My 4th V-Strom!

[Sea-Strom]

Mk 1,2 and3 650's were my first 3 including my present 2020 model. The last year I purchased a ZZR1400 as well as the DL but inevitably the Suzuki 650 felt underpowered I suppose compared to the big Z. Sooooo....I decided it was time to move up to the 1050. Had a test ride and was smitten with the tall low gears, instant throttle, useful overtaking power yet with much the same nimble handling as the 650. Did not need the extras of the XT so today put down a deposit on a new 1050 in red which my local dealer had in stock. Pick up, hopefully next Wednesday. My V-Strom life just keeps going on and on! I will ride it mainly to carry stuff and to save my other two bikes all year round (helped with a dose or two of ACF50 no doubt). It appears to be a workhorse with fire in it's belly and nimble feet to put many a sporty bike to shame! Happy days! 

[Sea-Strom]

  for the likes.

[Sea-Strom]

Picked up today. What a hoot to ride - leans so easily on corners. If you don't like to push too hard, the 650 is all you really need ( I've done 20k miles on them!) . But the power is so linear on the 1050 - 3rd gear is all you need much of the time!  When it's run in I imagine this bike will see some action! Top box going on tomorrow. Will play around with screen/helmets to see what's best for me. I bought it as a practical/winter bike but I think it might see quite a bit of fun this summer.  Probably ditch the drain pipe on the back before long!

[Sea-Strom]

Fitted budget top box from my 650 today - not too big, looks OK and holds helmet or jacket or shopping etc.
Bought mine 2 years ago for £20 - Bit dearer now:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304182883599?epid=656293280&hash=item46d2b6750f:g:L1EAAOSwUQNhZbKZ

[porter]

That's a very nice bike, I do like the standard bike much better than the XT.
Nothing wrong with a cheapo topbox, it's all I ever use now. I recently got a colour match 32ltre top from China for 25 quid, works the same as any other.
 

[Sea-Strom]

I think the XT is a good value BMW alternative. The Standard bike is more road orientated without extra bells and whistles (and quite a bit cheaper!). I'd probably have the XT in black with gold wheels but I do like my red.

[EvilRacer329]

Very nice! I wish the standard bike had cruise control, that's about the only feature I'd miss. And I actively dislike spoked wheels, so...

Nick

[Sea-Strom]

I rarely use the motorway so cruise would not be much use to me. My bike is going in for its 600 service tomorrow. I have not had many bikes with so few negatives as this one. Ride by wire is a real boost for the V-Strom in my book. I have mine set on A and although some riders find the throttle snatches on this setting, I love the way it launches quite aggressively and once you get used to this, it has the feel of a perfectly tuned sportsbike but with all the practicality the DL's have been known for. New exhaust arrived today - will fit after the service.   

[Fiesty]

New 22 model looks neat, some nice enhancements, I'm not sure I like the new clock display though... everything is going tablet design now.. Enjoy,

[Sea-Strom]

Had 600 mile service today - £114 as quoted. Came home and fitted my Black Widow exhaust. I ride mainly in the city and pedestrians walking across when I'm filtering, cars pulling across without signalling etc. Have louder exhausts on all my bikes just to improve my chances a bit! Certainly stops the jaywalkers when they hear me coming! I have had 4 Black Widows in recent years and been pleased with the way they look and perform. Prefer to run with baffles out for a deeper tone. Throttle response smooth on the short run today. Will make movie when I've time.
 

[mr_diver]

I'll keep an eye out for you as I'm working over in Llansamlet these days.

So if some random bloke in a blue Dacia starts waving 

[Sea-Strom]

Here it is. No baffle. Nice deep tone but not too OTT. Improved mid range - makes me think trail single cylinder. Suits my style of riding - urban, nippy and a tad aggressive 

[Mease]

Nice bit of kit Sea-Strom 👍🏻
Out of interest are you still running the ZZR?

[Sea-Strom]

Yup! With twin Black Widows but re-badged