2004 Vstrom

[justice003]

Hey,

Has anyone have any pricing/performance information on the 2004 Vstrom?

James

[Louis]

Sure, in Canadian or US dollars? Check Suzuki's website in whichever country your in. You looking for the 650 or the 1000?

V-Strom 650: $6599 US ($8899 Cdn)
V-Strom 1000: $8999 US ($11899 Cdn)

[justice003]

Hello Louis,

Thanks alot for the price info.

James

[vstrombc]

hi james,

the vstrom 1000 is a deceiving bike. With less power than many sportbikes, it gives very little away in the real world. Most magazines that tested the 1000 achieved the following results 90 hp & 62 lb ft torque @ the rear wheel, 0-60 in 3.4 secs 1/4 11.93 @119 mph

my own experience shows the v-strom to be similar in performance to the VFR800, ducati ST2, BMW K1200RS & close on tight winding roads to honda 929 fireblade & TL1000s Suzuki. Even in highway passing roll-ons, it holds its own with my brothers FJR1300 (until he really cranks it)

The v-strom can also go SLOW very nicely - when I have been off road, it will lug down to 1500 rpm without any bucking and pulls clean from low revs. All in all - a very versatile fun bike

[justice003]

Hello vstrombc,

Thanks for the response. That's the kind of bike I'm looking for fun/versatile (the most Bang for my buck).


James

[Glen]

Find a dealer with a 2003 DL1000, just bought one for $9700 CDN (excluding Taxes). This is about $2000 cheaper than I was quoted for a 2004. The only difference I could see was the adjustable windshield on the 2004.

The 'Strom is by far the most versatile and fun bike I've owned in 35 years of motorcycle riding.

The most noticeable differences from previous sport bikes I've previously owned are:

1. The gearing is different (1st gear is REALLY low for rough going, and 6th gear functions superbly as an overdrive).

2. Engine power is electronically inhibited by the engine management systems to approximately 120mph. Oddly enough, it'll accellerate like a rocket right to 120mph so it's a non-issue in the real world, at least for me.

3. Low rpm torque is much better than sport bikes and the engine can be taken down to 1500rpm with few complaints...try doing THAT with a sport bike! On the open road, all that low end torque also translates into far less shifting.

4. It happily hauls an absurd amount of gear making it ideal for touring. For example, I have a Givi E460 top case and E360 side cases, a RevPack Jr. Tour Pack (straddling the passenger seat) and a small Storm Case strapped to the top of the Revpack for 35mm camera gear. For a camping trip last summer, I added a tent, sleeping bag and self-inflating air mattress to the pack and cases! In all, it was enough gear to fill the trunk of my Civic Sedan! Leveling the bike when loaded takes a simple turn of a knob and THAT can be done while straddling the bike. It just doesn't get any easier or more convenient that that!

I've owned a LOT of different bikes in the past, and the V-Strom is clearly the most versatile and indecently fun to ride bike I've owned. So much so that I'm foregoing my usual two-week winter escape to the tropics so I can spend all five weeks vacation riding my 'Strom next summer. It's THAT much fun!

[justice003]

Hello Woofy,

Thanks alot, that was great input!!! I want to buy a 2004 Vstrom when they arrive at the dealers. Suzuki seems to be pretty slow at getting them shipped, as well as posting their 2004 line on the Web.

[justice003]

Hello Woofy,

Thanks alot, that was great input!!! I want to buy a 2004 Vstrom when they arrive at the dealers. Suzuki seems to be pretty slow at getting them shipped, as well as posting their 2004 line on the Web.

Originally Posted by justice003

Hello Woofy,

Thanks alot, that was great input!!! I want to buy a 2004 Vstrom when they arrive at the dealers. Suzuki seems to be pretty slow at getting them shipped, as well as posting their 2004 line on the Web.

Do yourself a favor, though. As perfect as the 'Strom is, the seat was sort of a low point for me. The seat itself is fine, quality wise. It's just that it didn't fit we well enough for hours and hours of comfort while riding. I had a custom fitted saddle made by a guy in Seattle that specializes in making saddles for Ironbutt Rally competitors. Whereas the stock saddle had me squirming after an hour, I've gone 17 hours in the custom saddle and didn't feel like I'd been on the bike at all!

If you're passionate about riding and touring, it'll be the most well spent $350 to $500 you'll ever spend. Corbin makes a decent seat for about $350.

My custom saddle was about $500 but that included a full day's worth of sculpting the foam to fit my butt exactly, a 3/4" thick gel pad (most are less than 1/2") , and a new cover made from a combination of smooth and carbon fiber textured marine-grade English leather. The cover is a work of art with yellow top stitching to match the paint. Even the seams between smooth and textured hides were contoured to exactly follow the lines of the bike. It's as beautiful as it is comfortable.

Last I heard the '04's won't be delivered in any quantity until late February in the Seattle area. Best of luck!

[okieinu]

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/19jan..._vstrom650.htm