Here's the situation.....

[bigjim]

Here's the situation, I know that there is a post currently ongoing talking about what I'm about to ask you'all, but I have some very, very special circumstances. I am a newbie rider, starting up the Motorcycle Ohio Course in late July, but I'm 6'10" and weigh 335lbs. I am currently looking at options for bikes after I complete the course, and the V-Strom has been the only bike thus far which even comes close to "fitting". Another issue is this, I've sat on both the 650 and the 1000, and the 650 feels significantly smaller, is this just b/c of the smaller seat? I've also sat on KLR 650's and they fit fairly well too. The questions then are these: does the v-strom 650 or the KLR 650 have enough juice to haul my big ass around (commuting back and forth to work and to school, and some weekend trips to wherever)? Is the V-Strom 1000 way too much bike for me at this point in my riding life? These are the only bike's I'm considering, sitting on bikes for someone my size tells the tale of the tape pretty well, so which one of the three would you'all recommend? Bye the bye, I'm a 30 year old married guy with a mortgage and a future, so I'm not looking to do wheelies or go 140mph, and I don't get sand kicked in my face when I'm at the beach either, so the extra weight of a larger bike should not be an issue--with that said I'm ignorant in these matters, so put me in my place if it is needed. Thank you all in advance for your help.

--Big Jim.

[JRE]

Jim, I am ~250 lbs and have ridden with my wife (which obviously puts us over the 335lb mark) and there is more than ample power to scoot us around. That said, you aren't going to be doing any 10 sec 1/4 mile runs :D For commuting and joy rides it would absolutely be suitable for someone of your weight. I'm only 6'2" so I can't speak to height. The bike's powerband is broad and smooth so there is power throughout the RPM range. I'm not sure the 1000 would be more than you can handle but it is usually prudent to start on a smaller cc bike. I did some checking when I bought the bike and the 1000 & 650 load capacity is roughly the same and is greater than some comparable bikes like the FZ6 oir FZ1. I hope this helps.

[MATTMAN]

You might also want to try one of the KTM adventure bikes. They are very tall. The 950 might me too much for starting, but it might something to keep an eye on. The 640's (thumpers) are well thought of for offroad use, but vibrate a good bit (from what I read).

[bigjim]

Gentlemen, thank you for your help! I definitely feel better about getting a 650 knowing that there are other big guys riding them around, and knowing that there should be plenty of power. I was out with my wife looking at bikes yesterday, she ended up getting a honda shadow 600. There were no 650 V-Stroms in the showroom, so I didn't get to have another sit on the bike again. However a few will be coming in this week and I'll be there to check 'em out again just to make sure.

--Big Jim.

[msats]

good call jim.....

i started on a 1200 cc bandit as my first bike and do think a smaller bikes makes you a better rider.

[Strom-meister]

The last time I owned a bike/drove one was in September 1983 (Yamaha 550 Seca). I got the motorcycle bug again early in the spring and bought a K4 DL650 in March of this year. I think it was a very wise choice and once I get a year or two under my belt I will decide if I need something more powerful. I'm learning all over again and have already experience some very minor mishaps due to lack of experience.

[bigjim]

Hello all! Well here's the situation, I couldn't get the right deal on a 650, so I bought a used 1000, out of Indiana--she's a 2003 yellow strom with 11,000 miles, paid $5400. I know this is going against all the advice, and really against my own judgement, but more often than not, money talks. So here is a set of questions I have been thinking about since I made the deal yesterday: what crash bars/engine guards are available for the strom, and if there is more than one manufacturer which ones are the best? I'm pretty damn' tall, and all torso, so what windshield would you all recommend? and finally, is there any mechanical work I should be looking to get done in the next couple thousand miles that '03 stroms usually get done? I know this purchase goes against conventional wisdom, but it was a great deal, and I will use the utmost care and caution when riding. Thanks in advance for your replies gentlemen, and I look forward to reading them.

--BIG JIM.

[msats]

The hardest part is not the bike but more like opening the throatle too much ....that gets one into trouble

so loosen the throatle cable a bit so even with full wrist twist you are passing 6k and enjoy

you have plenty of power and after about 1000 retighten it ...good luck
as i mentioned before i started on a 1200s and after 3 years and 35k
miles i was dragging my rearset raised pegs on that bike....

[marndo]

I like the extra power of the 1000, but it is only usefull for long rides on the super slab. Makes for a better touring bike but thats about it. Around town, twisties, fire roads, and anything but the superslab are made for the 650 motor IMHO.

I do 300-500 miles on the superslab for work every week so the 1000 suits me well. Its just hard to keep up with the gang on the weekends through the twisties and trails :cry: .

[bigjim]

MSATS,

Thanks for the info., is loosening that throttle cable a pretty straightforward adjustment? I can see where the cable would be loosened, are there any possible problems with getting the throttle "right" after I loosen it up and ride a 1000 miles? It sounds like a great idea, b/c yesterday I took delivery of the bike (BTW I opted for a brand new leftover silver '04 for $6700 rather than the used yellow '03 for $5500), and I decided to ride it down my driveway, well this bike has a lot of ass behind it!!! While I didn't drop it, I did give the throttle a bit too much and felt an unexpected surge of power. All's well that ends well, but if loosening the throttle is a practical idea that won't cause mechanical problems with the bike I'm all about making the adjustment. I look forward to your reply.

--Big Jim.

[bigjim]

Very nice feeling, riding down the street today. I didn't loosent the throttle cable, but I did take it easy, VERY EASY, and cruised up and down the street a few times. Can't wait to do it again tomorrow. Talk to ya all soon.

--Big Jim.