I have same bike.Have had it for 2 years now,love it. Get skid plate, and crash bars.The pannier racks and crash bars keep it protected when dropped while off roading
Had it 10 years ago, traded for other and newer ones. Now I have a newer and "better" one, but I bought it again in 2009 in a strom with ABS...and now it's better than half the competition. Its simplicity in driving and maintenance is difficult to compete with, quality is a special story
Just got off my 05 V-Strom 650 bought new in 2005. 66,000 + miles . My Commuter supreme with benefits. Would love a brand new one someday. Great investment sir!
Most skid plates don't go well with aftermarket exhausts because the pipes are a bit lower than the original. Also, you should consider buying a foot peg lowering kit, it makes a big difference when you got long legs. I got mine from cosmo-accessories, great service and value.
Owning my 07' since February, actually traded my SV650 for it, it's a real beast to ride, love everything about it, will most likely upgrade to the 1000 in a couple of years
vstrom 650 is better than 1000 in my opinion and many other youtubers, primarely because it's lower weight compared to 1000cc sister, and sips less fuel as well.
I owned a 2017 vstrom 1000 and sold it. I recently picked up a 2004 vstrom650 and love it. Definitely get the armor (skid plate and crashbars) but don’t overlook handguards. I had the Tusk on my previous few bikes and they work great.
@@RDMotoring Oddly sold the 04 on Monday and replaced with a cleaner 06 on Thursday. I like the weight, fuel economy and reduced fear of operating an older bike. I had a limited budget for a road biased bike and the gen 1's can be found for a reasonable price. With that said I have a KTM 500 that I use for dual sport rides.
Well done! Welcome in Strom life. DL650 2011 52K Mi bought new for daily city commutes/wee-ends/vacations. Trust yours has the "mandatory" upgrades : Healthy alternator, main lights relay, fork brace, etc.. 6'6" Man! Do something about it ! ;o) Check the lowering foot-peg kit ( -1 inch?) relief for your bending knees, they are my next buy. Givi full set is easing my touring life. Suspension upgrades make a difference (both F&R, with Race-tech gold valves and stronger springs) a Gipro speed indicator to stop guessing "5 or 6?" a taller seat, a hole in lower area of windshield to lessen buffeting, Kawasaki has 1 inch longer stem for the exact same mirrors, and I got an (illegal) switch to cut front lights to keep them undisturbed when the starter draw its huge share of amps every time you crank. Your main connector under the gauges cluster will thank you. That's about it. Such a loyal girl no way I would get rid of it. No fuss no worries, shut up and ride relationship with no thrill and no regrets. Ugly and soulless for many, some would mock ("hey nice scooter") but none would steal which for NYC insurance and peace of mind has some worth. Ride and enjoy!
I'll post another video soon where you can see me on it. I'm honestly not sure if Iook normal on anything short of an ultra classic, but at 6'2" you should be fine
Wonderful buy. You will be very happy man . 🦾 get armor , fogs, and pro taper atv high bars. 😁 oh yea zero gravity smoked screen , I also switched my turn signal covers to smoked
We love our V-Stroms and put them through their paces. We try our best to show what they can do.
I Love my 2020 650 v strom bought new one year ago;tail of the Dragon Gravel roads no problem,,It’s Great 👍
I have same bike.Have had it for 2 years now,love it. Get skid plate, and crash bars.The pannier racks and crash bars keep it protected when dropped while off roading
Had it 10 years ago, traded for other and newer ones. Now I have a newer and "better" one, but I bought it again in 2009 in a strom with ABS...and now it's better than half the competition. Its simplicity in driving and maintenance is difficult to compete with, quality is a special story
Love the details, and the bloopers at the end make this fun!
Just got off my 05 V-Strom 650 bought new in 2005. 66,000 + miles . My Commuter supreme with benefits. Would love a brand new one someday. Great investment sir!
Most skid plates don't go well with aftermarket exhausts because the pipes are a bit lower than the original. Also, you should consider buying a foot peg lowering kit, it makes a big difference when you got long legs. I got mine from cosmo-accessories, great service and value.
Dude! I'm also 6'6" and recently got myself a V-STROM 650. It's one of a very few bikes that fit me well. Oh, nice vid too btw!
Thanks man! I also have a V-Star 650 but the Suzuki fits me so much better. It's a great mid-tier bike
Enjoy your new ride. It will not disappoint! Subscribed to see what you get up to with this bike. Regards from Australia:-)
Owning my 07' since February, actually traded my SV650 for it, it's a real beast to ride, love everything about it, will most likely upgrade to the 1000 in a couple of years
So far I'm really enjoying it!
vstrom 650 is better than 1000 in my opinion and many other youtubers, primarely because it's lower weight compared to 1000cc sister, and sips less fuel as well.
I owned a 2017 vstrom 1000 and sold it. I recently picked up a 2004 vstrom650 and love it. Definitely get the armor (skid plate and crashbars) but don’t overlook handguards. I had the Tusk on my previous few bikes and they work great.
Great to know! What made you enjoy the 04 over the 17?
@@RDMotoring Oddly sold the 04 on Monday and replaced with a cleaner 06 on Thursday. I like the weight, fuel economy and reduced fear of operating an older bike. I had a limited budget for a road biased bike and the gen 1's can be found for a reasonable price. With that said I have a KTM 500 that I use for dual sport rides.
Just picked up a 2011 vstrom and love it! Are there any other skidplates besides Givi??
I have a 2006 red , 33K in Colorado " Love it.
Got vstrom DL 650 2005 excellent bike. All I have is leather throw over saddlebags.travlled around Oz without any problems
Awesome!
Well done!
Welcome in Strom life.
DL650 2011 52K Mi bought new for daily city commutes/wee-ends/vacations. Trust yours has the "mandatory" upgrades : Healthy alternator, main lights relay, fork brace, etc.. 6'6" Man! Do something about it ! ;o) Check the lowering foot-peg kit ( -1 inch?) relief for your bending knees, they are my next buy. Givi full set is easing my touring life. Suspension upgrades make a difference (both F&R, with Race-tech gold valves and stronger springs) a Gipro speed indicator to stop guessing "5 or 6?" a taller seat, a hole in lower area of windshield to lessen buffeting, Kawasaki has 1 inch longer stem for the exact same mirrors, and I got an (illegal) switch to cut front lights to keep them undisturbed when the starter draw its huge share of amps every time you crank. Your main connector under the gauges cluster will thank you.
That's about it. Such a loyal girl no way I would get rid of it. No fuss no worries, shut up and ride relationship with no thrill and no regrets. Ugly and soulless for many, some would mock ("hey nice scooter") but none would steal which for NYC insurance and peace of mind has some worth.
Ride and enjoy!
Thank you! Appreciate the advice, I'm excited for it!
I love my my 1st gen DL650 also (2005), plus mine is in the same colour blue so great choice! happy riding :-)
Thanks! I'm pretty excited
excellent ideas to own one such releible machine thank you,can you suggest can we go for one used one ..
I’m always a fan of the bloopers 😂
the bird was a paid actor 😆
Get the center stand. For the life of me I don't know why they went away from the under tail exhaust on the new models.
Already got one! It's awesome
Givi has lots of good accessories for your V Strom!
Good to know!
How do you look sitting on it? I'm looking at the same bike. At 6'2" I thought perhaps I would be a bit tall and I might look like I'm riding a moped.
I'll post another video soon where you can see me on it. I'm honestly not sure if Iook normal on anything short of an ultra classic, but at 6'2" you should be fine
I am 6'3 and the bike is almost perfect. A taller windscreen and lowered foot pegs helped a lot.
soaking a bike down with a garden hose especially the guage cluster probable not the best thing to do..just sayin
Is it?? Good bike, but not the best sir!
Wonderful buy. You will be very happy man . 🦾 get armor , fogs, and pro taper atv high bars. 😁 oh yea zero gravity smoked screen , I also switched my turn signal covers to smoked