[toronto_nic]

Hello,

After years of riding Vstars (650 & 1100) and a Roadstar, I gave up riding a few years ago hoping to find something to satisfy my quest for a long distance bike.

I finally picked up a 2008 1000 and started riding over the weekend. I`ve already clocked 650 km, and i`m looking to many more.

A few observations: My biggest worry with this bike was the size, and it`s high center of gravity. I was concerned about how the handling would feel and had some apprehension when I actually rode it home. I have to say that to my surprise, the bike feels a lot smaller when you are actually moving on it. By the time I got home after the 30km ride, I can honestly say I was no longer worried about the size. However, when moving this thing by foot…especially backing it up, that;s another story. I`m going to have to really be careful about parking in the wrong direction on any kind of incline.

My first long ride took me over highway and some tight turns. I was very impressed with the passing power, overall stability at high speed, and thanks to the 6th gear, never worrying about reving too high. I have to say however that the wind buffeting is a problem. I think I need a taller windshield.

Gas mileage has impressed me so far. I was able to pull off almost 500km on one tank with a mix of highway and backroads. Nice not to have to fill every 200km like on my Vstar.

Not so great points: That stock seat is a piece of *&%!. My ass and bottom back really hurt. Guess I need to look at a Corbin.

The overall riding position will take some time to get used to. I`m used to having a shift lever with a back rocker. Im also use to have brake and shift more forward, im sure this will come with time.

I have some simple newbie question. Yes, I`ve gone over the forums and get a general idea, but I’m not 100% sure

1-Re-enforcing the electrical system: I’m planning on having at least a GPS and a heated vest/grips. How can I make sure I don’t overload the electrical system and end up with a bike that wont start on the side of the road?

2-I’m not that familiar with chains. Can anyone recommend a good quality chain grease, and what frequency I should be using it?

3-Has anyone successfully installed “lowers” or something to reduce the amount of wind coming from underneath? I’m 5’11, will changing the windshield alone do the trick?

Thanks. Can’t wait to get back on the bike

 

[Heavy]

Welcome fellow Ontarioian.

I have to ask; Are you serious, 500 kms out of a tank? I'm looking for fuel at 300. How did you do it?

Lots of options for voltmeters out there...although you should be safe with just a GPS and some heated gear.

Lots of opinions on chain lube. I've been using Dupont's Teflon Spray Lube (available at Lowes for around $9.00) and my chain has more than 50,000 kms on it now.

Seat Concepts is making a seat "kit" for the Strom now. It is getting pretty good reviews. I have a Sargent on my Strom and it's made a world of difference. I have a Seat Concepts kit on my DR650 and it's been a big help too.

I added "vortex generators" to my bike and, I feel, they 've made a difference. Best place to start is a larger shield and a MadStad windshield bracket.

 

[MrZappo]

Another vote for the DuPont Multi-purpose Teflon Lube (Blue can) or DuPont Chain specific Teflon lube.

Maybe get a kit to allow you to turn off one of the headlights also to allow more wattage for your accessories. But agree that just a GPS and minimal heated gear should not overload things.

My Madstad got rid of most of the buffeting. Some have replaced the stock mirrors with Aprilla mirrors and report a further reduction in buffeting down to almost zero.

 

[Scott E. Bonds]

I have been runninng a Gerbings vest and GPS for almost 20,000 miles. No issues.

 

[toronto_nic]

thanks for the answers so far.

-i'm assuming 500km based on my ride on Sunday. I was keeping an eye on the rpm's and speed, and really forced keeping it under 4000, sometimes 3500. This was mixed driving on the 400 series highways, and backroads up near Parry Sound.

what are these vortex generators? i've tried to google them but am not finding much.

thanks for the chain grease recco. will try and find some in toronto.

I'm guessing from the replys that I don't need to beef up the electrical. Any benefits in doing it anyway?

 

[Scott E. Bonds]

My Veestrom (1000) is ridden hard. At a little over 160 miles I better get gas.

 

[CanadianFZ6]

thanks for the answers so far.

-i'm assuming 500km based on my ride on Sunday. I was keeping an eye on the rpm's and speed, and really forced keeping it under 4000, sometimes 3500. This was mixed driving on the 400 series highways, and backroads up near Parry Sound.

The fuel tank isn't linear... you won't get anywhere near that fuel range...

Rev the bike... I promise it won't break... :yesnod:

 

[Heavy]

...I was keeping an eye on the rpm's and speed, and really forced keeping it under 4000, sometimes 3500....

Don't do it...you're missing out on the good end of the tach....specially on the backroads around Parry Sound. What route did you ride?

...thanks for the chain grease recco. will try and find some in toronto.

I think Lowes is a surefire stop for the chain lube.

Store Locator - Lowes.ca | Home Improvement Warehouse | Do It Yourself | Renovations | Contractors | Lowe's Canada

...what are these vortex generators? i've tried to google them but am not finding much...

They're home made...came out of a discussion about airflow around the V-Strom and aircraft technology. I threw them together before a long trip and they've stayed.

...I'm guessing from the replys that I don't need to beef up the electrical. Any benefits in doing it anyway?

Not much you can do to "beef up" the electrical. Most, that are running lots of accessories, just try to limit the bike's consumption...switch off one headlight, use LED bulbs, etc.

 

[richw]

I think you had a mental laps for 500 km

I too go to 1 bar at 160 Miles
\
My mother once said to me. Why don't you just try to get used to it.

I too am running a full Gerbing jacket and GPS with no problem.. I have installed a separate fused relay power strip relay powered off taillight.
I also installed a controller from Virtual Village 12v DC motor controller. I think that some keep their battery too long and as they age they start stealing power when they charge due to higher resistance.

My wind ... I took off the damn windshield and have mean streak mirrors. I like the breeze and hate buffeting