Hi from northern Il. I just made the switch from a dl650 to a 2014 s10 non es. I did not want the es, no need for me, and something else to break. I loved the storm, so light, great mileage and pretty comfy. S10 feels more substantial, slightly heavier, though not an issue really...I have not had to pick it up yet...but, I raised my forks 10mm and the handling is just as easy now. The S10 is way easier to ride fast because it is very stable. The power is very nice upgrade coming from a strom, but my mileage went from 58 to 48, though at higher speed on the highway not much difference. The comfort factor is not even comparable. I did not like the strom over 55mph, too crazy revving and twitchy. The s10 is wonderful at speed and can be ridden for many hours without getting worn out. I ride 2 up a lot, and the strom can do it, but it is not fun. The s10 do s not even feel like there is a passenger on the back. This bike is a total upgrade in every way. I have done the following in the first 1k miles:
1. Raised the forks 10 mm, faster turn in
2. Tilted the windscreen back using a rubber sway bar bushing end from a z28 under the lower windscreen mount and a longer screw, works pretty well
3. Turned the left or white airs crew out 3/4 of a turn and balancd the TB's. Easy to do, and it runs fantastic off idle
4. I am making a backrest for my wife from 1/4 stainless and a backrest pad, until I figure out what trunk I want for trips.
5. Leveled my seat....the tilt was not good for me...
6. I am making custom air wings for the lower part on the windscreen. I did the same on my strom, and they worked fantastic.
Most of these simple mods came from the generous and knowledgeable people on this forum. I thank everyone for that, these have really made the bike great!
The only issue, and pretty minor, but the engine is the loudest engine. Someone posted it sounded like two skeletons having sex in a steel garbage can. Yikes it sounds terrible, but I always wanted a diesel motorcycle, and now I finally got one
I could of had a BMW GS, but chose to go the more reliable route and get the s10. There was not enough riding pleasure to be gained from an extra $8k. Although the GS is a fantastic motorcycle, the s10 is way more bike than I can probably appreciate anyway.
The only issue is cost. Is the st worth $10k more than a used strom ? The answer for me was absolutely. It is way worth it! You can't take your money with you, and an s10 is a great way to enjoy it
