Well. I did it. The 90 is retired.

[JohnMidnight]

At the same time I'm thinking about replacing the pickup coil to solve the death stall the bike gets (everything else checks out fine. New fuse box, no issues with ignition, sparks replaced, fuel pump functional)

 

I stared at a new bike. I ended up not getting a Royal Star. Much to my at first dismay. But instead got myself a 2008 Suzuki VStrom with equipped caribou panniers and a givi trunk and heated grips. The royals used nearby all had to have something done to them. One was even. HDified. Tbh. None fit what I wanted out of a new bike. But this Vstrom did.

 

Love the new bike. It's one heck of a blast.

 

 

Lady Blue is still together. Probably gonna parts her. Thinking about apf salvage in Fresno (Cali) or Craigslist.

 

-Mobile Posting at its finest

[Chaharly]

Mmmm gotta say I like that a lot! We want a full review after you put some time on her!

[cowpuc]

on the new scoot John - THAT IS GORGEOUS!!:clap2::dancefool:

 

Them Strommers are strong scoots, definitely a step toward the sport side of touring instead of the touring side of the sport.. I am also one of those folks who will be waiting to hear more about your future outings on that new baby!!

By the way,, THANKS for the update and the

[JohnMidnight]

New bits: the Strommie is a ungodly blast.

And. She can carry. She can't tow, but she can carry a large volume of gear, all coming down to what sides and trunk you bought. Tank bag you got etc. She can carry. I've read of people camping with a pillioness (new word I learned for attached female passenger) so it can be done.

 

She goes further on a tank than my Venture could, it's a 5.8 US gallon tank. I'm getting 36-37. She's got 5+1 gears, with a rider statement of a true overdrive gear. In 6th generally doing 85 at 4K rpm and she Topps at 9.5k rpm before the red.

 

Her turn radius is less than Lady Blue, but she is considerably lighter. Coming from Blue, I swear I feel like I could probably leg press the bike.

 

Saddle is a little tough in the butt, don't think I've ridden long enough to break it in for me. Corbin seat is setup for a replacement.

 

Heated grips are sweet, it's a version 7 Oxford controller. Told the 8 is interchangeable and requires one less item, so I'll be switching that. Current controller little hard to use with gloves no tactile feedback with the buttons, and lights hard to read during day.

 

Tires are nice Metzler Tourances, good dirt feel. Makes me more confident in dirt than Blue did.

 

She's as tall as Blue, better lights. Room to upgrade. Two 12volt outlets. And I think that's about it.

 

Comparatively. I can't. Blue was made for a different market. Touring. This one is a dual sport tourer. Though something more lighter would be better for real dirt and mud. I like it and happy with her.

 

If you honestly want a lighter ride. Goes as fast as a Venture if not more so, better mileage--650 variant does better in that department--can carry just as much in the bags if not also more so depending on what you get. Give the Stroms a look. Or a Yamahas breed Super Tenre, Kawai Versys, Triumphs triple that I can't remember the name to but that one's nice. We got a rider in our chapter who rides one.

 

-Mobile Posting at its finest

Edited February 11, 2016 by JohnMidnight

[cowpuc]

ROOOCCCCKKK N ROOLLLLLL BROTHER!!:guitarist 2::guitarist 2:

 

GREAT write up John - GOOD ON YA!!

 

Be keeping an eye on ya as we group ride sometime this year and ya disappear into the willy weeds to go find an answer to the famous question of "I wonder where that trail goes":big-grin-emoticon:

[eagleeye]

Welcome to the V-strom crew. I know that there are several of us here who ride them now. I know that this coming summer it is the bike that I'll be traveling on for sure. Got mine last fall and have been adding stuff ever since. Just got me seat back from Rick. Can't wait to try that out.

Mine's a K-9 650 set up for traveling.

[cowpuc]

Welcome to the V-strom crew. I know that there are several of us here who ride them now. I know that this coming summer it is the bike that I'll be traveling on for sure. Got mine last fall and have been adding stuff ever since. Just got me seat back from Rick. Can't wait to try that out.

Mine's a K-9 650 set up for traveling.

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Like that purdy Strom needed any help in the add on department