Too big a move up?

[Ender EnZed]

I went out on a Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom.

Haven't had anything to do with them myself but I've certainly heard good things about the V-Strom, though most seem to be the smaller 650.

Great to see someone getting out and actually riding different types of bike instead of just buying something they can't use.

[varminter]

I must make a confession here. On the second ride as I was pootling round the back of the shop to bring it back I managed to come to a complete standstill on a steep camber and drop the bloody thing, good points are there was no damage (slight scuff on the crash bars and hand covers) and the shop didn't make me pay for it, in fact was very nice about it. I'm still kicking myself but at least now the wife has decided that bike trousers would be a good idea, previously she refused to get them (yes, she has a helmet, jacket and gloves)

[R-Soul]

I must make a confession here. On the second ride as I was pootling round the back of the shop to bring it back I managed to come to a complete standstill on a steep camber and drop the bloody thing, good points are there was no damage (slight scuff on the crash bars and hand covers) and the shop didn't make me pay for it, in fact was very nice about it. I'm still kicking myself but at least now the wife has decided that bike trousers would be a good idea, previously she refused to get them (yes, she has a helmet, jacket and gloves)

Yes with the bikes witha very high seat height you have to really plan your next set of moves. for example when coming to stop sideways on a downward slope, you need to make sure your weight is to the higher side, and get your ass over asap. And if you have an imbalance, you need to get your ass off teh side to the lower side asap to stop going over.

Also DO NOT park anywhere in a dead end parking space, facing downwards, because when you can only geta couple of toes on the ground, then you cant push it backwards upa slope very easily...

Having said that, I reckon a bike like the V-strom is a good choice- you get to tour on tarmac and gravel - so you can see the less seen backroads of NZ (which is a large and scenic part of the country), and the engine is more than powerful enough for two up touring, at and past the legal limit. Easy passing of cars, good wind shielding, and cheap servicing and parts costs to boot - it has it all really.

OK it is not going to stay with a sports bike on a mission, but then very few bikes really do, and with your level of experience you would not be able to anyway. Besides, if you want to learn high speed bike control, do it on a track.

[Ender EnZed]

If you're still thiniking about the Strom give this a read if you haven't already.

[R-Soul]

I must make a confession here.

I must make a confession here- so have most of us had a similar experience with a high bike at some stage of our lives or another. I remember, as a teenager, taking my cousin's XT600 Tenere for a spin to the local dairy and feeling very cool on the cool bike with the attention seeking thumper engine.

And then, while getting looks from all round, dropping it on its side because I stoppoed sideways on a slope and could not get me foot down on the upper side fast enough!!

[varminter]

Nice to know I'm not a minority of one in the bike dropping arena. I have had a look at the thread about The Strom, and I bought one yesterday (DL1000), get to pick it up on Saturday and ride it back from Hamilton. Yes, I'll be careful mother.

[R-Soul]

Nice to know I'm not a minority of one in the bike dropping arena. I have had a look at the thread about The Strom, and I bought one yesterday (DL1000), get to pick it up on Saturday and ride it back from Hamilton. Yes, I'll be careful mother.

errm... actually the reason I mentioned the downhill parking aspect was because of *another* incident with same bike... the best laid plans of mice and men...

*high voice* and dont forget to have something to eat before you go!

CONGRATS! I reckon you have a winner there. May you have tons of fun on ot. And I think it makes a lot more sense than an R1 or GSXR1000 or something like that - maybe they will come later...

[varminter]

*high voice* and dont forget to have something to eat before you go!

Sorry, was not having a go at you, I appreciate any feedback I can get. The mother thing is just because I've always been a 'bad boy' (actually, my mother wouldn't have given a toss)