Just bought a V-Strom 650 for long distance rides

[former50cc]

I sure do love my PCX and will keep it for the local rides, but now I have a Suzuki DL650 V-Strom for my long highway trips. I really wanted the power and acceleration together with luggage capacity that my new "Wee-Strom" can provide. I am super excited with my new ride!

[tbln930]

Congratulations! Still one of the best bikes on the planet. I put 10k miles on mine last year. Please post pictures.

Some farkles are essential. Are you on Stromtrooper.com?

[WhiteNoise]

Whoa...yes, pics or it didn't happen!

[gn2]

Nice machine, lovely motor.

[you you]

Nice machine, lovely motor.

Average machine. Nice motor

[gn2]

,at least its not a BMW.

[former50cc]

Sorry, no pictures yet. The dealer is having one delivered from another dealer. I bought a new ( zero miles ) 2015 DL650XTA, that is the 2015 Adventure version of the XT. Beak, spokes, and OEM Suzuki hard pannier boxes. What I wanted and got was the Suzuki Zero down, 0% interest financing. I could have gone with an available 2016 DL650 the dealer had in stock, but after I calculated the additional upgrades that I wanted which were some kind of luggage system and engine crash bars, the fully equipped 2015 XT Adventure might work out less expensive. So, I still have to wait maybe another day or two until the dealer receives the delivery.
This will be my distance motorcycle. I plan on riding it to my surf shack on the Washington State Pacific coast 160 miles away where I store my wet suits and surfboards. I'll surf some, then ride back home the next day.
On vacations, I have plans on some long Pacific Coast trips, camping along the way.

And yes, I am on stromtrooper.com at times. I am registered there, but I have not posted there yet.

[dkazzed]

0 Down and 0% financing, excellent deal. Enjoy your new ride!

[you you]

Sorry, no pictures yet. The dealer is having one delivered from another dealer. I bought a new ( zero miles ) 2015 DL650XTA, that is the 2015 Adventure version of the XT. Beak, spokes, and OEM Suzuki hard pannier boxes. What I wanted and got was the Suzuki Zero down, 0% interest financing. I could have gone with an available 2016 DL650 the dealer had in stock, but after I calculated the additional upgrades that I wanted which were some kind of luggage system and engine crash bars, the fully equipped 2015 XT Adventure might work out less expensive. So, I still have to wait maybe another day or two until the dealer receives the delivery.
This will be my distance motorcycle. I plan on riding it to my surf shack on the Washington State Pacific coast 160 miles away where I store my wet suits and surfboards. I'll surf some, then ride back home the next day.
On vacations, I have plans on some long Pacific Coast trips, camping along the way.

And yes, I am on stromtrooper.com at times. I am registered there, but I have not posted there yet.

Sounds perfect

[former50cc]

OK, here is my first picture on Day 1 after riding it home from the dealer.

My V-Strom first Day 1000p.jpg (654.03 KiB) Viewed 2903 times

[dkazzed]

Very nice!

I demoed a V-Strom 650 for the very first time over the weekend. Overlooking the fact that it's obvious that it's a heavy and top heavy bike in corners, it does everything well and felt very comfortable in it. I'm smitten and definitely leaning towards that ADV style bike. I'd like to try out the NC750X/700X to compare.

[GeorgeSK]

Anyone seduced by the KTM Duke 390?

[DAB]

Anyone seduced by the KTM Duke 390?

No, I have a 690

[former50cc]

I am accustomed to a sensation of being top heavy until packed heavily in my pannier bags. This is a picture of me in 1978 in Alaska having ridden there on this bike from Minnesota with my wife. Yes, my wife rode with me to Alaska and took this picture. I always feel top heavy on any kind of bicycle until my pannier bags are loaded with gear, lowering my center of gravity. Notice any similarity? My V-Strom has great side cases that I can fill with my camping gear, just as I did in 1978 on my 10-speed racing bicycle outfitted for long distance touring.
As I may have mentioned, I have the V-Strom for long distance tours. I may be giving away my age, but do the math. I was 25 years old on my Minnesota to Alaska bicycle trip in 1978. I am still very physically fit. I surf regularly here on the Coast of Washington State. I am just hankering for a really big trip.
Trip coming.

Former50cc_1978_Alaska_riding_crop.jpg (374.1 KiB) Viewed 2859 times

[gn2]

Anyone seduced by the KTM Duke 390?

If I was in the market for a plaything that had zero luggage carrying facilities, required constant maintenance and cleaning and had zero weather protection it would be near the top of my list.
But seeing as I need serious practical transport I'll stick with the scooter format.

[chicaboo]

Anyone seduced by the KTM Duke 390?

I like the look of those or the CB500F at the cheaper end of the market.
But if I was looking to spend more I'd go with a Vulcan 650 or CB650F Tricolore.

[WhiteNoise]

There It Is, Big and Bold!
Very very nice former50cc! Good luck with it and of course, be safe.
Now, if this were mine (and it ain't ), I would drop those pannier's and show-off the lines of that ride with a mighty Grin on me face! Zippidy-do-dah....wahhhhh