What an amazing world we live in...

I don't think I would ever buy something like this... For one thing, none of them are remotely big enough for me (you might get 20hp out of the absolute biggest of them, which is I believe about 300cc. I can't ride on the highway with that).

... But I absolutely LOVE that we live in a world where you can go to amazon, click a button, and get a motorcycle delivered to your door for short money (dirt bikes and scooters for as little as $750 with shipping, street bikes for less than $1500 shipped).

Stroms in Toyland

REALLY miss my V-strom...

I've GOT TO get back on a bike soon. It's early summer and I've ridden precisely ONCE since November, and that was for like 10 minutes.

Not sure I'd want to fly back to AZ, unload and prep ( it's a 1,000 with full hard bags) for a 2100 mile road trip, and then ride it from AZ to FL in the height of the summer rains on the Gulf Coast...

On the other hand... I AM sure I don't want to be without a Motorcycle much longer.

Perhaps one of these outstanding job prospects will resolve itself into an offer with relocation, or sufficiently decent offer, that I can just pay to have the trailer fixed and hauled out to me.

Perhaps even so good that even after digging out of our current hole I will have enough left over to acquire another low cost motorcycle.

One advantage to our current location... We are in heaven for purchasers of used second, toy, fun and recreation vehicles like motorcycles, boats, RV's etc...

Things that are good

A birthday party, with great friends and loved ones, that starts Friday night, and ends Sunday night; with a nice steak and creme brulee.

A 150 mile motorcycle ride on a gorgeous (but VERY windy) day, through some of the prettiest country, IN this country, with a beautiful woman on the back.

Stopping off in the middle for a beer with a beautiful woman.

Surprisingly*... Coors new beer "Batch 19, a pre-prohibition style American Lager"... Especially since it was a $2 domestic draft in the biker bar we stopped at.

Simple things...

*When I say surprisingly... I really mean it. I HATE Coors... I'd rather drink Bud Light... and I'd rather drink straight ghost pepper hot sauce than Bud Light... but this stuff was quite good. 

How I'm maintaining sanity, with 3 hours a day on the road

Or at least, how I'm maintaining sanity when it isn't raining...

Not the dog (Zoe is peeking through the fence there), the bike.

Specifically, a 2004 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom.

This particular V-Strom is equipped with the Kappa Suzuki hard luggage system, factory heated grips (installed after delivery), and is powerlet wired for heated vest, and pants; and for dash power.

The original owner also modified the factory throttle bodies (removing the secondaries), put a throttle body remote sync setup in place, installed a K&N air filter, and replaced the factory windscreen with a Windstrom Manta. I also bought it with a nearly new chain, and a nearly new set of Metzler Tourances on it (they should last me at least a year, maybe more).

He also had the motor and clutch completely rebuilt (I have full maintenance records) and had the motor blueprinted at 30,000 miles.

Honest to god, the bike really is just about perfect, and might as well be brand new.

So.... When exactly did I get a motorcycle? Since I haven't mentioned it until recently and all?

Last year, I got a contract that had me living in San Francisco during the week. The contract looked like it would go for at least six months, maybe a year; and I was extremely tired of being stuck using cabs to get around, and having to rent a car to leave the immediate area around the city.

Bringing a car down to the city was impractical... and frankly, would've been more irritating than cabs and rental cars (SF is VERY car unfriendly); so I decided to buy a bike, as a low cost commute, runaround, and general "get out of town" vehicle.

I found this V-Strom, with extras, being sold by its original owner (an MSF riding instructor, who, with his wife, owned six different motorcycles), at well below market price (I only paid $3,500 for it. Blue book was $4500 plus the accessories); in near perfect condition, excepting the pretty high mileage (39,000 miles. this guy RODE his bikes).

Unfortunately, literally the week after I bought the bike, the contract was cancelled; and I never rode it down to San Francisco. In fact, I was only able to put a few hundred miles on the bike last year, having bought the bike shortly before the cold weather hit.

I have to say, as my first "modern" liter bike (I've had other 1000cc bikes before, but not in more than 10 years; and none made after the early 90s) I was completely unprepared for how powerful the bike is, for such comparatively light weight (about 455lbs dry, or about 520lbs wet, with the luggage).

By todays standards that's no lightweight (some of the 600s are under 410lbs wet, and several 1000s are under 450lbs wet), but I grew up with a CB750 (under 70hp at the crank, and about 560lbs wet), and a V65 Magna (116hp, but over 600lbs wet).

From the factory, the bike has just under 100hp at the crank (and most owners who dyno them report about 80-82hp at the rear wheel). With current mods, its probably a tiny bit more (the bike is so well maintained, I don't expect any power loss from wear). With nothing but boltons and a good retune, the bike can be set up to produce 112-118 horsepower at the crank, and nearly 100hp at the rear wheel.

The bike is also tuned for low end torque... or rather, low end for a Japanese bike. 60% of the torque and horsepower are available under 4500 RPM (with a 7850 rpm redline), coming to a torque peak of 77ftlbs at  6500 rpm, and 98hp at 7500rpm.

It's got enough power, and torque; that even as big as I am, Mel and I can two-up the bike quite comfortably (though that is technically over the bikes max gvwr)... and the suspension and brakes can handle us without a problem as well.

For night riding, the headlights on this thing are incredible; at least in comparison to what I'm used to. I've got more, and more useful, light throw than in my car or truck.

Oh, and I really like the luggage. You can fit a surprising amount of "stuff" in them... so much that I could easily see camping or touring the bike (with some comfort mods of course).

That isn't to say the bike is perfect. For one thing, it's DAMN tall. I'm 6'2" with a 34" inseam, and when the suspension is setup to allow my wife and I to two-up, I can barely stand flatfooted with my weight fully on the bike; and am on my toes with my weight off the bike.

There's a good reason for that of course. As an adventure bike, it's intended for rough road riding; with additional ground clearance, and suspension travel... But I don't know how average height riders can manage the bike, never mind shorter riders.

For me, both the stock windscreen, and the manta, are WAY too low, too small, and badly shaped. Combined with the shape of the fairing, there is almost no pocket of calm air, and there is some high speed buffet (and a fair bit of wind noise).

Also, I don't care for either the stock gearing, or the stock AFI tune (which is far too lean in most RPM ranges, and too rich in others... most likely for california emissions standards. California bikes also include a catalyst, but use the same fuelmap).

Apparently I'm not the only one, because the three most popular major functional mods for the VStrom are changing the gearing, retuning the bike, and replacing the windshield.

I'm going to need another windshield, no way around it. An extra extra tall and wide one; probably the CeeBaily extra high touring windshield. The Manta just isn't cutting it for me. I may also need to buy a Madstad adjustable windshield mount bracket for it, to fine tune the windshield angle, height, and undershield venting.

The stock gearing is neither fish nor fowl, nor good red meat. With the stock tune, there is an irritating flatspot/dip in the power curve between 3500 and 4000rpm; which, coincidentally, is the exact RPM range the bike will cruise in at common road speeds in every gear. Also, with the stock gearing, sixth gear (overdrive) is damn near useless; cruising at over 80mph at the top of the flatspot, and running below powerband at almost any highway speed.

The stock sprocket combination is 17/41, with a 525 chain (which I consider too light for a 1000cc bike, particularly one with this much power). I've picked up a 16/43 sprocket set on a 530 chain, and a DID gold 530 xring chain to go with them.

That ought to make my drivetrain bulletproof; at the same time moving the sweetspot in the powerband between power and fuel economy, right to the cruise points in all gears at common road and highway speeds (you can check out the differences at http://gearingcommander.com)

The tuning issue is addressed with a Dynoject Power Commander III USB, which can remap the fuel and igntion maps, and eliminate the flatspots (also add something like 6-8hp in stock configuration if remapped well; and up to 16hp when combined with an air filter, and modified or performance exhaust). I ordered one last year, but haven't installed it yet.

I've also snagged but haven't installed a HealTech GI-Pro gear indicator with ATRE (Suzuki does some stupid timing retard tricks to reduce emisions etc... The ATRE remaps the ignition timing to remove those stupid tricks), as the Vstrom only has a neutral indicator; and I like to have a positive indication of what gear I'm in.

I may, or may not, eventually pickup a performance exhaust. I like how quiet the stock exhaust is; but it is certainly ridiculously restrictive. Not only will a replacement produce more power, but it will actually improve the smoothness and power delivery, and with the right tune can even improve fuel economy.

Oh and for a bike that's intended for "adventure touring" I think it's nearly criminal that the bike doesn't include a centerstand (one is available as a factory accessory, or from the aftermarket, both around $250). I ordered one last year, but got it with the wrong bracket without realizing it. Thankfully, even though it's more than six months later, the seller is making good, and sending me the proper bracket and hardware.

On the "incidental" side of things, I've got phone and GPS mounts waiting to be put on, and hardwired (I'm going to install an accessory power block and some switches), some LED driving lights, and a throttle lock (also all waiting to be put on).

I may also pick up a reshaped, refoamed (stiffer foam), and heated, saddle; a set of wider mirrors (or mirror widener brackets) and a set of drop brackets for the pegs. They'll greatly improve my highway comfort... I'm perfectly fine with a two hour ride single up; but when Mel and I are 2 up, or going longer than two hours... Not so much.

Oh and look at the plate...

I swear to you, I didn't request this plate, it wasn't custom/vanity... The lady at the DMV just pulled it out of the pile, and I laughed out loud.

This being Idaho, she wasn't puzzled, she just said "so, you're a shooter then?"

Yeah... you might say that.

Oooohhhh.... me wantsssessssss the zoooom

These are the new BMW k1600gt

And k1600gtl

The bikes are on the same frame, with the same basic suspension, powerplant, and running gear.

The difference between the two is about 7" in length, about 60lbs in weight (700 and 760lbs wet respectively), a bigger luggage package with a tailpack, a slightly larger fuel tank; and a slightly more relaxed riding position, with more forward and lower set pegs, a 2" lower seat, higher windshield, and longer bars on the GTL.

Also, the factory suspension settings on the GTL are calibrated for the higher weight, and a slightly softer edge (according to the first look reviews out there, only very slightly).

Then there's the fun little party piece, the adaptive headlight:

Personally, I'm a little more impressed with the engine:

A 160hp inline six, with 129ftlbs of torque, at a relatively low for a bike 5000rpm; and yet the bike is rated for 52mpg, with 6.3 and 7 gallon fuel capacities respectively, for a theoretical range of over 300 miles (though, I seriously doubt one could keep ones wrist under that much control).

15 years ago, most family cars didn't have that kind of power. Of course, 15 years ago, you could actually buy a family car for what they want for one of these.

At $21k and $23k respectively, it aint gonna happen any time soon; but I can't see any better balance between a harder edged semi-sport bike or sport tourer, and a big full bagger two wheeled limo like a 'wing (which weighs 130lbs more and has 40 less horsepower for 200 more CCs).

I wonder what it would take to wangle a test ride... I think the nearest dealer is like 70 miles away.

Why Ride?

When you get hit, and fly through the air like that, it's called ragdolling... because you look like a ragdoll as you fly.

It isn't as bad as it looks; but how it looks could only possibly be worse by being lit on fire, or dropping into a vat of acid, so that's not much consolation.

Kevin Baker linked to that video above, with the comment:

"I get the urge to buy a motorcycle once or twice a year.

I go lay down until the urge goes away".

I've been riding for 28 years, and 17 years (legally) on the street.

The first bike I ever rode for my self was a little Honda ATC 70 (all pics taken from bikepics.com) that a family friend owned:


A few years later, I graduated to a 1979 Honda XR80, that I personally rebuilt (with some help, but less than you'd think) from a box of parts that had been given to me:


As it turns out the "bike from a box of parts" thing would become a recurring theme in my life.

I had several more small dirt bikes and mini bikes for the next few years; all of which I acquired as busted junk, and fixed myself. I taught myself how to be a mechanic on cheap little motorcycles and minibikes (and the occasional go-kart).

The very first "street bike" I owned wasn't even a motorcycle at all; it was a 1978 Puch VS50. I was 13, and again, it came to me as a box of parts formerly owned by my aunt, handed down to my youngest uncle, then left in a garage for 10 years (looked just like this one, but not as nice):

Once I got it running, I traded it for another BOP bike; a 1986 Honda Spree 50 scooter, in red, identical to this one:

Which I proceeded to get running, and trade up for an '85 Honda elite 250 that wasn't quite as much of a basket case as the Spree had been:


All this was long before I had a drivers license; but long after I'd started working. It was done with my own money, nothing given to me... Except the occasional birthday or Christmas gift of course. One birthday I got a new coil and regulator for the Spree, and I was thrilled.

Meanwhile, I was still offroading. On the dirtbike side of things, I eventually worked my way up to a '90 Kawasaki KDX250 (the pic is a '91 though. I couldn't find a decent pic of a '90).

The KDX was the first bike I ever paid more than $500 up front for. It was $1500 in three instalments, plus my scooter (I was making from $200 to $400 a week at the time working a couple different jobs):


In some states the KDX is street legal, though not in Massachusetts. The cops in rural northern New Hampshire never seemed to care much though...

By that time however, I'd actually figured out that I liked quads better for offroading. When I was 13, I managed to scrape up $500 for a thrashed '86 Suzuki Quadracer 250, with blue nerfbars:


Christ, I though I was Gary Denton. I even had the Hoosier holeshots (but not those magnificent Mr. Ed teeth. Jesus christ Denton was a horseface).

Then when I was 16 I got my license, legally bought and drove a car, and acquired my holy grail of offroading (which cost me the KDX, the Quadracer, and a bucket of cash):


A Yamaha Banshee 350 (with DG bumpers and nerf bars like that one)... and man did I trick that thing out. By the time I was done with it, if it weren't for the ridiculous air resistance, it would've done a flat hundred easy.

I also acquired another BOP bike, a 1981 CB750 (mine was red with gold pinstriping) for the princely sum of $700:

Which I suppose you could say was my first real honest to god street bike.

The only problem was, I couldn't get insurance for it (what company is going to insure a 16 year old on a 750)... so I drove it illegally anyway.

Yes I know. Bad Chris.

It was the first non-aircraft vehicle that I managed to do over 100 miles an hour with while I was in control (though I had cars up to that speed and beyond shortly thereafter); and I estimated a top speed of 130 (the speedo was useless over 100).

A few months later I started my great American and world tour; leaving home for college (I graduated HS at 16), and then the AIr Force; and I sold all my bikes.

I didn't have a bike for about a year and a half; then my room mate at the time crashed my car, and his insurance wouldn't pay, and my insurance wouldn't pay (some technicality about his license, and towing a trailer) so to partially
compensate, he gave me his '86 Honda V65 Magna 1100:


HOLY CHRIST that was a powerful bike.

Of course by the time I got a hold of it, it had seen better days (it was about 9 HARD years old at the time, and had more than 60,000 miles); but fresh from the factory it had 115hp, and could pull an 11 second 1/4 mile.

I could pick up the front wheel all the way up through 4th and I would guess the top speed was still over 130 when I got it (again, the speedo didn't accurately measure anything beyond 100).

Man I had a lot of fun with that bike. Highway 89a from Wickenberg up to the Canyon... it has to be ridden on a powerful but agile bike to be understood. It's absolutely unbelievable.

I would sometimes leave around 5, make the 90 miles from Prescott to Phoenix in under an hour (to see my girlfriend for a few hours) then blast the 90 miles back in under an hour again, to be back by around 2am.

Unfortunately, about a year after I got it, I laid it down. There was some wet sand in a corner, and I slid; and knowing I was going to high side if I didn't, I dumped it and rolled off. The thing slammed into a Joshua tree at 70, and pushed the front brake disks into the crank case.

That was the last bike I owned for myself; though I've rented, borrowed, had companies pay for (while I was living in Europe) and otherwise ridden many others since. I've crossed rivers and blasted through deserts on quads, cruised 1000 miles on a BMW sport tourer, and hit 176mph on a public road with a GSXR1100 (yes, I was VERY VERY STUPID).

I love riding, and I love the machines you ride on. I think the love of them both is intertwined, and in my case can't be separated. One adds to the enjoyment of the other intrinsically.

Is motorcycling dangerous?

Well, that answer is relative. In the U.S. it's between 2 and 5 times more dangerous in terms of injuries than driving a car an equal number of miles; but in terms of number of deaths and serious injuries, it's less dangerous than say, swimming.

In the last 20 years of street riding (including mopeds, and illegally riding in the street before I had a license), I've laid it down in the street twice (both environmental), and been clipped once ("Oh god, I just didn't see you"). By the grace of god, no serious injuries resulted from any of them.

I've actually had far more serious injuries dirt riding than I have on the street (nature of the beast. You don't get 30 feet of air off slippery dirt on the street).

Around the world, there are actually something like two times as many motorcyclists as car drivers; and over all they have a considerably lower accident rate. The problem is, motorcycle accidents are FAR more likely to result in death or serious injuries (again, nature of the beast. Not having a two ton.. or more likely three ton these days... steel cage around you when you hit something is a considerable disadvantage).

The question is, for you personally, is the increased risk of death of serious injury worth the increased fun, sense of freedom, increased manoeuvrability and speed, reduced cost of transportation, and other advantages of a motorcycle?

For me personally, it is; and though I don't have a bike now, it's one of the first things on the list for when we get out from under the legal bills.

Motorcycling combines recreation and stress relief with transportation. On a bike, the journey is at least as much a part of the experience as the destination.

When I'm riding, I'm reducing my stress level. That alone is worth the increased risk; never mind the fun, and the high speed, high MPG transport.

...Of course this is also coming from someone who finds the most effective stress reduction comes from things that almost, but not quite, kill you.