V-Strom Owner Careers

[GB #121]

Since BK's asked, maybe we should identify V-Strom owner careers...

For myself, I'm a Management Consultant (and Technical Author) for a number of American and Canadian energy companies, as well as a couple of UK-based construction contractors working offshore North Sea. I've been posted to about a dozen or so different oil platforms, semi-submersible drilling or production rigs, drilling jack-ups, FPSOs and FSUs (ship based production units) in the past 12 years in the North Sea and Dutch sectors. I normally travel offshore for 2-3 days at a time (this is an extended trip as one of the other guys is on holiday in Montreal), and progress various projects back onshore. Hence normal 80 mi roundtrip commute on the V-Strom, but I'm not due back onshore until Tuesday. The food's good though, the weather's holding (so far) and they've planned a BBQ for tomorrow night (on an oil rig, but then some guys on another North Sea rig near Norway were fishing and caught a shark last week!).

I initially studied Heavy Equipment near Toronto, then Broadcasting, then a stint on FM radio. Not near enough money, so career change brought me to Aberdeen and the oil industry. Mid-life crisis resulted in MSc in Economics, and then motorcycles and my yellow V-Strom (only ever rode Honda's and Kawasaki's in the 1970s, but remembered well a Suzuki 650 I once saw).

What's everyone else do (if you're not riding)? Does anyone else occasionally envy motorcyle couriers? Has anyone figured out how to hold a Starbucks latte on the Strom yet? The gap between the windshield and the dash is just big enough for a muffin.

Cheers.

[Trooper246]

Hey Paul,

My cousin used to be the Marine Superintendent for Agip. I know he worked on Agip's platforms in the north sea but that was over 10 years ago.

As for me, I am a firefighter/paramedic Captain with Lauderhill Fire Rescue in South Florida. I have been with the department for the past 22 years and hope to retire in the next few years. I try to commute on the Strom as much as possible. It is around 120 miles round trip from my home to the station every third day.

I am also the Public Safety Products Manager for Brownie's Thrid Lung. We build equipment for dive rescue teams, check us out here, http://www.browniespublicsafety.com

I started riding when I was 13, learning on my friends Yamaha enduro 80. When I was 18 I got a Honda CB1100F and after selling that to pay off some loans, I bought a CB750F. The 750 was set-up as a drag bike and I sold that one soon after getting married (You know how that goes. :oops: ). Well it took 17 years for me to have the bug bite me again.

Now I am thinking of getting a second bike! Hoohoo :lol:

[ZedNedbesty]

I have an '03 Strom. I work as a Union Plumber, local 434.

My exp. with cycling started with my dad teaching me on an old honda 50cc step thru scooter, much like the early eighties passport model. Then about six years ago I bought a used honda cb750, the same model that my dad had owned. I then bought a '98 honda magna, an '01 concours and now the strom.

Zed

[Randy B]

I have an 02 Strom #1000

I am from west central Ohio and work for Honda of America (ended up with the Strom while looking at new Hondas, LOL) I am just a factory worker, not an engineer or anyone of great knowledge, as most of my coworkers are more than happy to remind me, haha.

I started out riding about 31 years ago on a Honda 90 on old old farm lane of a friends. My first bike was a 74 Kaw 400 2 stroker and I went from there to a 1973 Z1-900. Since then I have owned a couple of other 1977-1978 Kaw 1000 LTDS which I loved and thought never to replace till I made the mistake of a dealer throwing me the keys to the V-Strom (talk about nasty sales tactic.. haha) I managed to stop myself from buying the bike for a year and then I kept thinking aobut it so much I called dealers all over the states of Oh and Indianan till I found my 02. I was real partial to the Blue and I actually saved a ton of money buying a new leftover.

Well, enough rambling and hope to get together with some other Strom riders some day for a ride.

Randy B

[GB #121]

Looks like most started out on Honda's. Like Randy, my first bike was a 70s Honda XL-125 that I rode year round on the farm roads 100mi north of Toronto...even towing toboggans up and down new-plowed roads! Then a Kawasaki 400, traded in for a succession of VW Beetles to get through college. Hey Zed, a CB750 was some machine to "get back on". Most opt for 600s.

Thanks for the web-link Trooper. Checked out the 'third lung' etc content, it may come in handy if the UK gets any wetter!

Cheers!

Well, Randy I am another Ohioan - Go Bucks! - Where in west central Ohio ? I am from East Central Ohio. New Philadelphia, just North of Cambridge. I now live in Northwest South Carolina.

Started riding in 81 on yes, a Honda 750F. Roadraced briefly, what an experience, and just got back into street bikes 2 years ago. Love the Strom but need (want?) a sportbike also. At my age (56) I don't know why I love laying on the tank, but I do.

Looking forward to meeting at TWO in NorthEast Georgia !!

Oh yeah, I have worked all my life in manufacturing. Mostly electronics and now plastic injection. I have worked in Info Tech, and materials management mostly. I guess that is why I am sensitive about jobs going to China. Thats another story.

Frank

[Brannon_Miller]

I'm in U.S. Navy and have server for 10 years it will be 11 in December. I have been stationed in Jacksonville, FL; Patuxtent River, MD; Pacific Missile Range Facility, HI(Island of Kauai); Sigonella, Sicily, IT; Naval Air Weapons Station Point Mugu, CA.

My riding experience consists of a 1990 Yamaha YSR50, 1986 Suzuki GS1150ES. I haven't ridden for 10 years. I was originally was considering a VFR but after much reassert I have determined that a V-Strom would be more of what I am looking for.

I'm waiting for the 2004 model to come out so I can read some reviews on the improvements. If the changes don't show any improvements, I will be trying to find a 2003(and save some money for accessories).

[motorhead]

Hey,I'm from Ohio too.

My previous bikes were

CB450
KZ900
GS1000
DR400
SR500

I love my new 2003 silver V-Strom

[replaced]

Thanks Paul (and the others too) for replying to my curiousity. Your jobs sound very cool. I enjoy hearing about what everyone else is doing, but how about the "I work at Honda but ride a V-Strom" Nice!|

Here is the Brendan rundown.
Professionally: Environmental, Health and Safety Director for a Hallmark subsidiary. I have been doing that for about 4.5 years and it was (is) my first professional gig out of college.

I worked my way through college (Indiana State) by selling motorcycles for a Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Triumph dealer. While I absolutley loved it, I enjoy the sport more now that I am not on the sales floor 6 days a week.

I stayed in the "business" by starting Howboucha.com three years ago as site for my active at the time motorcycle club "The Society for the Preservation of Motorcyclists".

I also am a co-host for a popular (in the area) radio show "Motorsports Monday with Mike King" (Of IRL fame). We have been doing that show for over 5 years now. So that satisfies my ego thing.

I started Stromtrooper.com after I bought my V-Strom. I did it because I wanted to see a good source on the web that could answer my own questions about my bike from those that are owners and provide a great resource for current and prospective buyers. I realized that there was another source, but that "source" just drove me nuts for obvious reasons.

My websites, Howboucha.com, Stromtrooper.com and RedbirdSRA.com are hobbies for me, and of course I do not make any money from them. (actually are costing me about 2K a year) which is becoming too expensive as a hobby. I am looking at trying to find a way to make enough money to fund the hobby almost entirely, so look for a T-Shirt soon. :)

I have been riding on the street since 15, and have owned over 30 street and Dual Sport machines over the last 16. Of all of the machines that I have owned (I had many dealer demos over the years too) the V-Strom is by far my favorite.

Well breakfast is ready so off I go.
Nasty weather in Indiana today, so I will probably keep the V-Strom in the barn.

Brendan Kearns
2002 V-Strom
Clay City, IN

[Trooper246]

I'm in U.S. Navy and have server for 10 years it will be 11 in December. I have been stationed in Jacksonville, FL; Patuxtent River, MD; Pacific Missile Range Facility, HI(Island of Kauai); Sigonella, Sicily, IT; Naval Air Weapons Station Point Mugu, CA.


Hey Brannon,

When were you at Sigonella? My cousin's husband was a MP there (K9 handler). He is in Pensacola now in flight school.

[jetratt]

Hey Brannon,
I'm in the Navy also....San Diego. I have been in 21 years with the last 11 here in San Diego at Special Boat Team 12. I just bought a yellow 03 VSTROM and love it. I gave up my 00 V MAX for something a little more versatile. Other bikes I have owned:
Suzuki TS 125
Kawasaki KH400 2 stroke triple
Kawasaki LTD 440
Harley 1200 sportster
Honda CRF 450

The V MAX was a great cruiser for short rides...a ton of power. Handling wasn't the greatest. Mileage sucked!

Don

[tokenboy]

Well, I guess I am somewhat in the same industry as GB #121.

I work for a major Canadian oil and gas company as an Asset Engineer in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. It is my responsibility to develop, exploit (my old job title was Exploitation Engineer), and manage oil and gas properties. Someday mundane, other days fun. When you have an active property with a lot of development, or working on aquisistions of other properties, it is very fun. If you have a mature property with little to no upside, it is quite drab to manage.

All in all a job that I enjoy. The company provides an unreal amount of training, but is too big at times. I'll give it another year or two here, get some more experience under my belt, and then move on to a Jr. company.

GB #121, the company I work for does off shore work as well, just only off the East coast of Canada and in the South China Sea (can you guess who we are?).

I took Mechanical Engineering in University, but use very little of it in my job. Over the past 3 years I have taken a number of reservoir and production engineering courses, which I use on a daily basis. The other main aspect is economic and risk evaluation.

My riding career started at age 5 on a Honda ATC70, then onto a Yamaha GT80, followed by an XR100...then a lapse until University where I found myself on a XR350L, then an FZ750 and finally my first new bike a 2000 ZX6R and now the 2003 V-Strom and a 2001 SV650 for use on the race track.

GB #121, any job openings over there? I think a little international experience would be fun.

[Brannon_Miller]

I was in Sigonella form May 1998 to March 2001. My command was AIMD(AIRCRAFT INTERMEDIATE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT). I will be here in Point Mugu untill July '04.

[GB #121]

Tokenboy

A number of Halliburton KBR guys have transferred back to the North Sea with ExxonMobil taking control of Eastern Canada. Surprisingly, a number of ExxonMobil guys have since transferred over to experience the "european thing". Maybe they didn't take to Newfoundland. I coach kids ice hockey in Aberdeen so they usually show up a the rink on arrival, child in tow. My kid is the netminder for the U12s.

Seems to be enough going on offshore here as long as you aren't intent on a career with either Shell or Amerada Hess! Stavanger Norway seems another possibility, great little Mexican restaurant down at the harbour. Touring there would probably be pretty great. One day...

Oh, and you'd have to lose the V-Strom. I have the only V-Strom in Aberdeen (if you don't count the 03 Blue model languishing at the local Suzuki dealer!).

[alyef]

I'm in the Navy also....San Diego. I have been in 21 years with the last 11 here in San Diego at Special Boat Team 12.
Don

Don, I was in Special Boat Unit 11 out of Mare Island in the 80's. That was a fun job :)

Now, I work as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer in the San Fransisco Bay Area. I don't yet own a DL1000, but that is the bike I want get after I kill my KLR. I have 48K on it and do 20k/year commuting.

[tat2steve]

03 Strom ,Union Electrician, Local 113

[YLO-JKT]

I work as a service manager for an independent tire dealer. My first bike was a ct70 @ age seven have had lots of dirtbikes/quad ever since.
The first streetbike was an 80 cb650c in high school.It had been 10 yrs or so when my brother inlaw brought by this beater 750sabre and said try it.
that summer a 80 cb900c this year a yellow 03

Hey Alex,
It is a fun job. Things have changed alot since then. Still fun though!
GOD, COUNTRY and FAST BOATS!

[alyef]

Hey Alex,
It is a fun job. Things have changed alot since then. Still fun though!
GOD, COUNTRY and FAST BOATS!

Is there room for 'Fast bikes' in there :D

[Woofy]

This seems a little ironic:

I'm an administrator at a level one trauma center that serves a five-state region.

Been riding motorcycles since I was 8 years old. That's 35 years as of last June. Can't wait to celebrate my 70th year on bikes.

[replaced]

Update:
As of November 6, 2003
Unemployed
B.K.

[DirtyWurty]

Update:
As of November 6, 2003
Unemployed
B.K.

you mean retired or looking for another ?

[replaced]

Let's just say it was a forced "early retirement" :lol:
Actually, at 31 it's probably too early for me to retire and I don't have enough doolers to not work. :(

I was previously employed as an Environmental, Health and Safety Director for a large company owned by the largest greeting card company (sounds like "hall" and like "mark") We had our fist layoff since the big boys bought the place in 98. Since I was in the HR world, I helped orchestrate the layoff on the 15th. My position was eliminated and my last day was November 6. I knew about this since August, so I was somewhat prepared. I will say that it is the worst thing that I have ever been through and it sucked big time. Not so much for me, but having to see a layoff like this and how it affected the others both leavers and stayers was painfull.

I could go on and on, but I won't. I did start another website for those that were affected (www.purplepug.com). If you go there, you will see that it is similar to Stromtrooper. I like this format so I decided to use it again.

My plans were to go on a ride next week and tour West Virgina and the surrounding states for a week with a friend of mine.

The day after Thanksgiving was going to be the start of my Mexico tour.
I had a previous post about this trip, but changed it to California. That was nixed and Mexico is back on.

I wasn't planning on working anywhere until after the first of the year. I need some time off.

But yesterday I received a job offer for a large company that is one of those deals that I would be an absolute dumbass if I didn't take it. One of the conditions so far (they haven't accepted my counter) is that I can still go on my ride next week, but I may have to to cancel the Mexico tour. No biggie though.

So I guess I may be re-employed soon.

Brendan

[DOCSAV1]

System admin for major oil company. Been riding since 67

[Vstromer]

Bought an '03 approx 2 months ago, & love it (except for the clutch noise & windscreen noise). Started riding in '70 (NE Ohio) on an OSSA Wildfire. Since then have had another OSSA, several Bultacos, some Hondas, RZ-350, Can-Am Qualifier. Prior to the Strom, was riding a GT-550 w/ pipes - absolutely love the sound of the 3 cylinder 2-stokes :D . Planning to keep the GT-550 as long as it runs. The 550 feels like a toy compared to the Strom.

Have a degree in mechanical engineering, working at a company that makes H.D. truck axles, & diesel engines prior to that. Currently live in the western N.C. area - much better climate than Ohio especially in the winter ( don't miss the lake effect snows).

[TPadden]

I was in Sigonella form May 1998 to March 2001. My command was AIMD(AIRCRAFT INTERMEDIATE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT). I will be here in Point Mugu untill July '04.

Know a guy (tech rep) Norman Heath, I think just retired out of there.

I'm a retired USMC Pilot, retired Police Officer Escondido PD, Contract Sheriff's Deputy Ozark Cty Mo. (K-9 with 6 Malinois).

Retirement is GOOD, but spend all my time changing oil and tires :lol: !

Current Toys:

BMW K1200LT (75,000+ miles)
Honda Valkyrie (45,000+ miles)
Yamaha FZ-1 (20,000+ miles)
Suzuki DRZ400 (3,000+ miles)
Suzuki V-Strom (900+ miles)

Polaris and Honda ATV's
Sea Doo 4-Tec Jet Boat
Kubota
Laforza
Monster Miata #1 Ford 5.0 V-8 - Old Blue was on the cover of Autoweek Dec 16 1991

[VStrom272]

I'm an environmental consultant (hydrogeologist) with URS helping big chemical companies clean up contaminated sites in South Jersey (that's Southern New Jersey to you out-of-staters). New Jersey is actually divided into two states, easily recognizable by the type of football fans in the area, NY Giants in the north & Philadelphia Eagles in the south.
My first solo ride was at 7 years old on my Dad's Bridgestone 100 back in 1972. I rode that thing for 8 years until it was held together with duct tape and fishing line. I moved up to a Honda XL175 and then an 83 Shadow 750 which I had for 10 years until I picked up the 02VStrom last April.
I love my Strom and will probably hold on to it for a while.

[Alanr]

I have a 03 V Strom, reg number 03 DL 1000. I live in Co Cork, Ireland. I'm a Firefighter with Cork City Fire Brigade. My current line up is. '03 Strom, '76 CD 175, '97 Bandit 600, '80 XT 500, '82 DT 175 and a Sierra Cosworth [car]. I started off 11 years ago on a Yamaha DT 100. The Strom is by far the best to ride. :D

[hond330]

im a mechanical engineer by education. currently the cost manager on a large expansion project in a refinery in kansas...

i had bike about 14 years ago.. then last year got a klr650 for on and offroad riding here in kansas... just got me a vstrom 1000........ i like them both for what they both can do....... i will keep them both...

my next assignment (hopefully) will be in billings montana.... another project....... except i hear its colder than kansas....... and has a longer winter........ :lol:

[rudramdas]

I am into software (Analysis Programmer)...i dont move arnd much in my job...most of the time in the day i am restricted in my 11ft by 11ft cubicle....but i do make it a point every morning, evening and weekends to give my vstrom a good shake......
its just great to know the kind of people riding these bikes and the age.....i am 24 and before this i had a Buell M2 Cyclone......well that was good but this is better and more fun.......looking forward to read a few more interesting jobs......

[Velociraptor]

Got my degree in biochemisty way back when(1979). Been working at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center as a research technician since 1987. My specialty is flow cytometry. I do or oversee most of the flow work in our lab. I usually have a routine of bicycling to work and running home then running to work and bicycling home the next day. Keeps me fit and I don't have to deal with Seattle traffic. It helps that my wife works at the same place and drives so she hauls my clothes and stuff. I used to sometimes ride a motorcycle to work. In 1987 I was rear ended by a small truck when traffic stopped to let an ambulance pass...ironic,eh...I was on a BMW R90/6 riding to work in the morning. Then last Sept I was broadsided on a city street when riding my RC51 home from work. So now I don't commute on a motorcycle and only ride on the weekends.

[K-Strom]

I'm a nerd(programmer/consultant), on sparetime I also have a site for single people to hook up with a partner(sorry site is only in swedish), trying to make a buck for gas on lonelly singles:). V-Strom is my first bike.

K-Strom

[rudramdas]

hey fellow nerd.....good to see one arnd...i thot that i was the only one doing programming....well i am working in a clinical research organization...not that interesting and off course not the same amnt of social work that u do by that site of urs.....this is my second bike...so we r close then...huh.....

[ryan]

US Navy, 14years.

2 ships out of Norfolk.
CSG7 Yokosuka Japan
VQ3 Tinker AFB, OK
SCW1 Tinker AFB, OK
NATO Izmir Turkey

There is a good chance I will be sent to VPU2 out of MCBH Kaneohe bay Hawaii. Cool, since I am from Maui.

[JRE]

Been riding street for 4 years but dirt since I was 14. Account manager for Fidelity Investments (no, I can't give you financial advice except invest in Fidelity :D :P ).

[ChuckS]

I own a custom canvas shop outside Detroit. Mostly I build boat covers. I'm bored, considering med school. I've been riding for about a year, not counting dirt bikes, trikes, etc when I was a kid. I bought a GS500 last summer & a used K4 in February. Awesome bike. Anyone want a nice little GS500?

ChuckS

[oldgoat]

I have an 04 DL1000
Was a research chemist for a pharmaceutical company for 45 years. Retired last August.

[Bobb_Todd]

I am by Profession a Registered Nurse and was a manager of Mental Health Programs for many years.

About 5 years ago I took a career turn and transfered into IT. Am now the Telecommunications and Computer Service Manager for a group of 10 hospitals.

The Dl650 is one of 4 bikes I have now with too many in the past 2 remember.

[2003strom]

Retired on May 1, 2005 after 27 1/2 years as an Illinois State Trooper. Lots of time to ride the VStrom, ST1300, and KLR650!!!!

[Chris]

Hi Guys,

Network Admin and PC tech support for the past 8 years.
Prior to that
During High School and several years after. worked as a Machinist in a few different Tool and Die companies.

Happily Married
2 Daughters :D !
Our oldest is 5.
Our new one is 1 month old :P

And I ride a DL-650 !
Life is great, What more could I want 8)

past rides

Kawasaki ZR-7s
Kawasaki ZRX-1100
long long ago
Honda CL-250 and CB-360

[Gilk51]

My degree is in electrical engineering but I have done software development in flight trainers and mission rehearsal systems for the last 30 years. Just had my 35th anniversary with Lockheed Martin (via acquisition of LTV Aerospace & Defence and Loral Vought Systems).

My only previous job was working in my parents' bookstore in the 60s.

2 sons - 23 and 21, both ride sport bikes. My wife rides a 150cc scooter but has a 500cc Aprilia Atlantic on order. :)

[emgold56]

Started Monday with DC 911 (officially known as the office of unified communications). We handle 911 and 311 dispatch for the city. I'm a geographer and have been in the GIS (geographic information systems) field since I graduated in 2000. I will be handling all the mapping here.

I started riding in 2003 with a V Star 1100 Classic. The wrong bike for me, long rides left my upper back useless. All the good reviews from both here and mags convinced me to get an 04 strom. Awesome bike, devours miles.

[DCDL]

I work in college security, keeping an eye on the kiddies here outside of Cleveland.OH. A.S. in Law Enforcement, B.A. in Business.

Bikes:
'76kv-60
'79cr-125 elsonor(sp)
'82xt-250 (loved that bike)
'85gs-450
'82xj750 with faring and luggage (kind a reminds me of the DL-1000)
85ish sabre 750
85 xj700 (nice little rocket bike, handed down to wife)
88BMWk75c (rode to Halifax and back. 10 inch windshield, talk about buffeting)
70s honda 150 something
honda atc125 (fun as hell)
DRZ400s (just sold it Wed.)
Honda Rincon
Dl10004k
I'm sure there is more, several basket cases.

Doug.

[BradM]

Statistical Anaylst for Wa State DOT, work primarily on generating design level numbers, kind of boring but a step up from collision analysis I did for several years for the state which I got into from leaving law enforcement.

Been riding for over 36 years, with a lot of different bikes, the first street bike was purchased new in 1978 a Suzuki GS750E and then added a RD400 a few months later. And went on from there for about 28 bikes, currently the '03 yellow 1000 and a '01 KLR 650 are in the shop.

[Dennis Robertson]

Nuclear power plant operator here. That means I'm some idiot's arms and legs! Decent pay but the hours kind of bite...

My 650 'strom is my first street bike in 24 years, although I've been riding since '72. The 'strom fights for garage space with a large unruly gang of KTM's.

Spent most of the Eighties in the Canoe Club on submarines, been flippin neutrons in Alabama ever since with a little volunteer fire & rescue action on the side.

[Zammy]

Hey guys, I'm a Firefighter in Decatur Alabama. I'm 46 and have had mostly all the "cool" Kawasakis and other brands , more than I can count,since I was thirteen.

[MIKE WI]

Currently I am a RN, Cardiac Specialist. In my current role I am invovled with life support training, meical emergency response, and placing defibrillators in the community.
I have been riding or driving something since I was 11. I have raced karts and solo raced both for a few years.
I own a 77 SUZ GS 500 and a K04 1000 BLUE at the moment. 8)

[Mc2guy]

Analyst for a commercial energy consulting firm. I do feasibility assessments and financal due diligence for domestic and international energy asset development (Power Plants, Pipelines, Refineries, Import Terminals). Also do some industrial energy efficiency work.

Anyone else notice the number of respondants that are in the energy industry? WTH?! Must be something about the bike!

Mc2guy,
DL1000K5
Black on Black

[andyb]

Manager of aTool & Die Shop for a small intl company in Seattle. I don't think there's too much I haven't built, fixed, designed or screwed-up in the last 35 yrs! :oops:

[Wambo]

Been a Pharmacist for the last 25 yrs., first in hospital for 5yrs, then retail. First bike 1 yr after high school, '74 GT380 Suzuki. 2nd bike after graduation from college, new 1980 GS750 Suzuki. Now after a 22yr hiatus, '04 V-Strom 650 (12,000 miles in the 1 yr I've owned it) and a '04 GSXR1000 limited (middle-age crisis bike). So far, I've only owned Suzukis for some reason!

[jkam]

I'm homeless, been 5 years now and work odd jobs when I have to. I find it hard to settle down in any one place for very long and have learned to live on the cheap exploring the world by motorcycle. Recently I've been doing survey work in Arizona but it's getting hot and I'm heading out for cooler country.

[Zammy]

jkam, That's cool ! Reminds me of the TV show from the early seventies... "Then came Bronson".

[Random]

I am a Coast Guard Officer

[Dakota]

Over the past 3 decades I have had 27 dirt bikes. Everything from Japan to Austria. I have been in the retail buisness for 25 years. I have been married for 23 years. Two years ago I needed a change !!
So I bought my first street bike. An 02' 1000.
Change is good!!

[BikerTrash]

I am a tankerman, I work on a fuel flat in Morgan City louisiana fueling up towboats.

I started out riding on a '90 Kawasaki 454ltd (want another one as a second bike now), Traded that on an '84 Goldwing (the naked version) that I then sold to get a 96 RF900R. That bike sold me on Suzukis but not crotchrockets. Went to trade it in on a 1200 bandit and the salesman offered to sell me an 02 strom for the retail price on an 04 bandit and I am glad I took him up on it. Oh and I forgot, for three days in 1995 I was the proud owner of a RD350 yamaha .

[tejasbusa]

District Technical Service Manager for an outboard engine manufacturer for the past 20 years. Been riding for over 35 years. First bike was a Bridgestone 90 Sport, Kawasaki Jr. Green Streak, Benelli 360, DT250 Yamaha, R75/5 BMW, CB750 (Last year of the single cam) GSX1300R Hayabusa, DL1000K2, and various others for a day or two. Ex-Navy with a stint as an outboard motor mechanic.

[revel22]

My wife and I own two business's in Minneapolis. I'm a CPA by background and a member of the CMA here in town. I love this bike.

[smokediver1975]

Firefighter/Paramedic here, taking delivery of my first bike ever, an 05 650 (red) this Friday.

[Patpuma]

I'm a large, tan colored, carnivorous cat. :lol: Either that or I do computer tech support and training.

Been riding for one whole year now and am on my second bike already. First bike was a Yamaha FZ6 which wasn't the right bike for me, so I traded it in for the DL 650.

[chrisH11]

8) I am a computer security engineer for NASAs Mission Control Center in Houston TX. I have a '03 DL1000, yellow in color, with a Power Commander, RaceTech fork kit and Traxxon fork springs. This is my 17th bike (I'm 62) and have racing cars and bikes for 43 yrs (I retired from racing last year). I also have a DRZ400S for Dual Sport riding.

[V-lust]

I'm a rancher in Texas. Spent 2 1/2 hours on my horse yesterday looking for lost cows and am sore enough this morning that I'm still on the internet at 8:30 am. Riding since age twelve which translates to riding nearly fourty one years. Rode enduros for several years after college and got back in to street riding about 7 years ago. Rescued an old Seca 750 from the pawn shop, then an r100gs, followed by an ST1100 and now a DL650 which I rode home from Alabama a couple of weeks ago(1450 miles mostly in three days) Spent about 30 minutes on the GS yesterday and I really have a hard time understanding all the whining about turbulence on the Stroms. If the GS had this Cee Bailey screen I might still be riding it. The Strom also has a Staintune pipe and a pair of Givi e46 bags which makes my behind look much narrower than it is. Also has what must be the easiest to deploy ceneterstand ever devised... SW motech. Paul

BTW: That horses name is Suzuki...99DR350

[Ed T]

I am a Protection Engineer. A Protection Engineer is an electrical engineer that does engineering to isolate short circuits and instabilities in utility power systems to minimize electrical outages. Or when there are short circuits in a power grid we keep the outage to a minimum (hopefully). After 24 years with a major western utility, I quite work, my wife and I sold the house, packed up the dogs, loaded up the trailer and traveled for two years. We now live in Carson City\, NV and I started a part time consulting business.

I started riding dirt bikes about 10 years old and some street riding from 18. Bought a DRZ400S 3.5 years ago for 50/50 dirt/street, but with all the road bikes in my neighborhood, I new I needed a bike with a little more street abilities. The 650 V-Strom fits me perfect.

[USMC V-STROMMER]

Active duty USMC going on 18 years this coming August. My specialty is Telecommunications Engineering.
The DL-650 is my 1st bike. A "back safe from the desert" present. My riding experience is nil compared to most of you folks out there. I have some dirt bike experience from when I was a teenager and now the 1300 miles I have on my Strom which makes me feel like a teenager again. :)

[HD_NO_MAS]

Green Beret US Army Special Forces. Currently teaching ROTC at Eastern Michigan Univ. Master Sergeant with 20 years, and looking forward to retirement.

[coonass]

I am a pressure equipment inspector, 30+ years in welding and heavy oilfield fabrication specializing in production pressure vessels for the offshore oil industry. 18 years with major player in the gulf of mexico then "ritht sized" in '99. Now a consultant to the company that right sized me. Work out of New Orleans ride in SW Ms and elsewhers the roads lead.
68 250 Ducati Scrambler
70 450 Desmo
74 KZ1 900 Kaw
95 CB750 (return to bikes)
02 DL 1000
seem to be in some pretty good company on the Strom

[BBurton "BigB"]

I am a field service engineer for GE Health Care. I repair, install and service anesthesia machines, patient monitors and infant incubators and warmers. I primarily do all of my work in hospital surgery and private surgery centers. I work alot of evening hours due to surgery schedules, but I hardly ever have to work a weekend. I get to go golfing or take early morning rides before I go in. I pretty much work my own schedule, I know what work needs to be done every month so I can kind of work at my own pace. :D

[phlooburoo]

Nice to see this thread revived. Adds dimension, depth to these user names.

I've always wondered, though, why people tend to define themselves by their jobs. I suppose it can be justified, considering most of us spend the majority of our waking hours working. (Side note: My wife recently received auto-biographical briefs of all people attending her 15-year high school reunion. One bio was particularly funny, as a woman didn't say anything about herself but rather described what her husband does for a living. Hmmm.)

Bike related: Ride every day. Met a girl in 2000 who introduced me to riding. (Married that girl two years ago.) Learned on her ('87?) Honda VTR 250. Then upgraded to her '88 Honda Hawk GT 650. After a couple months I bought a 2000 Ducati Monster 750. Fun bike! Put about 12,000 miles on it that year, but sold it when we moved from San Francisco to Michigan. Had my eye on the Strom for more than a year before I bought my ’04 DL1000. Love this bike! About 12,000 miles on it now and still going strong. It’s a keeper.

When not on the bike: Write fiction, read, play/watch most sports, hustle pool, travel, sample scotch and bourbon, play with my cats, and partake in various shenanigans. By day I don the mask of responsibility to collect a check – work as a technical writer in a cube farm for a software company. Flattening my ass eight+ hours a day, plus another 1-2 per day during commute… but hey, commuting is fun when you’re on a Strom.

Cheers.