Almost a V-Strom 650 convert...

[thistlefly]

OK, coming back to bikes after a 5-year hiatus, and have been doing my 'paper' research... and I'm all but settled on a V-Strom 650. (One dealer is attempting to sway me towards the 2009 'big brother' 1000, but frankly the only thing that tempts me is the cool under-seat dual exhaust.

Does anyone have any experience with the dealers in the general area of Santa Cruz/San Jose/Palo Alto? I've spoken to a couple and visited one, but personal referrals are always the best way to choose a good dealer.

Thanks-

   Bob

[kewwig]

Get the 650.  I tried both, and was always a "larger is better" fan.  The 650 is smoother, better around town, more economical, doesn't "chudder" like the big one and yet gets up and goes well one or two up.  I thought it was the better all round bike, even if the thou has a bit more top end.  In a straight line drag there wasn't all that much between them.

[Elessar]

Plus, you can always add a second exhaust to achieve that cool factor.  The second tube doesn't even have to be real...check it out here: http://www.stromtrooper.com/dl650-specific-wee-strom/4962-dual-exhaust-my-dl-650-pictures.html

[stromgal]

The Strom is pretty durn bullet-proof, so you shouldn't have much need of a dealer. Oil changes are easy. Don't need to check valves 'til around 16k, some put it off to 20k. If you raise the fork tubes in the triple clamps a bit you'll quicken the steering on that 19" front wheel.

If you're not completely set on having 'new bike smell' (and cost) there are plenty of used ones out there, often nicely farkled. Use the jaxed.com sitemash to search.  Good luck!

[thistlefly]

The Strom is pretty durn bullet-proof, so you shouldn't have much need of a dealer. Oil changes are easy. Don't need to check valves 'til around 16k, some put it off to 20k. If you raise the fork tubes in the triple clamps a bit you'll quicken the steering on that 19" front wheel.

If you're not completely set on having 'new bike smell' (and cost) there are plenty of used ones out there, often nicely farkled. Use the jaxed.com sitemash to search.  Good luck!

Thanks, stromgal... hadn't heard of jaxed.com before, that is neat.

BTW, where the heck is "Mwocky Scansin?"  

     Bob

[Oxblood]

The Wee Strom is an awesome bike. I had one for 2.5 trouble free years of fun. It does many things well, and that is what makes it great.Good commuter, thrifty on fuel, good long distance bike, gravel roads, and if you don't mind some dents and broken turn singles single track as well. As mentioned, it is darned near bomb proof. The only major money dumped into mine was a suspension upgrade on the fork (Racetech Springs, and Gold valves), and tire swaps. At the valve check (18,000 km), it needed no adjustments.

Reliable, fun, ugly in a cool way and cheap. Awesome Bike! Get one!

[stromgal]

Bob, it's the way some say 'Milwaukee Wisconsin'.  

[thistlefly]

Bob, it's the way some say 'Milwaukee Wisconsin'.  

Too funny...  

[surfsup]

picked up my 2011 two weeks ago... the book now says check valves at 24k miles.







i've been watching the wee a long time - and have hours of seat time on my buddy's. probably one of the best all round bikes out there. definitley the best deal going from a economical perspective.

[stromgal]

I really like the white with silver rims. Congrats on the new ride.

[surfsup]

thanks... i thought so too. took about a month (delivery) to get a white one after i ordered it.

here it is without the OEM decals:



and some more "stuff" bolted on :

[bomber]

Much nicer lookin without the artwork, Surf -- good looking scoot!

[County Tar]

Its the utility truck of motorbikes.     I can't seem to get rid of mine; every time I ride something different I want to come back to it.  

[stromgal]

I dunno, it lacks a certain something with the graphics gone, and that big slab o' white. Perhaps a roundel?  

[surfsup]

I dunno, it lacks a certain something with the graphics gone, and that big slab o' white. Perhaps a roundel?  

oh, i got something "special" coming... should look pretty cool (in a utilty sorta way).  

[surfsup]

btw - i tried to find the "VMW" roundel... but the guy (over on stromtroopers) who was making them quit mess'n with it. do you have a source?

[stromgal]

Sorry, was just thinking of messin' with the propeller guys.

[surfsup]

at a certain angle from the rear... that big white tank does make the wee look sorta beemer'ish (if you squint real hard) - i hope that doesn't cause any shaft chain failures and/or various towing calls...  

[Oxblood]

Makes me weepy eyed seeing all the praise for the Wee. Here is my old Wee:



A 2007 model that I picked up in 2008, with only 1381 km on it. Dealer sold it to me for just over 5000.00, then, 2,5 years later, and some 47000km later, the same dealer gace me 4000.00 as a trade in on it. It was a darned good bike.

[surfsup]

tool tube installed...