Suzuki revamping the V-Strom?

Post by **Scorch** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 9:45 am

Suzuki has been hyping a new model, details are supposed to be released Sat. Will be nice to see new models, and it's great that Suzuki is still putting together promotional efforts.

If it's a V-Strom replacement, I'm hoping for 800cc and shaft. I hope they retain the distinctive Strom look, too.

Suzuki keeps the motorcycle world guessing
Suzuki Middle Class Motorcycle First Look

Post by **Suzsmokeyallan** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 3:49 pm

The silhouette looks promising. I hope they get smart and put an inline motor in it this time.

advant63 · Post by **advant63** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 4:25 pm

I hope they get smart and put an inline motor in it this time.

vtwin hater.

i hope they make it for a 34 inseam.

Post by **Suzsmokeyallan** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 8:24 pm

i hope they make it for a 34 inseam.

You found the present 1000 too small ?

advant63 · Post by **advant63** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 9:51 pm

You found the present 1000 too small ?

i haven't sat on any vstrom for years but i felt the need for a couple of milk crates on an early 1000 i tried out.
didn't they get taller as time went by?
we'll have to see what the focus groups say about the i4-strom.

Post by **Suzsmokeyallan** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 6:55 am

Most people with a 34 inch inseam are tall, the DL1000 feels fine for most 5'10" to 6' 4" people. Its a tall bike but was also a bit 'top heavy' because of its design.

H2RICK · Post by **H2RICK** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 8:06 am

but was also a bit 'top heavy'

Allan, you're just being polite again.

IMO, it was a LOT top heavy, especially with a full tank of fuel AND a full tank bag. A bike that tall can certainly benefit from some "mass centralization" (currently beloved of motorcycle engineers and rightly so) which, hopefully, the redesigned bike enjoys.
Regardless, with a two cylinder motor (vee or otherwise) I won't be buying one any time soon......if ever.

Wingspan · Post by **Wingspan** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 8:21 am

I think you guys are headed for disappointment. I'd wager the new 'strom will be much like the old one but based on the Gladius. No shaft drive, no I4, etc.

I hope I'm wrong (except about the I-4...I love twins), but I'd lower your expectations.

Post by **Suzsmokeyallan** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 9:59 am

You see Rick, a lot of V-strom riders will have your head if you direct slurs towards their bikes. However its still top heavy, just how a V-strom owner cares to admit this and add their personal % value to this figure is at their discretion.

If they had put the right engine in it, like an in line twin, triple of four for example, they could have used the space the rear cylinder of the V engine now takes up to allow the fuel tank to sit lower in the frame cradle.
Then they could have built a compartment into the top of a dummy fuel tank for some usable storage space.
I'm also not a fan of stressed member or open spar frames either, full cradle is always stronger but heavier, unless its an alloy frame then the added weight of the lower cradle is negligible.

Wingspan · Post by **Wingspan** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 12:02 pm

Suzsmokeyallan wrote:You see Rick, a lot of V-strom riders will have your head you if you direct slurs towards their bikes. However its still top heavy, just how a V-strom owner cares to admit this and add their personal % value to this figure is at their discretion.
If they had put the right engine in it, like an in line twin, triple of four for example, they could have used the space the rear cylinder of the V engine now takes up to allow the fuel tank to sit lower in the frame cradle.
Then they could have built a compartment into the top of a dummy fuel tank for some usable storage space.
I'm also not a fan of stressed member or open spar frames either, full cradle is always stronger but heavier, unless its an alloy frame then the added weight of the lower cradle is negligible.

The V-Strom is a parts bin bike, sold at a parts bin bike price. After putting 32k miles on mine, I could give you a list of what I don't like about it (poor wind management being #1) but none of your criticisms are on my list. I think about selling mine and moving on to another bike all the time largely because I find the Vee to just be a bit boring (and the previously mentioned buffeting issues). Trouble is, I've yet to find another bike that does as many things as well as the V-Strom that isn't also 2 or 3x the price. It's not a great at anything but it's damned good at a lot of things, is dirt cheap, and stone axe reliable. That's a hard combo to beat.

Post by **Suzsmokeyallan** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 12:40 pm

Did you research Windstrom fairings they are supposed to be the best at curing the buffeting issues.

Wingspan · Post by **Wingspan** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 2:08 pm

Suzsmokeyallan wrote:Did you research Windstrom fairings they are supposed to be the best at curing the buffeting issues.

I'd rather be battered about the head and shoulders for another 30k miles before I bolt something as ugly as the Windstrom to the front of my bike.

In all seriousness, there is no "best" solution the the 'strom's wind issues. What works for one person often has no benefit for another. I've been through 4 different screens, the madstad bracket, all manor of spacers, mirrors, mirror extenders, etc, etc, etc. So far my best solution is the smallest screen one can find or remove it all together. I've finally gotten rid of the buffeting but I might as well be on a naked bike.

Post by **Scorch** » Sat Jun 11, 2011 4:28 am

Lol, my Strom is the best Suzuki I've ever owned--reliable, smooth, and most finely balanced. I agree, the stock windscreen is not very good, I love the Sci-Cal screen, it provides 100% wind coverage.

http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/VStromprod.html

Top heavy?

Yuh, not sure how that figures but I agree, the Strom isn't for little fellers.

Barry S. · Post by **Barry S.** » Sat Jun 11, 2011 10:12 am

I love mine because I'm 6'4" and it fits me plus I'm and old long time dirt biker and a Strom is tall, kinda like a big dirt bike.

Post by **Scorch** » Sat Jun 11, 2011 10:35 am

Barry S. wrote:I love mine because I'm 6'4" and it fits me plus I'm and old long time dirt biker and a Strom is tall, kinda like a big dirt bike.

Exactly. And no dirt bike worth its salt is made for short-legged riders.

Suzsmokeyallan wrote:You see Rick, a lot of V-strom riders will have your head if you direct slurs towards their bikes. However its still top heavy, just how a V-strom owner cares to admit this and add their personal % value to this figure is at their discretion.
If they had put the right engine in it, like an in line twin, triple of four for example, they could have used the space the rear cylinder of the V engine now takes up to allow the fuel tank to sit lower in the frame cradle.

That's pretty presumptuous

So, we V-Strom owners have to admit to that as a universal truth?

The V-twin is the right engine. Love the power delivery.

Suzuki revamping the V-Strom?

Suzuki revamping the V-Strom?

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