 Bit by the Strom Bug
I've always had more than a passing fascination with the Strom's. It was my second choice behind the M50. I love Cruiser's plain and simple. Not because of the riding position, the attitude, or any of that stuff. Just the simple raw sound a V-Twin makes. Music to my ears, and pure audible trash to others. I love the farm implement torque a V-Twin makes. However, I despise the weight of a cruiser, the slow steering, the feet forward weight on your spine riding position, and many other reasons. Love 'em, and hate 'em at the same time.
However, after more than a year with the M, (it's comfort shortcomings made themselves painfully aware to me within the first fifteen miles) I've learned to figure out exactly what it is that I want in a bike. I had a long layoff from bikes, and I was used to dirtbikes and standards. When I was shopping last year, I sat on a lot of bikes but with a severe lack of saddle time, I couldn't tell what would be comfortable for me on the road. Through all this time, I've kept my eye on the Strom for it's advertised upright dirt-bike like riding position.
Saturday, I had to stop by the local dealership and get a filter and some oil for Mrs. Intimid8er's S40. I sat on a bunch of different bikes since they had all the bikes that I've had my eye on.
Strom's-1000 and 650
FZ6
Ninja 650
FZ1
SV's-1000 and 650
And a nod to Rowdy Red....I did sit on a used Bandit 1200. Dude I can see what you rave about. However, I'd need taller risers, and quite frankly, I don't think I need to be around that much power with a short wheelbase like that.
The SV's.....obviously had me leaning over far too forward than I like.
The FZ6 and the Ninja....great, however, a slight bit of lean that after about 20 or so miles, would become an annoyance. Same with the Bandit.
Strom's-perfect. I actually preferred the seat on the 650 over the 1000.
For me it was the perfect "sit up and beg" position. I had forgotten since last year what the saddle position was like on these things. At a 34" inseam, I liked the fact that if I was sitting at a light flatfooting it, that the bike was right there under my butt, I didn't have to hunch, it just supported me. My arms hung naturally from my shoulders, and the wrists just rested right on the grips. I couldn't find anyone to hold the bike up for me, but I put one flip flop clad foot up on the peg, and tried to emulate a riding position. Everything just seemed natural.
I went home and e-mailed the dealership through their request a quote program. I put the M in for a trade. Of course, I get Jerry Jerkoff e-mailing me back telling me to call him to discuss it. Uhhhh.....no! That is what the e-mail thing is for dude..(Nothing like throwing cold water on a hot buyer!)
Bottom line....I think I see a Strom coming home to roost in my garage reeeeal soon........ When, I don't know. I've cooled off a bit since Saturday. Hell, the M is almost paid off. I feel like keeping it, and adding a Strom.....
To be continued......
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