smccrory

That's a great idea. I did find a $9 closeout pair of insulated gloved (in blue to match my bike, ha!) at IP the other day and they're working really well. Can't say I'm a fan of the rain and 30 degree temps coming though.

I got out this evening for a short errand run and to snarf down appetizers with coworkers. 45-50 degrees was not bad at all with insulated gear, a full helmet and a balaclava.

Which doesn't mean don't use one - they are essential as far as I'm concerned - just don't think they'll heal a damaged battery or compensate for low fluid levels (for those using non-sealed cells).

Oh, right you are.

I'm with ya on those too. But even if he's perfectly innocent this time, the monumental stupidity required to be anywhere near his ex without an objective 3rd party, leaves me without any further sympathy for Mr. Zimmerman.

Ditto, put comfort and fitness-for-purpose above what we think. This ain't no fashion show. ;-)

I'm with ya on that. He's a very, very stupid twit if nothing else at this point.

I have an urge to eat that entire tub of ice cream in the freezer.

After the first 20 miles, I'd agree - the cylinders are pretty much glazed over by now.

First 100 miles on the strom this week (80 yesterday)! Very, very smooth engine with more felt torque down low than my CB700SC and just a little less than my traded VStar 1100. It doesn't have the afterburner kick above 5000 RPM like the '700 does (not that I stayed there - still breaking the engine in) but the smoothness makes up for it. Tracks great on stock tires, seat was completely comfy for hour-long legs and I'm not getting any buffeting at all (how could that be?!). I ordered a fork brace, mirror extenders (which I may not need) and lowering links just in case I want to try them. I seem to be doing ok with the stock height, except backing up looks wonky. My GF rode on the back for 10 minutes and enjoyed the comfort and security of the E45 top box with back pad. I'm enjoying the bike! Picked up better boots with 3/4" soles and insulated gloves this week. Whenever it's over 40 and dry...

I would love to have ridden home today but it's damned cold in the mornings. Maybe tomorrow. I wish I had thicker gloves though; I wonder what Iron Pony has...

Best wishes Anden!

I want I want I want!

Jbot I'm going to find something in your post to disagree with if it f'n kills me. Could I have a little time to come up with something?

I'd rather spend the effort to prevent politician fraud.

Man you guys are awesome and yes, your advice was instrumental in my decision. I'll absolutely be at any Stromfest in the making! C'mon weather, give me some good riding temps!

I can imagine. Couldn't be worse than taking a block of 4 carbs off a Nighthawk several times a day for two weeks while working through mixture issues. :-)

Ditto, thanks!

Reading the V-Strom's maintenance schedule - talk about easy peasey. At 600 miles, maybe 60-90 minutes' work to change the oil, filter, basic inspection items and some bolt tightening. New plugs and coolant at 7500 miles, air cleaner at 11k, valve clearance at 14.5k and regular fluid changes and inspection items for everything else. Nothing requiring a shop as far as I'm concerned, except for tire changes - I carry my wheels in for those.

I felt the same way - especially the aluminum cases on the Adventure model. They're rugged and say "I'm headed to Alaska" but the racks are set out 1" further than necessary and the square profile of the cases add to the visual illusion. Not bad, just bulky and utilitarian. I'll have less capacity in my V35s I think, but I'll just have to pack lighter.

I bet your bags look good - I'm a fan of the Cortechs. I ordered the Givi V35 side cases to give it the tightest look, and they had two in stock but they were display cases that has some dings so I ordered new ones. I originally wanted an E36/E45 combo because it's a lot less expensive and still looks great, but we couldn't find them on the web site for IP to order them. I don't remember the model I picked for the top, but it's a 45 gallon model with red reflectors that I may LED at some point. We must have spend an hour trying different case combinations - kudos to the patience and service of Marc and Sue. From the little I've ridden, you're right tpoppa, that engine sure is smooth! I spent 30 minutes in Iron Pony's parking lot getting used to the bike at very low speeds, then testing the ABS and doing firm (but low RPM) acceleration and engine deceleration runs to carve in the rings before the cylinders glaze over (some of you will scream, but that's my preferred method and it's my bike ). I was thoroughly impressed with the power of that plant, and it's pretty torquey at low speeds too - maybe a little less than the V-Star 1100 I traded, but more than my CB700SC. I'm already loving the ABS - I tend to lock up rear wheels when braking hard and this isn't going to let me (yes, except in turns). The seating position on the stock seat is quite nice, and that's with my already cramped-up back (Friday non-motorcycle related injury). The wind was a little noisy at 50 mph but no buffeting. I'm looking forward to a longer, faster ride as soon as my back relaxes. Thanks for the great advice guys - I'm in love with the bike already!

I'll add another once my Givi cases come in

Man I hope so. That does suck.

Aaaand... I'm now the proud owner of a blue 2013 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS!

Did 30 minutes this morning myself, trying to tune a carb on a 1976 CB125S. Not bad really. Windy, but the sun helps with the temps.