I'm thinking releasing the arrow --->

[Khunajawdge]

'02 Suzuki DL 1000, 50,000+ miles. New clutch basket, sprockets, and chain. Tires new. $3000

Need a bit of a dual sport for Baja in March 2011. Mostly pavement but some dual track.

Anyone had success/trouble with one of these?

 

[Fred W]

George,

That is essentially the same bike I'm looking to find. I'd probably like a slightly later model year ('04 or later) but I'm pretty much sure I want a Manstrom.

PM Reno John for the inside scoop on these bikes. He is a storehouse of good Vstrom info.

 

[Khunajawdge]

George,

That is essentially the same bike I'm looking to find. I'd probably like a slightly later model year ('04 or later) but I'm pretty much sure I want a Manstrom.

PM Reno John for the inside scoop on these bikes. He is a storehouse of good Vstrom info.

HA, a Manstrom! I like that name. You Must be a tall guy like me to find you fit that bike. I'm 6'2". I don't really want a full on dirt bike just a 2 tracker that can negotiate a dirt road now and then. Good luck in your search Fred! I'll try to PM Reno John.

 

[RaYzerman19]

IMHO, the ManStrom is not geared right, too big and has FI issues. There's much debate about the WeeStrom being much better, but to each his own. The 650 is a great machine, but you'll likely want a different seat (use a DL1000 seat if you can find one).

 

[Fred W]

George,

That is essentially the same bike I'm looking to find. I'd probably like a slightly later model year ('04 or later) but I'm pretty much sure I want a Manstrom.

PM Reno John for the inside scoop on these bikes. He is a storehouse of good Vstrom info.

HA, a Manstrom! I like that name. You Must be a tall guy like me to find you fit that bike. I'm 6'2". I don't really want a full on dirt bike just a 2 tracker that can negotiate a dirt road now and then. Good luck in your search Fred! I'll try to PM Reno John.

Yeah, I'm a bigger guy too. 6'2" on the nose, well... the top of my head actually. :blink: You know what I mean.

I look at the Wee and the Man versions and see that they weigh almost the same and have similar dimensions, but the Manstrom has the extra 350cc of grunty torque that I would need want to have at my disposal. Especially if I ever wanted to put a passenger on the back.

I'm sure that it isn't perfect, anymore than our beloved FJRs aren't perfect

Spoiler

Oh!! Did I just say that?

Maybe it'll need some sprockets for re-gearing depending on what kind of riding you'd be doing. Maybe the FI needs some help with a PCIII or some-such. I have been around, and owned enough different bikes long enough to know that there is no perfect bike out of the box. All we can hope to do is get somewhere close to the target and then dial it in!

 

[Khunajawdge]

I'm sure that it isn't perfect, anymore than our beloved FJRs aren't perfect

Spoiler

Oh!! Did I just say that?

Maybe it'll need some sprockets for re-gearing depending on what kind of riding you'd be doing. Maybe the FI needs some help with a PCIII or some-such. I have been around, and owned enough different bikes long enough to know that there is no perfect bike out of the box. All we can hope to do is get somewhere close to the target and then dial it in!

The DL that I have my eye on is Not perfect, but I looked at it again and noticed it has an E46 Givi Box, an aftermarket skid plate, and front crash bars already installed. The deal is looking sweeter by the minute.

I have nothing against the Ten-Ray, and I hope those individuals that sprung for them get their money's worth. It is a Yamaha afterall. But I think for the amount of rough road that I will plan to do, the ManStrom will be just fine for me. I am planning on keeping the FJR also. :yahoo:

 

[Fred W]

I'd have nothing against a Tenare either. I'd love to have one, someday. Maybe when their first owners get sick of them?

I'd just have a really hard time slamming $14k worth of new bike off of stumps and boulders (especially if I paid for it).

I blame that on my frugal Yankee upbringing.

 

[MCRIDER007]

Maybe it'll need some sprockets for re-gearing depending on what kind of riding you'd be doing. Maybe the FI needs some help with a PCIII or some-such. I have been around, and owned enough different bikes long enough to know that there is no perfect bike out of the box. All we can hope to do is get somewhere close to the target and then dial it in!

I have an 04 DL1000 that had some FI issues...got a replacement ECU from Suzuki (a used one that they reflashed) and it was a huge improvement. The OEM front forks springs are really wimpy, I replaced those with some .90 Ohlins springs and put a Wilbers shock in the rear. I also bought Suzuki's gel seat which was a pretty good investment for $200. Its a lot of bike for the money but it will be replaced next spring by the Tenere.

 

[Fred W]

Say, you do have yourself a nice garage full, eh?

Care to toss me that old bone of a V-strom over here?

 

[MCRIDER007]

Say, you do have yourself a nice garage full, eh?

Care to toss me that old bone of a V-strom over here?

You would have to come and get it but would enjoy the ride home.

 

[Khunajawdge]

Well, here "it" is, meet X or Ecckks

Newest dog on the block;

Here's where it will be playing alot;

Here it is after a day of playing and it gets a bath;

Yesterday, I went for a ride on this V Strom DL 1000 Suzuki that I’ve been looking at. It’s clean, has 53000+ miles on the ODO and is a 2002. Buying price is 3K. Has some after market extras, new tires/clutch/sprockets and chain. Very well maintained with full record account.

Went for a 250 mile loop yesterday. I really tossed this thing around. Bike has plenty of grunt (for me) as a back roads Adventure Explorer. Found 3 new roads yesterday near San Ardo and toured the oil field.

Definitely a different experience than the FJR, but I’m less concerned that I might damage this one in a tip over on a gravel road, etc.

My findings;

- the gearing is a little tall, hauls ass in 1st, which I think it shouldn’t. All the gearing seems tall so if(?), I buy this thing, I’ll probably add 3 teeth to the next rear sprocket & lengthen chain? On the freeway, it purrs along at 80 (indicated) at 4 g’s in OD which is 6th. It has NO problem revving to 6 or 7 grand and sustaining that rpm. Red line is at 10K.

- Dash is simple, mixed analog and digital, easy to read.

- Gas mileage is adequate well into the 40’s. I came into a gas station with 210 on the ODO (final bar flashing), after fill up of 5 gallons of 87 octane.

- Breaks are great, dual rotor dual pot fronts and single rotor dual pot rear.

- Stock seat sucks, I’ll have to do something about that.

- Good height for me with an inseam of 34”. Flat footing it is easy.

- Needs a better highway peg solution.

- Heated grips work well

- Will need to add rear luggage. Looking at a Givi/Pelican combo. Givi top box can be moved over the FJR and a large welded aluminum luggage rack will take it’s place on the DL.

- Not as much protection as the FJR but I can dress for that.

- Good strong headlight presence to see with and be seen.

- Back end is butt ugly, front end not much better, side? Well let’s just say these bikes aren’t lookers!

- I named this thing “X” or “Ecckks”, ‘cause it reminds me so much of an alien.

- Now, I just need to pay for it and get it ready my next camping/hunting/or fishing trip or a ride to Baja.

:yahoo:

 

[Fred W]

Congrats, George!!

I scored on a Vee this past week too. Clickie :yahoo:

Mine came with a few less miles, a couple less years, but I also paid a few more bucks.

I agree with most of your observations. I'm very impressed with the thing so far.

Today I ordered some luggage for mine (it came with nothing) I'm getting a set of SW Motech quick detachable side racks and centerstand from Twisted Throttle, and a pair of Givi E36 side bags and an E46 trunk from Sporttour.com. I also went by the local Aprilia / Ducati dealership in town and picked up a pair of Tuono mirrors to replace the stock ones. The right one was loose and floppy. The Aprilia mirrors are much more svelte and streamlined, should help with the air turbulence on the highway and only cost me $50 for the pair.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

Well, here "it" is, meet X or Ecckks

Congratulations (almost)...

My findings;

- the gearing is a little tall, hauls ass in 1st, which I think it shouldnt. All the gearing seems tall so if(?), I buy this thing, Ill probably add 3 teeth to the next rear sprocket & lengthen chain? On the freeway, it purrs along at 80 (indicated) at 4 gs in OD which is 6th. It has NO problem revving to 6 or 7 grand and sustaining that rpm. Red line is at 10K.

I have a DR 650 and when I got it I opened-it-up on a back road and it went right up to 100 MPH -- I thought, "I certainly don't need a 100 MPH dirt-bike!" I put a bunch-o'-teeth more rear sprocket on and have been very satisfied with the change.

(still goes fast enough for me on the hard roads I ride it on)

I think the (street-legal) dual-sports are geared that way, partially, to pass emission tests? Maybe, the market really wants them that way...?

- Stock seat sucks, Ill have to do something about that.

I have a long - flat - Corbin that, although somewhat heavy, has worked well -- especially over long distance.

Good luck (w/your decision).

 

[Khunajawdge]

Congrats, George!!

I scored on a Vee this past week too. Clickie :yahoo:

Mine came with a few less miles, a couple less years, but I also paid a few more bucks.

I agree with most of your observations. I'm very impressed with the thing so far.

Today I ordered some luggage for mine (it came with nothing) I'm getting a set of SW Motech quick detachable side racks and centerstand from Twisted Throttle, and a pair of Givi E36 side bags and an E46 trunk from Sporttour.com. I also went by the local Aprilia / Ducati dealership in town and picked up a pair of Tuono mirrors to replace the stock ones. The right one was loose and floppy. The Aprilia mirrors are much more svelte and streamlined, should help with the air turbulence on the highway and only cost me $50 for the pair.

 

[Khunajawdge]

Today I ordered some luggage for mine (it came with nothing) I'm getting a set of SW Motech quick detachable side racks and centerstand from Twisted Throttle, and a pair of Givi E36 side bags and an E46 trunk from Sporttour.com. I also went by the local Aprilia / Ducati dealership in town and picked up a pair of Tuono mirrors to replace the stock ones. The right one was loose and floppy. The Aprilia mirrors are much more svelte and streamlined, should help with the air turbulence on the highway and only cost me $50 for the pair.

Congratulations to you too Fred! Great to see that a couple of us have recently (latently?) manned up. :lol:

As far as luggage goes my choices are leading me down this path. For a rack Go here

for a set of boxesGo here next

Aye see :blink: you still have the stock skid plate? :huh:

Aye think?, you will need some tip-over bars, Suzuki plastic IS expensive !@#$%^&.

My interest is in a seat as a primary mission. I just read your last post in the thread you started and I'm interested in a DL 1000 Russel or Russel like Day Long saddle. On my ride yesterday, I took my beaded seat cushion on top of the stock seat and I came home with a kicked a__! Not Good! :angry:

We'll probably have other discussions here, before we get overshadowed by the Tenere PDPer's after they start taking delivery.

 

[Fred W]

Today I ordered some luggage for mine (it came with nothing) I'm getting a set of SW Motech quick detachable side racks and centerstand from Twisted Throttle, and a pair of Givi E36 side bags and an E46 trunk from Sporttour.com. I also went by the local Aprilia / Ducati dealership in town and picked up a pair of Tuono mirrors to replace the stock ones. The right one was loose and floppy. The Aprilia mirrors are much more svelte and streamlined, should help with the air turbulence on the highway and only cost me $50 for the pair.

Congratulations to you too Fred! Great to see that a couple of us have recently (latently?) manned up. :lol:

As far as luggage goes my choices are leading me down this path. For a rack Go here

for a set of boxesGo here next

Aye see :blink: you still have the stock skid plate? :huh:

Aye think?, you will need some tip-over bars, Suzuki plastic IS expensive !@#$%^&.

My interest is in a seat as a primary mission. I just read your last post in the thread you started and I'm interested in a DL 1000 Russel or Russel like Day Long saddle. On my ride yesterday, I took my beaded seat cushion on top of the stock seat and I came home with a kicked a__! Not Good! :angry:

We'll probably have other discussions here, before we get overshadowed by the Tenere PDPer's after they start taking delivery.

I know the Givi side racks are a bit less moolah, but the SW-MOTECH racks seem to me to be more substantial in case of eventual tip over (4 point support vs 3) and also have the luxury of the 1/4 turn quick disconnect fasteners so you can take em off quick when you don't need 'em, so I decided to pony up the extra for those.

As far as Pelican cases go, remember that they are pretty heavy. That is good for durability, but bad when you are on the trail from a weight standpoint. I guess a lot depends on how much of the time you expect to have the bags on. If you do decide to go with the Pelicans (and I may opt for a set of those as a second set of side bags) make sure that you check these prices right here.

Yeah, I'm still scouting for some underbelly protection too. Not sure whose I will go with just yet. There are a few and their prices are widely different.

For the seat, I'm thinking a Russell Solo rework in Virgin Vinyl. That is only $415 msrp based on their web site, and if you can finagle yourself into a GB for a ~20% discount that's only $332. You just can't beat that deal with a big stick (for a sore ass).

Yeah, the Tenere PDP is coming real soon. We'll just roost buy them along the trail with the extra > $10k in our back pockets!!

1st gen FJRs and Man-stroms. Oh hell yeah... life IS good.

 

[Khunajawdge]

I don't think I'll need to take the boxes off very often, so the Givi rack will be OK for me. I basically won't have any problem with this bike looking like a flat bed pickup or an ATV. I may never wash it again. As far as Pelican cases go, 8 lbs. of weight per case is fine. I use liners and I'm more interested in the water tightness of the case in the advent I decide to cross a stream or drive up a beach in the surf. Boulder bouncing however is NOT my sport!

The bike I found already has a substantial skid pan, not sure of the brand?

Thanks for the info on the Pelican box site and the Russel info too!

 

[Checkswrecks]

Congrats on the Stroms to both of you.

For the farkles, we had great luck with the Twisted Throttle scratch & dent store:

https://www.twistedthrottle.com/article/static/167

The engine/side bars we bought for the Wee had just a couple of wrench knicks in the paint and we got them at 70%.

 

[Khunajawdge]

Here's a little up date on my '02 Strom project;

So far, I've;

Re-installed center stand (it was handed to me when I took possession of the bike).

Sent my seat in to Spencer at Greatdaytoride.com and got it back with his internal structure/padding modification.

Swapped Givi like trunk to the FJR and the metal luggage rack to the DL. Using a Dakine Sports Duffle for stowage of riding gear.

Added Digital temperature thermometer.

Added Chase Harper side bags I picked up at a yard sale for free. Had to re-configure the mounting straps with some machine sewing and new snap connectors.

Added Tank Bag with similar corrections to strapping as above.

Added relay switched fuse block for electrical accessories.

Added switched Datel "style" digital voltmeter to new dash panel addition.

Added BMW style socket for heated vest.

Added switched dash cigarette socket for GPS and radar detector.

Added non-switched cigarette socket to recharge battery and for air compressor under seat near battery.

Honda GL 1800 foot pegs.

Pea Shooter mod.

Need to add;

Front Fender Extender.

Maybe a Rear Fenderectomy?

More reflective tape.

Already on bike were:

Extra size shield with Laminar Lip.

Bash plate.

Front engine guards.

Heated grips.

Here's what it looked like yesterday.

Wish I could ride it (legally) somewhere besides a broccoli field surrounding my house The reason being I am still paying the guy for the title but he has been very good at turning the bike over to me so I could mod it up (he didn't want to store it anymore).

Should be on the road by January 1st, 2011 :yahoo: