Duck's new ride...Weeeee Stom (extra e's)

[Rickster]

Originally Posted by Atlas68

Very nice ride Quack. I like the Strom as well and considered it when I was shopping for a bike. The looks didn't really grab me but the comfort and feel when seated on the bike did. It just has such natural riding position. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to ride one prior to buying my M50.
I still love the M, but my curiosity is still there.
Thanks for the feedback. It's nice having reports from someone who has a knowledge of both bikes. Enjoy your new toy, and keep us updated.

What's this you mangy. low down, no good pole-cat? Some sort of left handed way of saying you think I don't have any knowledge? I've been making posts on both bikes for months now.

[Atlas68]

This mangy, low down pole-cat is simply guilty of inattentiveness.
It was not my intent to fornicate with Quacks left femur.
Keep us informed Rickster, and my apologies for not acknowledging your efforts to educate.

The Bailiff has whacked me... and it won't happen again.

[JAX_MIKE]

so quack, how you liking the bike? i saw a comment you made in the lobby about wishing you kept the M50?? just curious whats up...

[QuacktheDuck]

jax...i wish i could have kept the m50 because it was a cool looking cruiser and a part of me still wants to ride around with that thing thumping away through the jardine exhaust turning heads on every corner. It's just a cool bike in general and that's why i wanted to keep it. Just riding around on the m50, i felt meaner haha...maybe it was the all black coupled with the jardine 2:1 sound . I'm sure the new owner is loving that thing...

As far as my strom, I've been busy riding it...haha. Like doing serious riding on it...took it to san diego and back on saturday morning, and hopped off to ride some random roads in between. Put a bit over 300 miles on the bike that morning and believe it or not, I wasn't a bit stiff, uncomfortable or anything. This bike is ergonomically excellent in every regard. I have the windshield in the stock low position and it's fine...though I added a couple rubber washers to the bottom two screws to angle it a tad back. Once I have some luggage I could easily see myself riding more than 300 miles a day in comfort. The handling is excellent, a very easy bike to manage, and the power is great...been riding it pretty briskly to mix up the break-in pattern (i don't really believe the babying it for 1000 miles thing). I already performed my own 600 mile service and all is well.

I read online that the givi engine guards vibrate but i've experienced nothing of the sort so far, although i did tighten those bolts down pretty darn snug. My handguards and swingarm sliders should be here tommorow so definitely looking forward to that, and soon ill be ordering a suzuki centerstand and topcase. This has to be one of the best vehicles (not just bikes) for commuting in traffic here in Los Angeles...I can see over alot of things and the height of the bike makes me feel alot more comfortable. The tires, though narrow, don't slip on the painted lines while lanesplitting making that experience even easier and less stressful. Sunday I took it out for some messing around in an industrial park...running over some gravel, up on the sidewalks, off curbs, yeah it was sure fun (Sunday afternoon, no one around for miles so don't worry haha) and I'm sure I'll be doing that often . All I can compare this to honestly is the experience of being a kid again and riding your bicycle around jumping off stuff, turning sharp, you know...just having fun. Only now I don't need to pedal...

[stp1971]

+1!!!!! I can hardly wait!!!!!

[Trapper]

[Rickster]

Originally Posted by QuacktheDuck

jax...i wish i could have kept the m50 because it was a cool looking cruiser and a part of me still wants to ride around with that thing thumping away through the jardine exhaust turning heads on every corner. It's just a cool bike in general and that's why i wanted to keep it. Just riding around on the m50, i felt meaner haha...maybe it was the all black coupled with the jardine 2:1 sound . I'm sure the new owner is loving that thing...

As far as my strom, I've been busy riding it...haha. Like doing serious riding on it...took it to san diego and back on saturday morning, and hopped off to ride some random roads in between. Put a bit over 300 miles on the bike that morning and believe it or not, I wasn't a bit stiff, uncomfortable or anything. This bike is ergonomically excellent in every regard. I have the windshield in the stock low position and it's fine...though I added a couple rubber washers to the bottom two screws to angle it a tad back. Once I have some luggage I could easily see myself riding more than 300 miles a day in comfort. The handling is excellent, a very easy bike to manage, and the power is great...been riding it pretty briskly to mix up the break-in pattern (i don't really believe the babying it for 1000 miles thing). I already performed my own 600 mile service and all is well.

I read online that the givi engine guards vibrate but i've experienced nothing of the sort so far, although i did tighten those bolts down pretty darn snug. My handguards and swingarm sliders should be here tommorow so definitely looking forward to that, and soon ill be ordering a suzuki centerstand and topcase. This has to be one of the best vehicles (not just bikes) for commuting in traffic here in Los Angeles...I can see over alot of things and the height of the bike makes me feel alot more comfortable. The tires, though narrow, don't slip on the painted lines while lanesplitting making that experience even easier and less stressful. Sunday I took it out for some messing around in an industrial park...running over some gravel, up on the sidewalks, off curbs, yeah it was sure fun (Sunday afternoon, no one around for miles so don't worry haha) and I'm sure I'll be doing that often . All I can compare this to honestly is the experience of being a kid again and riding your bicycle around jumping off stuff, turning sharp, you know...just having fun. Only now I don't need to pedal...

Suzuki needs to hire you to promote these things. You have a very good way with words.

[S2Design]

You guys are killin me. I would have to keep the M though.

[JAX_MIKE]

cool, thanks for the update quack! glad to hear youre still loving it!

[stp1971]

That is the path the "LC" is going to take. It will be my Saturday night cruise around town bike, going 2up trip bike, and days when I want to grunt around town. I want to keep it covered and waxed on those rainy possible days.

The Wee with it's lack of chrome will make a perfect crappy weather day bike, perfect commuter, and I really am liking the fact that I will not have to spend countless hours polishing the thing after riding it.

Don't get me wrong I love my LC and I love the look of all that chrome,, but it really stinks that days with a chance of rain either makes it a big deterrant to ride or I end up getting caught in the rain and then spend hours cleaning it back up again. The Wee is going to be a welcome addition to my barn.

[Rickster]

Originally Posted by Night_Wolf

If someone asks me about keeping two bikes I ask them: Are you financially able to have that much cash tied up in two motorcycles??? Will the second bike get ridden enough to warrent keeping it I traded my 1400 in on my Strom. I loved the Intruder and was in a position to pick up an older model with a lot of miles (80,000+) for a reasonable price. I transferred the options from my 2001 model to the 96 version so they technically cost me nothing as they were already paid for and we all know they would have netted me butkiss on the trade. I also ride more than most people and even with 18,000+ last season I never plated my second bike. I plan on doing that as soon as I get a job however and I will have two bikes. My Intruder will not go far however, it will be a "Poseur" machine and be limited to around town rides and days with no chance of rain

Same here, my "M" is just a poser bike.

[S83]

My S83 had some ass to it, low end and mid range torque monster! The DL650 V-Strom would run circles around it! I really enjoyed my boulevard but don't miss it compared to the V-Strom. It is once again fun to ride the twisty windy roads! S83 was a nightmare on gravel. V-Strom no problem! Just a great all around bike!

[Nico]

thread Necromancy!

I've been eyeballing the V-Strom as my next bike. I keep casting longing glances at the gravel roads in the western side of the county, and the upright seating position appeals to me.

My question is how does the 650 compare to the m50's engine? I've only rode the m50 and a 750 Virago, I have no experience with in-lines.

[intimid8er]

Originally Posted by Nico

thread Necromancy!

ROFL!


Nico....the Wee Strom and the V-Strom are both V-Twins. Albeit the "vee" is spread waaaay out. Not close like the M50.

Though I know nothing of the V-Strom, private message stp1971 he'll help you out with questions. He owns one. I myself have a Buell Ulysses. Which is in the same genre. I can tell you this about the genre. THEY'RE EFFIN GREAT!!!

Really.

Way more comfort than my M50. The Ulysses uses a Sportster engine so I still get the sound and feel of my beloved V-Twins.

That upright riding position is comfortable as all get out. Plus you have more control of the bike with your feet under you. There is the advantage of being able to see over traffic because of the tall stature of Adventure Tour bikes. The list goes on.....

[Nico]

*bonks head yeah I just kinda figured that one out..

yeah I'm actually looking at the Uly or the Strom. I sat on a Uly and it was a bit disconcerting to be on my tip toes... I'm 5'9" w/ 31" inseam. Uly is costlier too but I think Eric Buell is a genius. We're seeing more bikes copying his designs like the small, mid-mount muffler.

Going to see if I can take a Uly for a ride, unfortunately the 'zuki dealers won't allow you to test ride. In the end if I can lower it to a comfy height, that might finalize my decision.

[omegajim]

You'll also find with narrower tires, driving in the rain is a lot less exciting.

just my 2 cents.

[intimid8er]

Originally Posted by Nico

*bonks head yeah I just kinda figured that one out..

yeah I'm actually looking at the Uly or the Strom. I sat on a Uly and it was a bit disconcerting to be on my tip toes... I'm 5'9" w/ 31" inseam. Uly is costlier too but I think Eric Buell is a genius. We're seeing more bikes copying his designs like the small, mid-mount muffler.

Going to see if I can take a Uly for a ride, unfortunately the 'zuki dealers won't allow you to test ride. In the end if I can lower it to a comfy height, that might finalize my decision.

You will be (or should be) able to take the Uly for a ride. Just call ahead and ask to demo it.

A little secret......don't let the price tag scare you off......they are negotiable.......waaaaaay negotiable......let's say I got mine for around the price of a V-Strom 1000.

In '06 there was what was known as a "low" seat you could buy. In '07 it was an option you could choose. And now in '08, I think it's standard.

Also, the Uly isn't the only bike they make if you're not as tall as some of us. They have the Lightning series which are upright, but come in different flavors such as the CG (center of gravity), which is basically a lowered bike. They have the Lightning Long. The TT which I think is nice compromise between the Uly's height and a regular Lightning. All in all.....a cool lineup of bikes. And it don't hurt that they effin' handle like nobody's business!!!

[DeRiggi]

My buddy has an 05 FireBolt, and if i would have sat on that bike before i bought the M50, i might be on a different forum right now.....

Thats what you get for not keeping in touch with old friends more than once every 18 months

[intimid8er]

Originally Posted by DeRiggi

My buddy has an 05 FireBolt, and if i would have sat on that bike before i bought the M50, i might be on a different forum right now.....

Thats what you get for not keeping in touch with old friends more than once every 18 months

Important lesson learned eh? LOL

Ah well......there'll be more bikes in your future I'll wager.

[Rickster]

Originally Posted by Nico

thread Necromancy!

I've been eyeballing the V-Strom as my next bike. I keep casting longing glances at the gravel roads in the western side of the county, and the upright seating position appeals to me.

My question is how does the 650 compare to the m50's engine? I've only rode the m50 and a 750 Virago, I have no experience with in-lines.

You will find the V Strom 650 engine to be quite a bit better than the M50.

The M50 has about 50 HP, and about 50 ft pounds of torque, pushing about 550 lbs.

The Wee Strom has about 75 HP, and 50 ft pounds of torque, pushing about 450 lbs.

Gas mileage on the 650 should be just a bit better than the "M".

The only place where the "M" might have an advantage over the Wee Strom, is in lugging, you will be able to run the "M" slower in high gear.