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Finally, a big bike!

1K views 10 replies 8 participants last post by  Nick_T 
#1 ·
Hello troopers!

Just want to introduce myself. I live in the Netherlands and just bought myself a 2004 DL1000, with 24k km (15k miles) on it. Before this bike I rode a Gen1 SV650N for three years, which I absolutly loved. Great looks, very reliable, awesome handling etc....just one little thing, it was too small. I am 1.80m (about 6 ft) and strugled on longer trips. Also riding with a pillion isn't al that great on it and luggage options are few and far between.
Since I was in love with the V-twin and my wife likes riding as pillion, the choice for a DL1000 was not that difficult.

The bike is pretty well sorted, it was recently serviced (tyres, valve clearence etc.). it has a few nice options, LeoVince exhausts, original Suzuki top and side cases, heated grips and a powercommander.

The only "negative" thing about the bike (which I test-drove yesterday and picking up tomorrow) I found to be the pick-up from low RPM in 6th gear. I just doesn't really like being below 4k rpm. From what I have already read that is quite a common thing. A mate of mine rides an Aprilia Shiver (750cc v-twin) which he says behaves the same below 4k RPM.

For now I just plan to scan the powercommander to see what map it has on it. If anyone has any suggestions on the best map to use to make this a bit better (while keeping the mileage in check) for my bike, that would be great! It has the aftermarket silencers (might run them with the baffles in, out now but it's pretty (too) loud), and a K&N replacement air filter.


Looking forward to put a lot of miles on it!
 
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#2 ·
What speed are you riding at that you ever use 6th gear? I hit 6th once, going 90mph. Otherwise the bike is pretty happy in 5th at normal us freeway speeds.
 
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#3 ·
I ride a lot of back roads, 50-55 mph. I am used to using 6th on the SV, at about 3500 rpm. The strom goes below 3K at those speeds.

Thanks for the tip, I'll just leave it in 5th then probably. Seems much happier at a bit higher revs. Just need to get used to the gearing, compared to the SV!
 
#6 ·
Since the BP install my DL1000 pulls hard from 3k. No need to downshift to pass on the freeway unless I want to waste time. At 4K she’s a beast when on the throttle.

Fun bike now :grin2:

The factory fueling is too lean, cause I had the same issues down low prior. Doesn’t take much to fix it apparently.

I was skeptical, but grins don’t lie.
 
#9 ·
Welcome to the Forum. To have a more usable 6th gear, have you considered changing sprockets to a smaller (16T) front or increasing the rear sprocket size? 3 teeth bigger on rear sprocket is similar to 1 tooth drop on front sprocket. Going the front sprocket route the chain size does not require any shortening. If you have time to read, https://www.stromtrooper.com/dl1000-2002-2012/59001-16-43-sprockets-optimum-dl1000.html. Gear commander will give a good indication on what to expect under ideal conditions with the different sprocket combinations, https://www.gearingcommander.com
 
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