Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom meets the Hitchers...

[merv]

Whats a garage?


I am fairly sure its not in the KB lexicon.

Mate I'm a non-conformist and won't speak that foreign language coming from Wairoa and all!

[Hitcher]

The Triumph Tiger is on the list, as soon as a demo is tracked down. And Varaderos are like rockinghorse shit.

[98tls]

My old man bought a DL awhile back,loaded it up with gear and my stepmother and did a tour round the Nth isle,suitably impressed he was to.Was impressed that he was impressed to be honest as he has owned everything from a Vincent through to late model bemmers.

[Jantar]

After owning a Vstrom for 17 months I can honestly say that it is the most versatile bike I have ever ridden. It is not perfect in any aspect, but is right up with the best of them in every respect. It can keep sprot bikes honest, cruise with the day rider crowd, tour for days (or weeks) on end, and handles gravel with ease.

[NiggleC]

I test rode a v-strom with a standard screen and it was next to useless but the one i bought was fitted with a Givi screen and would recommend this mod to anyone who uses their vstrom for mainly road touring

[oldrider]

I test rode a v-strom with a standard screen and it was next to useless but the one i bought was fitted with a Givi screen and would recommend this mod to anyone who uses their vstrom for mainly road touring

Screens are "extremely" personal and "individual" what suits one does not necessarily suit the next.

Venture bikes are notorious for wind noise and buffeting but sometimes you get lucky, try anything, it might just work for you! John.

[Hitcher]

The Strom test-ridden by the Hitchers had an "adjustable" screen. One suspects it afforded as much protection as a panty-shield held in place by a length of floss.

[oldrider]

Hey Hitch, if you are seriously looking, have a look here and think about visiting BMW.

Takes a lot to persuade me to think BMW but after reading this I think you will be curious too!

(http://www.rubbermag.com/news/0711/071106_06.html)

Well worth a read at least.

Credit where credit is due, this is a customer focused concept. (IMHO) Cheers John.

[Hitcher]

Hmmm. BMWs eh? One wonders where one would procure one of those in these parts... Might have to get a coffee instead.

The seat-lowering kit on the 650 could be a go for the Lovely Mrs H...

Thanks for that tip (those tips)!

[banditrider]

What about the DL650 - the Aussies seem to rave about them (I know, they're Aussies). They seem to get awesome economy. I saw one on the road a while bike - 2-up & loaded to the gunnels - pretty keen on a 650 I know but it seemed to be taking it all in it's stride.

I just wonder if the lighter weight might make things a bit nicer when doing the dirty stuff...

[Hitcher]

What about the DL650

Seat height?

[banditrider]

Seat height?

Pretty high: 820mm

http://www.suzuki.co.nz/motorcycles/...20BROCHURE.pdf

[Hitcher]

Pretty high: 820mm

http://www.suzuki.co.nz/motorcycles/...20BROCHURE.pdf

That would make things a bit hard for a 5'2" rider...

[banditrider]

That would make things a bit hard for a 5'2" rider...

Wonder if they have lowering kits like the DR650 and some of the BM's?

[Hitcher]

Wonder if they have lowering kits like the DR650 and some of the BM's?

I didn't know that the DR650 had a "lowering kit". I know that the BMWs are supposed to, but it appears to be one of those things that dealers are loathe to do anything about until you've bought the bike off them. Slackers!