The great two-motorcycle experiment is over

[DBrent]

Last summer, I bought a KLR to add to my stable. It was the first time I have ever owned more than one bike at a time. It and the V-Strom were quite a pair. The KLR was a hoot to ride. The V-Strom a joy.

V-Strom-and-KLR.jpg

I thought I would ride the KLR on different kinds of roads to different locations. But alas, I rode it on the same roads to the same destinations as the V-Strom. So, why have two bikes? I wanted to go back to just one, and I made my decision. Get rid of both. Buy a new bike.

Say hello to my new 2015 Suzuki V-Strom DL650 ABS.

2015-DL650.jpg

All queries and questions are welcome.

Brent

[DBrent]

Re: The great two-motorcycle experiment is over

I forgot to mention: I don't name my motorcycles, or give them names. But this one, this one is my "50 Years of Motorcycling" motorcycle. Yes, I started riding at 15. That was 50 years ago this year. God I feel old and young again at the same time!

[lytle1gw]

Re: The great two-motorcycle experiment is over

That's an awful long name, how about just call it Fifty or Ole Man?

[dkurfiss]

Re: The great two-motorcycle experiment is over

Grats! That smile on your face says it all!

[DBrent]

Re: The great two-motorcycle experiment is over

Gary, it's not a name. It's a respected honor. :-)

[moodygne]

Re: The great two-motorcycle experiment is over

Good on you. that is a great bike. I think Steve Ziggy will be jealous. It looks like a big pile of fun. May God watch over you and keep you safe for many many miles.
Gary

P.S. change your picture.

[lytle1gw]

Re: The great two-motorcycle experiment is over

Gary, it's not a name. It's a respected honor. :-)

I quit counting after 55 years of riding, made me feel to old.

[DBrent]

Re: The great two-motorcycle experiment is over

Gary, I didn't think about changing my profile pic. I'll have to look for a memorable one. However, that one on the yellow V-Strom is important to me. That photo was taken in Old Sacramento in front of the Pony Express statue as I finished riding the 1,900 miles of the Pony Express Trail. The V-Strom was a reliable steed. I was a long way from my Cincinnati home.

Brent

[lytle1gw]

Re: The great two-motorcycle experiment is over

Gary, I didn't think about changing my profile pic. I'll have to look for a memorable one. However, that one on the yellow V-Strom is important to me. That photo was taken in Old Sacramento in front of the Pony Express statue as I finished riding the 1,900 miles of the Pony Express Trail. The V-Strom was a reliable steed. I was a long way from my Cincinnati home.

Brent

That's a heck of a ride, you should be proud of doing that.

[yellowrench]

Re: The great two-motorcycle experiment is over

Why did you get the white V-Strom when you had a good yellow one? I think I know the answer.

[Senior]

Re: The great two-motorcycle experiment is over

Looks like a great bike, enjoy the many miles of smiles you will have on it.

[Haze]

Re: The great two-motorcycle experiment is over

Beautiful new bike.
Let us know how you set it up for touring.
Cheers,

[Ironheadziggy76]

Re: The great two-motorcycle experiment is over

Congrats on the new ride Brent! Looking forward to seeing how you farkle this one. I've got to get busy getting mine ready for my upcoming trip this summer. I've been lazy so far this winter..............

[Dusty Boots]

Re: The great two-motorcycle experiment is over

Congrats on the new ride, Brent!

I for one would be interested in hearing your impression of the newer model over your older one!

[DBrent]

Re: The great two-motorcycle experiment is over

Thank you all. Although the bike is still sitting at the dealership awaiting delivery, I pretty much have figured out how I am going to accessorize it based on my experience with the 2008 DL650.

• Hand guards are a must--they really keep your hands warmer and drier. They are on order.
• I am going to put the Givi engine guards and bash plate on it.
• I've been weighing the different bags, but I really loved my Givi E21s. They are perfect for all-round travel, errand-running, and have served me well even on moto camping trips. Should I want bigger bags like the Givi Trekkers, the luggage rack will accommodate them. I prefer not to have a big rear end ... on the bike or myself.
• I doubt I will change the wind screen. I did not have a problem with the old one, and this one is supposed to be a little better.
• I am waiting to put some miles on the bike before I make any other changes. My biggest judgement will be on the seat. Is it better over the old ones? If not, a Sargent seat will be installed.
• Anything else? Just keeping in line with my philosophy of motorcycling that less is more.

I've always been a proponent of buying the motorcycle that best fits the style of riding that you do. I thought that the KLR would give me more open roads, but what I learned was different. Riding the KLR taught me that I am an adventure/sport touring kind of rider that will occasionally get on gravel. I was riding the KLR on the same roads to the same destinations, so why have it? I wanted to go back to one motorcycle, and the best one for me was a new V-Strom 650. It is an incredible machine. I should know. I put 66,000+ miles on the old one, and it took me all over the USA. Just look at that map in my signature!

Brent