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Just bought a V-Strom 650 for long distance rides

Posted: Sun May 22, 2016 3:17 am
by former50cc
I sure do love my PCX and will keep it for the local rides, but now I have a Suzuki DL650 V-Strom for my long highway trips. I really wanted the power and acceleration together with luggage capacity that my new "Wee-Strom" can provide. I am super excited with my new ride!

Re: Just bought a V-Strom 650 for long distance rides

Posted: Sun May 22, 2016 3:56 am
by tbln930
Congratulations! Still one of the best bikes on the planet. I put 10k miles on mine last year. Please post pictures.

Some farkles are essential. Are you on Stromtrooper.com?

Re: Just bought a V-Strom 650 for long distance rides

Posted: Sun May 22, 2016 1:07 pm
by WhiteNoise
Whoa...yes, pics or it didn't happen! :D

Re: Just bought a V-Strom 650 for long distance rides

Posted: Sun May 22, 2016 3:01 pm
by gn2
Nice machine, lovely motor.

Re: Just bought a V-Strom 650 for long distance rides

Posted: Sun May 22, 2016 3:32 pm
by you you
gn2 wrote:Nice machine, lovely motor.

Average machine. Nice motor

Re: Just bought a V-Strom 650 for long distance rides

Posted: Sun May 22, 2016 11:59 pm
by gn2
,at least its not a BMW.

Re: Just bought a V-Strom 650 for long distance rides

Posted: Mon May 23, 2016 10:48 pm
by former50cc
Sorry, no pictures yet. The dealer is having one delivered from another dealer. I bought a new ( zero miles ) 2015 DL650XTA, that is the 2015 Adventure version of the XT. Beak, spokes, and OEM Suzuki hard pannier boxes. What I wanted and got was the Suzuki Zero down, 0% interest financing. I could have gone with an available 2016 DL650 the dealer had in stock, but after I calculated the additional upgrades that I wanted which were some kind of luggage system and engine crash bars, the fully equipped 2015 XT Adventure might work out less expensive. So, I still have to wait maybe another day or two until the dealer receives the delivery.
This will be my distance motorcycle. I plan on riding it to my surf shack on the Washington State Pacific coast 160 miles away where I store my wet suits and surfboards. I'll surf some, then ride back home the next day.
On vacations, I have plans on some long Pacific Coast trips, camping along the way.

And yes, I am on stromtrooper.com at times. I am registered there, but I have not posted there yet.

Re: Just bought a V-Strom 650 for long distance rides

Posted: Wed May 25, 2016 12:22 pm
by dkazzed
0 Down and 0% financing, excellent deal. Enjoy your new ride!

Re: Just bought a V-Strom 650 for long distance rides

Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 12:07 pm
by you you
former50cc wrote:Sorry, no pictures yet. The dealer is having one delivered from another dealer. I bought a new ( zero miles ) 2015 DL650XTA, that is the 2015 Adventure version of the XT. Beak, spokes, and OEM Suzuki hard pannier boxes. What I wanted and got was the Suzuki Zero down, 0% interest financing. I could have gone with an available 2016 DL650 the dealer had in stock, but after I calculated the additional upgrades that I wanted which were some kind of luggage system and engine crash bars, the fully equipped 2015 XT Adventure might work out less expensive. So, I still have to wait maybe another day or two until the dealer receives the delivery.
This will be my distance motorcycle. I plan on riding it to my surf shack on the Washington State Pacific coast 160 miles away where I store my wet suits and surfboards. I'll surf some, then ride back home the next day.
On vacations, I have plans on some long Pacific Coast trips, camping along the way.

And yes, I am on stromtrooper.com at times. I am registered there, but I have not posted there yet.

Sounds perfect

Re: Just bought a V-Strom 650 for long distance rides

Posted: Fri May 27, 2016 9:53 pm
by former50cc
OK, here is my first picture on Day 1 after riding it home from the dealer.
My V-Strom first Day 1000p.jpg
My V-Strom first Day 1000p.jpg (654.03 KiB) Viewed 1900 times

Re: Just bought a V-Strom 650 for long distance rides

Posted: Tue May 31, 2016 10:10 am
by dkazzed
Very nice!

I demoed a V-Strom 650 for the very first time over the weekend. Overlooking the fact that it's obvious that it's a heavy and top heavy bike in corners, it does everything well and felt very comfortable in it. I'm smitten and definitely leaning towards that ADV style bike. I'd like to try out the NC750X/700X to compare.

Re: Just bought a V-Strom 650 for long distance rides

Posted: Tue May 31, 2016 2:31 pm
by GeorgeSK
Anyone seduced by the KTM Duke 390?

Re: Just bought a V-Strom 650 for long distance rides

Posted: Tue May 31, 2016 5:37 pm
by DAB
GeorgeSK wrote:Anyone seduced by the KTM Duke 390?
No, I have a 690 :D

Re: Just bought a V-Strom 650 for long distance rides

Posted: Tue May 31, 2016 10:11 pm
by former50cc
I am accustomed to a sensation of being top heavy until packed heavily in my pannier bags. This is a picture of me in 1978 in Alaska having ridden there on this bike from Minnesota with my wife. Yes, my wife rode with me to Alaska and took this picture. I always feel top heavy on any kind of bicycle until my pannier bags are loaded with gear, lowering my center of gravity. Notice any similarity? My V-Strom has great side cases that I can fill with my camping gear, just as I did in 1978 on my 10-speed racing bicycle outfitted for long distance touring.
As I may have mentioned, I have the V-Strom for long distance tours. I may be giving away my age, but do the math. I was 25 years old on my Minnesota to Alaska bicycle trip in 1978. I am still very physically fit. I surf regularly here on the Coast of Washington State. I am just hankering for a really big trip.
Trip coming.
Former50cc_1978_Alaska_riding_crop.jpg
Former50cc_1978_Alaska_riding_crop.jpg (374.1 KiB) Viewed 1856 times

Re: Just bought a V-Strom 650 for long distance rides

Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2016 12:54 am
by gn2
GeorgeSK wrote:Anyone seduced by the KTM Duke 390?
If I was in the market for a plaything that had zero luggage carrying facilities, required constant maintenance and cleaning and had zero weather protection it would be near the top of my list.
But seeing as I need serious practical transport I'll stick with the scooter format.

Re: Just bought a V-Strom 650 for long distance rides

Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2016 3:32 am
by chicaboo
GeorgeSK wrote:Anyone seduced by the KTM Duke 390?
I like the look of those or the CB500F at the cheaper end of the market.
But if I was looking to spend more I'd go with a Vulcan 650 or CB650F Tricolore.

Re: Just bought a V-Strom 650 for long distance rides

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2016 11:42 am
by WhiteNoise
There It Is, Big and Bold!
Very very nice former50cc! 8) Good luck with it and of course, be safe.
Now, if this were mine (and it ain't :| ), I would drop those pannier's and show-off the lines of that ride with a mighty Grin on me face! Zippidy-do-dah....wahhhhh