V-Strom Suzuki's....looking for experiences of them....

galwaytt

...don't know why, but I hanker after a new bike this year - well, new to me, not new-new if you get me.

My wife has an SV650S and it's a hoot. I really, really like the engine etc. So it got me to thinking of other SV-engined bikes, and the V-Stroms come to mind.

I think I'd prefer the 1000, but don't know anyone who's had one. There again, maybe the 650 version is better/more useful/more practical. I actually don't need a 1000, but after years on a H-D, I'm liking Big Twins

Currently have occasional need to ride an 09 Deauville 700 and it's grand, but tbh it really needs another 300cc or something.

Other left-field choices include Triumph Scrambler...... or Ducati Multistrada, but not sure I want to spend that much.

So, anything on SV's appreciated.

Idleater

I had the SV1000. Excellent bike. The riding position on the DL would probably suit loaded touring or two up.
I was regularly getting 5.5 l/100k so pretty practical apart from the 11.5 love fuel tank (to reserve)

LookBehindYou

V/Strom 1000 is a great bike, reliable and plenty of grunt. I have one.

lostboy75

galwaytt wrote: »

Triumph ScramblerQUOTE]

PHD motorcycles in Oranmore had a scrambler in the shop, not sure if for sale or in for repairs, but noticed it last time I was in

Wonda-Boy

Been on them many a time, including a trip back from the Northwest road races last year in the worst weather I have ever ridden in. The Strom never put a foot wrong, even at motorway speeds with deep puddles its was so sure footed. Everything from grunt to riding position is just PERFECT. You can carry a small house too, the only thing is (and this is personal opinion) they are much to look at.

Would recommend one all day long.

galwaytt

All good so, just missed out on one in Galway - only spotted the ad this a.m. to find it's gone already.....

gbob

Had the DL1000, was faultless except for the typical suzuki thin paint. The 650 is every bit as good with the benefit of being slightly lighter and far more economical, and will still do silly speeds if you want it to. Only went for the 1000 cause the twin exhaust looks better, if I was buying now I'd go for the 650.

two wheels good

I've ridden a DL650 quite a bit and really like it. I could see myself getting one some day. Comfy, fast enough, economical - great headlights! The suspension is a bit budget and the rear brake. You do need to care for it or the finish suffers.

Interceptor

Suzuki have completely revised it for 2014 - the new bike looks great. I saw one getting caned around Mondello at a track day a few years ago so they are certainly versatile. A mate of mine has a 2005 and a 2013 Multistrada and swears the old one is more fun to ride - I'd probably buy a newer Fi Varadero if I was in the market for something like that.

'c

galwaytt

Interceptor wrote: »

Suzuki have completely revised it for 2014 - the new bike looks great. I saw one getting caned around Mondello at a track day a few years ago so they are certainly versatile. A mate of mine has a 2005 and a 2013 Multistrada and swears the old one is more fun to ride - I'd probably buy a newer Fi Varadero if I was in the market for something like that.

'c

I've ridden a DL650 very briefly, so I'd want to do it again really.

A friend of mine as the older Multistrada and again only a brief ride on that, but I found it.....I dunno, but 'rough' is probably too strong a word for it. Not-as-refined, shall we say, as a Jap engine.

The new-for-2014 DL1000 looks great though, I have to say.

Seanie_H

Awww. I've a 650 in storage (breaks my heart .... I can't bear to sell it but should really). It's factory restricted but still goes very nicely. I love the high position. Beautiful balance to it and there's nothing better than when you nail a corner or a series of bends with it. I think they're great looking bike... Plenty of add ons to customise it too.

Seanie_H

Awww. I've a 650 in storage (breaks my heart .... I can't bear to sell it but should really). It's factory restricted but still goes very nicely. I love the high position. Beautiful balance to it and there's nothing better than when you nail a corner or a series of bends with it. I think they're great looking bike... Plenty of add ons to customise it too.

Have had an early DL1000 (K3) since 2006 as my daily ride year around and I have put over 80k km on it over the years, total 88k now.

Can't really fault it apart from stock fueling with is a bit lean so riding around town requires a steady hand but ok otherwise. I'm quite lazy with washing but the finish has been better than expected seen as mine is almost never covered and used every day. Exhaust system e.g. is all stainless, which is quite good for a budget bike. I do fully polish it when doing a big clean up which has probably helped the maintaining a almost blemish-less paint job. Mine is mainly suffering from some corrosion on engine side covers and the front cylinder finishes due to road salt. Add on crashbars etc., which are not Suzuki OEM, show a good bit of corrosion in comparison.

Big Stroms have a design fault with the clutch basket, which wears out and starts to "chudder". I got mine remanufactured in UK a few years ago and it has been great since. Standard maintenance on these is: oil changes every 6k and filter every second time; sparks, air filter, tappet check (never needed adjustments), TB balance, every couple of years. In addition, apart from th clutch basket, over the years I have had to change one roller bearing in multilink, fix an electical fault with headlights and change the front suspension oil seals. I have changed the drive chain twice and am currently running the fourth set of tyres. Brake pads last about 20k a set or more with the way I ride. It uses not a drop of oil between changes and still runs nice and tight. I will need to change the gear position sensor soon as the bike hunts between maps of different gears and occasionally shows the overdrive light on 3rd gear but thats the only fault it has.

Defo would much recommend for you to try one. I took mine to Italy a couple years back and the bike was great on the long run. It's kind of bike that is just really dependable, and as it's nothing to look at attracts absolutely zero attention, good or bad. With a group of bikes nobody even looks at it, but it rides much better than looks. After all these years I still love mine for it's handling, comfort and power. That said, I will probably be on market for the new one whenever they actually become available and price goes down a bit from the expected STG 10k. But only because over 7 years is a loooong time with the same bike.

galwaytt

...just an update: after a 2-month lay-off (on crutches), I sat on my bike for the first time in 9 weeks, last Saturday.

It being a lovely sunny Saturday, I went for a spin.

Now where - why I went is because....whilst browsing DD a pop-up ad came up bottom of the screen for 'special offers' on Suzuki's . Naturally I assumed it was spam, and probably from the US, or China or some such. But I clicked on it anyway and it was actually Suzuki motors Ireland with special offers and a list of dealers.

Both generations of DL1000 were on the list, so I rang the nearest - Doyle's in Athone, and they had one of the new ones in stock, on the window, that I could go an have a look at.

And off in the sun I went.

Doyles duly did take the bike down off the plinth, and wheeled it outside for me to try. It's........lovely Modern, and light. God so light. Well when you've arrived on a 365kg Harley, 228kg of anything is bloody light ! I really, really liked it.

So down to numbers then: there is a special offer on the 'old' K9 model at €10950, to include all panniers, top box, centrestand, heated grips etc etc , which is an approx. €3k saving.

The new 2014 model is €13950 with nothing on it. Not even a centrestand. I'd say by the time you add the stand, panniers, top box, heated grips etc etc that you would have no change out of another....€2k ? Which would make it €15950.

So, is the new model worth €5950 more ? ....

What do you think... ?

OLD:



NEW

Idleater

Old one is better value imo, new one looks like an ugly take on a multistrada from that picture.

Assuming that you want and would get use from the touring pack and be keeping it for a couple of years anyway I'd say the savings would be worth the "new" model aging.

kodak

Old model is a lot of bike for 11k...

Wonda-Boy

BMW rip off if ever there was one.....

Richard tea

Personally I would defo go for the old model. So much extras. Just reading in MCN today the new 650 Vstrom will look very similar to the 1000 cc version. The beak is very BMW ish alright.

P.s I just realised this bike is called a V-Strom, I always thought it was called a V-storm:o

LookBehindYou

P.s I just realised this bike is called a V-Strom, I always thought it was called a V-storm:o[/QUOTE]

I call my yoke a StormTrooper

Cienciano

galwaytt wrote: »

...just an update: after a 2-month lay-off (on crutches), I sat on my bike for the first time in 9 weeks, last Saturday.

It being a lovely sunny Saturday, I went for a spin.

Now where - why I went is because....whilst browsing DD a pop-up ad came up bottom of the screen for 'special offers' on Suzuki's . Naturally I assumed it was spam, and probably from the US, or China or some such. But I clicked on it anyway and it was actually Suzuki motors Ireland with special offers and a list of dealers.

Both generations of DL1000 were on the list, so I rang the nearest - Doyle's in Athone, and they had one of the new ones in stock, on the window, that I could go an have a look at.

And off in the sun I went.

Doyles duly did take the bike down off the plinth, and wheeled it outside for me to try. It's........lovely Modern, and light. God so light. Well when you've arrived on a 365kg Harley, 228kg of anything is bloody light ! I really, really liked it.

So down to numbers then: there is a special offer on the 'old' K9 model at €10950, to include all panniers, top box, centrestand, heated grips etc etc , which is an approx. €3k saving.

The new 2014 model is €13950 with nothing on it. Not even a centrestand. I'd say by the time you add the stand, panniers, top box, heated grips etc etc that you would have no change out of another....€2k ? Which would make it €15950.

So, is the new model worth €5950 more ? ....

What do you think... ?

OLD:



NEW

The old is a bit dated, depends on the cash you have. Go with the new if you're loaded! I wouldn't be able to justify it myself sure my hypermotard cost less than €5950. But if you're spending that much, just get the bike you want or you'll always be regretting it. Glad I cleared that one up for you :pac:

Skill Magill

If it were me, I'd go to the credit union asking for €15950 for the 2014 Vstrom, and once loan approved buy the older model with all the extras, and then fúck off on a road trip holiday to the tune of the extra €5950. Also, once you buy a new bike, imho you lose about 20% on the resale

CJhaughey

I think the 650 is a nicer engine than the 1000, seems to just run sweeter or something.
Nothing wrong with the old TL1000 lump at all but the 650 just seemed nicer for some reason.

Seanie_H

Skill Magill wrote: »

Also, once you buy a new bike, imho you lose about 20% on the resale

Great point. So for me;
1. Second hand old model + kit
2. Old model + kit
3. New Model

Wonda-Boy

There are loads of great mint Vstrom 1000s out there with luggage. Just make sure its the GT model you get.....I personally think the 650cc mode is a little under powered for such a big bike. And it wouldnt be as nice touring on it.

galwaytt

Seanie_H wrote: »

Great point. So for me;
1. Second hand old model + kit
2. Old model + kit
3. New Model

I have come to the same conclusion as above.

I saw the actual price of the kitted new one yesterday: €15,750. That's just too much imho.

Still haven't ridden one, so will need to try one. The S.O. has an SV650S, so I already know what a peach that is. (the bike, that is...... :pac: :pac: )

galwaytt

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

BMW rip off if ever there was one.....

....you could argue that BWM ripped off Suzuki..........the DR BIG 750 was the first bike to actually feature a 'beak' as is the norm on everything now, way back in 1988. BMW first used it on the 11GS 6 years later.


As a previous owner of a 1200GS, I have no particular urge to visit that experience, and the Suzuki is more appealing to me.

Wonda-Boy

galwaytt wrote: »

....you could argue that BWM ripped off Suzuki..........the DR BIG 750 was the first bike to actually feature a 'beak' as is the norm on everything now, way back in 1988. BMW first used it on the 11GS 6 years later.


As a previous owner of a 1200GS, I have no particular urge to visit that experience, and the Suzuki is more appealing to me.

Did not know that....but in fairness its not just the "beak" the whole bike looks so like a BMW. I would love a spin on the new one to see how it compares to the old 1000.

galwaytt

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Did not know that....but in fairness its not just the "beak" the whole bike looks so like a BMW. I would love a spin on the new one to see how it compares to the old 1000.

Sure, but it's not a bad thing either way. I do think the new bike is better looking than the old, and probably better in other ways too - but I'm not sure it's 5k better than a new 'old' one and it's definitely not 10k better than a used 'old' one.

Mind you, I do like ABS............ :cool:

Wonda-Boy

galwaytt wrote: »

Sure, but it's not a bad thing either way. I do think the new bike is better looking than the old, and probably better in other ways too - but I'm not sure it's 5k better than a new 'old' one and it's definitely not 10k better than a used 'old' one.

Mind you, I do like ABS............ :cool:

Yeah, but any new bike is gonna have a premium attached for the 1st little while because its new. I would take the Kwacker Versys over the new or old Vstrom any day. Much better bike and very well spec'ed, but my favorite bike at the moment is the Triumph Explorer 1200. Out 2 yrs now and still very pricey.

goodlad

I PM galwaytt loads of info about what i think of the vstrom anyway.

I deffo like mine anyway. Best decision ever was movin from my SV to the strom.

Skill Magill

For that money and style of bike, I'd have to agree with wonda and consider the triumph tiger exp 1200 Its shaft driven, no príckin about with adjustment and lubes etc. Its more powerful and faster than the dl and gs, and certainly blows the DL out of the water in the looks department

galwaytt

Skill Magill wrote: »

For that money and style of bike, I'd have to agree with wonda and consider the triumph tiger exp 1200 Its shaft driven, no príckin about with adjustment and lubes etc. Its more powerful and faster than the dl and gs, and certainly blows the DL out of the water in the looks department

Yes. Maybe. But look at the price.

In related news, on the way home from a Blood Bike run today, I spot a Blackbird and a DL outside my local Topaz, with the owners chilling in the sun. .... so special thanks to the two Clara lads and for letting me try out the DL for size. Loved it.

You'd never see that happen with 2 Yaris owners !

goodlad

Its also dead easy and really cheap to lower the vstrom if needed.
About 30 quid for lower links and if ya need more just switch the seat to a 650 one.