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The only problem with these things and what chews the $$$ is keeping up with the farcles.
Owning one each....Hi Guys
I'm new here. I currently own a 08 KLR 650 and considering the problems with it from new eg recalls for indicators with faulty rubber falling off, Balancer Chain Tensioner failure (aka Doohickey) & now starting to burn oil at 25,000Kms I considering seriously a 2011 650 Strom as it is not a lot heavier than a KLR.
Question do these bikes have problems I should be aware of as I don't want to shell out $$$ and have to spend more $$$ modifiying restricted engines, Doohickeys etc like the Australian KLR650 etc?
Honest replies much appreciated
Thanks in advance
Mano-Pause.
On dirt roads - about 5kph slower than a KLR - on the other hand it's a lot easier on the rider than a KLR so I've had KLR riders quit and take the slab well before I was ready to call it quits.
Now thats interesting Graham,you see I have the 24/25k service soon,the bike has not been back to the shop since the mandatory first service,I have just done oil and filters myself,is the valve check invasive or should I say if my wee is running perfectly is it required ? and if the tappets were out would it sound like my old 65--440 corty --hacksaw blade tollerance.Don.:yesnod:The Vstrom is no dirt bike , but it can do dirt if you know what I mean .
Ground clearance is a problem , weight is a problem as is tire choice all these things are really a problem in difficult dirt areas . BUT for dirt roads in the dry the bike is very good with just tourance tires . On the road two up its light years ahead of a KLR 650 . Consider the type of riding you are doing and what you plan to do in the future , maybe a change is in order .The Vstrom is the most reliable bike out there ,sure it can be improved but for the dollars you pay you get an awfull lot of bike and as a bonus it hold its value pretty well .You will even forget the name of you mechanic as you only see him every time you nead a rego check .
Hi and welcome. From what you have written, in my opinion, the wee is perfect for you. There are fellas on this site with over 200,000km on their wee's. My strom is used almost weekly for commuting, done the odd trip over the nullabour with luggage and done a bit of offroad work (gravel roads) and it performs well at all these tasks. If you are going to buy a new one then its probably best till wait till the new model comes out around september, or i bet there will be some good specials in august on the old model strom.Thanks fellas for the welcome and feed back. I don't mind spending a few $$$ farkling but I object to spending $$$ when the manufacturer has had 25 yrs to sort things. I'm not into the go fast dirt thing any more just a leisurely ride with a few mates, dirt roads are fine just not the logging track type scrub bashing as I'm not 18 any more (as the wife keeps reminding me, she reckons I'm in male menopause mode hence the name) & the bones don't mend as quickly these days. The Wee would be more suitable/comfortable for the bride also. If I was concerned about bufferting I would drive the car.
Has anyone had a problem with rims at all on the dirt?
Cheers :thumbup:
Mano-Pause
Not saying the DL will go places a KLR won't - I'm talking about long days mostly on dirt roads, 12 hours or so, no single track, just riding on dirt roads from A->B.The WEE being easier on the rider than a KLR? (dirt!)
Owning both, I'd rather found that to be the other way around so far.
CoG is lower on the KLR, the bike is slimmer, narrower tyres, 21" front....all stuff to make life easier on the dirt.
I certainly take the KLR where I wouldn't take the WEE....and definitely wouldn't dare to go on the VEE.
Mate I know people will say otherwise but I would leave the valves alone. I had mine done @ about 62,000 I think and only 2 were out . The type of valve sytem which is common to a lot of different engines is very good . Realy once it is right it seems to never need adjustment according to most boards . This makes me wonder if they come out of the factory slightly out because of the assemble process . Remember oils changes are cheaper than a mechanic and even Suzuki says you only need to change the filter every 3rd oil change .Now thats interesting Graham,you see I have the 24/25k service soon,the bike has not been back to the shop since the mandatory first service,I have just done oil and filters myself,is the valve check invasive or should I say if my wee is running perfectly is it required ? and if the tappets were out would it sound like my old 65--440 corty --hacksaw blade tollerance.Don.:yesnod:
That is a great price Mano,rode mine out the door in Oct 08 at $10971 :headbang:A few dealers around Brisbane & Goldcoast have the current model DL650 A on sale for $9900 ride away which i think is great value considering a DR 650 or KLR will set you back $7990 ride away.
Mano
No worries.Not saying the DL will go places a KLR won't - I'm talking about long days mostly on dirt roads, 12 hours or so, no single track, just riding on dirt roads from A->B.
Yes, the DL is better in those conditions, a little slower than the KLR , mainly because you really need to brake earlier because it won't stop if you brake late, but it's a hell of a lot more comfortable and once you get the hang of riding it, less effort to keep it on the road.
All that weight up high has one plus - the bike steers really well just with small body weight shifts and some throttle input - a KLR takes more muscle and beats the crap out of your backside and shoulders.
Pete
Probably not in the country... but in major cities, those prices are "starting prices" currently.A few dealers around Brisbane & Goldcoast have the current model DL650 A on sale for $9900 ride away which i think is great value considering a DR 650 or KLR will set you back $7990 ride away.
Mano