Have you ridden a vstrom 650?

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Johnj · #41 Unread post by **Johnj** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 11:27 am

The Suzuki dealers around here claim not to have any to test ride. None to buy either it appears.

d2mini · #42 Unread post by **d2mini** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 11:38 am

Those were early pics. I got the centerstand as part of my purchase price, but it took forever to get one in stock. It's on there now. And I have also installed the hand guards since then as well as different bars and risers and the MP Cycle Designs windscreen and Madstad bracket (you must get that combo, it rocks), and just recently the lower fairings.

jstark47 wrote: D2- you shoulda kept the Bonnie, too! Everyone needs two bikes. I remember your Bonnie from Triumphrat, it was gorgeous.

Well thank you, mr obvious!!!!

Trust me, if I could have afforded both... but i do have the contact info from the people who bought it so maybe some day...

Mon Jan 15, 2007 12:35 pm

how do you like the lowers? Do they keep the wind off the legs? Are they expensive (read: how much are they as I'm sure they are)? Do they get in the way at all?

indiGO · #44 Unread post by **indiGO** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 3:41 pm

I sold my bike in October and the 650 Vstrom has made it's way to the top of my list as a replacement, so this is quite an interesting thread for me.

I've heard bad things about both the wind screen and the stock tires, can you guys tell me what your experiences have been like with those?

d2mini · #45 Unread post by **d2mini** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 4:36 am

storysunfolding wrote:how do you like the lowers? Do they keep the wind off the legs? Are they expensive (read: how much are they as I'm sure they are)? Do they get in the way at all?

The lowers are top notch quality and they come prepainted. The problem is they are from France and the only people in the USA importing them is www.eurobikes.com and if they don't have your color in stock you have a long wait. My order took 11 weeks (xmas was in there) and they charge your card when you place the order. There is also one canadian outfit i know of that imports if you are in that neck of the woods.
I'm working with eurobikes right now though to figure out what's going on with the installation hardware. I seem to be missing one bracket for the left side and the kit he grabbed the other day at his shop was the same way. I just got this kit last week so i have only been on a couple short rides, but everything seems great other than the missing bracket (which isn't effecting being able to ride).
You can see the pricing on the website and shipping is included. Not a bad price considering the quality and the fact they are prepainted.

d2mini · #46 Unread post by **d2mini** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 4:40 am

indiGO wrote: I've heard bad things about both the wind screen and the stock tires, can you guys tell me what your experiences have been like with those?

The windscreen blows.

At least start off with the brackets from www.madstad.com
This cures at least 90% of the buffeting. THEN you can look at aftermarket screens if you need to.

The tires are ok. Not the best for street and not the best for dirt. You aren't going to win any races with them. They'll eventually get replaced with something better for street riding.

jstark47 · #47 Unread post by **jstark47** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 4:55 am

I agree with Dennis about the windscreen. Suzuki blew the aerodynamics on that design. Based on what I read, 99% of V-strom owners have problems; I sure do. My Madstad bracket is ordered. So far, I'm OK with the tires for street. But I'm riding more cautiously than on my Bonneville, so that may change as I get freer with the bike.

Dennis - cool looking lower fairings! I'm glad you posted about that, I never knew these existed. I checked out Eurobikes, it does say the fairings are made to order due to low demand so it takes a long time. One more thing for the bike wishlist......

Tue Jan 16, 2007 5:01 am

The lowers will have to wait but I expected them to cost more. They will wait because bluemonkie99 will also be using the vstrom from time to time and she feels more comfy knowing that my sparkling new bike has crash bars.

Let us know how the fairing does in keeping air off the legs. See if you can get a ic of you riding the bike with the fairing. I'd like to see how it works around the legs.

Mon Mar 26, 2007 11:47 am

The V-strom 650 (DL650) looks good to me too, I'm looking at buying one as a replacement for my older 80's bike. Unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity to test ride one... but

It fits taller riders really comfortable like.
It's a V-twin, so it will be good down low and with torque
It's fuel injected (ah, no more 1980's carbs)
Sure it isn't a looker, but I'll get used to it
It's priced well.

I'll give you any updates when they come.

Mike

skoebl · #50 Unread post by **skoebl** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 2:23 pm

storysunfolding wrote: Still waiting for my hand to get full function back but since I've been off the bike since the accident (Oct I've been dreaming about the day I jump back on.

I got in my accident only two days after you. Luckily I only had a broken collarbone that has healed

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Have you ridden a vstrom 650?

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