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Bike with Less Character

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sburns said:
Well the cat it out of the bag, some of you know I picked up a new ride!

Here it is, a 2023 Suzuki vStrom Adventure XT
View attachment 62615

So as you know my Harley was giving me a bunch of problems over the past year or so. After the last day trip break down, decision was made to find something else, with umm less character, I could just ride without issues. I was looking at some used bikes. But I wasn't sure if I wanted to deal with someone else's problems again.

The short list only included 2 bikes. vStrom or a African Twin. I went with the vStrom for a couple of reasons, long history, less expensive and could be a good start into the ADV world. I can see myself on a AF some day though.

I basically randomly visited 2 dealers to get a feel of the market and what was available. The second dealer called me back within an hour and found the exact model I wanted, deal was done.

I've had the bike a few weeks. Feels a bit like learning again as it's much different then the HD.

Still some stuff to get use to and I need to complete the break in before I really can fully experience the ride.

Likes:
- Doesn't shake!
- Quiet, so dam quiet
- cheaper on insurance
- regular gas!!
- better fuel range
- light!
- does well in gravel with stock tires
- good front brakes
- clutch is good!
- dash with gear indicator

Still getting use to
- gearing is very short - 6th is 80+
- shifting with little lever and big feet!
- rear brake is kinda weak
- needs more wind protection, didn't realize how good I had it with full batwing.

The bike does come with side cases but they are on back order, they should show up soon. Would make things easier for longer rides as I can't even carry anything with me like water or 2nd pair of glasses.

I still have my Harley and plan to rebuild the top end and see if that fixes my problem. It has about 150k on it, I think I did alright with it.

So far so good, hopefully I will have a lot of trouble free miles ahead!
(y)
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congrats again!
V stroms have plenty of character!

I was gonna get a vstrom at one point(owned the sportbike version in an sv), but ended up getting an fz6 🤮

Advs are 'tall rounders'...so pretty darn good at everything...jack of all trades etc
they are more capable than people realize

How are you liking the ergonomics compared to the hog?

Also you're gonna have to deal with chain maintenance now eh?
 
Welcome to the club! As mentioned above, everything you need to know about Stroms can be found here: StromTrooper
GreyGhost: VTom can be found there too, as he continues to rack up the miles. He's logged over 750,000 km on Stroms to date.

BTW, that chain looks tight.
 
YESSSSSSS another Stromtrooper. 🖖
WELCOME. :D:D:D:D
Head on over to StromTrooper . You will find $hit load of info there. Very useful.

Congrats on the new bike.
Did you take advantage of the recent test rides Suzuki had?
 
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@sburns
The Givi Airflow screen is popular for the VStrom.
I have one on my DL1050. Let me know if you want to try it out for a ride. It is adjustable as well.

I know its a slightly different bike but it will give you an idea.
 
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Congrats - love the colour.
You might enjoy these two noobs circumnavigating the world on BumbleBee.
Blue skies and wide open views 😍 (Day #318 🏍🌎) Amazing to be back in the desert 🌵Check out our new video on YT… | Instagram

Enjoyed my time with 650s.
 
-Maverick- said:
Always thought this bike was meant to be called a V-Storm. It just makes sense. Suzuki made a typo, some bikes got labeled, they said F it.
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Strom is the German word for current/power/torrent/river/flowing electricity.

This, from a Japanese company.

Ironically, the Japanese word for "river" is "Kawa"...
 
sburns said:
Likes:
- Doesn't shake!
- Quiet, so dam quiet
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I got used to my Sportster tell me the speed by vibration. When I switched to a Goldwing that was gone. I realized it as I was heading into a corner way too fast. Fortunately I had some braking distance left to rub off the excess.
 
Ash said:
Funny how everything is relative. 'Light' is not a word I'd use to describe mine, but I've also never ridden a Harley.

Be aware that the quest for more wind protection can backfire with increased buffeting and noise. Turbulence is common on many bikes with the screen that far forward. If you do end up with buffeting, try a shorter screen (or none at all) to get clean undisturbed air around your head. And if you find it noisy, try removing the mirrors as an experiment. I'm not sure about the current bikes, but the stock mirrors on the 1st gen bikes added a surprising amount of wind noise.
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Agreed. To reduce the turbulence on my FZ6 the secret was to cut about 4-6 inches off the top.
 
sburns said:
The bike does come with side cases but they are on back order, they should show up soon. Would make things easier for longer rides as I can't even carry anything with me like water or 2nd pair of glasses.
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Remember milk crates aren,t just for KLRs
 
Jampy00 said:
Good to know, I want to bolt one on my HD Pan America. Is this allowed?
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Well for that new HD ride maybe it's best you go with a Rubbermaid Action Packer. It's really quite a step up. (It's what I have on my KLR but don't tell anyone)
 
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