Where are we all?

[red_sa]

SO, how many of us Aussie's, and Kiwi's, are there looking in here....
I am from South Australia. Just wondering where the rest of "us" are from?
Cheers
Chris

[Spin]

Hi, I normally don’t check the regional sections and just found that we have our own section.

I’m in Bega on the far south coast of NSW

[Jantar]

I'm in Central Otago, New Zealand. Also know as motorcycling heaven. :D

[dungee]

South East of Brisbane, where it's summer all year 'round

[boomslanger]

A little piece of paradise called Mollymook, Southern NSW.

[tiM]

Near Bega . There are about 6 Wee's down here that I know of.

[boomslanger]

Interesting. The wife of the Nowra Suzuki dealership in Nowra where I bought my Strom came a cropper on her Wee down in Bega. A farmer was looking at his cattle instead of the road and cut in front of her. She had to lay down the bike and did a lot of cosmetic damage to the right hand side and her right arm.

I've seen some Stroms in my travels up and down the Princess joke of a highway, so will have to try and get a conversation with one or two.

Dave Byrnes (Nowra Suzuki dealer) is preselling all the '07 Stroms he can get and sold the '06 model like hot cakes, it helped they gave away $900 buck Tom Toms with mounting brackets for all '06 Stroms sold (started the promo 2 weeks after I bought mine, bugger).

[tiM]

We have some common bikes ! Too bad about the farmer and the Strom ... I had not heard about that one. Not good, but doesn't surprise me. We farmers are always garping around the place. I am holding off ordering my Strom for a litle while ..... I am negotiating on a DR 650 for the next week, but if that falls thru ..... I will buy the Strom, even if a moddle change is immenent. I heard there were were 120 in the last shipment, and there are 40 left. Looking forward to meeting fellow strommers . :lol:

[Ado]

North side of Brisbane. Not a bad part of the world to be in at all!

[RomperStromper]

Forster NSW

[hotfire]

GDAY YA BASTARDS.

From Wagga Wagga NSW
Just joined up. Had Strom since 04.
Anyone heading to tha Island this year?
Bloody month earlier than usuall so I expect it will be even colder and wetter than normal!

[pilbaralad]

Gidday, I'm from Newman in the Northwest of WA. I have been off bikes for the past 13 years after my missus decided West Aussies can't drive (moved over from Victoria). Have finally grown some nads, put my foot down and come to a compromise with her, she gets a jet ski if I get a bike again!

After a coupld of weeks of online research (1200km to Perth, so I can't drop into a bike shop to check out the latest models) I have decided on the DL650.

I thought it would be a relatively simple affair but after reading through this site over the last couple of days I have found so many mods, accessories etc that one could argue are "necessary equipment" for someone like me who will be doing a bit of off road stuff.

Any suggestions on what bike protection is a must from the day I pick u the bike would be appreciated.

I am in the process of getting quotes from Perth dealers and seeing what sort of accessory discount I can get for the bike and riding gear.

Look forward to reading and learning more from you experienced wee strom owners.

Cheers

Brett

[RomperStromper]

Gidday, I'm from Newman in the Northwest of WA. I have been off bikes for the past 13 years after my missus decided West Aussies can't drive (moved over from Victoria). Have finally grown some nads, put my foot down and come to a compromise with her, she gets a jet ski if I get a bike again!

After a coupld of weeks of online research (1200km to Perth, so I can't drop into a bike shop to check out the latest models) I have decided on the DL650.

I thought it would be a relatively simple affair but after reading through this site over the last couple of days I have found so many mods, accessories etc that one could argue are "necessary equipment" for someone like me who will be doing a bit of off road stuff.

Any suggestions on what bike protection is a must from the day I pick u the bike would be appreciated.

I am in the process of getting quotes from Perth dealers and seeing what sort of accessory discount I can get for the bike and riding gear.

Look forward to reading and learning more from you experienced wee strom owners.

Cheers

Brett
Hi Pil, Welcome
Must have Acc. Crash bars!!! FYI the Suzuki Genuine ones are actually Givi's here in OZ, overseas they are SW-Motech, But in OZ we get the givi which I thing give much better protection. heres proof on my bike:

http://web.mac.com/adamfardell/iWeb/Site%209/Strom%20page.html

FYI I got the genuine Centerstand and genuine Crashbars (givi's) thrown in with the deal... & I got a good trade $4500 for a '97 TRX 850 with 90,000ks on the clock, so me :)

I'm 6"1 and the screen ...mmm.. average at its highest setting, not to bad with earplugs at sane speeds, but if u were doing lots of road ks a bigger screen would be good... BUT, I hate big screens in the dirt, I think I'll stick with stock for now and maybe make a v.short screen for summer, as I'd rather "clean" air any way..

Good Luck... by the way, a 1200k run up the highway would be the worst possable way to run in an engine, I'd be inclined to trailer it home and run it in properly, ie. lots of start stop type riding.

RS.

[pilbaralad]

RS, thanks for posting the photos link. Is that the bike in the crate? did you have it sent to you in the crate?

If so was there much to getting it assembled?

If that is an option it might be better for me to do that with what you say about the running in, that and the fact that I haven't ridden for 13 years makes me a little nervous.

I like the look of the crash bar, not keen on the bash plate though, is that a home made job or a bought one?

I will need some sort of engine protection as I will be doing a fair bit of trail/dirt road riding once I get going.

More I think about a centre stand the more it would save a lot of hastle when cleaning the chain or loading the bike. I will wait a while to get a bag/pannier set up but while I am getting used to the bike the crash bar would probably save a few $$$ in paint touchups.

[RomperStromper]

Hey Pil,
Yep Bash plate is home made, its back off now for painting (Black) so it doesn't stand out as much, but it does offer very good protection...

Thats my bike in the crate, but at the shop, I wanted to do the predelivery/asemble my self but they wouldn't let me, "warranty issues" they say.

U Could shop around and get one packed back in the crate for shipping to you, just have to remove the f.wheel and handlebars...

RS

[hotfire]

Gday there
You can find SW MOTECH stuff and other European stuff locally (Australia) for all kinds of bikes incl DL 650/1000 at www.norrus.com.au
I bought a strapless click on/off tankbag from them and were good to deal with also send a email request to info@touratech.com.au and they will send you a free 770 page catalogue book full of all sorts of touring shit.
Cheers
hotfire

Gidday, I'm from Newman in the Northwest of WA. I have been off bikes for the past 13 years after my missus decided West Aussies can't drive (moved over from Victoria). Have finally grown some nads, put my foot down and come to a compromise with her, she gets a jet ski if I get a bike again!

After a coupld of weeks of online research (1200km to Perth, so I can't drop into a bike shop to check out the latest models) I have decided on the DL650.

I thought it would be a relatively simple affair but after reading through this site over the last couple of days I have found so many mods, accessories etc that one could argue are "necessary equipment" for someone like me who will be doing a bit of off road stuff.

Any suggestions on what bike protection is a must from the day I pick u the bike would be appreciated.

I am in the process of getting quotes from Perth dealers and seeing what sort of accessory discount I can get for the bike and riding gear.

Look forward to reading and learning more from you experienced wee strom owners.

Cheers

Brett

[hotfire]

Gday
just thought I'd let everyone know if they already didn't that there are locall aussie suppliers of SW MOTECH and Touratech stuff for the Stroms.

www.norrus.com.au

and you can request a free 770 page catalogue from info@tourateck.com.au

you can getall sorts of shit and gagets for the bike.
I bought from 'norrus' a strapless tankbag that uses a a clip device screwed to the fuel cap screws. Works great and doesn't scratch the tank in any way like conventional strap/magnet ones.

[mussie]

Hey Ya Fellow Aussie's

I live in Jimboomba (65K's) south of Brissy, but work in Brisbane city.

Have had my 05 Strom since September 2005 and have clocked up 25,000K's since I bought it.

To be honest I would have thought that there are more Aussie Stommers on these boards.

Later All

[pilbaralad]

Would be good if dealership wesites linked make or model specific websites. Mind you it didn't take me long to find this site once I started looking on other sites.

I found out about this site through mcnews.com.au.

If it wasn't for this site I don't think I would have signed up for my new wee strom so fast (two weeks of online shopping as I live 1200km North of Perth in the outback)

Great idea having the Aussie Threads, so much that can be learn't thats specific to Aussie riders.

[julian]

Who needs a 1000cc bike when the 650 v-strom does every thing.Cheap to run easy on tyres & chain good fuel consumption & low comp insurance premium & the seat is good on your backside.
When I bought my 650 strom about 2 years ago I had some vibes through the right handlebar at around 100 KPH which drove me crazy as it was at the legal speed limit & a nice speed for cruising.
One biker did sudgest that it could be the throttle bodies.

I had the bike serviced at 12,000 klms & they synchronised the throttle bodies & I can tell you its much better so Iam happy with the service.

I was thinking of a test ride on the new BMW 800 ST when it hit the shores next month here in OZ, if any one out their has bought one please give me a heads up on it CHEERS, but when I think about it my bike is such an all rounder does everything in its stride. so, are you guys happy with yours ? reply soon Julian.

[graham downunder]

I'm in Sydney ( yes I know it sucks) on the south side . I have a mate from the states who flew over bought a wee strom rode up to Cairns Alice Adelaide Melbourne then back to Sydney in about 4 weeks 12500 Klms . He left me the bike to ride he may come back in a year to complete his ride around Australia.So I am a LUCKY bastard who gets to keep the oil going round in the engine .
He has a BMW 1200GS , and a Harley Road King back at home ,so he dosen't miss the wee,to much.

[Laava]

Hi Graham, yeah that mate of yours....well he's a mate of mine too! He told me to get as much use out of that DL as I like. You not planning anything from say....Nov to about March are ya? :lol: I'm in the north of NZ in whangarei, waiting for my ride, should be this week. Jeez it's like waiting for a birth! Anyway G have fun babysitting!

[graham downunder]

My mate rang me yesterday and complained I hadn't put up miles . Guess I will have to solve that soon.
For those downunder try some NULON engine treatment after the next oil change it really smooths out the gearbox ,just be ready to lower the idle as it will increase .

[RomperStromper]

Hi Graham
Ive got an Overnight ride planned for 2nd w/end Nov on the mid nth coast if ya want to come along, a few from the big smog will be coming

Ads (RS)

[Murf]

I have just found (and joined) this forum and I must say I am impresed with the variety and the quality of the infomation.

I live in western Sydney and only use the bike for recreation and not for commuting. Although I have to say some days it would be nice to leave the company car at home and take the bike.

I have had my DL650 K6 since June this year. I was looking a second hand SV650 at the Suzuki dealer in Nowra NSW. I explained what i was looking for and went for a test ride on the SV. When i got back the DL650 was sitting waiting for me to ride. I told him that i was not interested ina new bike, but he said ride it anyway.

After one ride and week of thinking about it I sold the old bike and bought the new Wee-Strom. Still impressed and looking for more oportunities to get out and about on the bike.

[BALLARAT JACK]

Ballarat, Vic. Had a 14 year break then got the bug after a ride on my brothers hot TT600 historic racer.
Had a KLR650 for a couple of years and kept noticing V Strom mentioned on a KLR forum.
Checked it out and after paying a deposit then the balance I got a test ride. Peak hour Melbourne traffic.
Got a call from my dear lady wife on the way home which went something like this: "what did you say are you on your way home or have you bought a new bike?" "both" then the phone went silent/dead.
An hour later she was sitting on the pillion seat giving me a cuddle. Nice colour, comfy seat and an impressive machine got me out of trouble.

[stormbringer]

Sydney (Fairfield/Liverpool) - just bought a DL650K7. Previous bikes have been: Honda CB200, Suzuki GT250, Suzuki GS500E.

Leon

PS: Hiya Graham, nice to meet you already (Breakfast Torque).

[Aussie Stromer 1039]

Gunns plains Tasmania
I know there is a few stroms getting around down here besides me

[eddyvstrom]

hellow fellow Aussie`stromers im from Glendale rear newcastle NSW
and ride a 06 wee strom .you just gotta love them

allso have a
KLR 250:mrgreen:

[Lightning Strom]

I'm from Newington in Sydney. Just bought a new DL650K7 about 5 weeks ago. Before that I had a Kawasaki ZZR-250.

[pilbaralad]

Well all kitted out now and exploring the great trails up here. Happy as a pig in ........

[red_sa]

Great stuff Pilbaralad,
Let the fun begin.

[Ntstrom]

G'day, Just picked up a second hand DL650 K5. Being riding all sorts for 20 odd years. Love the bike and probably the most versatile available.
Great site, thanks.

[loxsmith]

I am not sure I should be listing here yet, but here goes. The Vstrom is on my short list of replacements for a CBR1100XX that I currently have. It has just landed back in the country after a little trip OS. In Feb I will test ride a Strom and go from there. Oh, and I live at Eatons Hill, on the Northside of BrisVegas.
Glen

[Roo]

Greetings Roo here that iam in Bendigo there are three Vstroms here two fantastic Weestroms and one what can i say, 1000cc the big mother one :D

[Cherry Red]

Canberra here and 39 left ..LOL

[SquareBob54]

An American by birth, I spent my formative years in Australia - from Primary school through to Uni. I married the best looking girl in Sydney and then stole her away back to the USA - I now live in Atlanta Ga, but I miss Sydney on a daily basis.

[K1W1]

Hi.
I live near the top of the Dandenongs east of Melbourne. Five hundred metres from home I have the choice of winding asphalt road down the mountain or 2 kms of dirt road running parallel so I guess I'm close to Wee Strom Nirvana. :)

[buckethead]

napier nzed

[Numbnutz]

A newby member form Brissy with the O7 650, love it and cant get off it. Planning a march run to Phillip Island for those interested.

[kenny]

Ok, the name is Ken and I hail from Sunbury, Victoria and ride an '03 DL1000 and absolutely love it, had a Bandit 1200 prior to this and thought the smaller donk would be hard to get used to but quite the opposite, incredibly user friendly with ooldes of torque, comfy as a armchair and handles well enough to scare the sportbikes when the mood takes me, reckon she will be in my keep for a while as this machine as does everything I wish from a bike and more, so no complaints here that's for sure.

[loxsmith]

Picked up a new DL1000K7 last Thursday, only put about 600km on it so far. Some accessories on back order so I will have to leave it home this coming long weekend and use the '03 Blackbird instead. First impressions are good!
See you all on the road sometime

Glen

[gco0307]

New here so have to post the location :)

I am located in the Illawarra region of NSW and have a 2005 WeeStrom bought 2nd hand 3 months ago with 1500kms on it (known history).

Now she is due for teh 6000kms service and being honest I am absolutely loving the little beast having heaps of fun on the local firetrails and sealed roads where it upsets many.



Garry

[buckethead]

Napier sunshine city Hawkes Bay NZ ride a red V

[boomslanger]

New here so have to post the location :)

I am located in the Illawarra region of NSW and have a 2005 WeeStrom bought 2nd hand 3 months ago with 1500kms on it (known history).

Now she is due for teh 6000kms service and being honest I am absolutely loving the little beast having heaps of fun on the local firetrails and sealed roads where it upsets many.

Garry

I'm from Mollymook. Been waving to a Strom I haven't seen before in the last few weeks, have you been riding between Ulladulla and Nowra?

[gco0307]

I'm from Mollymook. Been waving to a Strom I haven't seen before in the last few weeks, have you been riding between Ulladulla and Nowra?


Nah I haven't been down that way yet, instead have been spending heaps of time in the firetrails around Meryla National Park, Fitzroy Falls etc.

But I did test ride it (was a private sale) out through Nerriga, Oallen etc and at the meet point before leaving (Caltex South Nowra) there were 3 others that pulled in on the day within 30 minutes.

That said I will be heading your way within a few weeks to do some road with mates then I will be dropping out and hitting the trails around Pigeon House mountain through to Nerriga.




Garry

[mungo]

Yo bro's,
I live nr Hornsby North of Sydney.
I've had my DL650K3 for a month or so now and just love it. Going on an off road course at Gosford Feb 24 and then I'll be looking for the dirt. Hopefully getting crash bars on it before then. Looking for a sump guard. I've had enough of working so I cruise around on my own whenever. I'm not averse to company but I generally ride Mon-Fri and hang out with my wife on week-ends. I also go up to North Haven (40km south of Port Macquarie) once a month or so for a few days and that trip via Wollombi / Dungog is fun.
Have yet to tackle the Oxley but that'll happen soon.
cya

[boomslanger]

That said I will be heading your way within a few weeks to do some road with mates then I will be dropping out and hitting the trails around Pigeon House mountain through to Nerriga.

Garry
Done the Pidgeon House thing a few times (and the heart attack walk up it) and I'm trying to find every dirt back road in the area, mostly on my own. If you see a cherry red DL1000 in your travels down south give us a wave.

Not set up well for dirt atm (no guards etc.) so take it easy, which is why I ride mostly by myself around the back roads.

[gco0307]

Done the Pidgeon House thing a few times (and the heart attack walk up it) and I'm trying to find every dirt back road in the area, mostly on my own. If you see a cherry red DL1000 in your travels down south give us a wave.

Not set up well for dirt atm (no guards etc.) so take it easy, which is why I ride mostly by myself around the back roads.



Will give that wave and will also post up if I am heading that way on a weekend.

As for the gear, I have SW-Motech bars and have just ordered the matching bashplate from an Australian distributor in Townsville mores for piece of mind in the 'just in case' scenario.

I am also a part of a small South Coast group (Road and Dirt) and trying to get a bit more action out and around in this area so as mentioned before, will post up the rides down your way.



Garry

[Numbnutz]

As this is my first Wee Strom i would like to hear from other like minded numbnutz on how best to improve engine performance. Im quite happy with the stock bike, though do intend to fit K filters and perhaps a dyno.....any sugestions. Make it simple please im a newbi.

[boomslanger]

Will give that wave and will also post up if I am heading that way on a weekend.

As for the gear, I have SW-Motech bars and have just ordered the matching bashplate from an Australian distributor in Townsville mores for piece of mind in the 'just in case' scenario.

I am also a part of a small South Coast group (Road and Dirt) and trying to get a bit more action out and around in this area so as mentioned before, will post up the rides down your way.



Garry

Thanks Garry just joined up. Have TAFE tonight so will activate my account later on. I really have to socialise more with the riders in the area and see more of my backyard (though Mollymook Beach at the height of the tourist season has plenty of scenery).

[steamboat]

Just got an 05 650 Strom to try one out ,I Like the little bugger! nippy and good fun,miss the Grunt of my YZF 1000, but a lot more comportable for serious touring for an old fart like me.
Still have the Big Yamaha ,so I can still get me "Buzz" when I ned it.

[gco0307]

Just got an 05 650 Strom to try one out ,I Like the little bugger! nippy and good fun,miss the Grunt of my YZF 1000, but a lot more comportable for serious touring for an old fart like me.
Still have the Big Yamaha ,so I can still get me "Buzz" when I ned it.


As far as comfort goes, I just recently (Monday to be exact) did Bega to Dapto (341kms) non stop in 3.5 hours and got off as fresh as a daisy (didn't smell that fresh though :D ). One very comfortable machine.




Garry

[HamoAus]

Hi all, just joined today don't have a V-Strom yet but seriously looking, just don't know which one. I am in Townsville in North Qld, I'll be reading the posts with interest until it's time to buy.

Cheers
Hamo

[MyVee]

Hi All, I'm on the Sunshine Coast, Qld, and returning to riding after 10 years break. I brought my DL650 home just over a week ago and loving it. Taking it in for it's 500km service this week. I bought it with Suzuki crash bars, centre stand, and knuckle wind guards, and also a ventura rack. Fitted the whole lot in just over 2 hours yesterday. I'm now looking for an engine crash pan/belly pan... if anyone has some ideas I'd be most interested.
I'm using the bike for mainly road use but who knows what may happen. I've noticed a lot of buffeting at 100kph.. not so much of a problem at the moment but I've noticed a lot of discussion about it in the forums here.
Nice to meet you all, Ben.

[redback]

Melbourne! Spanking new trooper - collected Wee Strom ABS on Friday and did the run to Phillip Island for the Moto GP on Saturday & Sunday.

Wee Strom is everything as good as everyone ever wrote about it. Very much a case of more is less.

Planning RTW trip for around May/June next year so I will let everyone know how she does. In the mean time I will be hanging some of the usual RTW stuff on her - bash plate, decent rear shock and fork springs, al panniers, bark busters, chain oiler etc.

[ockerstrom]

Hi Chris,

I'm from Sydney's outer west.
Pity you didn't post a couple of days ago, we are riding out of Adelaide tomorrow [Thursday] arvo.

We could have caught up for a cuppa or an ale.

I'm on a ride from Sydney to Adelaide to Melbourne and home again to Sydney.

Anyone who wants to catch up along the route can text me on 0419347090

See my "We are off in the morning" posts for info/updates.

Regards,
Steve [Ock.]

[ockerstrom]

Hi all, just joined today don't have a V-Strom yet but seriously looking, just don't know which one. I am in Townsville in North Qld, I'll be reading the posts with interest until it's time to buy.

Cheers
Hamo

Welcome Hamo,

Buy a WeeStrom, they are fantastic :jawdrop:

Check my posts, "We are off in the morning".

I got off a BMW 1150GS and am so glad I got the DL650abs as the replacement bike.
It will do everything you want and they are top value, go for the ABS 650 as the deals are very good at the moment.

These things are so versatile, top commuter bike and fantastic long distance bike and they can handle dirt too.

Ock.

[KevB]

I'm in the northern suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia.