New member from the Pacific Northwest (USA)

[Hector]

Greetings everyone,

My name is Hector Caroselli and I just joined this group. I live in Seattle Washington in the US, and I have been riding for a very long time. I am quickly approaching geezer satus, but I still enjoy riding a great deal and I like solo touring.

At this time I do not own a V-Strom so I hope that doesn't mean I have to quit the group. I have a BMW and a Moto Guzzi and I like both bikes a great deal. I have been intrigued with the V-Strom since its release and all the positive press has made me more interested.

I am quite serious about buying a V-Strom even though a 3rd bike may land me in divorce court. A man has to do what a man has to do. :P

Now that there are 2 flavors of V-Strom I am confused as to which one to buy. I am hoping to hear from you folks, onlist or offlist and I want to learn what you like about these bikes, and also what you don't like or what problems have been identified.

I don't do any dirt riding but I was hoping the V-Strom would be suitable for riding dirt roads, both here in the Northwest and in the American Southwest. To that end, the new V-Strom 650 seems ideal, but the bigger bike might be a better choice for "getting" to the dirt roads. FWIW, I am also a pretty big person, so that may also influence my choice.

So, if any of you have any suggestions, please feel free to contact me.
Thanks in advance and nice to be here.

Hector Caroselli
rpd1@qwest.net

[nwestrn]

Hi , My name is Rick I to also am a nwestrn, from Maple Valley. I just took delivery of my V Strom a month ago . I have not had much chance to ride , as I have had to do some traveling for work. Good to see a number of people from the NW. Hector where do you ride?

[sempervee]

Hey Maple Valley >Get the Strom 1000 <> You won't be disappointed.,...... I am here down in Sacramento , formerly from Seattle not long ago.. I sold my upteenth Harley and fell in love with my 03 V-Strom.
My HD buddies can't believe I did it but there is no more comfortable, better handling bike to be had. I have owned alot of different motorcycles and many many Harleys over the past 30 years, * but this bike is a keeper. I have ridden 1400 miles in the past 2 weeks locally. I miss Seattle but not the winter there. The riding here is Great!
it was 82 and sunny today!!!!

[replaced]

Welcome to the group. We would all enjoy hearing about your riding adventures and the opinions you have of the bikes you own and have owned.

It will be hard for any of us who own a V-Strom to say anthing bad about it and will emphatically recommend it.

For a "big guy" it's perfect. Toss on a hard case with a backrest pad and take your wife for a ride. that could keep you out of divorce court. If not, then take the Judge for a ride and he will side in your favor. :P

[BikingAgain]

Hi Hector, interested to see you have Beemers and Guzzies. I always fancied the BMW GS but I need a step ladder for the 1150 and the 1200 is a big outlay for someone starting off in bikes again. Drove the Breva because it sounded ideal but, while the styling and build were first class, I didn't think I could last with only 40 odd ponies. Drove the Multistrada also but my knees were catching the fairing when I was sitting comfy :cry: I ended up with the 650 Strom because it makes a heap of sense. I figure anything that will cruise at 100 is plenty and I like to feel in control which means the bike must "fit". The Strom ticks all the right boxes (twin headlights, treble disks, comfy suspension) and feels right when you drive it. No wrestling with the indicators like the Beemers.
Now if only Suzuki would do shaft drive .. It's my first fuel injection and it's perfect. Also either these tires, or the new fangled radials, are amazing. No more following lines in the road!
Enjoy whichever you get.

[lady fisher]

8) WELCOME we just returned from a short 60 mile Sunday putt here in So. Oregon it's 75 and sunny .I have the 1000 and my wife has the 650 so I have been riding both in fact we traded for the last 20 miles today.It's the first time she has been on the 1000 she did great riding it . But there is alot of diffence in the two so ride them both. Pete