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Posted: 10/26/2015 5:55:15 PM EDT
[#1]
2014 V Strom. I'm coming off of a 14 FLHTCU. Harley bagger for you uninformed. I have over 50K Harley miles on 3 bikes. Been riding dirt since I was 8, about 36 years. Have a KTM EXC as well. I wanted a Triumph Tiger 800 XCX. Triumph was very proud of their product and wouldn't make a deal on a left over 14. I did more research and found good reviews and info on the DL 1000. A local Suzuki dealer has some 14 left overs for $7995. We made a deal. I have this bike 6 days as of today. Have 130 miles on it. Pics are from todays break in ride. I like it. Way more fun than my Harleys. Obviously lighter, more responsive handling. The v twin has lots of low end torque. I can't rev it out yet, but this is not a high RPM engine. Pulls hard from low rpm. A lazy mans bike, I feel like I can leave it in 3rd and cruise tight twisties. It reminds me of an old YZ 490. Put it in 3rd and ride all day. I don't like the engine braking. Cut the throttle and it decels fast. Never noticed that with my Harleys. Overall I like it so far. I know I will have more fun with it than I was having with the big cruisers. Wanted to try something new and different. I feel like this was a good choice. If you are on the fence about an adventure bike or a DL1000. Go for it. |
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Posted: 10/26/2015 7:02:06 PM EDT
[#2]
Much jealous of Swingset and MTShawn's trip.
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Posted: 10/26/2015 7:15:52 PM EDT
[#3]
Yea it was a pretty good weekend to be out and about in WV. Looks like Swingset has placed the bar pretty high for reports! I ended up stopping in Covington VA for the night on Saturday and am not afraid to admit that I was damn tired of slow drivers and twisty roads by the time I got there.
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Posted: 10/26/2015 10:39:00 PM EDT
[#4]
Glad both of you had fun and while adventure was found, disasters were averted.
Nice write up and thank you for sharing. |
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Posted: 10/26/2015 10:49:25 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If you are on the fence about an adventure bike or a DL1000. Go for it. Everyone I know who's bought the new DL has loved it. I would have a hard time going 1 liter again and not getting a shaft drive, but I do love the big Stroms. The engine braking takes getting used to, but it's a valuable tool when you get comfortable with it. |
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Posted: 10/28/2015 8:05:09 PM EDT
[#6]
I admit that the stock tires suck. A lot. Ordered a set of the Full Bore M-40 today. And got my boots in. Forma Adventures. Quite comfy around the house. Much more betterer than the old Sidi Rains that are 5 years old and a bit tight. Soon I'll have time to get it out in the dirt. Nothing but mud after 10" of rain last weekend.
So, who wants a perfectly functional 5 year old Olympia X-Moto in (not so) bright (anymore) yellow, size large? Nothing wrong with it, but really trying to clear out the garage. |
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Posted: 11/2/2015 2:44:16 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Everyone I know who's bought the new DL has loved it. I would have a hard time going 1 liter again and not getting a shaft drive, but I do love the big Stroms. The engine braking takes getting used to, but it's a valuable tool when you get comfortable with it. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
If you are on the fence about an adventure bike or a DL1000. Go for it. Everyone I know who's bought the new DL has loved it. I would have a hard time going 1 liter again and not getting a shaft drive, but I do love the big Stroms. The engine braking takes getting used to, but it's a valuable tool when you get comfortable with it. What's the big difference with shaft drive? I've only had chains. |
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Posted: 11/2/2015 4:17:21 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What's the big difference with shaft drive? I've only had chains. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: If you are on the fence about an adventure bike or a DL1000. Go for it. Everyone I know who's bought the new DL has loved it. I would have a hard time going 1 liter again and not getting a shaft drive, but I do love the big Stroms. The engine braking takes getting used to, but it's a valuable tool when you get comfortable with it. What's the big difference with shaft drive? I've only had chains. No cleaning, no rusting or kinking, no adjusting, no changing sprockets and riveting chains every 20k. Change the final drive oil once and a while, you're fucking done. Downside (because everything has a downside), more weight, robs the engine of some power (theoretically) and you can't re-gear with a simple sprocket change, but for a big tourer chains just fucking suck IMHO. |
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Posted: 11/2/2015 4:49:47 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No cleaning, no rusting or kinking, no adjusting, no changing sprockets and riveting chains every 20k. Change the final drive oil once and a while, you're fucking done. Downside (because everything has a downside), more weight, robs the engine of some power (theoretically) and you can't re-gear with a simple sprocket change, but for a big tourer chains just fucking suck IMHO. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
If you are on the fence about an adventure bike or a DL1000. Go for it. Everyone I know who's bought the new DL has loved it. I would have a hard time going 1 liter again and not getting a shaft drive, but I do love the big Stroms. The engine braking takes getting used to, but it's a valuable tool when you get comfortable with it. What's the big difference with shaft drive? I've only had chains. No cleaning, no rusting or kinking, no adjusting, no changing sprockets and riveting chains every 20k. Change the final drive oil once and a while, you're fucking done. Downside (because everything has a downside), more weight, robs the engine of some power (theoretically) and you can't re-gear with a simple sprocket change, but for a big tourer chains just fucking suck IMHO. ahh, thank you |
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Posted: 11/5/2015 1:35:42 AM EDT
[#10]
Had a few hours before work after my VA appointment today, so I took the long way to work.
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Posted: 11/6/2015 9:07:17 AM EDT
[#11]
I'm having a KTM 1190 Adventure R built now! No pictures yet but I'll post some shortly.
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Posted: 11/6/2015 9:55:44 AM EDT
[#12]
Finally put the tires on last night. Im reminded hiw much i hate changing tires, and that i need a bead breaker. I ordered the motion pro bead breaker, serves as tire levers also. Better work like videos.
Pictures tomorrow of my bike on its side, because i know im gonna drop it |
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Posted: 11/6/2015 2:07:04 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Finally put the tires on last night. Im reminded hiw much i hate changing tires, and that i need a bead breaker. I ordered the motion pro bead breaker, serves as tire levers also. Better work like videos. Pictures tomorrow of my bike on its side, because i know im gonna drop it I stopped doing my own tires right around the time I lost access to tire machines  even though I used spoons on my bikes the bead breaker was pretty handy. I did use a bench vise successfully a couple times.
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Posted: 11/6/2015 2:09:38 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I stopped doing my own tires right around the time I lost access to tire machines even though I used spoons on my bikes the bead breaker was pretty handy. I did use a bench vise successfully a couple times.Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Finally put the tires on last night. Im reminded hiw much i hate changing tires, and that i need a bead breaker. I ordered the motion pro bead breaker, serves as tire levers also. Better work like videos. Pictures tomorrow of my bike on its side, because i know im gonna drop it I stopped doing my own tires right around the time I lost access to tire machines even though I used spoons on my bikes the bead breaker was pretty handy. I did use a bench vise successfully a couple times.I'd just ride the bike around in the grass with the valve stem out, it'd break a stubborn bead if I couldn't get it off with the spoons. Dirt bikes are easy, but tubeless tires can really grab. |
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Posted: 11/6/2015 4:04:18 PM EDT
[#15]
Having tube tires being able to get it off is essential. Hadnt even thought about riding until the bead broke. Would be repkacibg the rube anyway.....
The old kickstand trick did not work, with almost all of the bikes weight. I finally cheated and put the tire under the jeep and used the jack the break it. Still lifted the jeep a bit though. |
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Posted: 11/6/2015 4:46:06 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Having tube tires being able to get it off is essential. Hadnt even thought about riding until the bead broke. Would be repkacibg the rube anyway..... The old kickstand trick did not work, with almost all of the bikes weight. I finally cheated and put the tire under the jeep and used the jack the break it. Still lifted the jeep a bit though. I had a stubborn one one time, made one of the 2x4 levers people talk about making (with a short 12" spike to pop the bead). I put it under the front end of an F350, and with two guys pulled the wood down so much it lifted the front of the truck but still didn't pop it. So, I used a dremel to slice VERY close to the rim and hit it with mapp gas from a safe distance to weaken the rubber and it pryed off. Tourance on the rear of my Vee, btw. The riding in the grass trick works, just don't go fast or be careless, it'll handle like absolute shit but it usually knocks the bead right off. |
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Posted: 11/22/2015 7:24:22 PM EDT
[#17]
If I buy a 2015 KLR 650 do you guys promise to make fun of me?
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Posted: 11/22/2015 9:14:02 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If I buy a 2015 KLR 650 do you guys promise to make fun of me? Post pics, if see any Harbor Freight shit bolted on, I'm makin fun of you. |
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Posted: 11/22/2015 10:13:29 PM EDT
[#19]
milk crate mandatory for KLR still ?
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Posted: 11/22/2015 10:17:48 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Post pics, if see any Harbor Freight shit bolted on, I'm makin fun of you. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
If I buy a 2015 KLR 650 do you guys promise to make fun of me? Post pics, if see any Harbor Freight shit bolted on, I'm makin fun of you. One of these days I'm going to get around to picking up that Harbor Freight motorcycle lift that's been getting great reviews. |
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Posted: 11/22/2015 10:30:40 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: One of these days I'm going to get around to picking up that Harbor Freight motorcycle lift that's been getting great reviews. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: If I buy a 2015 KLR 650 do you guys promise to make fun of me? Post pics, if see any Harbor Freight shit bolted on, I'm makin fun of you. One of these days I'm going to get around to picking up that Harbor Freight motorcycle lift that's been getting great reviews. I have a lift and a dolly....I'm a total hypocrite |
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Posted: 11/23/2015 7:32:01 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I have a lift and a dolly....I'm a total hypocrite Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: If I buy a 2015 KLR 650 do you guys promise to make fun of me? Post pics, if see any Harbor Freight shit bolted on, I'm makin fun of you. One of these days I'm going to get around to picking up that Harbor Freight motorcycle lift that's been getting great reviews. I have a lift and a dolly....I'm a total hypocrite |
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Posted: 11/23/2015 7:44:27 AM EDT
[#23]
I have the ATV jack. works well enough for my needs. I'll probably be picking up on of the trailer hitch mounted bike carriers soon. If all goes well I'll be carrying a CRF250L. A mini ADV bike
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Posted: 11/29/2015 1:09:27 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I have the jack. Does Harbor Freight sell milk crates? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
If I buy a 2015 KLR 650 do you guys promise to make fun of me? Post pics, if see any Harbor Freight shit bolted on, I'm makin fun of you. One of these days I'm going to get around to picking up that Harbor Freight motorcycle lift that's been getting great reviews. I have a lift and a dolly....I'm a total hypocrite
Jack helped but honestly was too tall to start with, had to pick up my crf250l and sit it on it, then lift it up. Stick with a block of wood, milk crate or cinderblock. I would prefer a metal plate welded to a hydraulic lift much less effort. ETA- I just bought a 2000 KLR 650 to accompany my CRF250L |
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Posted: 12/5/2015 8:20:40 PM EDT
[#25]
The deals on these leftover Suzuki V-Strom DL1000s are too good to pass up. This is my new 2014 Adventure model. Suzuki is offering $3K off these right now and the dealers are also sweetening the deals to move them. I couldn't resist.
 Untitled by Doug Hansen, on FlickrThe break in (no more than 4,000RPM for the first 600 miles) is killing me but aside from that I'm loving the bike. Seems like a great everyday motorcycle. I'm digging it. |
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Posted: 12/5/2015 9:10:52 PM EDT
[#26]
Very nice! I almost bought the tan one, though I love my Tiger. I took my Vee to many places people said it couldnt go.
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Posted: 12/6/2015 12:33:06 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Very nice! I almost bought the tan one, though I love my Tiger. I took my Vee to many places people said it couldnt go. |
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Posted: 12/6/2015 10:19:13 AM EDT
[#28]
you'll love the Vee. Tons of fun, it actually can do offroad, TKC's fit just fine (raise the front fender for mud clearance
), and it as plenty of power to load it down and still get up hill. Dead nuts reliable to boot. in 80,000 miles I had two issues. Stator went bad, which was a known issue. That was at about 65k. Oil cooler leak at the union, that I'm pretty sure I caused, so I wont fault the bike for it.
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Posted: 12/6/2015 2:47:22 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
you'll love the Vee. Tons of fun, it actually can do offroad, TKC's fit just fine (raise the front fender for mud clearance ), and it as plenty of power to load it down and still get up hill. Dead nuts reliable to boot. in 80,000 miles I had two issues. Stator went bad, which was a known issue. That was at about 65k. Oil cooler leak at the union, that I'm pretty sure I caused, so I wont fault the bike for it.
I 100% agree with the above. I have the 650 Vstrom with 80,000mi and the only thing that's gone wrong is my gear position indicator malfunctuoned, which was a super easy fix, and the valves are STILL in tolerance. |
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Posted: 12/6/2015 3:33:22 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I 100% agree with the above. I have the 650 Vstrom with 80,000mi and the only thing that's gone wrong is my gear position indicator malfunctuoned, which was a super easy fix, and the valves are STILL in tolerance. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
you'll love the Vee. Tons of fun, it actually can do offroad, TKC's fit just fine (raise the front fender for mud clearance ), and it as plenty of power to load it down and still get up hill. Dead nuts reliable to boot. in 80,000 miles I had two issues. Stator went bad, which was a known issue. That was at about 65k. Oil cooler leak at the union, that I'm pretty sure I caused, so I wont fault the bike for it.
I 100% agree with the above. I have the 650 Vstrom with 80,000mi and the only thing that's gone wrong is my gear position indicator malfunctuoned, which was a super easy fix, and the valves are STILL in tolerance. every time i see your avatar i get hungry, then pissed i live in dallas  what i wouldnt give for some Hueneme orders right now
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Posted: 12/6/2015 4:59:39 PM EDT
[#31]
I wish the snow would melt a bit more so I could take my bike out for a little spin. All these pictures of new bikes makes me want to get out there and ride.
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Posted: 12/6/2015 5:05:09 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I wish the snow would melt a bit more so I could take my bike out for a little spin. All these pictures of new bikes makes me want to get out there and ride.  |
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Posted: 12/6/2015 6:37:43 PM EDT
[#33]
So I haven't ridden much lately and I'm having trouble keeping a charge on my battery.
How are those new lithium jobs? Are they good for a guy who rides maybe once a month? I know I gotta get out more just don't have the time really. |
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Posted: 12/6/2015 7:44:49 PM EDT
[#34]
I've never seen a lithium motorcycle battery. Must cost a freaking fortune!
Some people say the AGM do better at holding a charge over the winter. You may want to check for parasitic drains as you research batteries. May not be the battery. |
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Posted: 12/6/2015 9:11:48 PM EDT
[#35]
Are you using a battery tender? I have no experience with lithium MC batteries. |
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Posted: 12/7/2015 12:47:58 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I wish the snow would melt a bit more so I could take my bike out for a little spin. All these pictures of new bikes makes me want to get out there and ride. https://kevinscyclenortonma.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/studded-big-block-side-view1.jpg
Where can I order a set of those for me Vstrom? 
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Posted: 12/7/2015 9:31:42 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Where can I order a set of those for me Vstrom? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: I wish the snow would melt a bit more so I could take my bike out for a little spin. All these pictures of new bikes makes me want to get out there and ride. https://kevinscyclenortonma.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/studded-big-block-side-view1.jpg Where can I order a set of those for me Vstrom? https://kevinscyclenortonma.wordpress.com/2011/10/14/15070x17-studded-adventure-bike-tire/ You can make them, cheaper. |
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