Picked up a stable mate for Traveller this weekend.

[Strider]

A 2011 Vstrom 650 ABS.  She will be sharing the stable with Traveller - they get along fine.

So far, a very, very sweet little bike.  Still in the break in period, so I haven't gotten to wring her out yet or try the superslab, but 4,500 rpm at 60 mph, she should be fine.  Ordered the engine guard (don't want to call them crash bars), skid plate and highway bar.  Will soon order the aluminum panniers (a dual sport just has to have them - hahahaha).

Bought it for different kind of riding than I am use to with Traveller - roads I wouldn't want to take the Valk down and all.  Want to get into some Adventure Riding and this seems like a sweet little bike to do it on.  Got the first 200 miles or so on her (getting to know her) and like what I see thus far.....



Picked her up for different kind of roads.  Sweet little bike.......

[TearlessTom]

My son just picked one of these up too. Very sweet little bike. Would take a bit to get used to the height but after that it is all smiles.

[solo1]

Warren, I bought a used 2006 Vstrom 1000 last year, only had 9,000 miles on it.  It runs great.
I added Tupperwear protectors (guards), lowered it slightly, added a centerstand, soft saddlebags,  a Stelbel air horn, and lowered the footpegs a mite.  It's 300 pounds lighter than the Valk but rides softer.  Gas mileage seems to be around 42- 45 but I didn't buy it for that.

The 650 (Wee Strom) I'm told is a better bike for some offroad use, it's lighter and the engine works very well.  Six2Go has one.  It works fine for trips for him and truly gets excellent gas mileage (50's,I think that Doug said)

I like the1000 because I won't be going offroad at all. The easy ride, extra power,  and upright seating works fine for me. By the way, Scott of VRCC admin fame, has one also.  Superman on the Ohio board also has one.

[six2go #152]

Warren:
You're gonna luv that "Wee Strom". I bought my '08 3 years ago and have never regretted it. My plan was to ditch the Valk after buying it but found out that I just couldn't do it, so now they share my garage.

The two main complaints from owners are a lousy stock seat and for some, wind buffeting from the stock windshield. I took care of both by having a Russell Day Long seat made over the Winter last year and by getting a smaller sport shield.

You have adjustments in the stock shield, so you may find a height that works for you, as well as installing 1/2" spacers at the bottom to rake it back more. The mistake that many guys make is to get a larger shield, which really does nothing for buffeting. You want to have the wind kept off your chest area while your head remains in clean air.

I have ridden my Strom from Indiana to VA, WVA, & TN with this setup in total comfort.

In case you haven't found them yet, here are links to a couple of V-Strom forums:

www.stromtrooper.com/

www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php

I would not hesitate to ride either of my bikes coast to coast.

Have fun with your new toy.

[highcountry]

Looks like a great new toy - - congrats!!

[Kendall]

Congrats!!   Looking forward to sum riding pics..  8-)

[Scott in Ok]

You're gonna get alot of smiles out of that little bike Warren.  I know I do.

Me and Raymond doin a little offroading a few years ago.

[..]

This is good chain lube

http://www.belray.com/bel-ray-super-clean-chain-lube

[Jack]

 

[Misfit]