I found room in the garage for a Vstrom

[pawtracks]

Pretty close match (at least in color)

Just when you get one bike farkled like you want it, along comes another...

 

[SCWatts]

Very nice!!

 

[Fred W]

cool.

 

[Fubar]

OK, tell me what the suzuki will do that the FJR won't? Seriously, I'm ignorant on this.

 

[Fred W]

I would guess it will feel (and be) 150 lbs lighter in handling.

 

[marcusorelius]

They can do the one thing an fjr has a weakness at, dirt roads. (so I hear)

 

[Warchild]

Man-Strom DL1000, or Girlie-Strom DL650?

 

[pawtracks]

OK, tell me what the suzuki will do that the FJR won't? Seriously, I'm ignorant on this.

I've only had it a few days so...

Short answer nothing that the FJR can't do, really just another bike to enjoy - here are a few notes:

Vstrom:

1000cc

5.8 gal tank

360 watt alternator

~460 lbs

6 speed (overdrive)

chain drive

Pros:

Lighter, sit higher (nice for commuting), I got it cheap - $4000, with a little work it will be soon ready for an Alaska trip, already came with Vstrom hand guards (go figure) and luggage including a trunk, stock seat is nice

Cons:

Chain drive (extra care), less watts to spare, less protection from the elements, brakes are weak (easy to add GSXR front calipers - in progress)

FJR:

1300cc

6.6 gal tank

490 watt alternator

~650 lbs

5 speed

shaft drive

Pros:

Smooth FJR torque, long distance w/weather protection, heat (when it is cold)

Cons:

Stock seat sucked, heat (when it is hot)

I'm sure some other V or Wee owners can add to this or I will add more as I experience more.

I think the majority of Strom owners come to an FJR from a Strom, not the other way around.

 

[pawtracks]

Man-Strom DL1000, or Girlie-Strom DL650?

Man-Strom, I thought about the girlie for a second but I knew I couldn't take the heat from Reno John

 

[roger123]

I have the girly Strom and the FJR, pretty good compliment to each other actually. I've been eyeing the Tiger though after putting some miles on the FJR. I've become adicted to the brakes and power.

 

[Scoops]

"girlie" bikes rock -- https://www.stromtrooper.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44321

btw: love that blue :clapping:

 

[escapefjrtist]

Good for ya pawtracks. I've got the same combo [in different colors] so don't let'um give ya any grief!

--G

 

[rfulcher]

I have a 2007 Wee and a 2007 FJR. Any trip to the twisty stuff is a least 400 miles total and this is an FJR trip. I ride to work every day, about 10 miles round trip through small city and neighborhood streets and and make lots of small trips, this is V-Strom stuff. I put 25,000 miles on my FJR before I got the WeeStrom. I like having both bikes but would be happy with either as an only bike.

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Good luck with the (new for you) Strom. A little dirt and maintenance does the man-soul good... so I'm learning.

 

[johnny80s]

Congratulations. I want to get into the dirt too one day.

 

[RenoJohn]

Man-Strom DL1000, or Girlie-Strom DL650?

Man-Strom, I thought about the girlie for a second but I knew I couldn't take the heat from Reno John

Funny, Yep you made the right call, girlie version is for losers ....just ask DCarver.
Wow, nice price!!

With Orygun, Idaho and NorCA within striking distance, you've got some of the best v-strom perfect roads and adventures ahead of you. If I can help in any way, let me know.

Congrat's on the new manbike. RJ

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Congratulations. I want to get into the dirt too one day.

Come on up and you can borrow my KLR for a day or two.

 

[pawtracks]

Funny, Yep you made the right call, girlie version is for losers ....just ask DCarver.
Wow, nice price!!

With Orygun, Idaho and NorCA within striking distance, you've got some of the best v-strom perfect roads and adventures ahead of you. If I can help in any way, let me know.

Congrat's on the new manbike. RJ

I've read many of your posts on a few Vstrom forums already.

I really liked the look of the 2008 flat black and was leaning towards a wee for the gas mileage but that little guy on my shoulder was telling me I would miss the extra power especially coming from an FJR. Then this DL1000 dropped in my lap with only 3500 miles on it so I knew it was meant to be...

Besides doing some basic preventive maintenance the only thing I am working on right now is upgrading the front brakes - compared to the FJR they suck.

I've got a set of 4 piston calipers off a GSXR 750 and some braided lines that will improve them quite a bit.

Any good maintenance sites like this (https://www.fjrtech.com/) for the Vstrom?

I've found ADVrider (Beasts), Vstrom.info and Stromtrooper

Any others worth a look?

 

[escapefjrtist]

I've got a set of 4 piston calipers off a GSXR 750 and some braided lines that will improve them quite a bit.

I'll be interested in how this works out for you. Compared to the FJR, the brakes definitely feel like a couple wood blocks. If mine stays in the stable this would be an interesting upgrade. Since we're in the same general zip code...Let me know, K?

--G