Bike is just about Rally ready!

[Ranger01]

Well, I'm headed to the National SV Rally in 2 weeks and finally got my luggage in and on, as well as a new tire.

300+ miles yesterday and I'm very happy.  I love having lockable luggage, waterproof luggage.  My Sargent seat goes back on today.

[rauchman]

Very cool setup.  Are you running Helibars?  What kind of mileage are you getting with everything on the bike?  Do you find the power of the 650 to be "enough"?

[CLAY]

Very cool- looks sharps!  My buddy just sold his SV650 for a FZ1- he toured on it as well. It did fine- great machines they are...

[RowdyRed94]

Nice! Faired standards rock.

[bedlamite]

How many miles did you get out of the Strada?

rauchman- She's got convertibars with V-Strom handguards.

[rauchman]

How many miles did you get out of the Strada?

rauchman- She's got convertibars with V-Strom handguards.

Thanks for the info.  I had a brandy new 2002 silver SV650S that I had bought as my first bike in 2002.  Wow, do I miss that bike.  It was a beauty too.  I kick myself in the ass thinking that I could have turned it into something like this bike for touring.  Instead I had gotten a cruiser for touring and sold off the SV.  

[Ranger01]

Thanks Wayne, yes they are convertibars.  The helibars might have been enough but I figured for the money I wanted more range just in case.

I got 8000miles out of my first Strada, 7000 of that was superslab, not bad, and that was to the cords.  

As for gas mileage, I'm averaging 45-55mpg depending on speed and wind.  If I stay under 75mph I get better mileage, I'm also running a 16/45 sprocket combo for a little better mileage.  I love how the bike handles and have had no issues with the Stradas, great overall tire.  And as for the "power" of the 650, it's all I need.  I can tear up the twisties and still have plenty for the highway.  I can drop from 6th to 4th and get around someone in 2 heartbeats on 2 lane as well if I want.  

I tried riding cruisers and the position just isn't back friendly for me.  I love this bike and I get better gas mileage than my friends shadow.  It's great to ride everywhere, you get some funny looks on rainy days as well but it's so worth it.  I leave for the rally in 8 days now and can't wait.  The only thing left to do this week, is an oil change, bleed the brakes and put on some gel grips I just picked up today at the local Honda dealership in Johnson Creek.

[UPSMAN]

Have a safe trip and stop over at the FZ1OA rally at Fontana!!!

[Ranger01]

See ya down there!