V-Strom DL650 Thread [Archive]

CRM

9th November 2009, 10:42

Doesn't seem to be any specific thread on here about the Wee-Stroms so thought I might try to get one going.

I picked mine up yesterday from Auckland and rode it home... She's an 05 with 36000km on the clock.

Observations so far:
- It's a little quiet... I'm used to riding bikes I can hear :rockon:. At the moment she sounds about as virile as a soft sneeze into a thick hanky. I assume you can de-baffle them a bit?
- Performance is great and they like being wound up :yes:. You can putter but the fun starts when the revs build - so twisty roads are good because speeds can get silly otherwise (:Police:).
- Six gears (if I'm counting right) are probably unnecessary with the wide range of power. Mines also been geared up a bit with a larger countershaft sprocket. I'm thinking I might take it back to stock. The previous owner did this for economy apparently.
- They are quite a big bike for a 650. The weight isn't huge but the tallness and bulk just feels big.
- The bars feel too far forward for me. Anybody experimented with other bars?
- The aluminium rack is corroding a bit. Anybody else had this problem and successfully treated theirs?
- Mine has the mad-stad screen adjuster. When I first started riding I actually found it hard to breathe there was so little air movement! My Shoei helmet has the whisper screen thing to keep it quiet and wondering if I may need to remove to get better air flow. I did angle the screen down a bit to get some air underneath it and that helped a bit.
- Apparently they have a buffeting issue with the standard screen. I noticed a bit of side buffeting on SH16 but not sure if it was just because it was that kind of day or whether this was what people talk about with the V-Stroms?

So that's my first experience on a longer ride (I'd already had a brief ride on a mate's before deciding to get one).

I'm keen to get out again (heading down south later in the week).

Also keen to get feedback from other owners...:argue:

rainman

9th November 2009, 11:35

Never ridden one so can't help, but they do look like a fun bike.

Congrats to you on the new wheels...

dino3310

9th November 2009, 12:56

congrats matey nice bike, no doubt your enjoying the extra comfort compared to the XR

TONO

9th November 2009, 13:30

Doesn't seem to be any specific thread on here about the Wee-Stroms so thought I might try to get one going.

-
Also keen to get feedback from other owners...:argue:

I got a new one when I started back riding after a 30 year lay off. Absolutely amazing bike,:rockon: ideal for all NZ roads. Good on tarseal and metal. I used to drag my pegs :sweatdrop allover the road and slide around corners :eek5:trying to keep up with the litre bikes on the Coro loop and it used to amaze me and the other riders what it was capable of. just remember this is an sports enduro type machine not a trail bike & not a sports bike, it is what it is and does a good job all round.
Has the most pillion leg room of any bike I have come across.:yes:
Good tourer, economical and has excellent performance for its capacity.
I got the 650 over the litre version because it got a lot better raps in all the magazine evaluations. :whocares:
Good luck & have fun, I don't think you will ever regret getting the bike.

Snails pace

9th November 2009, 19:25

Padmei

9th November 2009, 19:58

Looks good CRM. Can we get a shot of you on one wheel? Front or back I'm not fussy:laugh:

Waihou Thumper

9th November 2009, 20:15

Nice lookin bike...I sat on a Vstrom, then thought the Wee, was more for me....They are good bikes! Funnily enough though, I have been on a few rides and havent even seen anyone on a Wee or a Vee.....:eek5:
They are all out riding in different directions....

CRM

9th November 2009, 20:35

Looks good CRM. Can we get a shot of you on one wheel? Front or back I'm not fussy:laugh:

First thing i did was take off the Ulysses Club badge... I don't feel that old. :scooter: But on the other hand neither do I feel young enough to fall off it doing wheelies and stoppies :eek5:

But... if I ever get there I'll be sure post a picture.

CRM

9th November 2009, 20:39

Have an 07 and many happy kms on it. I have put lots of accessories on it but I would recommend a bash plate of some sort. I have a Hyde racing plastic job, which does the trick quite nicely. Have ground the plate on a few kerbs, steps etc and it is still in one piece.

Yeah I rode down a curb today and had a sudden horrific thought that I might be gonna stove the engine in :gob:... there's not a lot of clearance. I might have to amend my riding style after the XR where the rule is basically 'ignore curbs and enjoy judder bars' :whistle:.

junkmanjoe

9th November 2009, 20:45

First thing i did was take off the Ulysses Club badge... I don't feel that old. :scooter::

post it to me...im getting grayer all the time...

JMJ

marks

9th November 2009, 20:53

post it to me...im getting gayer all the time...

JMJ

sorry

couldn't resist

CRM

9th November 2009, 20:56

post it to me...im getting grayer all the time...

JMJ

Maybe I'll need it one day... Besides they're made from solid gold. The front of the bike feels so much lighter with it off.

I could sell it to you though... then you could put a Harley badge on the DR and gatecrash a Ulysses ride.:shutup:

junkmanjoe

9th November 2009, 21:05

sorry cant do that mate....dr has been sold...
ill have that badge so ill get cheap handles at the local bar..

when you bringing the strom up the rimutakas mate..

CRM

9th November 2009, 21:23

sorry cant do that mate....dr has been sold...
ill have that badge so ill get cheap handles at the local bar..

when you bringing the strom up the rimutakas mate..

Oh yeah I see that you are walking - I'm actually coming down on Wednesday this week and I was going to bring the VStrom but have to be back Friday for the new owner to pick up my XR so it will be a flying visit - hopefully not too low over the Rimutakas this time :bye:.

When are you getting your new bike?

CRM

9th November 2009, 21:29

Hey anybody know where is a good spot to leave your bike at Auckland Airport? I'll be leaving it overnight when I go to Wellington. Not too keen just leaving it in the carpark :bye:.

upshift

10th November 2009, 10:45

Hey anybody know where is a good spot to leave your bike at Auckland Airport? I'll be leaving it overnight when I go to Wellington. Not too keen just leaving it in the carpark :bye:.

If me I'd leave it in the short term covered park by the domestic terminal.
Motorbikes can park anywhere in the Airport parking areas if they use a car parking space.

I have seen motorbikes parked in the uncovered areas too and you should be OK, Auckland airport is pretty much a 24hr operation and there is a lot of security about all the time. Park close to, and in view of the road or terminal and you should be fine. Map and other info here. (http://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/ToAndFromTheAirport/ParkingAtTheAirport/ParkingMapsAndCalculator.aspx?map=i)

There are a few off site parking places that run a shuttle service to the airport, don't know if they take bikes but are cheaper. For one night it's probably not a biggie. Try www.aeroparks.co.nz, www.flypark.co.nz, www.skyway.co.nz

I have often left my car in the long term covered park and been very happy with the security.

CRM

10th November 2009, 19:21

If me I'd leave it in the short term covered park by the domestic terminal.
Motorbikes can park anywhere in the Airport parking areas if they use a car parking space.

I have seen motorbikes parked in the uncovered areas too and you should be OK, Auckland airport is pretty much a 24hr operation and there is a lot of security about all the time. Park close to, and in view of the road or terminal and you should be fine. Map and other info here. (http://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/ToAndFromTheAirport/ParkingAtTheAirport/ParkingMapsAndCalculator.aspx?map=i)

There are a few off site parking places that run a shuttle service to the airport, don't know if they take bikes but are cheaper. For one night it's probably not a biggie. Try www.aeroparks.co.nz, www.flypark.co.nz, www.skyway.co.nz

I have often left my car in the long term covered park and been very happy with the security.

Okay thanks for that. I might try Aeroparks (if I'm not running too late :sweatdrop) otherwise just see how it goes at the terminal.

glitch_oz

11th November 2009, 15:35

- They are quite a big bike for a 650. The weight isn't huge but the tallness and bulk just feels big.

Might as well chime in here :whocares:
I did something about that weight and bulk.

http://www.glitch-oz.com/pics/AAAA/WTF650/PW650_369.jpg

http://www.glitch-oz.com/pics/AAAA/WTF650/PW650_317.jpg

http://www.glitch-oz.com/pics/AAAA/WTF650/PW650_315.jpg

YES, IT IS A WEE!!....a K6.

http://www.glitch-oz.com/pics/09/Bogies_March/Bogies19.JPG

Front:
Standard forks with Intiminators/Tapered Roller bearings /2.5W fork oil/home-made alum forkbrace/ modded TL1000 lower guard/ modded YZ250 high guard/ modded Kwaka Z750 tail-piece as front mask/ KTM950 headlight/ Goodridge braided lines/ GSXR750 calipers on homemade adapter plates/ homemade dash panel and homemade alum hanger brackets for the whole top-end/ LED indicators allround/heated grips with digital controller/homemade screen/ all top-end components rubber mounted collectively and individually/

Ctr:
Modded OEM sidepanels as base for tankpods (finished in diamond-pattern marine-vinyl)/Quicklock tankbag/modded KLR650 crashbars/stock engine/stock headers/TBS extension tubes/modded fuel pump to bypass internal HP filter and external re-usable inline-filter/modded VEE seat, shortened and foam re-shaped to suit/HD alum-flymesh as rad-guard/Hide Racing belly pan/

Rear:
1" rise dogbones
Subframe shortened by ~5"/ subframe de-lugged/ removed pillion footpegs incl. brackets/ crossbraces repositioned/seat-release lock re-positioned/ Honda CBR600RR tail-plastics and LED tail-light/LED indicators/ LED-button plate lights/ Stainless heat and dirt-shielding in wheel-arch and battery-box/ modded battery box/homemade Stainless 304 lead-pipe to modified and shortened aftermarket Staintune exhaust can originally manufactured for Yamaha TT600/
homemade 1.8mm (3/32th) rear alum checkerplate cover, powdercoated, hinged on S/S hinges to allow access to rear compartment and toolbox (integrated)

Tyres:
Heidenau K76 and spare set of wheels (with discs, ready to pop in) with Conti TKC80s/ Heidenau K60s
Luggage:
Hepco TC50 topcase
Hepco Gobi panniers (3liter/ quarts waterjackets)
Home-made racks (copies of Quicklock), based on modded DL1000 Hepco racks

Other:
Homemade bracketry and bits everywhere.

Weights: (without panniers/ topbox/crashbars....but FULL TANK, ALL FLUIDS, READY TO RIDE).

171kg WET
In the old money: 377lbs, wet, ride-away weight.

157kg dry (~346lbs) (all fluids but empty tank)

Time to built:
~18mths, on and off

I'm sure I forgot a few bits...having too much fun riding to remember the nitty-gritty :yes::yes:

CRM

11th November 2009, 15:48

Might as well chime in here :whocares:
I did something about that weight an bulk.

Weights: (without panniers/ topbox/crashbars....but FULL TANK, ALL FLUIDS, READY TO RIDE).

171kg WET
In the old money: 377lbs, wet, ride-away weight.

157kg dry (~346lbs) (all fluids but empty tank)

Wow - impressive - looks fantastic too :yes:.

Thats about a 40kg reduction :shit:. The pipe probably saved 5 or so, the tail-piece maybe a couple, fairing another couple - where did the rest go?

CRM

11th November 2009, 15:59

Okay thanks for that. I might try Aeroparks (if I'm not running too late :sweatdrop) otherwise just see how it goes at the terminal.

Here I am at Auckland Airport, bike parked at Aeroparks. They were very good, even put my gear inside out of harms way and it's a locked secure park as well - $9/day is pretty good.

I've been running consistently late today and actually missed my plane getting caught in Auckland traffic - not even the VStrom could get me there in time...

I had a quick trip up SH16 to Henderson to get to my exam on time (the clock on the Strom is 10 minutes slow which I didn't realise until Wellsford). I'm getting more familiar with the handling now so winding her out a bit:Punk:

Only had one :shit: moment when I nearly missed a turn-off. Hit the brakes a tad too hard and locked up the rear a couple of times slowing down around the turn. She handed beautifully predictably with perfect manners (not sure if the guy in the 4x4 I was going towards sideways would agree though) :gob:.

She's a good machine...

I just need some panniers and a topbox now - it's a major pain having to put stuff in the San Remo bag, tie it down and lock it on etc.

glitch_oz

11th November 2009, 16:11

Wow - impressive - looks fantastic too :yes:.

Thats about a 40kg reduction :shit:. The pipe probably saved 5 or so, the tail-piece maybe a couple, fairing another couple - where did the rest go?

It's 28kg....the documentation is here (http://www.austouring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1455) Full thread

most of it also here. (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=251613)

The exhaust wasn't even 5kg from memory...but there's about 2.5kg in the fairing frame, 1kg in the rear footpegs (each? can't remember), ~3kg net in the rear subframe de-lugging and shortening, 2.5kg in the OEM packrack and and and.
There's even 0.5kg in a set of indicators!! Net, too!

Here's the whole WTF- fleet
K2 and K6 1000's each end, the 650 in the ctr.
Both thou's are down 21.5/ 22.5kg and at the weight of a 650stocker

http://www.glitch-oz.com/pics/AAAA/WTFs/WTFs_03.jpg

http://www.glitch-oz.com/pics/AAAA/WTFs/WTFs_23.jpg

Eddieb

11th November 2009, 16:43

glitch_oz

11th November 2009, 16:53

You're such a tease Glitch.

When are you bringing those reprobates from your forum over for some proper adventure riding, JunkManJoe and I will scare them silly on some decent tracks, with hills and corners even!

Oh shit!!!
Caught out :innocent::innocent:

Hills and corners?? :shit::shit:
Wozzat? :Punk:

paturoa

11th November 2009, 17:43

junkmanjoe

11th November 2009, 18:05

Oh shit!!!
Caught out :innocent::innocent:

Hills and corners?? :shit::shit:
Wozzat? :Punk:

whats with these aussy sniffing around in here.........

Waihou Thumper

11th November 2009, 18:11

whats with these aussy sniffing around in here.........

in the Aussie forums, haha.....:woohoo: Nice bikes though....:done:

glitch_oz

11th November 2009, 20:53

whats with these aussy sniffing around in here.........

Yeah !! Disgusting ! :Oi:http://www.austouring.com/forum/images/smilies/bs2.gif

CRM

11th November 2009, 21:13

Got me a new orange K9 wee abs a few weeks back and its almost run in now. I traded a SV1000s on it and really miss the noise and any gear grunt of the SV.

However I'm really happy with the wee as its by a BIG margin the most comfortable bike I've ridden.

I had some buffetting issues with it initially but raised the standard screen to its highest setting (had to use different bolts though!) and it has eliminated that.

Gotta do something at some stage about the zorst as it sounds very much like Mrs P's sewing machine!

Nope - but adjusting the bars back in the clamps has made a big difference.

Edit: added pics. And I also made up a front guard extension to stop the road shite flicking up all over the front of the motor - best farkle so far.

Nice colour! :woohoo: How does it go the beach?

The madstad screen brackets are very cool - they give masses of adjustment and very quick to change.

I want to try adjusting the bars - maybe if pulling it back isn't enough get some risers. Wondering about some highway bars on the crashbars and some cruiser style bars like I had on the Magna :Punk:... Don't laugh it could work:shutup:

Also my mate has taken the baffles out on his and it helps the sound a lot. I'll try that I think.

paturoa

12th November 2009, 05:42

Nice colour! :woohoo: How does it go the beach?

The madstad screen brackets are very cool - they give masses of adjustment and very quick to change.

I want to try adjusting the bars - maybe if pulling it back isn't enough get some risers. Wondering about some highway bars on the crashbars and some cruiser style bars like I had on the Magna :Punk:... Don't laugh it could work:shutup:

Also my mate has taken the baffles out on his and it helps the sound a lot. I'll try that I think.

Not planning on taking it on the beach, thats what the dirties are for.

There is an extensive thread on stromtroopers about buffetting, screens etc and most go for the madstad.

I've seen a pic somwhere of a vee with highway pegs that hang down from the crash bars, but not cruiser style bars!

CRM

13th November 2009, 11:04

Not planning on taking it on the beach, thats what the dirties are for.

There is an extensive thread on stromtroopers about buffetting, screens etc and most go for the madstad.

I've seen a pic somwhere of a vee with highway pegs that hang down from the crash bars, but not cruiser style bars!

Yeah nice to have extra bikes... sold my XR600 this morning - never did get to do 90 mile beach on it. I think that the Strom should handle it okay as long as I stay out of the dunes and keep on the hard sand. It's got Shinko trail tyres on it which have quite a lot of meat on them. So one of these days...

I bought some hard panniers for mine on TradeMe for $300 - so can't wait to get them and put them on.

StromTrooper is a great site - its here for anyone else who is interested: http://www.stromtrooper.com/

Eddieb

13th November 2009, 11:13

Yeah nice to have extra bikes... sold my XR600 this morning - never did get to do 90 mile beach on it. I think that the Strom should handle it okay as long as I stay out of the dunes and keep on the hard sand. It's got Shinko trail tyres on it which have quite a lot of meat on them. So one of these days...

I bought some hard panniers for mine on TradeMe for $300 - so can't wait to get them and put them on.

StromTrooper is a great site - its here for anyone else who is interested: http://www.stromtrooper.com/

I've taken a GSXR-250RR up 90 mile beach several times, my sister did it on her ZXR400 and brother in law on his '79 CB750. The Wee would do it just fine.

CRM

14th November 2009, 15:23

I've just been looking at raising my bars and bringing them back a bit. There is no room just to pull them back without risers as they are already nearly touching the tank on lock. Looking on StromTroops someone recommended these (http://www.amotostuff.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=X102B&Category_Code=dl650_hand_cont)

Anybody seen these sort in NZ or anything similar? Apparently the cables are fairly restricted so you can't go up too much. Anybody done this? Thanks :)

Padmei

14th November 2009, 20:27

CRM

16th November 2009, 08:13

They look like a handy bit of engineering. With a block of ali, a holesaw & file you could make something similar.

The KLRs have the same problem with the wiring looms. How much would it cost them to make the wires 50mm longer!!

I'm not that handy :confused:. I may have to settle for some standard risers and tilt them a bit. Other option is some bars like this (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=253499376). Apparently they work quite well. This guy has them on his 'fully adventurised Wee-Strom' (http://www.stromtrooper.com/showthread.php?t=46934) :chase:.

paturoa

19th November 2009, 18:41

CRM

20th November 2009, 08:06

Before heading off on the bikoi on Tuesday I adjusted the standard bars back even further, so that at full lock, they are just above the tank - about 20 mm clearance.

It was a lot more comfortable, I did about 850ks on Tuesday and my wrists were fine. That said I had to keep fighting old SV habits and "teach" myself to relax my arms and grip.

My bars are already back as far as they can but I rode to Auckland and back yesterday (about 350km) and I get pins and needles in my hands and sore arms from having them tensed up - just can't find a way to relax my arms as it is. I'm thinking about bars about 30mm higher and a bit more bend. Might have a look today at Shaws - they seem to have quite selection in stock.

I really need to do something about the sound too - I just need to hear that beautiful engine working. Its just all a little boring when it's so quiet. My daughter has a 2009 Ninja 250 with a Yoshi pipe that's really loud and even though it hasn't got nearly the performance on the Strom it's such a blast to ride because you can hear the engine working - every little over-run and splutter is music to the ears :Punk:. I don't want to be annoyingly loud just hear it when its wound out. Anybody tried the Cycleworks (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Parts-for-sale/Exhaust/auction-254829491.htm) pipe?

paturoa

20th November 2009, 09:43

Anybody tried the Cycleworks (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Parts-for-sale/Exhaust/auction-254829491.htm) pipe?

Nope. I've only seen one on a parked bike.

dino3310

20th November 2009, 10:24

I really need to do something about the sound too - I just need to hear that beautiful engine working. Its just all a little boring when it's so quiet. My daughter has a 2009 Ninja 250 with a Yoshi pipe that's really loud and even though it hasn't got nearly the performance on the Strom it's such a blast to ride because you can hear the engine working - every little over-run and splutter is music to the ears :Punk:. I don't want to be annoyingly loud just hear it when its wound out. Anybody tried the Cycleworks (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Parts-for-sale/Exhaust/auction-254829491.htm) pipe?

:laugh: your just to used to that XR cannon thumping out ya ear drums :laugh:

CRM

20th November 2009, 11:32

:laugh: your just to used to that XR cannon thumping out ya ear drums :laugh:

Yeah I know ... too many years of loud music and loud bikes:mega: ... but I like it :Punk:

dino3310

20th November 2009, 12:11

if its just the sound your after is there any way to mod the exhaust you got on there with out coughing up lots of $$$$, paturoas got a nice loud modified one on his DR :laugh:

CRM

20th November 2009, 14:19

if its just the sound your after is there any way to mod the exhaust you got on there with out coughing up lots of $$$$, paturoas got a nice loud modified one on his DR :laugh:

Yeah I'm going to try taking out the baffle for starters.

Just did my first drop... :shutup: - down the end of our road - it's quite steep and I was going to go left uphill then decided to go downhill at the last moment :shit: and stalled it in first - toppled over on low side :blink: :no:. Broken indicator :confused:(I reckon Suzuki makes a fortune off V-Strom indicators), scratched crash-bars :mellow:, wounded pride :Oops:(the kids across the street were like :gob: but thats about all - good old crash-bars, a bit of black spray paint and she'll be sweet:clap:.

I think I'll get some LED flexible indicators - these Suzuki adornments are about $80 EACH apparently. Anyway my panniers just arrived by courier - glad I didn't have them on when I fell over...

CRM

21st November 2009, 16:05

I got a Givi top-box and some OEM panniers off Trade Me. The topbox is fitting well but the mounts for the panniers haven't got anywhere to bolt into on the top fittings (see pics).

Anybody know if these might we for an earlier/later model or maybe a DL1000? I'm going to either have to make up some brackets that connect onto the rack or replace the rack with a different or unit or... any ideas? :baby: Thanks.

paturoa

21st November 2009, 18:45

Doesn't look like the right brackets to me.

There are a shite load of photos here - http://www.stromtrooper.com/showthread.php?t=21652

CRM

21st November 2009, 20:04

Doesn't look like the right brackets to me.

There are a shite load of photos here - http://www.stromtrooper.com/showthread.php?t=21652

Yeah had a look through there - and they all look the same as mine so not sure what these racks I have are off.

They are the right shape and if I take off the standard alloy rack and make up some brackets to go into those holes it should be quite tidy and also reduce the weight of the alloy carrier which is quite heavy. The racks them selves will then become the grab-rails which should work okay. A bit of work but I think the end result will be quite okay. Just been playing with it now looking in the shed for something I can fabricate into brackets... :calm:

paturoa

22nd November 2009, 10:58

here is an interesting photo of the brackets - see post # 2 http://www.stromtrooper.com/showthread.php?t=46976

crazyhorse

22nd November 2009, 11:47

WHen my bike broke down on route to the Cold Kiwi a fews ago (due to too many chiefs and not enough indians performing a service on it!), well they brought me a replacement bike. Well, the V-Strom was a great bike, but not when you're in the short wheel base department.

So, angry as I was, I leaped on it - with over a 100 km of country road with no stops ahead of me, I decided to worry about how on earth I was gonna stop when I got to the intersection at Taupo. By then I had calmed down and put the brain into gear and could stop with my foot on the island.

I never fell off once (not even on the muddy dirt track getting to the cold kiwi that year) and to be honest, it was not a bad bike.

Although i love my sports bikes, :2thumbsup to the V-Strom

CRM

11th December 2009, 15:50

Just did 2000km on the Wee down to Masterton via Taupo and Desert Road then back up via route 52 (Waipukerau etc), Napier, Wairoa, Opotiki, Waihi and through Auckland (hard to avoid) and home.

I put the hard panniers and top-box on (all second hand off TM). The top-box is a givi E370; not too big but about right for me (I've heard bad stories about stability issues with big top boxes). The panniers are DL650 standard apparently (I had a few problems finding how to attach the frames - had to drill holes in the alloy rack - not that pretty but worked well:confused:).

The panniers and top-box worked great - stable at all speeds (a bit of rocking-horse hitting a bump through fast corners but possibly another issue - anybody had this and know how to fix? - fork-brace? suspension adjustment? tyres?).

Also put 35mm bar risers on - helped with arm-fatigue heaps.

I did 30km or so of gravel coming up through the back roads from Masterton to Alfredton. I was a bit worried about scratching my panniers as it was windy and large deep gravel:sweatdrop. The panniers are pretty wide so I had to watch out for fenceposts:shit:The big wide front tyre (Shinko E705) was pretty hairy in the deep stuff. It got better at the end - smaller gravel not so deep and I felt like I was more in control - actually quite fun. There's a lot to be said for narrow 21" front tyres!

I passed through a herd of bulls:eek5: at one stage. After that she smelled like more of a poo-strom than a wee-strom.

Pictures are Waiouru, Rangitikei, Alfredton, Porangihau

mikkid

26th January 2010, 17:13

Picked up a DL650 K5 myself last year. Have been progressively updating the farkles from an otherwise standard bike.

I added a Madstad and a Laminar Lip as the buffeting on the standard screen was uncomfortable. Whilst the lack of wind behind the screen does cause the occassional fogging of the helmet visor, its a trade off for no buffeting other than when there are strong cross winds, which you just cant avoid. Bonus is that I can comfortably ride with the visor up @ 100+kph.

The wee strom is a great tourer and there are plenty of forums on how to best farkle your bike. Advise you check out Stromtrooper.com where there is a whole dedicated section to the 650.

Padmei

26th January 2010, 18:44

Welcome to the site mikkid. The strom is a great sized cruisy tourer. CRM's one looks excellent ready for the big miles.

Waihou Thumper

27th January 2010, 17:17

Must be really wide though if he has to look out for fence posts...:Pokey:

CRM

28th January 2010, 09:20

I discovered the chain was stretched so put a new one on and at the same time went back to standard gearing from the oversized countershaft sprocket it had on when I got it - MUCH better in my opinion. Went to Cambridge and back and had a ball (except for rush hour through Orkland yesterday - they should really just by-pass the whole thing :bleh:). Even tried some lane splitting which with my big panniers on which is a little :sick: and :shit: but there is a limit to sitting in the hot sun in black riding gear on a motorway isn't there?

I'm still getting sore arms on the Strom - even after putting risers on it - not sure if it's a vibe issue or just the whole riding position. They have a reputation of being great tourers but I actually found I could go just as far or further on my XR600 believe it or not - I did some huge distances on that. Also found my VF700 Magna more comfortable than the Strom for distance. It must be just my weird body shape or something :wari:...

CRM

25th February 2010, 13:01

Having had the Wee for 4 months or so and doing a few thousand k's here are my reflections:

Stuff I like :yes::
Great headlight!
Good fuel range.
Easy to start.
Nice and smooth.
Can go pretty quick and fast for a large heavy 650!
Black and shiny.

Stuff I don't like :shutup::
The sound - noisy mechanically and not an inspiring exhaust note.
It feels big and heavy coming from more dirt style adv bikes.
Not that agile.
Reach to the bars is too far for me - I've put risers on and pulled the bars back a bit but my elbows get sore on long trips. Have tried changing how I sit but can't seem to get it right.
19" front wheel - not great in gravel with the large weight and height.
A bit lacking in character - nothing I can completely put my finger on but a combination of fuel injection, uninspiring sound and the fact that it's a bit of a compromise bike.

I guess you have a love/hate relationship with every bike - there's always something about them that you wish you had a different bike for... it must be some clever marketing ploy to keep us buying and selling :angry:.

Eddieb

10th May 2010, 19:42

Who said Stroms can't adv ride?

If you only watch for a few seconds, make sure you at least watch starting at about 4 minutes 10".

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