Just sold my Yamaha YZF 600r that I bought new 9 years ago (20k miles). Just wasn't loving it like it used to (great bike, but what I wanted out of a bike has evolved over time). Bro-in-law was ready for his 2nd bike and seemed like a great time to do him a favor by selling him a great bike that'll suit his needs really well (at the "family" price, of course), and giving me a chance to go with something new (well, something used, but new to me).

Decided that a V-Strom would be the perfect bike for me... going from an inline 4 to a v-twin, from sport bike to something better suited for commuting and short touring, and still getting lots of power in the package. Not really planning on riding much offroad, other than the occasional gravel road.

Actually pick up my 04 DL1000 tomorrow (20k miles and it good shape), and am quite excited about it. Looks like it's been very well maintained, has side and top givi cases and a few other nice bits. Expect it will be much more comfy to ride than my old 600r for longer trips, and loving all the storage I'll have for both an easier commute (here in the rainy NW) and doing some trips.

Already thinking about the mods I'll be making....last owner put a 16 sprocket on the front, and will likely go with the 43 on the back (probably need to get one of those things to adjust the speedo). Need to get some sort of flashing brake lights (had hyperlites on the previous ride, and loved them). Not sure if I'll do another headlight modulator, yet (used the Kisan before - worked great....not a single driver turned left in front of me with that thing installed).

And am sure I'll think of other stuff I "need" to have.

Looking forward to reading more of this forum - it really helped me decide that the V-strom was the way to go for me. Was a bit of a challenge to decide on the Vee versus Wee. Rode both and liked them both for very different reasons. But the first one I found that had all the stuff I wanted in good shape and at a good price happened to be the Vee, so guess I'm a liter bike guy now.

And I've already started the Farkle process...just ordered a fork brace from Richland Rick. Gotta start somewhere!

Got some saddle time in tonight. Was able to hit some twisties, some highway, and even a little bit of gravel forest road. Really nice to start to get a sense of what this bike will do. V-twin is very, very different than the inline 4 I have ridden for so long. I like it. Just have to get used to shifting earlier (redline is no longer north of 13k).

And I'm getting used to the weight of the bike (not to mention the width with the Givi cases). Will be a much better highway machine than what I was riding, and let me get into the woods on some dirt/gravel that I couldn't access before.

I can see why all you guys like this bike.

Already had ordered some stuff. Got the hyperlights for the back (had them on the last bike - nice way to get the attention of those folks behind you not thinking about stopping yet). Got the SpeedoDRD on the way. Ordered a new set of sprockets (17, if I decide to go back to stock, and 43 that I plan to put on with the current 16). Fork brace should be here in a few days - will be interesting to compare with versus without.

Probably will order a Kisan headlight modulator (had one of the last bike, and never, ever had anyone turn left in front of me once I installed it). And debating about getting the air horn to replace the generic, wimpy horn that comes on all Japanese bikes.

Glad to see another Seattle guy on here. What is your commute route?

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Finja
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'09 DL650 "Gertrude"
'70 Honda QA50

Hey there. Glad to see some locals on here. Test rode the 2012 at Aurora Suzuki yesterday. Worth the time to check it out. My 08 is in the shop and they let me give the new one a spin. Really a smooth bike and nimble. I love my 08 but still waiting to see what the insurance company is going to do. See ya round.

Welcome aboard. Where are you in the Seattle area?

The Stebel Nautilus Compact air horns have a mixed history of reliability, plus there are Chinese counterfeits out there. Hella Supertone horns (pair) and Fiamm Freeway Blasters (pair) (also NAPA labeled) are also good and they're reliable. The wiring in our bikes for the horn requires a relay when upgrading.
Motorcycle Horn Comparison Review - webBikeWorld

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2007 DL650A Whee! (SV cam transplant)

Manage the unavoidable.
Avoid the unmanageable.

Welcome from P-Town


Sent from my iPhone using Motorcycle

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'09 Wee, Orange.

'06 Vee, Burgundy. Soldead.

" I like my Motorcycle's Loud and my Firearms Quiet." -Me

Welcome to Stromtroopers!

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KJ

2012 DL650-ADV (Black), 2013 DL650-EXP (White), 2008 TW200, 2013 CRF250L (Member: AMA & IBA)

Ad-ven-ture: 1. an undertaking involving risk, unforeseeable danger, or unexpected excitement. 2. an exciting or remarkable experience. Trav-ell-er: 1. one who seeks to experience their world. 2. one who seeks to be immersed in other cultures.