baby v strom test ride tomorrow any thoughts

queen of string · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Karma :

ok , finally getting my butt in gear to buy a new bike. Test riding a 2004 dl650 tomorrow, £4000 . Any thoughts gentlemen please. I need a bike to ride 100 miles and back at least once a week and I'd like to try some touring. I'm 5ft 4 1/2 and can just reach on it. I like unusual things and dont want to be part of the 600 sports bike herd, have been riding 3 yrs on a gs500 and have only rcently started doing lots of miles. thanks
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"Eat food, not edible, food-like items. Mostly plants."

Nb · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 May 2005 Karma :

I have had a k5 wee-strom Wink

since september last year. Done about 7k miles on it going to and from work and ride outs.
They are really good on fuel, some people can get 250 miles out of a tank, i normally get 200 ish. Its got good headlights, isnt what you call fast compared to a sports 600 but i dont get beaten from the lights by many cars.
Mine has sounded tappety since day one on idle and ive been assured its normal, and from speaking to other owners it is. Its very comfy, although your throttle hand might feel funny (pins and needles from vibes) after your first big trip out on it. But you'll get used to it (i did) or get heavier bar ends.
It'll sit all day at 100 even two up, so no worries for touring. I'd reccomend fitting a scottoiler because the 650 only comes with a sidestand which makes things awkward. Should feel pretty punchy from low revs, might surge a little between 3-4k rpm, my one lurches a bit between these rpms when riding. You can get it sorted with a power commander but its not that bad really.
You might also find the paint worn off the frame above the footpegs, common problem with the 650.
Any more info you need go here. https://www.vstrom.info/ Or ask me anything that i might know. Very Happy

You must have a long inside leg to ride one! Shocked

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Cbr1100xx blackbird gone, mk4 golf gt tdi chav now
Colin1 wrote 'Im grateful for what i can get, which isnt all that much.'
Columbus travel insurance are crap!! Do not use!

queen of string · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Karma :

thanks nb I saw you had one from previous posts:)
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"Eat food, not edible, food-like items. Mostly plants."

Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

I think those things are enourmous , I park my NTV650 next to one each morning and the NTV 650 is a pretty big bike,
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

Method · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Nov 2004 Karma :

Nb's bike is immense Thumbs Up

Only thing is his exhaust is enough to blow your ear drums Wink

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CBT Aug '03 ... Gilera GSM 50 ... Honda NSR 125 Aug '04 ...
Full Test Dec 04... Suzuki GS500 Jan 05... Suzuki SV650 Mar 07... Gixxer 6 K5 May 08... Oh and my 'Rado Wink

My Bikepics.com - No Brakes, No Gears... No Fear.

queen of string · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Karma :

Yer and I'm only alittle girlie so how cool will I look clinging on to it Smile

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"Eat food, not edible, food-like items. Mostly plants."

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Nb · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 May 2005 Karma :

So how did you get on ??? Laughing

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Cbr1100xx blackbird gone, mk4 golf gt tdi chav now
Colin1 wrote 'Im grateful for what i can get, which isnt all that much.'
Columbus travel insurance are crap!! Do not use!

queen of string · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Karma :

Bit mixed tbh. its not the bike for me, nothing wrong with it really just doesnt float my boat. Does make you feel like Ewan Mc Gregor though Smile

Got a fazer thou and a cbr 600 to try tuesday, in my ongoing quest for the bike that makes me grin. thanks to everyone who helped Smile

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"Eat food, not edible, food-like items. Mostly plants."

Flip · Super Spammer Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Karma :

queen of string · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Karma :

beardy
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"Eat food, not edible, food-like items. Mostly plants."

Flip · Super Spammer Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Karma :

If it had made you feel like a Jedi I would have said buy it.

queen of string · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Karma :

I am searching for something that will make me grin like a cheshire cat Smile

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"Eat food, not edible, food-like items. Mostly plants."

Flip · Super Spammer Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Karma :

His name is Stu. Wink

Flip · Super Spammer Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Karma :

I decided against the rampant rabbit joke.

queen of string · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Karma :

yeh and now I just need a bike to do the same Smile

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"Eat food, not edible, food-like items. Mostly plants."

ISLAND GIRL · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Karma :

I reckon they are a nice comfy riding positioned bike and nice for pillion too. My hubby brough a brand newie last year but has just since trading her in for something else, a beamer gs, he has had his heart set on one of these for a while now although I dont think he will be off around the world just yet Laughing

. With the strom you dont get aching back, wrist etc like some I know that ride sports bikes on long trips and with the strom you still have as much power and speed, recommended and enjoy Thumbs Up

Just one thing mind, at just five foot 4 how on earth do you reach the floor and hold it up, Nicks was damm heavy for me to hold let alone ride!
Did meet a lady earlier this year who rode one and she coped just fine, she turned up on a FJR 1300 at the time mind but said she loved her strom Mr. Green

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Live on the Isle of Wight and ride a CBR600F