Another new Strom in Michigan

[phlooburoo]

Hey folks.

Just got home from the dealer. Crossed the border into Ohio (Honda East, Toledo) and got a great deal on a '04 Silver 1000 -- $8580 included a center stand, three-piece luggage set, and a full tank of gas to get me home (-oh, and then 6% tax next month when I get the Michigan title). I've had my eye on a V-Strom for the last year and wasn't planning on getting one until some time next year, but thankfully, Suzuki decided to come out with their $99/mo. summer special. Sheeit, I'll save $50 in gas alone each month.

I'm in the Ann Arbor area, and relatively new to Michigan... been here 2.5 years but not on a bike, so I'm ready to explore the roads. I'm from California so I used to just head for the coast or the mountains, but Michigan doesn't have either... but there have to be some nice rides somewhere around here. I'd love of any recommendations. And if you want a riding partner for an afternoon, let me know.

Mahalo!
~Geoff

[Pauljo]

Geoff,

I am a 2.5 year transplant from New England to Nebraska, so I know what you are saying. There are a lot of real straight roads out here, and not many trees, hills or buildings to block the crosswinds throughout much of the state. Michigan can't be any worse - it's probably better. But there is some good riding about a days ride away from here. Just went to the Black Hills in South Dakota a week ago, and I'll be going down to the Ozarks in Arkansas in a couple of weeks. Missouri also has some good roads I've been told. Have to travel a bit to get to the good stuff...

[CDN_RN]

Be careful with the $99/mo deal. One late payment, your fault or not, to any of your creditors or utilities and you now have a 29% rate! Congrats on the Strom!

[rxcoop]

left a-2 for "greener pastures" 30 yrs ago. i was b/r in toledo & wife from milford. returning next spring <kids outta school & time to 'retire'> will be up there next week, on the strom, to scope out housing, during the week betw VMD and superbikes at mid-ohio. lemme know if you wanna ride to hell...

[DooFighter]

Geoff, good luck with the new DL. Sounds like you've gotten a pretty good deal, although I'm not sure what all those accessories go for after the sale. I've seen that dealer's ads on cycletrader and wondered if they're good deals or if they add on tons of freight/prep, etc. Might just be worth a road trip when I decide to take the plunge. Although I'm hoping to come across a good used one with all the good accessories on it already :)

There are some back roads west of you between I-75 and Lansing that are decent, but not hilly. I don't know them, but have a buddy in Fenton who does occasionally. He rides a Bandit12oo right now. There are some fun roads in the northwest lower between the bridge and traverse city...one of the state hiways there, can't remember the nunber, is supposed to be excellent twisties, and there are a few hills up there too, just don't expect california type terrain. Lots of areas of MI have a few decent twisties, but they are scattered and few and far between. The other thing about MI is you can nearly never count on a curve being free of dirt or stones since most shoulders are not paved and the cagers have a hard time just keeping it on the road. Ok, I'll step off the soapbox before I get carried away-LOL.

Good Luck, if you get up this way (Escanaba), give me a shout, we can share some miles.

[gmcsierra2002]

Have fun with it. I am from Michigan to Saginaw. i have a DL650

[phlooburoo]

My wife's folks live in Saginaw. The next time we go up to visit, perhaps we can arrange to meet up for a ride. I've done about 2000 miles so far exploring some of southeast Michigan (...but primarily commuting 70 miles a day), so perhaps it's time I start working my way north. Send me a message if you're interested. Can't say when exactly, but at least the idea is out there.

Cheers.
~Geoff
phlooburoo@yahoo.com

[gmcsierra2002]

I have got about 800 miles on my strom so far. I try to rice atleast 20-40 miles per day if not working. Let me know when and where.