Hey Strom Sisters -

I picked up my new Wee today and rode it all day in the rain and had so much fun!!! I had to do a couple of things to the bike so that I could reach the ground and am still on my tippy toes. I installed the Kouba Links (so cool that the color of the links match the color of my bike and are nicely inscribed V-Strom). I got the adjustable side stand and the center stand for the lowered bike. I am still going to purchase the low seat as I could use 20mm lower - that would get me on the balls of my feet where I am comfortable. I am getting some wind buffeting with the stock windshield so I will look at other options. I also put in the power socket, GPS ram mount, lower OEM skid pan, and I ordered the accessory bar, chain guard and adventure aluminum panniers. So I am getting it all set up for touring. Nice that the made the ugly warning stickers easy to peel off this time without a hairdryer. They didn't leave any residue behind at all. I am also getting motolights. I did not get the top case because I prefer my Kriega US-30 bags (s) on the backseat and luggage rack.

I look forward to reading your posts! I am in a women's motorcycle club in the North Georgia mountains called the "Georgia Mountain Riders". If you get up this way and want to ride, meet for coffee, etc email me at frostylaw@yahoo.com

See ya on the road (and on this thread). Aleta (aka frosty)

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2012 V-Strom 650

Congrats on the new bike! I'm in the same boat as you as far as being short. I'm just under 5'5 and on top of that I have a short inseam. I too have installed the kouba links, and adjusted the bike accordingly.

You mentioned the low seat. I purchased the low seat and found the difference between the two to be almost unnoticeable. What did end up making the difference for me was taking off the 4 rubber blocks on the underside of the seat. I've read some people have cut them in half instead, but I opted to just take them off completely and replaced them with a couple of felt pads. When not sitting on the bike, the seat moves around a little bit, but once I get up on it, I can tell no difference, except my feet are finally in a place where I can actually back the bike up when I need. Just something else there for you to consider.

Also, what side stand did you get? I still have the stand the bike came with it, but I'm just not happy with the stability of the bike on it. I've looked at having the stand shorted, but am curious to see what other decent options are out there.

Congrats and thanks!

I got the adjustable side stand from Soupy's, it's great! Thanks for the info. I also got the center stand for the lower bike, also works great! How far did you lower it in the front (forks). I think I need to lower mine another 3/4 inch in the front, it's not even...

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2012 V-Strom 650

What are kouba links?


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Live - Love - Laugh - Ride anywhere and everywhere
Dr Music

Kouba links replace the stock rear suspension dogbone links to lower the rear of the bike. They are available for 3/4" or 1-1/8" lowering.

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Pat- 2007 DL650A was ridden to all 48 contiguous states. 2012 DL650A is just getting started.
Nicknames for posting ease on my part, Vee = all DL1000s. Wee = 2004-2011 DL650s. Glee = 2012+ DL650s

Congrats on the new bike. I'm lovin mine as well...I'm 5'7 and can just barely touch both toes. With one foot on one of the pegs I found that I can touch down sufficiently with the other foot.

I rode 717 miles this past Sunday, my longest day ride yet.

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-rodney

2012 G-Strom - White
2005 Fazer - Blue

Thank you. Do you find a big difference? Difficult to put on?

congrats on your new ride. i had my seat lowered and modded by spencer. he cut away the sides to make the seat narrower for a 'cleaner' touch. and lowered it too.

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I also use the Soupy's adjustable sidestand. Several thousand miles and zero issues. I had a tip over with the stock side stand in front of a hundred people at a national park and that was enough!

Aleta, sounds like a wonderful setup, enjoy the heck of your new Wee.

Snowing & blowing at my house.

Attached Images

Late winter 2010 161.jpg (95.8 KB, 28 views)

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