Picked up my new rig today from Dauntless.
Its a 2005 Suzuki V Strom 1000 witha Ural SC.
We added the TILT (electric lean angle adjustment) as well as leading legs on the forks. Also added HappyTrails aluminum panniers.
Rode it from Dauntless' new shop to the top of Mount Ranier and back this afternoon (about 150 miles). Picking up Connie later this evening at Seatac, and tomorrow we will start the trip home to LA (10 days down highway 1/101).
The rig really rides nice, although the only thing I have ridden to compare it to is my Ural Retro.
Seems to cruise very nice at speeds up to 70-75 (didn't have any real opportunuty to go faster.....). Jay install dual brake pedals, which was very nice, seems to make right turns a little easier. I added a little ballast (maybe 30lbs), so the car seemed to lift up pretty easy, again not a lot of experience so i was taking it pretty easy.
I would post some pics, but don't see a "browse" button on this forum, or other indicator of how to upload?
Have a great trip home. I envy your route..
Will be looking forward to meeting up with you when you get back to So. Cal. Gail - Redlands.
I would love to see the setup in pictures. I'll give you my e-mail address if you can send them that way. I have talked with Jay about this exact set-up. It is nice to hear that it works so well. Please keep me updated on how the ride home goes and your thoughts on the bike. ie, changes things that you would do different, glad you did.
I currently ride a 650 V-strom and was going to add a rig to it but after thinking it through will probably upgrade to the 1000. I do not want to be underpowered. I will be really interested to see the leading link as this was something Jay said he thought would really help the handling. As I recall it was not done to the one on his web page.
Let me know and I will forward my e-mail to you. Would rather not post it for everyone to see.
Thanks
I hope you answer Irwin's questions online. I am interested in the answers. Thanks, gp
If you are going highway 101/1 you have better get more then 30# of ballast if you don't want to be flying the car all the way!!
Henry
Kid,
He said it's going to take 10 days not the usual 2 days so the chair will probably stay down OK. LOL
Lonnie
Lonnie I know 10 days is slow but, as a newbie I know you can get carried away.Just got back from the rally with the wife and dog the rig handled great on and off the black top thanks for the advise and moral support setting it up.
Henry
Greg - Picturs of your rig: Top of this screen - Forums - Calendar - Albums. Albums is what you want. There is a size restriction on file size to keep our storage costs somewhat under control, but you can create your own photo album and then include the link to it in this thread to make it easy for folks to get to thos pics. Congrats! Sounds like a great rig. See you at Griffith Park?
Originally written by stevewoo on 7/18/2006 6:59 PM
Greg - Picturs of your rig: Top of this screen - Forums - Calendar - Albums. Albums is what you want. There is a size restriction on file size to keep our storage costs somewhat under control, but you can create your own photo album and then include the link to it in this thread to make it easy for folks to get to thos pics. Congrats! Sounds like a great rig. See you at Griffith Park?
Thanks Steve, I'll try it later this evening.
Wll likely miss Griffith Park, I am going to Brazil to ride accross South America from Oct 12-30(Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Machuu Picu, Peru). I've already signed up, can't really postpone it now.
Originally written by Irwin Fletcher on 7/18/2006 11:42 AM
I would love to see the setup in pictures. I'll give you my e-mail address if you can send them that way. I have talked with Jay about this exact set-up. It is nice to hear that it works so well. Please keep me updated on how the ride home goes and your thoughts on the bike. ie, changes things that you would do different, glad you did.
I currently ride a 650 V-strom and was going to add a rig to it but after thinking it through will probably upgrade to the 1000. I do not want to be underpowered. I will be really interested to see the leading link as this was something Jay said he thought would really help the handling. As I recall it was not done to the one on his web page.
Let me know and I will forward my e-mail to you. Would rather not post it for everyone to see.
Thanks
As i indicated, I will post online, happy to send you more specific pictures when I return home.
I think the leading forks really help, keep in mind my only comparo is my Ural Retro (which has standard telescopic forks, not Earls type). The only "issue" is it will start the "tank slap wobble" at very slow speeds if I take my hands off the bars (say under 15-20 mph). The wobble disappears with speed. I assume it is a result of reducing the trail? I may get a Scotts steering damper (only one made specifically for the VStrom) when I get home. Not sure yet, it isn't real bad, and doesn't seem dangerous. I'll likely try a new front tire first. All in all, very happy with the steering.
Re: the WeeStrom, it might be a little down on power. The 1000 has quite a bit of torque and hp, and it seems to need most of it (particularly with a passenger and full load of luggage).
I like to run in the fast lane when I'm on the highway, and the 1000 cruises pretty nice at 75-80 (on I5/101) for 40 miles or so today heading over to the coast. Even so, 6th gear is often too high, and I need to use 5th. Ss you may know, 6th on the 1000 is overdrive gearing.
Depends how you will use it, I plan to take a number of long distance (>1,000 mile) trips, so wanted sufficient power.
greg
And why would you! 🙂 Sounds like a great time. Enjoy
http://www.sidecar.com/megabbs/photos/photo-thumbnails.asp?albumid=234
OK, if I did this right, this should link to a couple pics. I think i inadvertently set up 3 photo albums, but only this one actually has pics uploaded.
Over the next day or tow, i snap a couple of the front forks.
You got it! Looking forward to the front forks photos.
Thanks for all the info Greg (and the photos)! Question: How you compare/contrast the set-up (e.g., handling) with your Ural?
Originally written by redfrogtango on 7/20/2006 2:22 PM
Thanks for all the info Greg (and the photos)! Question: How you compare/contrast the set-up (e.g., handling) with your Ural?
They are quite a bit different.
The Retro is a 2005 bike based on 1940s technology.
45hp, 4 speed trans, single front disc, drum brakes on rear (single rear brake pedal), regular telescopic forks etc. Plus, Russian quality and reliability.The transmission is clunkier than an older BMW!
Its really looks cool, is a blast to ride, BUT, even though i rode it from Seattle to LA, it's really better suited (imho) to around town type riding.
The VStrom has a 100 hp V twin, lots of torque, 6 speed, triple discs, Japanese reliability and quality. Plus, its had leading leg forks, electric adjustable lean, incredible lights, comfortable seat, dual brake pedals, etc.
Cruises comfortably at 70-75, turns better, stops better, accelerates better,etc etc.
Probably doesn't look as cool, but we plan to take the Strom around the US next summer, about 12,000 miles (I did this last year on my Harley, Connie couldn't make it due to her Fibromyalgia).
The Strom cost more, maybe 50%
Really different bikes.
