New Guy Checking In

[dallasdon]

I just joined the site as I have recently purchased an '06 V-Strom with 6k miles and I've always found that if you have questions, go to the source and riders are it.

In the past I have owned too many motorcycle to list as I'm 64 now and have been a few miles. Currently I have a Honda ST1300, a Kawasaki Versys, and now the DL650 V-Strom. I"m pretty sure the ST!300 is sold so I really can count that any longer. It is a great bike, but way to heavy for me. I've found that the Versys can run right with the ST, is much better in the twisties, and is about 350 lbs lighter. I really love that bike buy have become very interested in the V-strom and have enjoyed what little riding I've done so far. It came with a custom gel seat, Hepco top case and bags so that much is pretty well taken care of. It also came with heated hand grips that are awfully unfcomftable as they are rough and hard. I would like to take them off but I don't see how without destroying them. Any suggestions here?

I am looking for another windsheld to get the wind over my head as the one on it now beats me to death. I need one that will get the air over me so let me know if you have any suggestions.

I do 95% riding on the road but in my younger years it was mostly off road and motorcross. Getting to my age has taught me to not outride my capabilities and those are beginning to narrow, but I'm not giving up.

Anyway, I live in the Dallas area and would be happy to hear from folks in the area.

I am retired Army with time on my hands so any of you old military folks give me a holler and we"ll do something even if it's wrong.

[Masked1]

Must be looking for female riders to ride with. :D;)

[dallasdon]

Must be looking for female riders to ride with. :D;)

I guess I'm just stupid, but why would you make a remark like that?

[NewSuz]

I think its 'cause you posted in the Strom Sisters forum.

[terrierterrorNH]

You posted in the Strom Sisters, not the general forum. Welcome anyway!!

[LordSmoke]

Our new friend sux at the interwebs, but I prefer to hang out with babes, too.

Welcome, dallasdon! Keep an eye open (or search for) references to the Madstad bracket and the Givi tall windshield (but beware of dash melting).

[dallasdon]

Well I'm not sure how I did that but I see your point now. I'll try posting it elswhere.

[terrierterrorNH]

Well I'm not sure how I did that but I see your point now. I'll try posting it elswhere.
Dallasdon,
Again welcome and get used to this kind of gentle rib "tickling". It's what makes this forum very entertaining. I saw the other post, as well.
Cheers
TT

[Mercenary]

Must be looking for female riders to ride with. :D;)

This would have been a good idea if I hadn't met Ms. Right while doing invasive species removal.

[Ancon]

..I am looking for another windsheld to get the wind over my head as the one on it now beats me to death. I need one that will get the air over me so let me know if you have any suggestions.




Welcome dallasdon.

Just for fun, (and especially during these hot summer months) lower your windscreen to the lowest setting--it'll take about 4.317 minutes--and go for a ride. I think you'll find the air to be much cleaner/smoother. With the other bikes you've owned and ridden, surely you won't be bothered by a little more wind noise, and you won't get beaten to death.

Works for me.

[smalltownSarah]

Welcome dallasdon.

Just for fun, (and especially during these hot summer months) lower your windscreen to the lowest setting--it'll take about 4.317 minutes--and go for a ride. I think you'll find the air to be much cleaner/smoother. With the other bikes you've owned and ridden, surely you won't be bothered by a little more wind noise, and you won't get beaten to death.

Works for me.


Wind buffeting occurs whether your windscreen is too high OR too low. Check out this application guide on Memphis Shades website to attempt to find your optimum placement:
http://www.memphisshades.com/products.shtml

My 'strom is new to me, and came with both the Givi tall windscreen and the stock screen. My bike has been lowered 3/4", and I am slightly disproportionate in that I am all legs and a short torso. With the Givi tall, I found I could only see over it if I streeeeetched my neck way up there (at the lowest setting) - but didn't buffet. I just swapped to the stock screen at the highest setting, and I'm having a little buffeting but I don't have to look through the screen. I think I'll use the Givi tall for touring, and the stock for local jaunts.

What is the dash melting issue with the Givi tall?

Thanks!

Sarah

[LordSmoke]

What is the dash melting issue with the Givi tall?

Thanks!

Sarah

Not necessarily Givi-specific, but they do include a warning sticker on the shields: http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,9010.0.html

[smalltownSarah]

Not necessarily Givi-specific, but they do include a warning sticker on the shields: http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,9010.0.html


Thanks for the tip. I have the Givi tall shield, but it came on the bike so I didn't see the warning sticker included. Here's hoping the PNWet sun doesn't get that hot - because I don't have a shaded option when parked at work (and I commute every day that it's not snowing/icy and I'm not deathly ill).

I'll keep an eye out!

~S

[2mstone]

Thanks for the tip. I have the Givi tall shield, but it came on the bike so I didn't see the warning sticker included. Here's hoping the PNWet sun doesn't get that hot - because I don't have a shaded option when parked at work (and I commute every day that it's not snowing/icy and I'm not deathly ill).

I'll keep an eye out!

~S

Sarah,
I have the Givi and have yet to have any meltage issues. But, if the bike is going to sit in the sun for a while I use this.


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m85/Tombstone-z1/067.jpg

My daugther-in-law made it for me, She might have used a grey shirt and just sewed the top, and put elastic on the bottom.

[smalltownSarah]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m85/Tombstone-z1/067.jpg

My daugther-in-law made it for me, She might have used a grey shirt and just sewed the top, and put elastic on the bottom.

Thank you! Nice tip. I'll see what I can come up with. Suppose I could always throw my textile jacket over it in a pinch - the thing <i>never</i> heats up!

~S

[Haar]

Hey there,
Welcome to the strom world. (I sold mine) Here's what I did for the grips on my fjr Yamaha with heated grips. . .I went to the craft/housewares section of a department store (WalMart maybe?) and picked up a packet of foam (black, maybe 1/8" thick) sheets approx. 8x10. They're super soft and so far have seemed durable. I then cut a strip (about 1/2 the width of sheet) the length of the grip (or width depending how you see it) Mark and cut after you have wrapped the sheet around the grip (for proper length). Now, I have the aerosol can of 3-M brand spray adhesive ($11 a can, but it's handy to have in the shop) Spray the foam strip you have cut, spray the grip, let tack up, wrap tightly and you're ready to go. I used two wraps as I like fat grips. It does leave a seam but if positioned right, it works very well. As far as windshield, good luck. I had CeeBailey 4" over, tinted on my dl1000 ('03 - without movable screen) and it was "O.K." but not the best. CeeBailey also makes a smaller one (with the slit) and I think it worked better but put wind on shoulders and arms but helmet buffet was O.K. I sold my strom however because of wind and how it affected the whole bike. Behind semis, sidewind -- shit, you're floating. One good sidewind in a rainstorm at 70 on e-way, I'm done. Good luck. By the way, the fjr is a whisper jet not affected by the breeze, but it can't go where the strom could.