Stromboli
06-15-2004, 07:04 PM
Hi from Vancouver Island BC!
I am currently strom-less, but willl be flying out to Calgary this Thursday the 17th for pickup of my new 650 (silver) - Local dealer was sold out, plus I'm saving $850.00 ($US 625.00) by purchasing in Calgary. I'll then be riding back across Alberta and BC, visiting family and friends for a week or so along the way. What a great way to start the Summer! I'm particularly looking forward to the ride along Kootenay Lake from Creston to the Ferry- considered by many to be the best ride in BC.
My choices narrowed down to the KLR or the DL-650. It's hard to argue the KLR's reputation for adventure touring, but I've always wanted a v-twin after many I-4's and singles, and long-distance comfort was an important consideration. Besides, this deal wasn't gonna happen w/o the wife and kids approval - and they did NOT want to ride on the back of anymore of Dads "dirtbikes" (which is what they viewed the KLR to be).
A quick demo ride on the "baby" strom was all the convincing I needed. I've been riding nearly 36 years (since 13), but an active rider for "only" about 20. This will be my 6th street bike, and I've also owned 5 dirtbikes over the years. My street riding skill is maybe average (fear strings play louder as one ages), and I used to race X-coutry and Hare Scrambles in Alberta and BC at the senior level. My last streetbike was a '85 900 Ninja that turned out to be a wonderful sport tourer that carried me to many wonderful places I would have never seen from a cage. My last dirtbike (and most recent) was an XR600R fitted with a Baja Designs street legal kit. It was great on dirt but definitely not sutable for any lengthy hwy rides.
I think the comfort and versatility of the V-Strom's is hard to beat. I can only have one bike, and am sure I'm not going far wrong with the Strom. I'll always take function over form. It's good to finally see a major Japanese manuf. paying attention to this growing "adventure touring" class in N. America. Honda has really missed the boat IMO by keeping the Transalp and Africa twin off our shores for so long. Glad to see Suzuki step up to grab a share of this market. The Island will be perfect for this bike! Great, well maintained curvy roads, and endless miles of gravel and logging roads. If you haven't already, check out http://www.destinationhighways.com/ for reviews, ratings and videos of all the great riding roads in BC, WA, and northern CA. (not spam - I have no relationship with them).
Riders passing through always welcome. Send me an email if you're planning a trip to Vancouver Island and want info, help, etc. Any other Island Strommers out there?
I am currently strom-less, but willl be flying out to Calgary this Thursday the 17th for pickup of my new 650 (silver) - Local dealer was sold out, plus I'm saving $850.00 ($US 625.00) by purchasing in Calgary. I'll then be riding back across Alberta and BC, visiting family and friends for a week or so along the way. What a great way to start the Summer! I'm particularly looking forward to the ride along Kootenay Lake from Creston to the Ferry- considered by many to be the best ride in BC.
My choices narrowed down to the KLR or the DL-650. It's hard to argue the KLR's reputation for adventure touring, but I've always wanted a v-twin after many I-4's and singles, and long-distance comfort was an important consideration. Besides, this deal wasn't gonna happen w/o the wife and kids approval - and they did NOT want to ride on the back of anymore of Dads "dirtbikes" (which is what they viewed the KLR to be).
A quick demo ride on the "baby" strom was all the convincing I needed. I've been riding nearly 36 years (since 13), but an active rider for "only" about 20. This will be my 6th street bike, and I've also owned 5 dirtbikes over the years. My street riding skill is maybe average (fear strings play louder as one ages), and I used to race X-coutry and Hare Scrambles in Alberta and BC at the senior level. My last streetbike was a '85 900 Ninja that turned out to be a wonderful sport tourer that carried me to many wonderful places I would have never seen from a cage. My last dirtbike (and most recent) was an XR600R fitted with a Baja Designs street legal kit. It was great on dirt but definitely not sutable for any lengthy hwy rides.
I think the comfort and versatility of the V-Strom's is hard to beat. I can only have one bike, and am sure I'm not going far wrong with the Strom. I'll always take function over form. It's good to finally see a major Japanese manuf. paying attention to this growing "adventure touring" class in N. America. Honda has really missed the boat IMO by keeping the Transalp and Africa twin off our shores for so long. Glad to see Suzuki step up to grab a share of this market. The Island will be perfect for this bike! Great, well maintained curvy roads, and endless miles of gravel and logging roads. If you haven't already, check out http://www.destinationhighways.com/ for reviews, ratings and videos of all the great riding roads in BC, WA, and northern CA. (not spam - I have no relationship with them).
Riders passing through always welcome. Send me an email if you're planning a trip to Vancouver Island and want info, help, etc. Any other Island Strommers out there?