Hello from a new member

[bstrom]

I am a new member and wanted to say hello. Tomorrow I'm riding my 2000 BMW R1100R from Nashville to Louisville to trade it in for a shiny new DL 1000.

The BMW was my first bike and I enjoyed it a lot but it's time for something new. I did major research looking for a new bike but finally decided to stop reading and start riding. I did a few test drives and picked the bike that put a grin on my face. It will join a 2000 KLR 650 in my garage.

I didn't start riding until I was 49 but have managed to put in about 25,000 over the past two years. In that time I have taken a 25 day trip to Colorado and a 13 day trip to South Dakota. This fall I plan to take the vstrom on a two week trip through the southern Appalachians. I thought the vstrom would be a good bike for touring and for riding the twisties.

Anyway, I've been lurking on this site for a while and have learned a lot. Your opinions are what led me to the vstrom in the first place.

Other than hard bags, centerstand and crash guards, are there any other "must haves" I need to buy for my new baby?

[Pauljo]

Other than hard bags, centerstand and crash guards, are there any other "must haves" I need to buy for my new baby?

Possibly a better windscreen and possibly a better seat. But I'd put a few miles on it with the stock items first, and then decide.

I also have a Joe Rocket magnetic tank bag for mine. A lot of times I'll leave the side cases at home & ride with just the trunk and the tank bag. The side cases add a lot of width to the bike - I pretty much leave them in the garage unless I'm going to tour. If you do end up doing long rides or touring, a throttle lock device is also very nice to have.

[GB #121]

Suzuki stock grip heaters, it will extend the bike season by at least a month both sides of summer. Over here, I can ride from February through to November unless there is snow on the ground. :D

Much, much longer than I could ride in Toronto, and the speed limits are 10-20mph higher.

[Magblast]

Good luck on your new V-Strom.I have a 2003 and really enjoy riding it.I also have a 96 KLR 650.Both are good bikes I got the Kappa luggage with mine and it really comes in handy,I can carry a lot of items ,really gives the bike a lot more potential. 8)