. It don't like 6th below 4500rpm.
Lights are brilliant, literally!
Plenty of underseat storage.
I know I've had my more-than-fair-share of problems with my particular bike, and I've slagged it to anyone who would listen, but the daft thing is, I've still got it, and love riding it, so something must be right with it (or wrong with me). Given how quickly I got rid of Kylie, the fact that I've still got the Strom must mean something.
On another forum I sub to, aimed at TDM/Strom/BMW1150&1200/Transalp/etc etc styled bikes and riders, we were asked to "review" our own bikes within certain categories.
Now the only reason I joined this forum, was because I was asked to outline the problems that I'd had, as someone on the forum was asking about them.
Below is the reply I posted to that forum after being there for about 6 months, during which time my bike was in the UK having had the clutch cylinder pack up, and the whole clutch replaced at the same time. The fact that the dealer then managed to crack my crankcases in two places, kinda summed up the luck I'd had !!!!! .......
AS posted to the DualsportUK forum.....
(The "numbers" referred to are 1 for bad, 5 is very good)
"Ahem, ok before I put the numbers up for my V Strom (stop fooking laughing at the back ya bastid), just want to clear a few things up about the bike.
I had more than my fair share of niggles when I first got the bike, but I do believe that most , if not all, of them were avoidable had my supplying dealer been a little more interested from the outset.
As it was, he wasn't, so me and the Strom suffered as a result.
I am first to take the piss outta my bike, but that's just the way I am, and I have also said here and on other forums, that I hate the thing, but to be perfectly frank, my opinion has changed with the ever increasing length of ownership.
Cutting to the chase, I've done nearly 13000 kms on the thing in about 16 months, so it cannot be all bad. It has let me down by the side of the road just once, but here I have a confession to make. Yes the clutch slave cylinder did fail, but I could have ridden the bike home using clutchless changes and sorted the problem myself, but as I needed Suzuki UK to get involved with the other clutch issue (noisy basket problem) it was to my advantage to have the bike recovered direct to a dealer and then ask "as it's here, can you also have a look at the basket aswell".
The ongoing investigation into the "knocking" sound that a lot of V Strom owners are hearing, has revealed nothing of major concern, no main bearing failures, no crank failures etc etc. Suzuki believe that the most likely cause is build tolerances of various components, and when running together, sometimes they give a large, but acceptable, backlash on the primary drive to the clutch basket assembly, hence the noise some of us are hearing.
So, to the numbers for the list, and taking all the pisstaking out of the equation, I'm hoping that these numbers will give a better indication of what the Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom is really like.....
Off Road:
1 - Rugged Dropability: not dropped mine, but others who have and reported on the V Strom Forum report that they crash well (i.e. little or no damage at 20 mph) and Givi crash bars save almost everything at that speed. so a 4
2 - Obstacles:Enduro course? on BT 020's? don't think so somehow, but then again, no idea personally, but others have done some extreme riding on theirs and have reported favourably, but a bit heavy, so call it a 3
On Road: (The V Strom's natural habitat)
3 - Cruising ability: with a 24 litre, long legged 6th gear, a 300 km+ fuel tank range, the ability to sit at 180 kph all day two-up (I know, I've done it), the lazy power of the motor, lack of vibration above 3500rpm, excellent legroom and eronomics, this bike can cruise all day, and every day, so a 5++
4 - Handling and Day to Day :lofty riding postion, light controls, make for easy town work, fit BT020's, drop the yokes by 15mm, fit braided hoses and EBC HH pads, forget 6th gear and use the revs, then the sports bikes will need to keep up with you, only a relativly soft front suspension stops this getting another 5, so call it a 4+
Adventure:
5 - Long Term : Rectified Clutch issues, and early failure of my original engine aside, I have done nearly 13000 kms, almost all of it two-up with lots of luggage. Can't give it a 5, cos of the problems I had early on, but I think this is justified, so a 4
6 - Long Distance and Luggage Capacity: Lake Garda (Italy) to Hamburg in one day (approx 775 miles on our route), two-up, with 45 kilos of luggage in the three hard cases, plus a fully extended tank bag, plus other stuff under cargo nets on top of the panniers, stopping only for fuel, toilets, and a quickie ( :grin: :innocent: ), proved to me that this bike will tour with the best, and then beat most of 'em. We are planning a run across Europe again for our summer holidays, down to the south of France/Northern Spain area, and I have no doubts at the ability of the bike to do this. Got to be a 5
so there you go, probably a more balanced view of the V Strom than you've seen me post previously.
I'll try to be more "constructive" in my comments about it in the future, but that won't stop me takin' the piss outta of it (or any other bike for that matter!)"
So, there you have it!
If you want to try mine at some point, drop me a line, I'm in Peterborough.
Sorry for the epic!
mike :beer:
T
Tropical Bird
Guest
Bloody hell - don't hold back now - tell us what you really think....:}
Thanks for your thoughts.
Rgds
Glenn
Thanks for your thoughts.
Rgds
Glenn
M
mikew
Guest
Well, he did ask ........... :}
mike
mike
H
Honeymonster
Guest
Mike, have you got a link to DualsportUK forum?
D
D.S.
Guest
Mike, that's brilliant feedback mate; much apprciated.
Replace the Fazer No mate :t She's sweeeeeeet :bow:
Primarily, I want another bike for mostly B road stuff in the UK, but it also has to be capable of doing longer distance work through France, Andorra & Spain; mostly via secondary roads but not shy of the occasional m-way blast. It has to be able to cope with, let's say "less than perfect" road conditions/types, mountain twisties and the occasional single track route. In a nutshell "a true all rounder". From your comments and with the right tyres, sounds like the VStrom fits the bill. I'd only use the stickier tyres for UK B road scratching (I've Rennsports fitted to the Fazer at the mo :} but will fit Diablos again)
I'm not bothered about re-sale values and any bike without a full fairing is going to be nosier than one with. Sounds like the "issues" you've had are isolated and TBH given the research I've done, other bikes in this category appear to have more "issues". KTM's are too focused and delicate. BMW's are great, but concur with your comments & I don't like the Tiger. I haven't ridden the TDM, but given the stock suspension is the same as the Fazer, I don't have the budget for replacement stuff for this bike & TBH I wouldn't even change the cans. In respect of dealer service, I've no concerns given that I currently take my bikes to a Suzuki Dealer (Steve Jordan Motorcycles) for absolutely everything and anything bike related and only experienced quality service - then again - he is a mate.
The Dualsport site is very informative, so all I need to do now is find one to dem ride
Replace the Fazer
No mate :t She's sweeeeeeet :bow: Primarily, I want another bike for mostly B road stuff in the UK, but it also has to be capable of doing longer distance work through France, Andorra & Spain; mostly via secondary roads but not shy of the occasional m-way blast. It has to be able to cope with, let's say "less than perfect" road conditions/types, mountain twisties and the occasional single track route. In a nutshell "a true all rounder". From your comments and with the right tyres, sounds like the VStrom fits the bill. I'd only use the stickier tyres for UK B road scratching (I've Rennsports fitted to the Fazer at the mo :} but will fit Diablos again)
I'm not bothered about re-sale values and any bike without a full fairing is going to be nosier than one with. Sounds like the "issues" you've had are isolated and TBH given the research I've done, other bikes in this category appear to have more "issues". KTM's are too focused and delicate. BMW's are great, but concur with your comments & I don't like the Tiger. I haven't ridden the TDM, but given the stock suspension is the same as the Fazer, I don't have the budget for replacement stuff for this bike & TBH I wouldn't even change the cans. In respect of dealer service, I've no concerns given that I currently take my bikes to a Suzuki Dealer (Steve Jordan Motorcycles) for absolutely everything and anything bike related and only experienced quality service - then again - he is a mate.
The Dualsport site is very informative, so all I need to do now is find one to dem ride
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mikew
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Honeymonster said:
The original site was hacked and destroyed recently, but a lot of the guys and gals resent a lot of their stuff, and it has been incorporated into this site, the Dualsport bit is obvious when you arrive there. (go to "Forums") on the opening page.
www.maximumbikes.com
as with all forums, including the coffee shop here, it can get a bit "boisterous"!
mike
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mikew
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DIRTY SANCHEZ said:Primarily, I want another bike for mostly B road stuff in the UK, but it also has to be capable of doing longer distance work through France, Andorra & Spain; mostly via secondary roads but not shy of the occasional m-way blast. It has to be able to cope with, let's say "less than perfect" road conditions/types, mountain twisties and the occasional single track route. In a nutshell "a true all rounder".........
...... In respect of dealer service, I've no concerns given that I currently take my bikes to a Suzuki Dealer (Steve Jordan Motorcycles) for absolutely everything and anything bike related and only experienced quality service - then again - he is a mate.
The Dualsport site is very informative, so all I need to do now is find one to dem ride
Well that trip is exactly where Andrea and I are headed in June! followed by a run along the south coast of France, up through Italy, Switzerland, into Germany, to the Nurburgring and on home to Hamburg.
Where abouts is this perfect dealer? may need his services before we go.
As I said, if you want to demo one that has the road tyres on rather than the dual-type rubber, you're welcome to have a blast out on mine, I'm around next weekend, but have to stay in the Peterborough area cos I'm on call. (Obviously my Strom is here in the UK at the moment!!)
Mike
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Honeymonster
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Cheers Mike :beer:mikew said:
D