Rode a Vstrom DL1000 yesterday - my impressions

[Judge]

A friend of mine and I finally got an opportunity to ride together, and plotted out a nice trip of about 500 miles.

I rode the ST to our destination, and for the return trip, we swapped bikes. His DL100 has a few add-ons, such as Staintune exhaust, Sargent seat, aftermarket windshield, Givi trunk, Power Commander, and Audiovox cruise control. Our route consisted of two lane back roads, some nice sweepers and some tighter twisty's, and then about 100 miles of interstate.

I was VERY impressed with this bike. Wind protection was pretty good with the aftermarket shield, and the seating position and ergos are better than the ST. More leg room, and less reach. I give the Sargent seat an 7 on a scale of 1-10. My Russel is much nicer.

The Vstrom is much more entertaining in the turns than my ST1300. This bike really handles well, and is highly entertaining. The vtwin sounded great with the Staintunes, and had plenty of grunt. I was able to get through turns noticeably faster with the Vstrom , and had more fun doing it.

The interstate run was a good experience. The bike was nice and relaxed at 80-100 mph. I missed some of the windprotection for my legs that the ST provides, but not too much.

I have to say the Vstrom is one heck of a motorcycle. The bike can be ridden for just as long as my ST, and is so much more entertaining on two lane roads. If all I did was crank out interstate, I'd pass, but then again, if that were the case I'd own a BMW 1200LT, and not the ST.

I'm so smitten that I am going to go buy a Vstrom this week.

[AzDesertRider]

The Strom is a perfect bike to compliment the ST in any garage. My Strom gets all the around town trips & some day trips. This year it even got to do an IBA AZSS1K & we won a 24hr 1100 mile rally. But, the ST is still my "Touring" Bike that can't be replaced.

[805gregg]

I agree they compliment each other, both excellent road bikes, but when the road stops you can keep going on the V-Strom. I've had mine for 9 months and about 9,000 miles.I went out to MCL's shop to get hwy pegs for my ST, after we went to lunch he on V-Strom me on ST we did a rolling acceleration test the ST was a little faster but not much. With the right windshield almost no buffeting except on frwy with traffic, you will love this bike.

[jdpfms]

A friend of mine and I finally got an opportunity to ride together, and plotted out a nice trip of about 500 miles.

I rode the ST to our destination, and for the return trip, we swapped bikes. His DL100 has a few add-ons, such as Staintune exhaust, Sargent seat, aftermarket windshield, Givi trunk, Power Commander, and Audiovox cruise control. Our route consisted of two lane back roads, some nice sweepers and some tighter twisty's, and then about 100 miles of interstate.

I was VERY impressed with this bike. Wind protection was pretty good with the aftermarket shield, and the seating position and ergos are better than the ST. More leg room, and less reach. I give the Sargent seat an 7 on a scale of 1-10. My Russel is much nicer.

The Vstrom is much more entertaining in the turns than my ST1300. This bike really handles well, and is highly entertaining. The vtwin sounded great with the Staintunes, and had plenty of grunt. I was able to get through turns noticeably faster with the Vstrom , and had more fun doing it.

The interstate run was a good experience. The bike was nice and relaxed at 80-100 mph. I missed some of the windprotection for my legs that the ST provides, but not too much.

I have to say the Vstrom is one heck of a motorcycle. The bike can be ridden for just as long as my ST, and is so much more entertaining on two lane roads. If all I did was crank out interstate, I'd pass, but then again, if that were the case I'd own a BMW 1200LT, and not the ST.

I'm so smitten that I am going to go buy a Vstrom this week.

Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated, Hehe. I've been smitten also and have a DL1000 and 650 both. They are super bikes. I still like the smooth, refined nature of the ST, but the Stroms are a blast.

JDP

[GRN]

Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated, Hehe.
JDP

I have no idea what ya'll are talking about ;)

[Elmo]

I sure did like the only experience I had on one. I test road a V-Strom 1000 before purchasing my ST. I made the right decision for me, but I would still like to have the 1000 Strom.

Some day... ;)


Elmo

[Computer Nerd]

Have you checked out the yamaha FZ6?

That is a fantastic little bike. Absolutely perfect ergos, and a very nice runner.

It is especially good 4cyl bike for taller folks.

[Mileater1950]

+++++++ on all the Strom praise. My K2 has 78K on it and has been bulletproof and it's such a different bike than the STeed. Just nice to have the right tool in the toolbox when you need it!:)

Wouldn't trade either,

Bob

[CarSalesman]

I currently have an ST1100 and BMW K1200LT. We rarely use the LT, because we like the ST so much. I am considering selling the LT, and getting something lighter to compliment the ST.

The two under consideration are the R1200GS and the V-Strom 1000. The closest BMW dealer is over 100 miles away, but of course there are Suzuki dealers everywhere. Unfortunately, most don't stock the V-Strom. Just like the ST, the V-Strom is a slow selling bike. Figures that what I like is difficult to find around here.

I went to a Suzuki dealer today to check one out, but of course he doesn't have one in stock. I am concerned that the literature shows a seat height of 33". My pants inseam is 30". Does the V-Strom settle quite a bit on its suspension, or is am I not going to bea ble to flat foot this thing!

[Mileater1950]

Well CarSalesman, you will never flat foot but you won't on the GS either. I have a 29" inseam and learned to stop on the ball of one foot. You just have to be careful where you stop, turn around and when you get gas.You can go with the lower seat but it sucks. The stock is the best stock seat I've ever had but I wore it out in 50K.

All that said it's a great bike and a good compliment to the STeed. Heck if you can hold up a "Light Truck" the Strom will be a piece of cake!!;)

[motoman]

Great bike. Wish I had one.

Oh wait! I do. ;)

[Computer Nerd]

There was a grey Vstrom at a local shop that had some fantastic looking soft luggage, and a tank bag.

They make a really nice steed.

[RTETR]

My brother in law has the DL1000 for 3 years now and loves it.

He and I have been coast to coast twice now and he not only keeps up but never a complaint about his ride position, his butt on the stock seat or engine heat. And once in a while he leaves me to explore some "off the beaten paths".

With the Givi bags added it seems to be a vey capable, fun long distance ride. In fact, he now has the only power adjustable windscreen on a V-Strom as he did it himself with a small electric motor, a trunscrew mechanism and a Cee Bailey's screen.

This year we are considering selling our GS650 BMW for a DL650. It's mainly my wife's bike, although I log more miles, but the V-Strom is just a wonderful alternative and much more value for the dollar.

[st_rider]

I am concerned that the literature shows a seat height of 33". My pants inseam is 30". Does the V-Strom settle quite a bit on its suspension, or is am I not going to bea ble to flat foot this thing!

Many people swap out the DL1K seat for a DL650 seat, which is a bit lower. You can also inSTall lowering links to drop it even more.

:)

[Howard C.]

CarSalesman, Thursday I sold my DL1000, already wish I had not. I have a 30in. inseam, so I can tell you no problem riding the bike. You can't flat foot it but almost. This is one case where close is good enough.

Howard C.

[yippee757]

I had a DL1K for about 6 months and could not stand it. Coming over from an 02 VFR, it just felt and handled oddly. Lots of wiggling and sliding of the rear end while hard on the gas. Where the VFR would Some of it is due to the tires and the rear shock that was at max preload when I was riding solo. It just was not the all around street bike I hoped it would be. For my riding, the ST feels great, the VFR is a little bit but man does it kill my neck.

[Sylvain]

Just before deciding to finish the restoration of my r100/7, I test rode a demo VStrom 1000. I really liked the bike, coming from a dirt riding back ground, the upright position and the light sterring feel made me feel good. I could see the "do it all " side of the bike real well.

My old beemer was stored in the basement for the last 16 years, and considering it was our honeymoon bike, I commited myself to restore the /7 for our 20th wedding anniversary in 2005. I made it for the 21st... So last year the old beemer saw the light again. I spent at least the same amount of money for the restoration as I would of done to buy the new V Strom. It was an emotional/sentimental decision.

The VStrom can tackle the dirt roads without reliability issues and good ergonomics at the best price. With the right aftermarket parts, this bike can eat curves and spit gravel. If it's your first ride, the 650 will be really good choice.