Fallen out of love with the V-Strom.

[Matt-EUC]

As the title suggests. Is it possible to rekindle our love? Do I buy a new bike?

If so what do I buy?

[Jayneflakes]

what do I buy?

This one. (http://shop.lego.com/en-GB/Moto-Cross-Bike-42007)


Can you modify the bike so that it is more in character with what you want? Ask yourself what you are looking for in a bike and see if the V-Strom is what you really want.

I have slowly been turning my SVs K3 into a sportier V-Strom and it is lovely. I call it my SV-strom! =D>

[Ch00]

Have you got decent tyres on it or still the battlewings?

[pookie]

yes ...rekindle with some rim tape :)

[NTECUK]

New tyres, sort the suspension.
Get out there and look for adventure it doesn't come looking for you

[dkid]

Try to remember what is was about the bike that you liked in the first place. You bought it for a reason.

Why do you think you've fallen out of love with it? Has there been a specific incident that has made you question the bike or is it more a boredom issue?

[Ninthbike]

Ride it!!!!

[Matt-EUC]

I've recently got new tyres for it and am hoping it'll help.

I'm basically just bored. I bought it because it was highly recommended by a friend and the salesman talked me into it.

I'm not too keen on mods in general and don't think it'll make much of a difference.

Being the kind if bike it is, it's perfect for long distance touring and commuting. But those aren't fun to me.

I think ninthbike has a good point, once I've ridden it a bit more I'll probably find it's redeeming factors. But it's still not making me feel excited and doesn't make me want to get up every morning and ride it til bedtime like my SV did.

[squirrel_hunter]

Is it possible to rekindle our love?

Buy me a drink and you never know... Oh, you mean between you and the bike? No.

Do I buy a new bike?

Yes.

If so what do I buy?

SV650.

[Matt-EUC]

I have one already. It's in bits.

[carelesschucca]

What are you looking for in a bike, what do you dislike about the Strom? Have a good think and see what there is.

But what ever you do don't buy that lego MX bike, it looks like a KTM so it'll break toot sweet, they all do...

[Matt-EUC]

I want comfort, knee down possibility, weather protection, and sexy. Among other things but that's what comes to mind immediately.

[Ninthbike]

Ducati Multistrada, Triumph Tiger Sport.

[andrewsmith]

SV650
GSXR600
Daytona 675
Kawasaki 650 twin
Ducati

[Matt-EUC]

I'd prefer not another adventure style bike. Although I'd like to try a 955 tiger.

[Matt-EUC]

SV650
GSXR600
Daytona 675
Kawasaki 650 twin
Ducati


Got one.
Too small.
As above.
Meh.
Too expensive.

[Matt-EUC]

I know it seems I'm very quick to dismiss ideas and come up with problems but truth is, I don't know what i want.

[Ninthbike]

Ducati 796 Monster. Can be picked up cheap now as there are two bigger ones around. If you do decide on a change, let me know what you want and I'll put the word out.

[Matt-EUC]

I'm going to write off ducati. I can't be dealing with potential unreliability. A ducati doesn't necessarily have the potential for reasonable economy.

[andrewsmith]

I'm going to write off ducati. I can't be dealing with potential unreliability. A ducati doesn't necessarily have the potential for reasonable economy.

Rubbish
They are as reliable as the Japs and have larger service intervals

[Ninthbike]

They have 7500 mile service intervals now (which is oil change service) and the Desmo service (valve train) is minimum 15000 miles (30000 miles on some). The reliability has come on in leaps and bounds since Audi took over .

[Matt-EUC]

I said potential. Despite what Ducati say, I still hear of broken down Ducati's with various electrical faults. I can't deal with it and will worry permanently.

[Ninthbike]

Fair enough. There is a "faired" MT-09 coming soon

[Matt-EUC]

Possible. Local garage is having an open day, will ride everything humanly possible.

[Ninthbike]

Possible. Local garage is having an open day, will ride everything humanly possible.

The Motorbike Shop?

[Matt-EUC]

Same thing.

[carelesschucca]

Fair enough. There is a "faired" MT-09 coming soon

he said something sexy. not a bike that looks as if its been put together with bits from the back of the Yamaha garage. :-)

[Matt-EUC]

I'd love a 'blade.

[Ninthbike]

he said something sexy. not a bike that looks as if its been put together with bits from the back of the Yamaha garage. :-)


Unfortunately, sexy costs and if you're on a budget then compromise is needed. Many people who ride the MT-09 buy one. Personally I much prefer the Triumph Street but having met Matt, it would be too small for him.

[Ninthbike]

Not for long, you wouldn't!

[andrewsmith]

So what size are you Matt?

[Matt-EUC]

Somewhere between Brian Blessed and Jeremy Clarkson.

I where a size 60 in leathers.

[carelesschucca]

Mat you say you'd love a blade but say no to a gixer because its too small? I dunno how big you are and how much you have to spend. But I'd say your idea of trying things on an open day is a good one... Just take your time though if you've jumped in before try your best to not do it again... This is coming from a guy that has been sold on his last two bikes within 3 miles of riding them, The street took me all of 300 yards to know that it was right for me...

[andrewsmith]

Gixxer 750

Don't say too small as I fit one and a orger has just got one who's about your size

[carelesschucca]

so your a tad tall. I'd say give a KTM Adventure a try. but you've already said you don't like adventure bikes. How about the KTM Supermoto (I dunno prices of them as I haven't looked)

[Matt-EUC]

I was thinking an older blade when they were bigger. I'm going to try a gixxer 750 at the open day along with the gsr750 and V-Strom thou.

[Ninthbike]

Which dealer?

[Matt-EUC]

Haslemere motorcycles in bordon. Not TOO far for you to come for an open day if that's what you were suggesting.

It's predominantly Suzuki.

[Ninthbike]

Not my favourite dealer I'm afraid - long story! I wouldn't be welcome at an open day there and wouldn't go.

[Matt-EUC]

Mr Lucock IIRC.

[Matt-EUC]

He's really quite lovely when you start throwing money at him.

[Ninthbike]

Right bloke, but I don't know what the abbreviation means.

[Matt-EUC]

If I recall correctly.

[Ninthbike]

Ahh! I must have told you then! You not coming to Brighton tomorrow?

[Matt-EUC]

Nah. I have a standing date with some middle aged ex racers. Unless I can make it to both.

[Ninthbike]

Right. Be good to see you if you can make it.

[Ninthbike]

Back to the thread - unfortunately unless you want a sports bike, Suzuki have nothing to offer at the moment - which is why their registrations are now behind the likes of KTM and Kawasaki.

[Matt-EUC]

If I don't want a sports bike or adventure bike there ain't a lot anyone can offer me really.

What I want is something that will literally do everything. Go to Wales all luggaged up, lap Brands, get me to work and back and still have enough fuel to ride the weekends away. That bike doesn't seem possible to me.

[Tomor]

990 smt

[Tomor]

T8X5PlBSINU

[Matt-EUC]

Just the man I was looking for.

What are you selling your Strom?

[Tomor]

Need more powarrrrr. Really fancy a multi / 990smt but reckon I will have to chop both in to get one :(

[Matt-EUC]

You don't need more powarrrrr, you want it. The Strom is, at best, a capable bike. I just find it boring and largely uninspiring. Not to say its a bad bike, because it isn't.

[Tomor]

Nah need the power to keep up with my dad on the autobahns this year.

[Matt-EUC]

Meh.

[Falconbobb]

Buy a cheap korean bike then anything else will be a dream

[DJFridge]

Sprint ST? CMW in Chichester have a nice blue one at the moment (which I can't currently afford or I wouldn't mention it!). Might be a bit low though. I'm only Hammond sized and I can get both feet flat. There's quite a nice CBR1100XX in there too - much more space than a 'Blade but plenty quick

[dkid]

I was gonna mention the sprint ST too. Or there's this VFR 800 Vtec that's just come up.

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=208330

[DJFridge]

Good call, forgot about the Viffer. That one looks pretty nice, can't afford it either!