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Scorch
0
It's Sunday and it's raining in Southeast Texas, as it has for 92 out of the last 100 days, so I'm stuck in the cabin.
I am the owner of an '08 V-Strom 650, which was my all-time favorite bike. It had enough power, was the best handling and most nimble bike I ever rode--that combo really makes riding a lot of fun. It was comfortable and reliable. And it was reasonably priced.
After 69,000 miles and 10 years, my Buy a New Bike alarm went off. I have to buy at least one more new bike before I hit 60... and that's next year, so...
I checked out the Guzzi Roamer and Ducati Scrambler 1100, both great bikes, but a little down on power for me. I went to the Suzuki demo day in AUgust at Stubbs to try the 1000 Strom, thinking I could have it all, a new model, Strom handling, and 1000 power. Needless to say, I was blown away by the Strom 1000. I almost knocked the salesman down getting to the pen to sign the papers.
I'ver had it 3 months now and have 2000 miles on it (would have more if not for the accursed rain). I've added an Atlas throttle lock and the OEM Suzuki side cases, and I have the Tall touring seat on the way. That's about all I need to get the bike where I want it.
Handling: Man, yes, yes, yes: such a fine handling bike. Just as nimble as the old 650. I think the high center of gravity must be a good thing, because just like the 650, this machine carves the curves. It just feels so effortless to whip it through the curves and corners. I have ridden my 650 and then the 1000, I cannot really feel any weight difference, even though I know the 1000 is ~40lbs heavier.
Power is great, more than I need and spread across the rpm range. I find myself getting to 65 in 4th gear then shifting up to 5, 6th and the engine loafs along at 75. I've hit 120 once and it got there in no time at all. That's as fast as I go on anything that does not have wings. You can pass cars and bolt away from a stoplight with plenty of quickness. I have to make sure I don't start getting tickets now, I'm a CDL holder.
Comfort: the new model seat is much better than the stock 650 seat from the '08 bike. A little wider, a little thicker. I am 6' so the distance between the seat and pegs matters to me. It is ok, but I am hoping the 1.5" increase the soon-to-arrive tall seat will make it even better. This bike is tall but not too tall for me. I like tall bikes anyway.
Pros: the new design windshield is much much better than the old design. On my 650 I had to go with an aftermarket windshield to reduce the buffeting. On this 1000, it's a small shield but it's adjustable without tools and it really does the job. It's not Gold Wing calm behind it, more like "sitting on the patio with a breeze". I don't plan to change it out, it works great for me.
The seat is great, as mentioned above.
Cons: still chain drive, wish they would make a shaft model. Still the same crappy mirrors that do not extend out far enough. At least I still know what my shoulders look like. Will need a speedo healer, it seems to be off by ~6%.
Overall impression: Very happy with this bike. I'm so glad Suzuki is still improving and selling the legendary V-Stroms, I probably would have quit riding by now otherwise. If it ever stops raining, I'm headed to Lockhart by way of Dallas.
I am the owner of an '08 V-Strom 650, which was my all-time favorite bike. It had enough power, was the best handling and most nimble bike I ever rode--that combo really makes riding a lot of fun. It was comfortable and reliable. And it was reasonably priced.
After 69,000 miles and 10 years, my Buy a New Bike alarm went off. I have to buy at least one more new bike before I hit 60... and that's next year, so...
I checked out the Guzzi Roamer and Ducati Scrambler 1100, both great bikes, but a little down on power for me. I went to the Suzuki demo day in AUgust at Stubbs to try the 1000 Strom, thinking I could have it all, a new model, Strom handling, and 1000 power. Needless to say, I was blown away by the Strom 1000. I almost knocked the salesman down getting to the pen to sign the papers.
I'ver had it 3 months now and have 2000 miles on it (would have more if not for the accursed rain). I've added an Atlas throttle lock and the OEM Suzuki side cases, and I have the Tall touring seat on the way. That's about all I need to get the bike where I want it.
Handling: Man, yes, yes, yes: such a fine handling bike. Just as nimble as the old 650. I think the high center of gravity must be a good thing, because just like the 650, this machine carves the curves. It just feels so effortless to whip it through the curves and corners. I have ridden my 650 and then the 1000, I cannot really feel any weight difference, even though I know the 1000 is ~40lbs heavier.
Power is great, more than I need and spread across the rpm range. I find myself getting to 65 in 4th gear then shifting up to 5, 6th and the engine loafs along at 75. I've hit 120 once and it got there in no time at all. That's as fast as I go on anything that does not have wings. You can pass cars and bolt away from a stoplight with plenty of quickness. I have to make sure I don't start getting tickets now, I'm a CDL holder.
Comfort: the new model seat is much better than the stock 650 seat from the '08 bike. A little wider, a little thicker. I am 6' so the distance between the seat and pegs matters to me. It is ok, but I am hoping the 1.5" increase the soon-to-arrive tall seat will make it even better. This bike is tall but not too tall for me. I like tall bikes anyway.
Pros: the new design windshield is much much better than the old design. On my 650 I had to go with an aftermarket windshield to reduce the buffeting. On this 1000, it's a small shield but it's adjustable without tools and it really does the job. It's not Gold Wing calm behind it, more like "sitting on the patio with a breeze". I don't plan to change it out, it works great for me.
The seat is great, as mentioned above.
Cons: still chain drive, wish they would make a shaft model. Still the same crappy mirrors that do not extend out far enough. At least I still know what my shoulders look like. Will need a speedo healer, it seems to be off by ~6%.
Overall impression: Very happy with this bike. I'm so glad Suzuki is still improving and selling the legendary V-Stroms, I probably would have quit riding by now otherwise. If it ever stops raining, I'm headed to Lockhart by way of Dallas.
