My ST has a new friend

[Down Under]

Look what followed me home!



I don't know whether it'll eventually replace my ST1300 but I'm really impressed with my DL1000 so far.  Great value for the money.

[Brian]

From all reports you'll love it mate. Would be nice to keep both in the man cave

[Down Under]

From all reports you'll love it mate. Would be nice to keep both in the man cave

I definitely wont rush into selling my ST yet.  I'm hoping they'll compliment each other so they might live together happily ever after in the man cave yet! 

[saaz]

I have only tried the 650 version, but was mightily impressed. There definitely could be one of those types of bikes in my future.  I just have to borrow one from someone who might have 2 bikes 

[Diesel]

Many FarRiders have these as their weapon of choice too Tony - and that's a fairly good rap in itself!

Nice wheels - it will open up a whole new other world (off road) for your two-wheeled travels too.       

Lastly - there is also a fairly good and active Strom website to join and see what the other punters are doing.

Cheers, Diesel

[Dan]

I like it, I nearly got one of those before my ST and reckon I would have preferred it too.

[Streak]

When i bought my ST1100 it was down to this of the ST, the ability to pillion, and the type of people with ST's won me over in the end, I got an older bike, but have a world of new friends.

I am very sure I came out in front 

[Abe]

OK Tony,

How is the DL1000 going now, it's been a while since an update.

See you at Hill End.

Cheers
Dave

[StinkyPete]

The DL650 would be my choice if I could have a second bike sitting in the shed.   All of the great camping/touring options on the dirt roads and tracks throughout the Flinders Ranges then become options.

[Marcus]

Yeah I look at the V-Storm before getting the ST. It was too high for me

[Down Under]

OK Tony,

How is the DL1000 going now, it's been a while since an update.

See you at Hill End.

Cheers
Dave

G'day Dave,

I'm still very happy with it.  It's proving to be a great utility bike and a lot of fun to ride.  I've been doing a lot of well maintained dirt roads and really enjoying the change of scenery.  It's comfortable enough for 600 K days and copes well with a pillion and luggage.  The fairing/windscreen is reasonably protective but I haven't endured a winter on it yet.  It's hard to compare it to an ST as they're such different types of bikes.  Here are some of the Pros and Cons so far:

The Good

Cheap - good value for money compared to other bikes in its class
Comfortable for rider and pillion
Surprisingly torquey engine
Maintenance is simple

The bad

Back to cleaning and lubing chains
Suspension is a bit too soft for more than solo riding
ABS would have been nice

That's about it at the moment.  Look forward to catching up at Hill End.

Cheers,

Tony

     

[Bluey]

I too have a Strom and an ST1100A - a great combination. Mine is the 650 ABS one.

[Wayne'o]

Had a DL1000 a couple of bikes ago. A hoot to ride and very strong motor.

However..ridiculously over geared in my opinion and very high for my short legs. I soon learned from one of the
VStrom owners websites how to fix the gearing and lower the bike.

I read that Suzuki overgeared the bike deliberately so that at a certain speed/rpm the noise was reduced to comply
with Australian standards. It is far from ideal and the cure is to go to a small front sprocket and larger rear sprocket.
I did both and believe me, it transforms the bike to what it should have been. It really is a hoot to ride with these mods.
I remember constantly thinking that the bike reminded me of a raging bull, not that I have ever come across one mind you.

I also found a place in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne that fitted a height reducing link to the rear suspension.
This also was fantastic if your short like me.

I  would have loved to have been able to keep mine but it was not to be...  enjoy the strom and happy travels.

Wayne