Thinking of becomming a convert...

[Guest]

A few months back I purchased a 2003 Suzuki Intruder 1400 for the
wife and myself to take on small road trips. We've only looged 900 miles so far and the bike just doesn't seem to be adequate for a comfortable trip. I'm 6'3" and she's 5'3" so the Intruder seems kind of small to me.

I sat on the V-Strom at the dealer on Friday and it seemed to fit me like a glove. Plenty of leg room and a perfect up-right riding position.

My questions are: how will my wife feel in the passenger seat? Is it difficult for her to climb on-board if I were to get the full luggage package?
will she be comfortable on this with the hard luggage?

I'm pretty convinced at this point to trade in, just wanna make sure the "boss" is going to be happy with the decision.

Thanks for any opinions or advice.

Eric

[Jeff]

You're on the right track! My "boss" likes the seating, and has no problem climbing on. I'm 5'7", and the "boss" is 5'2", so you should do just fine. Let us know how you do.

[tokenboy]

I'm 6'2" and my pillion is 5'3". She fits just fine with the full luggage...and loves having the topcase as a back rest.

We find the easiest way to mount up when the bike is fully luggaged is have her climb on first, scoot back, and then I get on afterwards with the awkward straight leg hop over the saddle....if you get my drift.

[Brendan]

Buy the V-Strom, you won't go wrong.
Brendan

[Trooper246]

Eric,

I am 6'0, 250lbs and the wife is 5'9". I have a full Givi set (E41 & E52) and she was able to get on the bike with plenty of seating room. The wife only lasted about three months as a pillion. Now she has a Bandit 1200S, it had nothing to do with comfort.... she said I didn't drive fast enough. :roll:


Steve

[Flatline]

Thanks guys for the great replies.

Went down to the dealer yesterday to square up all
the paperwork and a new V-Strom will be in my garage
this Saturday.

I had them install the top case and the taller windshield
and I've got the saddle bags along with it but I'll install them
at a later date.

I can't wait to take her out on the highway and then to
Biketoberfest in Daytona 8) !

Thanks again for the support and advice.

I'll give you the wife's response early next week.

Eric

[Mike_mike]

Hello Jeff,
you are 5'7" and your boss is 5'3"???
looks like me (I am 5'6" and the boss is 5'3")

so how did you manage for the height of your Strom?
Do you have the Suzuki topcase? if so did you put a "rubber" backrest?

Thanks

Mike

[GB #121]

Your V-Strom should work fine regardless of pillion size.

The Boss hasn't shown any interest in riding pillion, so the role has been left to 10 year old son (35 kgs) and a number friends wanting a different way to travel to various pubs for lunch! Most of these range from 5'8" 90kgs to the largest one rugby playing version who is 6'5" and nearing 130kgs!! I am 6'4" 110kgs and we haven't experienced any problems yet. As I'm always the designated driver though, I'm limited to a bitter or lager shandy rather than real ale! Bugger! I always find it's easier for me to get on, take the bike off the stand, and then they jump on behind (betwixt me and the top box).

One thing though, one of my friends always complains about "v-twin eye jitter" at anything under OD or 80mph. So with him it's always a quick trip.

Enjoy (I'm still restricted for another few days, stranded offshore 80 mi north of the Scottish coast, weather's supposed to be closing in).

Cheers/Paul

[replaced]

Paul,
I don't want to stray too far off topic on this thread, but your posts about you being on an oil rig is really intriguing me. Come on man, tell us something more about what you do.
B.K.