Suzuki V Strom for 2020- a new level of ugly

[MD]

I always look forward to the EICMA Milan show to see what exciting new toys we are in for.

Unfortunately I can't un-see this disaster of styling. Suzuki describe it as a new level of "all new" Sorry Guys I describe it as a new level of ugly Back to the drawing boards and this time be sober or off the drugs or whatever.

[Laava]

Lols, that is unfortunate! Looks more like the Harley adv bike that is coming out next year!
Still, they are a good bike, I considered going back to one but will prolly move to something a bit lighter...

[Navy Boy]

Well it's certainly a bit different, that's for sure. Still, when it's competing against the Harley Pan-America almost anything is going to look good!

[nerrrd]

They certainly have a knack for making the vstrom look...unique.

[Mr. Peanut]

I always look forward to the EICMA Milan show to see what exciting new toys we are in for.

Unfortunately I can't un-see this disaster of styling. Suzuki describe it as a new level of "all new" Sorry Guys I describe it as a new level of ugly Back to the drawing boards and this time be sober or off the drugs or whatever.

I like it, kind of reminds me of a 90s Banshee.

What it really needs is a bigger front wheel, and more protection for the exhaust, sump and oil filter :scratch:


https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a5/4d/22/a54d22d5233b1a15e6161f810312d5a9.jpg

[Laava]

They certainly have a knack for making the vstrom look...unique.
I used to think the previous incarnation looked like Gonzo.

[onearmedbandit]

Reminded me of the DR Big.

[jim.cox]

Reminded me of the DR Big.

I think that is intentional

That zorst however is from another planet

[Laava]

I think that is intentional

That zorst however is from another planet
Planet Electrolux.

[onearmedbandit]

I think that is intentional



Of course, no doubt about it.

[Mr. Peanut]

This is what I'm waiting for, will buy a second hand one a couple of years after release :eek:https://2yrh403fk8vd1hz9ro2n46dd-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2020-Yamaha-Tenere-700-Review-ADV-rally-raid-adventure-motorcycle-10.jpg

[tigertim20]

Looks like a much younger, uglier stepsister to the Katana after daddy finally found a new tart to impregnate.

and the Katana was fuckin ugly to start with . . .

[caspernz]

Won't bother me when I'm riding it.

The big plus is nobody will want to pinch it.

[nzspokes]

That Strom is a porker these days. Doesnt do anything well.

The Tenere would be the leader in new these days.

[Laava]

That Strom is a porker these days. Doesnt do anything well.
Who stole the jam out outta your donut?

[oldiebutagoody]

Well I just signed papers for a new vstrom today. EDIT:(Granted its not the model released as the 2020) relevance to the thread is tenuous...lol.

The MK1 Bandit 12 will go on hold for 6 Months while it gets stripped and cleaned with a toothbrush. I want to keep it on to keep my riding skills honest #noABS#traction controlsettings#too much noise

I got the wire spoke model in BLUE because I hated the yellow and black. Much nicer looking indeed.

First ever brand new off the showroom floor vehicle ever.

If nobody likes it I don't particularly care, it mine to enjoy, nobody else's.

[Navy Boy]

Well I just signed papers for a new vstrom today. EDIT:(Granted its not the model released as the 2020) relevance to the thread is tenuous...lol.

The MK1 Bandit 12 will go on hold for 6 Months while it gets stripped and cleaned with a toothbrush. I want to keep it on to keep my riding skills honest #noABS#traction controlsettings#too much noise

I got the wire spoke model in BLUE because I hated the yellow and black. Much nicer looking indeed.

First ever brand new off the showroom floor vehicle ever.

If nobody likes it I don't particularly care, it mine to enjoy, nobody else's.

Good for you - They're a cracking bike. Did you go for the 650 or the 1000?

[oldiebutagoody]

Good for you - They're a cracking bike. Did you go for the 650 or the 1000?

Yeah I test rode both and decided on the 1000. The step down in power from the Bandit would have been too much to take the 650. The new bike and I are getting along very well indeed.

One niggle is the luggage arrangement. Nothing I own will work on the Strom. Either the fittings are so way off no amount of engineering will sort it out short of all new mounts, so might as well save and buy the Suzuki/Givi luggage designed to fit. Also neither of my magnetic tank bags will work on the weird shaped tank which is shrouded in plastic so it gets no purchase. Pretty sure this is a deliberate strategy so Proprietary accessories get purchased. Absolutely nothing will transfer over except the small wind deflector for the top of the screen.

Might have to sell the monorack and luggage.....bugger. Not even Oxford lifetime tail bag works with it. (That was a short lifetime)

[oldiebutagoody]

Trying to get the first 1000km service out of the way before the holiday shutdowns hit, 650 km yesterday. 7 hours in the saddle, back roads incl the Manawatu scenic route. Wind on SH1 from Taihape down was a bitch, seems a bit more sensitive to x winds, but no biggie.

The bike is actually a revelation on tight twisty back roads. Get the gear right and it powers out nicely, so its just a matter of me adjusting my riding style from the inline 4 to the Vtwin. Bike tracks superbly and tips in effortlessly. Suspension settings seem almost spot on as they are.

[Navy Boy]

Trying to get the first 1000km service out of the way before the holiday shutdowns hit, 650 km yesterday. 7 hours in the saddle, back roads incl the Manawatu scenic route. Wind on SH1 from Taihape down was a bitch, seems a bit more sensitive to x winds, but no biggie.

The bike is actually a revelation on tight twisty back roads. Get the gear right and it powers out nicely, so its just a matter of me adjusting my riding style from the inline 4 to the Vtwin. Bike tracks superbly and tips in effortlessly. Suspension settings seem almost spot on as they are.

Yep - If memory serves 3rd and 4th gear were the best for a nice twisty road. Don't be afraid to let them rev a bit too. I've always enjoyed the raised riding position and fairly wide bars that Adventure bikes offer. I left the suspension on my 650 mostly alone. The rear preload being the only thing I altered occasionally.

[Scubbo]

the suzukifest deal is very sharp and tempting, nice ride dude!!

[oldiebutagoody]

Yep - If memory serves 3rd and 4th gear were the best for a nice twisty road. Don't be afraid to let them rev a bit too. I've always enjoyed the raised riding position and fairly wide bars that Adventure bikes offer. I left the suspension on my 650 mostly alone. The rear preload being the only thing I altered occasionally.

I'm still limited to under 4500 revs for a few km yet (trying to follow the break in period instructions to the letter lol) Load and unload the engine, no constant revs etc etc. But once past the 1600 km mark you can bet I will be finding its character.



the suzukifest deal is very sharp and tempting, nice ride dude!!

Thanks, I agree.

Oh yes, and when I walked in on the Monday after testing on Saturday, (having stated catagorically I was not going to make an immediate decision, which I had already done in my head) and pointed to the bike saying I want THAT ONE can you get me on it by tomorrow? The service level was extraordinary. It should always be that easy and straightforward.

The pricing was keen. No buyers remorse. Only problem is lack of space in the garage. Have to let one go tomorrow, which is a bit like parting with a child, but harder.

[Laava]

I put a very nice AdrenalinR muffler on mine. It sounded awesome!

[oldiebutagoody]

I put a very nice AdrenalinR muffler on mine. It sounded awesome!

Yes I spot some equipment in your photos I need to get. Work in progress I suppose..........

[sugilite]

Where does one find the missiles to fit into the rearwards facing launcher strapped to the side? Finally - a worthy response for the tailgater :yes:

[rocketman1]

Yeah I test rode both and decided on the 1000. The step down in power from the Bandit would have been too much to take the 650. The new bike and I are getting along very well indeed.

One niggle is the luggage arrangement. Nothing I own will work on the Strom. Either the fittings are so way off no amount of engineering will sort it out short of all new mounts, so might as well save and buy the Suzuki/Givi luggage designed to fit. Also neither of my magnetic tank bags will work on the weird shaped tank which is shrouded in plastic so it gets no purchase. Pretty sure this is a deliberate strategy so Proprietary accessories get purchased. Absolutely nothing will transfer over except the small wind deflector for the top of the screen.

Might have to sell the monorack and luggage.....bugger. Not even Oxford lifetime tail bag works with it. (That was a short lifetime)

I know that tank bags with magnetics cannot be attached, but that would be the only drawback from having a plastic tank. No more rust ,,,, the bane of all old motorbikes in years to come.

[oldiebutagoody]

I know that tank bags with magnetics cannot be attached, but that would be the only drawback from having a plastic tank. No more rust ,,,, the bane of all old motorbikes in years to come.

Yup, I had to repair two pinhole leaks under the Bandit 12 tank over the last few years. Selleys Knead-it is always in my toolkit, does a permanent fix. Still got the bike and still love riding it (minus luggage & wingrack) now it is all dialled in. Changed the T31's out for Diabolos, just because. Testament to a 1996 model Suzuki that it is still running fautlessly and still relevant on the road today.

11000 and some odd kms on the Strom over 12 months and still feel like I have done NO riding this year. I rode out this morning on back roads only. New record, 57 km without seeing a car in either direction. Is there rugby or cricket on TV today?

[rocketman1]

I always look forward to the EICMA Milan show to see what exciting new toys we are in for.

Unfortunately I can't un-see this disaster of styling. Suzuki describe it as a new level of "all new" Sorry Guys I describe it as a new level of ugly Back to the drawing boards and this time be sober or off the drugs or whatever.

Yes have to agree not really pretty aye.
V Stroms have never been that cool looking the later 650s don't look thaaaat bad.
They are however a good bike , reliable, great wee motor , comfortable, economical, and most importantly cheap, just hit with the ugly stick.
Those that own them seem to defend their looks. Good on them.
Suzuki make some nice looking bikes but........