XTreme
26-05-2005, 01:10 PM
http://www.maximumbikes.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_vs15.jpg
The Strom is now up to 1025 miles, so it's basically run in!
Here's how I see it so far.....
The only alterations I've made from standard is the addition of the Givi rack (from Cupid's Capo), the Givi 52L Box, and Suzuki OE handguards which prevent my numb finger syndrome.
The first service was at 530 miles when Silkolene 10w40 semi-synth was added. I'll be changing the oil and filter again at 1500 miles, so there should be no more running in fragments in it after that.
It's had one very minor chain adjustment, and once I removed the packing grease from the chain it's had Wurth Dry Chain Lube.
Petrol consumption under various conditions, sometimes two up, has never dropped below 60mpg. Wherever possible I try to use Shell Optimax or BP Ultimate.
The engine was very tight at first, but started loosening from 300 miles on. I still feel there's more loosening up to do yet though.
Performance? I've been up to an indicated 110mph at about 8K revs....rev limit is 10.5K. It got to that speed very easily indeed, and I would imagine a genuine top speed of around 120mph would be possible. Most roadtests have reported that type of figure I think, and 0-60 in just under 4 seconds. Not exactly pedestrian is it?
The OE Trailwings are OK-ish, but they'll be replaced with Tourances around the 4K service. I trust Tourances...I can't say the same about Trailwings, though these ones have a much more roadbased profile than the square blocky ones fitted to the TA. They're still a long way from Tourances though.
The handling is excellent (for me) even with the Trailwings, so no doubt it'll be even better with Tourances. Front suspension is on the same setting, but the back has gone one notch harder.
Two up work? Obviously you have to use the box a bit more, but the little thing thrives on revs. Having said that, I do ride very sedately indeed with my wife on the back so any loss of power doesn't come into it. Basically, it'll do everything I need in this area.
Comfort is excellent for rider and pillion, and it's general riding position, height, bars, footpegs are perfect for me at 179cm and 190lbs.
Brakes are more than adequate for this type of bike. You won't stop as if you're on an R1....but you're unlikely to be doing those kinds of speeds or riding in that type of manner. And if you are, then you bought the wrong bike.
Under certain conditions I do notice turbulence with the screen, not to the level Alan reported though. Long term I'll probably replace it, I'm just hanging fire to see which replacement option would be best.
Reliability is faultless. Starts first time, every time, and never misses a beat.
Instrumentation is excellent with a nice red backdrop to the clocks....like my old GS750.
Oil consumption is zero....which is what you'd expect.
Am I happy with it? Absolutely! It does everything the Transalp did on the road....but much, much better.
Narrow, bumpy, single lane rural roads are handled effortlessly. And when you get on the open road, just twist the throttle and you get a smooth, linear power delivery that will get you where you want to go as quick as you want.
Unless you're doing long haul Autobahn two up trips like Stormy, then you really don't need any more than the 650 in this country.
People say you need a 1000cc and minimum 100bhp. You don't in my world! The only limit to reasonable progress is your riding ability....cos most people will run out of skill a long time before the little Strom runs out of steam.
Will I change it? At some point yes! If Suzuki update it to a 750 at some time, then that would be my perfect bike, as I'd have a bit more grunt for two up work.
But at this moment in time there is no other bike that suits me and my riding style/environment more than the Strom.
Value for money? Bang for your buck? Nothing else comes close within this genre!
Once again I'll go on record as saying......"This is the bike that I've waited all my life for!" :lg:
Of course, Alan will just say this.....
http://www.assi15.dsl.pipex.com/rt.jpg
.......but we don't listen to Alan do we? :ljl:
The Strom is now up to 1025 miles, so it's basically run in!
Here's how I see it so far.....
The only alterations I've made from standard is the addition of the Givi rack (from Cupid's Capo), the Givi 52L Box, and Suzuki OE handguards which prevent my numb finger syndrome.
The first service was at 530 miles when Silkolene 10w40 semi-synth was added. I'll be changing the oil and filter again at 1500 miles, so there should be no more running in fragments in it after that.
It's had one very minor chain adjustment, and once I removed the packing grease from the chain it's had Wurth Dry Chain Lube.
Petrol consumption under various conditions, sometimes two up, has never dropped below 60mpg. Wherever possible I try to use Shell Optimax or BP Ultimate.
The engine was very tight at first, but started loosening from 300 miles on. I still feel there's more loosening up to do yet though.
Performance? I've been up to an indicated 110mph at about 8K revs....rev limit is 10.5K. It got to that speed very easily indeed, and I would imagine a genuine top speed of around 120mph would be possible. Most roadtests have reported that type of figure I think, and 0-60 in just under 4 seconds. Not exactly pedestrian is it?
The OE Trailwings are OK-ish, but they'll be replaced with Tourances around the 4K service. I trust Tourances...I can't say the same about Trailwings, though these ones have a much more roadbased profile than the square blocky ones fitted to the TA. They're still a long way from Tourances though.
The handling is excellent (for me) even with the Trailwings, so no doubt it'll be even better with Tourances. Front suspension is on the same setting, but the back has gone one notch harder.
Two up work? Obviously you have to use the box a bit more, but the little thing thrives on revs. Having said that, I do ride very sedately indeed with my wife on the back so any loss of power doesn't come into it. Basically, it'll do everything I need in this area.
Comfort is excellent for rider and pillion, and it's general riding position, height, bars, footpegs are perfect for me at 179cm and 190lbs.
Brakes are more than adequate for this type of bike. You won't stop as if you're on an R1....but you're unlikely to be doing those kinds of speeds or riding in that type of manner. And if you are, then you bought the wrong bike.
Under certain conditions I do notice turbulence with the screen, not to the level Alan reported though. Long term I'll probably replace it, I'm just hanging fire to see which replacement option would be best.
Reliability is faultless. Starts first time, every time, and never misses a beat.
Instrumentation is excellent with a nice red backdrop to the clocks....like my old GS750.
Oil consumption is zero....which is what you'd expect.
Am I happy with it? Absolutely! It does everything the Transalp did on the road....but much, much better.
Narrow, bumpy, single lane rural roads are handled effortlessly. And when you get on the open road, just twist the throttle and you get a smooth, linear power delivery that will get you where you want to go as quick as you want.
Unless you're doing long haul Autobahn two up trips like Stormy, then you really don't need any more than the 650 in this country.
People say you need a 1000cc and minimum 100bhp. You don't in my world! The only limit to reasonable progress is your riding ability....cos most people will run out of skill a long time before the little Strom runs out of steam.
Will I change it? At some point yes! If Suzuki update it to a 750 at some time, then that would be my perfect bike, as I'd have a bit more grunt for two up work.
But at this moment in time there is no other bike that suits me and my riding style/environment more than the Strom.
Value for money? Bang for your buck? Nothing else comes close within this genre!
Once again I'll go on record as saying......"This is the bike that I've waited all my life for!" :lg:
Of course, Alan will just say this.....
http://www.assi15.dsl.pipex.com/rt.jpg
.......but we don't listen to Alan do we? :ljl: