Suzuki V-Strom (VStrom) Owners Club DL250, DL650, DL1000 & DL1050

Other Stuff => The Blue Oyster bar => Topic started by: Asmith61 on May 01, 2021, 12:23:47

Title: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 01, 2021, 12:23:47
Morning just been to view this it will be a unregistered 2020 model which will on a 2021 plate they have 2 left still in crates with £2500 off list price
Which makes it £13,426 OTR
I know some of you have gone down the KTM road I would appreciate peoples views  :thumb:
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Hugo Magnus on May 01, 2021, 12:27:32
Fantastic bikes solo, very uncomfortable for a pillion.
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Fat Rat on May 01, 2021, 12:28:37
I think the same pot smoking designer who decided the V-Strom needed a single headlight and ridiculous beak has progressed to harder drugs before he designed that front end  :-x

PS 2M is a little over 6ft 6"  :smirk:
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 01, 2021, 12:54:07
Hello @ Hugo Magnus can I ask what makes it so uncomfortable for a pillion as we are looking for a bike that we both can go out on ?
We do both go out on the v-Strom but fancied something else as well

@ fat rat I know what you mean but they all seem the same now  :icon_batterup:

I did also look at the verseys 1000 a bit more money but nice
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Dark-Strom on May 01, 2021, 14:19:35
Lagunas in Ashford by chance?
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Rusty Nuts on May 01, 2021, 14:22:05
You need to like big v twins, for a start. Then you need to like a bike that will go like a scalded cat. And it will try to convince you that you need to make a lot of progress.


TLpower knows much more than I, he's had his for a while. Plus he (generally) knows what he's talking about.
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 01, 2021, 14:24:10
Yes indeed dark -Strom you are correct  :clap:
Going back this afternoon  lol
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 01, 2021, 14:28:42
Hello @Rusty nuts I rode Wurzel’s 1290 super duke a couple of years ago and loved that  lol
The bike that is next to it is the super adventure R a bit more off road
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Rusty Nuts on May 01, 2021, 15:08:33
Fat Rat, the 2m separation is for Johnny Foreigner. Cleaner English folks are safe at a mere six feet.
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Dark-Strom on May 01, 2021, 16:22:13
Shame I could have annoyed popped over & said Hello whilst taking my strom for a run (10 mins from me), happy shopping  :thumb:
Suppose they might have Multistrada's there but then that would likely require a bank robbery  lol
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: TLPower on May 01, 2021, 16:53:18
The 1290 is a venerable beast, the standard seats are a joke so you would need to budget for the KTM Power Parts replacements.

They are that bad.

I have never come across anyone bemoaning pillion comfort, that is a new one on me. The pre-load is electronic, the options cover rider, rider + luggage, rider + pillion and rider + pillion + luggage. There is also an adjustment between, comfort, street and sport the difference being significant.

The downside of the 1290 is that I wouldn't want to own one out of warranty, whilst the forums aren't littered with issues the ones that do present can be costly.

KTM dealers don't have a great reputation either, the KTM Centre in Hemel Hempstead is probably one of the best. I feel confident enough to maintain my own 1190, the engineering, the quality of the plastics and fasteners makes it rather gratifying to work on. The owners manual and many on-line videos carry all the information required.

I would recommend a low mileage 1190 or 1090 however. The don't have the keyless system or seem to be so susceptible to electrical gremlins.
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 01, 2021, 17:39:07
@TL power thank you for your valuable input very in-depth  :thumb:
I have been back this afternoon and put a deposit down for a test ride in a couple of weeks  I have sorted out a very good deal and if I get on OK with the test ride the bike is mine if I don’t like it I get my deposit back  :thumb:
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Rusty Nuts on May 01, 2021, 18:39:03
Concur with TL regarding sears. The Power Parts seat is much better than oem on the 1090. It's firmer, but more supportive. You don't sink through it. It's not as slippery, you stay where you've sat until you decide to shift about. But.... it adds height to an already tall-ish bike. No problems if you're not obsessed with getting both feet flat on the ground, but something to be aware of.
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: TLPower on May 01, 2021, 19:10:59
I have just re-read my reply, I think I came across very negatively.

These things are bonkers, not just oooh that was nice, proper what the f*ck was that bonkers.

It makes me feel like I am a naughty teenager allover again, seeing how far I can push the envelope of acceptability. The ear to ear grin of a 60 year old who really should know better never gets tiring. :lala:
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 01, 2021, 20:29:37
Not negative at all TL it gave me a good insight of what this bike is about
I am looking forward to the test ride and will decide from there  lol

I will be 60 this year but still love the idea of being a naughty teenager again  lol
I will still be keeping my other 4 bikes you can never have enough bikes  :lala:
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: V-Twin on May 06, 2021, 17:09:10
At 64 I had an Aprilia Tuono VTwin 1000.
Kept it for 4 years & p/xd it before I lost my licence.
Best bike I ever had.
The Triumph Tiger Sport 1050 was the second best.
It too was just mental. I'm slowing down now...... :)
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: TLPower on May 06, 2021, 19:27:40
This bloke gets it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaf3sIdxr4w&t=608s
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 06, 2021, 20:17:50
Oh yes he does get it thanks for sharing Jonathon that was a brilliant review I can not wait for the test ride now  :auto-dirtbike: :auto-dirtbike:
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: hill100 on May 06, 2021, 21:29:47
I watched a youtube video by the KTM designers which goes into great detail about the huge advances they have made on the 2021 model. Its worth watching as it highlights the areas they have been criticised on the previous model. (poor wind protection and heat from the engine going to the rider) And while the suspension was never that bad on the older model, it is way ahead on the 2021 model. 
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 06, 2021, 21:48:05
@hill100 thanks for that I will have a look  :thumb:
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: 2112 on May 07, 2021, 07:44:39
Just as a leftfield suggestion, what about a Yamaha S10 ? They are no longer in production and the ZE model with the electronic suspension & cruise control is a nice bit of kit. Great two's up and they don't break, ever. Still a few new ones left for sale and I'm sure the dealers will be open to a bit of haggling.
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: tallpaul on May 07, 2021, 09:52:31
 :text-goodpost: Biased? Me? Yes...!
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Rusty Nuts on May 07, 2021, 09:57:15
( spoked wheels....)
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: falkland bomber on May 07, 2021, 10:30:02
Well I am biased towards the Versys, I have both the 650 and 1000 the 1000 is a cracking bike just took me 40 years to discover how good Kawasaki are.

She is so comfortable very quick if needed my other half says it's very comfy on the back good range 250 miles and good value too. I too am now in the 60 club. :thumb:
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Hugo Magnus on May 07, 2021, 11:04:13
ASmith61

Sorry I 've only just seen your post re pillion comfort.

My wife is 5'10" and and the foot pegs are so high that her legs were "bent too much", the seat was "pinched up" and their was a problem with the hand grips she can't remember now as this was 4 years ago. However she found the Multistrada very comfortable so I reluctantly bought that instead :grin:
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 07, 2021, 21:33:35
Hugo Magnus
My wife is 5’ 5” and chunky and apparently I take up most of the seat  lol
She does come out on the v-Strom but she does suffer with her hips after a while so we will see how we get on with it most of the time I will be riding solo  :dance:
I have put a refundable deposit down depending how I get on with the test ride and if we like it the deal is done
I am going back in to the dealership in the morning to get some prices for some extras ie hand guards heated grips spot lights and a KTM power parts seat so they can fit them before I pick it up  :thumb:
2112 thank you for your suggestion but I think I have made my mind up now and I am also keeping my other 4 bikes as well  :happydance:
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: TLPower on May 08, 2021, 06:54:19
Excellent news Albi, don't let them sell you the handguards. They are original equipment, I noticed them missing in your picture. :thumb:

Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 08, 2021, 09:25:00
Hello Jonathon oh right I did ask about the handguards and was told they don’t come with the bike which I thought was odd especially as the bike next to it was the super adventurer R and that had them on ?
If you notice on the picture of the bike in the shop that I was sitting on didn’t have a screen fitted I asked where it was and the salesman said oh we haven’t fitted it yet ? Incidentally that bike is sold.

While we were in Hastings bank holiday Monday I saw one the same colour and managed to speak to the owner and asked what he thought of it and he said it is a brilliant bike he really rated it he bought it from a dealer in Surrey and got a special deal which included full luggage set heated grips and a power shifter ?
He also had changed the end can he had chosen Leo Vance.
As I said I will go in this morning and sort out about the handgaurds because I already have has the £2500 discount and he has knocked off the £233 OTR I feel I cannot push to hard  lol
I will let you all know how I get on  :thumb:
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: TLPower on May 08, 2021, 10:02:02
He probably mentioned the "quick shifter", I'd have to do some digging but I suspect it's part of the "travel pack" which is an electronic one-locking.

LeoVince are a popular choice, I found an Arrow at a decent price. There is no performance increase, there is a significant weight reduction and the sound track is improved.

KTM do have "form" in discounting bikes, usually at the end of the year and in your case to clear stock for a new model. Yours is an excellent deal, people who bought at retail new price only do it once with KTM.



Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: 2112 on May 08, 2021, 11:02:31
Sound like a cracking deal, well done  :thumb:

On the subject of quickshifters, my Triumph Tiger 1200 is the first bike I've owned with one. I thought they were a gimmick and of no use on a lardy 'adventure' bike but, to my surprise, they are actually worthwhile. They smooth out the gear changes to a point it's like a good automatic car changing gear, you know it's happened but it's barely noticeable. It makes it a bit nippier out of corners, less tiring over distance and it will mean a lot more comfort for pillions too. Not just a gimmick after all.
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 08, 2021, 13:25:25
2112 thanks for the info on quickshifters  :thumb:
I have just come back from the dealers and was told they would have a demo super adventurer S ready for me to test ride this Saturday coming (hopefully)
I have also sorted out with them that handguards do come with the bike  :thumb:
I also got some prices for some extras I may want to add ( I have added a picture of the list with prices 😱)
Even though I will be riding this bike mainly solo I want to at least get my wife to sit on the bike while I am there for the test ride.
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 08, 2021, 13:28:13
A clearer picture
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: TLPower on May 08, 2021, 15:48:13
Why on earth would they put all those seats on a bike? They have included the single piece ergo seat for the "R" model, rider and pillion ergo and rider and pillion heated seats.

The heated grips are a good price, they have given you £30 off. The KTM grips are good and are integrated into the oe switchgear and accessed by the main screen. Personally I would just go for the ergo (non heated seats), these things make enough of their own heat from the rear cylinder. If it was cold enough to need heated seats there would probably be a foot of snow on the ground...

They have also given you an excellent price on the auxiliary light kit, I would ask them to quote for the engine bars whilst they are offering such keen prices.

They are useful...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UptsYLJ0GoI

Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 08, 2021, 17:13:37
Oh no 🤦‍♂️ just goes to show how easy it is to loose the front end with new tyres with all his experience as well.
I asked him to quote for the different seats  lol
I agree the heated grips are a good price I think I will get them put on, I wasn’t expecting the lamp kit to be so much when we went for our ride that day and asked Paul user 650 about his lamp kit and I have them on the v-Strom now but I suppose you only get what you pay for  lol lol lol
I will contact them now and get a price for the engine bars
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Rusty Nuts on May 08, 2021, 17:35:39
Might want to add the metal radiator cover while you're digging your wallet into a hole. To quote Josh on here, KTM = Keep Taking Money!  lol
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 08, 2021, 17:49:56
Rusty I does seem that way and I haven’t even got it yet  lol
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: TLPower on May 08, 2021, 17:54:08
Also.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywOubIGtBvw
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 08, 2021, 20:15:41
Blimey Jonathon they don’t hang about do they  :thumb:
I crashed at hall bends many years ago on the bandit I had paid a photographer to take pictures during the day and he was at hall bends when I crashed I will dig the photos out when I get home the centre stand dug in that was that  :dl_smiley_banghead:
I presume the clocks will be in mph ?
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Hugo Magnus on May 08, 2021, 20:51:16
No, it is calibrated in Mach.
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Rusty Nuts on May 08, 2021, 21:19:23
'Clocks' ..... looks at imaginary wristwatch and awaits further comment...


That was, indeed, a spirited ride.
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: TLPower on May 08, 2021, 21:56:14
Yep mph, there was much more in the tank. :thumb:
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 15, 2021, 15:59:47
 Hello just come back from the test ride in the pouring rain ☔️
They gave me a 2021 model with 100 miles on it  :icon_drool5:

I set the bike to rain mode and off I went very gingerly at first as the bike had only done 100 miles so was aware that the tyres could still be slippery

After only a few minutes I knew this was the bike for me I didn’t bother to change any of the settings just rode it with a big smile on my face  lol

I was out for about an hour when I got back to the dealership I got my wife just to get on the back to see how it was for pillion comfort (she did not fancy going for a ride with me with it raining like it was ) but she was happy with the seating position  :thumb:

One thing I did notice was that the whole back of the bike and my jacket was covered with mud and road crap  :dl_smiley_banghead:

Anyway the salesman come out to see how I got on with the test ride my reply was bloody brilliant but look at the crap on my back  lol

So off to have a chat with him I know I was getting a good deal anyway but I said I wouldn’t be to happy with getting that wet and dirty every time it rained so a hugger of some kind would be added

So the deal has been done I have bought the brand new still grated 2020 model
With extras added which is heated grips, engine bars, radiator grill, spot light accessory kit & a hugger  :thumb:
The saving of almost £2500 against the 2021 model was a no brainer
The first pics is from today’s ride on the 2021 model and the 2nd is the 2020 model I have bought

Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: tallpaul on May 15, 2021, 16:35:33
Congratulations! We're going to need a new section called "KTM corner" at this rate!
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 15, 2021, 16:43:19
 Thanks 
lol yes they do seem very popular don’t they  :happydance:
 
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: TLPower on May 15, 2021, 16:55:30
 :thumb:

Congratulations mate, I've never ridden mine in rain mode. If it's wet I use "street" which is full POWER and full traction control, the rest of the time I use "sport" which reducers the amount of interference but still provides a safety net. "Sport" and MTC off is scary and exhilarating. Akin to striking matches near an open fuel can.
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Rusty Nuts on May 15, 2021, 17:00:30
Welcome to:

Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 15, 2021, 17:31:50
Cheers TL  :thumb:
I just thought it was best to use Rain mode as it was a test ride and there was £1000 excess on the insurance  lol
Now just got to wait for it to be ready I am getting all the extras added before I pick it up.
I cannot wait to try all the different modes and settings  :auto-dirtbike:

Cheers Rusty orange corner is getting busier  lol
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Rusty Nuts on May 15, 2021, 17:34:42
Pyramid Plastics do "ductails" as well as huggers. A pillion passenger will be most effective at keeping crud off your clothing.
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: bigpie on May 15, 2021, 17:46:44
Just watched the Cadwell video, why does the dash have a bloke going to the toilet? Is there a gauge for how much you are shitting yourself?
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Hugo Magnus on May 15, 2021, 18:25:26
Well done, Great bike!
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: TLPower on May 15, 2021, 18:45:23
@bigpie, that is the pre-load setting, rider + luggage. It lifts the rear end with a button.

Nice work Rusty (Agent Orange), your efforts will be noticed at the Lodge.
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 15, 2021, 19:08:15
Thank you Hugo :thumb:

Cheers Rusty I will take a look at pyramid  :thumb:
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Mr Nick on May 16, 2021, 18:47:58
Welcome Brother Smith: arriving in style!
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 16, 2021, 21:45:12
 lol thank you mr Nick  :thumb:
Title: Re: Just been to view this
Post by: Asmith61 on May 29, 2021, 17:26:39
Finally picked it up today  :happydance:

I have only done 60 odd miles on it and already I bloody love it