Motorcycle Misadventures

Suzuki V-Strom 650 "Sport Enduro Tourer"

While checking some facts to answer Jason's question in my last entry, "Your First Street Bike: What to choose?" I came across this excellent article on Motorcycle USA on the Suzuki V-Strom 650 "Sport Enduro Tourer." This is old news, of course, but I was re-intrigued, as I'm always trying to determine what's the "best touring motorcycle." Here's an excerpt of the four-page, in-depth article. And I see from Suzuki's corporate website that they've now added ABS braking.

You can read the entire article, here.

Suzuki's concept for the DL line was to create a "Sport Enduro Tourer," and the V-Strom 650 gets top marks for living up to the monicker. In combining the SV650 motor with the DL1000 chassis, Suzuki has built its parts bin special into a bike that defines a new market segment.

With a 417-lb. claimed dry weight and road-biased rubber, the 650 isn't gonna win many enduros, but it actually takes to loose conditions fairly well.

It has the power and smoothness to dust a BMW F650, and it offers more comfort and wind protection than the SV650/S, Honda 599 and Triumph Speed Four. Its closest competitor is likely Yamaha's buzzier but faster FZ6, which shares a similar riding position, fairing coverage and price tag. The FZ is definitely faster in a straight line, but its R6-based engine isn't as adept as the smooth and torquey DL's Twin. And with its standard luggage rack and optional hard luggage, the V-Strom is much more the SUV as opposed to the FZ's sports coupe. In a way, the DL650 is the Honda VFR of the adventure-touring segment, offering versatility, a sporting nature and Lexus smoothness.

As the day's light faded into the horizon on the way back to the hotel and the subtly attractive orange glow of the instruments matched the color of the setting sun, it was hard to imagine another machine with a competitive versatility-per-dollar ratio. At $6599 in blue or black...  Read the entire article, here.

In my quest for the best world touring motorcycle, I'm keeping this one on my list of possibilities. Any takers? I'd love to hear your comments.

Until next time, may all your motorcycle misadventures have happy endings!

Carla

VentureOne: Ecocar-Motorbike Combo

This is just too cool. A new eco-car/motorcycle drives like a car but corners like a motorcycle due to a unique tilting system that gives it the ability to lean at 45 degrees. The three-wheeled machine runs on both petrol and electric yet can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in six seconds. It is fully enclosed with a 360 degree glass canopy roof so both passengers can get a full view of their journey while being protected from the elements. The makers say that it will get 100mpg with a top speed of over 100mph, will include a steel roll bar, air-conditioning, heating, and a stereo.

Read the article.

See you at Cycle World in Atlanta

Come see me at  at the Cycle World show in Atlanta, February 23-25. I'll be signing books all weekend at the Ural booth.  (Go to the site and print out their 50% discount parking coupon.)

And check out this review of American Borders:

"Heartwarming and revealing, readers get to know and love Carla, and get to know themselves a little more in the process," says Genevieve Schmitt, founder of WomenRidersNow.com. "She's a true hero, smiling every mile of the way and finding humor in the worst of circumstances."

(Aw gee!)

Well, despite the portrayal of the Ural in the book -- which was, after all, a test ride of the new import, I really do recommend today's Ural, which is a really great, reliable, and let's not forget the most important trait -- fun! -- machine.

Order the book, or if you've read it, give it a review on the Motorcycle Misadventures website.

See you in Atlanta!
Carla

The Merits of the Kawasaki KLR 650

Of all the motorcycles one might choose for hardcore world travel the Kawasaki KLR650 is seeming to me the most practical choice. People say it's the Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles. You can ride on road, off road, and way way off road. It can be lowered and modified in many different ways. Its got a reliable Japanese engine and plastic coverings that don't cost thousands to replace if you scratch it...that is, if you even care to replace it. It's not the kind of bike that you're going to polish every weekend and ride slowly downtown.

The Vstrom 650 vs the KLR 650?

ShadowRider has a Honda Shadow Spirit 1100 and is looking to buy a more nimble second bike, either the Vstrom 650 or the KLR650?. Got some advice? Here's the post, and the many comments it inspired.