Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom meets the Hitchers...

**merv** · 29th December 2007, 21:14

Originally Posted by Hitcher

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!

Yep you haven't been reading all our threads on this have you - you can lower them 40mm, but because its a real dirt bike that means from 885mm down to 845mm, probably still a bit tall for Mrs Hitcher. Check this thread out as an example http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=57979

See how low the DR sits compared to my XR in this pic http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/at...1&d=1198913362

With dirt bikes because they are thin and lightish bikes you can stand the seat height a bit higher than you would on a roadbike.

If you hurry up and get some dirt bikes I can show you around some of these roads and tracks http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=63917

**bell** · 29th December 2007, 21:32

Originally Posted by Hitcher

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

I have vague recollections of Sargent doing a 'lower' seat for the DL. Been here?

650 and 1000 are virtually identical dimensions wise, save for a weight increase on the 1000.

**cowpoos** · 29th December 2007, 22:13

I just noticed there was no "free plug for the friendly dealer' that let you take bikes for a ride at your whim?????? crikey brett!! where are your manners!!!

**skelstar** · 29th December 2007, 22:19

...maybe he wasn't offered a free coffee and a hug poos?

**cowpoos** · 29th December 2007, 22:29

Originally Posted by skelstar

...maybe he wasn't offered a free coffee and a hug poos?

muffin!!! sean...muffin!! the ones that are apparently in the fridge...but never seem to be there when I'm in.....

**Hitcher** · 30th December 2007, 14:27

Originally Posted by cowpoos

I just noticed there was no "free plug for the friendly dealer' that let you take bikes for a ride at your whim?????? crikey brett!! where are your manners!!!

Goodness me, I should be taken out and spanked. Firmly please miss.

A belated Big Ups to the inimitable Dave Anderson Suzuki for supplying the test rides.

**sAsLEX** · 30th December 2007, 14:36

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Big Ups

As a Transitive Verb should this phrase have initial letters capitalised?

**Hitcher** · 30th December 2007, 14:54

Originally Posted by sAsLEX

As a Transitive Verb should this phrase have initial letters capitalised?

Transitive verb? It's fully capitalised because it is a very Big Ups.

**wilber** · 30th December 2007, 15:44

Originally Posted by Hitcher

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

Theres a very nice blue 06 955cc Tiger at wgton motorcycles now only just arrived ,side boxes included too.

**YellowDog** · 30th December 2007, 16:06

Thanks Hitcher. Good post. I do agree. I did like the gearbox (compared with my Freewind). The only criticism me and the missus had was that it is a very big bike (feels big). She felt too high and not safe leaning too far into the corners. We are going for a 2008 Tiger ('cos it has unnecessary ABS). The 2007 model is going quite cheaply now and the 2006 is fully loaded and going for a song!

**Hitcher** · 30th December 2007, 16:15

Originally Posted by wilber

Theres a very nice blue 06 955cc Tiger at wgton motorcycles now only just arrived ,side boxes included too.

I think I shall be paying CFWB a visit after New Year...

**Oscar** · 30th December 2007, 16:18

I had a Strom.
Loved it (only sold it 'cause I stumbled across a 950KTM at the right price).
Surprisingly capable off-road (don't ask - sufficed to say I did not intend to go that far into the bush), very good on gravel and a great tourer.

Mine had a lowered seat (done by a local upholsterer), a Givi Screen (highly recommended) and Remus zorsts (also recommended).

**oldrider** · 30th December 2007, 22:05

Hitcher, if your lovely passenger finds the pillion pegs too high on the 06 Tiger, (if you try one) I made simple extensions to suit Mrs O!

Made a few other wee adjustments to the top box and now she just loves the bike!

I think the big V Strom and the Varadero have got good long lengthy stirrups for the pillion but have not actually tried them ourselves.

She (yours) may not be very old now but that's the only direction we have got and the older limbs do get cramped on long rides.

We are lucky having wives, partners, significant others, or whatever, who share our delights in the marvels of motorcycling, so they are worth looking after. (IMHO) Cheers John.

**bell** · 31st December 2007, 14:07

Originally Posted by oldrider

We are lucky having wives, partners, significant others, or whatever, who share our delights in the marvels of motorcycling, so they are worth looking after. (IMHO) Cheers John.

+1 on that count John.

Who needs a radar detector when there's a slap upside the head if you go over about 130...well, she tells me she can see the speedo....sometimes I think she's bluffing though

.

I'm 99% sold on a V or maybe the Wee when I get back to Oz in Feb.

My wife is about 5'10" and I'm sure her dodgy knees will appreciate the seating arrangement on the Strom over that on the Z750. Add a topbox for a backrest and she'll be drifting off to sleep. Crikey! That might not be such a good thing.