DL650 V-Strom ride report

[Radar]

I own a wee..
reckon its the best bike i ridden in ages.. can keep up with big boys on the road. and it also very capable for adventure ridding.
there are many after market parts for this bike. which can turn it into a good tourer
iam heading for Australia. soon.going to set up a wee strom , ship it to singapore,, and ride it up into china.
got as long as it takes....
BIG trip report coming up

China on a VStrom!

Looking forward to seeing your blog / trip report. Will you post it on KB?

[Radar]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTrbJTB3kDw&NR=1

Off road, to the music of Easily-Red Hot Chili Peppers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aoFU...eature=related

Youtube comment:
i traded my busa in for one of these and my girlfriend has also just bought a v strom 1000, i upset a lot of people at the isle of man TT on mine last year, totaly awsome bike.

[kevfromcoro]

China on a VStrom!

Looking forward to seeing your blog / trip report. Will you post it on KB?

yes will post it here......
cant wait...just buying some shit for the trip
laptop...gps... givi bags
well i can use them for suitcases when i leave.
have ridden a bit of thailand.laos and combodia..........
fuck that is adventure....
hope to get to china.....
think i will do it..........
i can hear a v-strom sniffing at the wind..

LETS GO

[Tank]

WOW - that sounds like a awesome trip - I really look forward to reading the trip report and seeing pics!!!! (Get a good camera when shopping)

I have a mint condition DL1000 VStrom with a number of extras on it.

Fork brace and adjustable madstad braket for the screen - they help with the buffering and the 'tightness' when cornering. Both have made huge improvements to the bike and I would recommend them for all V-Strom owners.

I also put on sliders for the frame (off engine mount) and swing arm which help for maintainance.

And a beautiful custom Ryder seat - just did 5000km in the South Island and my ass was pampered the entire way.

But - thinking of a change and may be selling it - if anyone is interested - drop me a PM.

[Oscar]

Nice write-up. If I ever decide I want to do more off-roading/gravel riding, this would be the first bike I would try. Thanks for the report.

I had a V Strom and did a fair bit of gravel and even some easy trails on it.

It was OK on smooth gravel, but harder ruts or bumps tended to overwhelm the front suspension.

[NOWOOL]

I Test rode a 650 V-strom yesterday. I figured since all the good reviews I'd like the bike. Sadly, it didn't live up to my expectations. Like the reviewer, I'm 5'11 and I was a bit put off my standing on my toes at the lights. The power was just 'ok' but a little buzzy. For the size of the bike the leg room is quite cramped. The big put off for me was how easily it was affected by wind gust on the motorway. Mind you, it was quite windy but even my faired GN250 isn't as bad with strong winds.
I'm sure they are great bikes for most people, but with the new lofty price rise this bike is now competing with the BMW F650GS which doesn't share it's faults.

[Edbear]

I Test rode a 650 V-strom yesterday. I figured since all the good reviews I'd like the bike. Sadly, it didn't live up to my expectations. Like the reviewer, I'm 5'11 and I was a bit put off my standing on my toes at the lights. The power was just 'ok' but a little buzzy. For the size of the bike the leg room is quite cramped. The big put off for me was how easily it was affected by wind gust on the motorway. Mind you, it was quite windy but even my faired GN250 isn't as bad with strong winds.
I'm sure they are great bikes for most people, but with the new lofty price rise this bike is now competing with the BMW F650GS which doesn't share it's faults.

Interesting comments and it shows how we as riders have different expectations. It wasn't windy when I rode it and while it may say something about my level of experience with powerful bikes, or not, I liked the power.

I agree about price, but haven't ridden a GS650 so can't comment.

[Radar]

I have been in some wickedly strong wind with my VStrom and never had a problem. It is a tall bike but I am 5ft 10in and my boots are flat on the ground when stopped. A friend of mine bought a new DL650 a few weeks ago and he is very impressed with it - he has several other bikes and has owned many others all over 1000 cc except for his dirt bikes. But no bike will suit everyone and certainly the VStrom will have those who don't like them.