To pre-farkle or not...

[Motorcyclisted]

The S10 was always going to need to compete against my DL1000 (Vee) for top spot in my barn. The looser of that competition gets sold. The bikes are too similar to keep both. The Vee has already easily defeated a fully loaded FJR1300 that didn't last a month with me. No tears were shed,

Wow, the FJR1300 was on my shortlist of bikes before I ordered the S10 (Raven). The DL1000 is what once made me even look at adventure bikes. The only reason I never owned a DL1000 is because my wife did not like it (as she would be the passenger). I wanted a bike that would take me over 200 miles before refueling and in comfort. My S10 will likely never see dirt but I like having the option. I pretty much picked the S10 over the FJR1300 and the Concours 14 because of the price. In my opinion you get a lot of bike with the S10 for the price. I believe I would have preferred cast rims over spoked like the DL1000. I always thought spoked rims required more maintenance for some reason (although i never owned a motorcycle with spoked rims). Worse of all, my wife hates the S10. :'( But, I love everything I have read. >.......So,oh well.

Dirt Dad,
How did your DL1000 defeat the FJR1300? What was the winning factors?

Big Ed

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Dirt Dad,
How did your DL1000 defeat the FJR1300? What was the winning factors?

Big Ed

The short answer is I don't belong on a bike that is limited to pavement. I find well designed street bikes to be too forgiving and easy to ride. That probably puts me in a strange minority, but nothing new about that. I'm just happier on a bike that requires more skill to ride it at a high level. If a bike goes through a set of twisties on autopilot I get bored. Sure it can become more exciting if I bump up the speed by 50%, but I don't need high speed, just high adrenaline.

The long answer is here: http://www.stromtrooper.com/478181-post62.html
For a very, very long answer you can read through the entire thread which I started before I picked up the bike.

 

[Koinz]

The short answer is I don't belong on a bike that is limited to pavement. I find well designed street bikes to be too forgiving and easy to ride. That probably puts me in a strange minority, but nothing new about that. I'm just happier on a bike that requires more skill to ride it at a high level. If a bike goes through a set of twisties on autopilot I get bored. Sure it can become more exciting if I bump up the speed by 50%, but I don't need high speed, just high adrenaline.

The long answer is here: http://www.stromtrooper.com/478181-post62.html
For a very, very long answer you can read through the entire thread which I started before I picked up the bike.

A little off topic Dirt_dad - I followed your stromtrooper link and came across this video of the guy on a gold wing at deals gap. I've seen it before, but this guy is way out of my league and I love twisties.
deals gap on a goldwing/gl1800 by yellow wolf dragons tail

 

[Motorcyclisted]

A little off topic Dirt_dad - I followed your stromtrooper link and came across this video of the guy on a gold wing at deals gap. I've seen it before, but this guy is way out of my league and I love twisties.

I've seen that video before also. Incredible.

 

[jajpko]

The rider shooting the vid is not a bad rider either. Something that should be noted, Yellow wolf has ridden the Dragon so many times, he know the course by heart. That makes a big difference in the speed and smoothness for him or any other rider. jmo

 

[rem]

I am unaccustomed to having access to such splendid curves for such an extended period of time. Not to be a spoilsport, for I loved watching that, but my first and continuing reaction was I sure hope there's nothing parked in the middle of the road around one of those curves.

Eh, I'm just an old dog. I'd love to be able to do that. I'd have to send a spotter up ahead of me to clear the road. R

 

[Motorcyclisted]

The long answer is here: http://www.stromtrooper.com/478181-post62.html
For a very, very long answer you can read through the entire thread which I started before I picked up the bike.

Just read the long answer. I understand.

 

[colorider]

Wow, the FJR1300 was on my shortlist of bikes before I ordered the S10 (Raven). The DL1000 is what once made me even look at adventure bikes. The only reason I never owned a DL1000 is because my wife did not like it (as she would be the passenger). I wanted a bike that would take me over 200 miles before refueling and in comfort. My S10 will likely never see dirt but I like having the option. I pretty much picked the S10 over the FJR1300 and the Concours 14 because of the price. In my opinion you get a lot of bike with the S10 for the price. I believe I would have preferred cast rims over spoked like the DL1000. I always thought spoked rims required more maintenance for some reason (although i never owned a motorcycle with spoked rims). Worse of all, my wife hates the S10. :'( But, I love everything I have read. >.......So,oh well.

Dirt Dad,
How did your DL1000 defeat the FJR1300? What was the winning factors?

Big Ed

Even considering price alone, I'm not sure the SuperT would beat out the FJR when you consider that the FJR comes with luggage and a better windscreen than the SuperT. Both have the range and the FJR runs on regular and not premium.

 

[switchback]

The Suzuki V-twins in both Stroms are truly great engines. The 1000 is pretty exciting to ride and the 650 is one of the finest twins ever made. My problem with the V-Stroms and my Multistrada fro that matter is that they feel too much like a road bike to me. My Tiger just fit me like a dirt bike as did the Caponord and the KTM 990. From the comments out there the S10 seems to have the same "fits like a dirt bike" feeling but unlike the Tiger (Girlie generation) and the Capo it lacks the top heavy feel. As for the GS it just feels weird to me, like riding an elephant (animal kind not Ducati/Cagiva kind).

Guess what I am saying is I am confident the S10 will step up and take you to the next level. As for the Farkling, hold off and see for yourself. If you have doubts upfront you will not appreciate your additions as much as you will when you are confident in your decision.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

A little off topic Dirt_dad - I followed your stromtrooper link and came across this video of the guy on a gold wing at deals gap. I've seen it before, but this guy is way out of my league and I love twisties.

Yeah, I know about him. No way I could ever keep him in sight. He's on a totally different level than me. Maybe if they closed the road, made it one way traffic, and gave me a few months to practice 8 hours a day...maybe, but I doubt it.

 

[Kevhunts]

To farkle or not to farkle ...

For me, I plan on getting items that I can use with "any bike" first, such as a new helmet, gloves, aux. lights, etc.
I will wait for the bike to be sitting in my driveway before I buy any "bike specific" farkles. We have already seen what can happen between ordering & delivery.

This gives us all plenty of time to research, shop, & read up on what is available.

 

[Buckeye56]

To farkle or not to farkle ...

Since I will keep the S10 I have no qualms in ordering stuff for the bike. Some stuff will wait until I get a feel for the bike, other stuff (bags) will be acquired before delivery. But I do understand some folks taking the cautious approach. No wrong answer IMHO, different strokes.

 

[dastard]

Pre farkle for me is limited to "safety" stuff. Aux lights, hyperlights, stebel, maybe heated grips (numb hands are not safe dear, really). The fun stuff comes later.

 

[colorider]

Pre farkle for me is limited to "safety" stuff. Aux lights, hyperlights, stebel, maybe heated grips (numb hands are not safe dear, really). The fun stuff comes later.

Good planning!! For me, farkles have always been limited to safety/comfort/function and never "bling".

 

[rem]

My farkling has always been determined by my pocketbook, therefore I've never really gotten seriously farked. Although my wife has recently increased my allowance a bit. Hey, my windshield adjuster thingy just got here from Australia. Beware !! This $150 item ended up costing me $250 with shipping, "processing fee" and taxes.

You know what to do. I'll accept cash, money order or check. G' day, mates. R

 

[colorider]

Hey, my windshield adjuster thingy just got here from Australia. Beware !! This $150 item ended up costing me $250 with shipping, "processing fee" and taxes.
You know what to do. I'll accept cash, money order or check. G' day, mates. R

Ouch!! That's about $50 more than mine delivered down here in the "south".............

 

[switchback]

Good planning!! For me, farkles have always been limited to safety/comfort/function and never "bling".

So no gold anodized rims or skull mirrors then?

 

[ptfjjj]

I've never really modified or added to a bike before this one, but you guys have filled my head with so many ideas that it will take me several days to get all of my modifications done once I get the bike. Wasp exhaust, CalSci windscreen, Solstice LED's, LED turn signals, Givi rack and bags, and Walen brake light. No bling really, just safety and convenience items.

 

[rem]

It's always nice to know someone is spending more money that I am. I feel better already. Thanks. R

 

[Waspworks]

Hey, my windshield adjuster thingy just got here from Australia. Beware !! This $150 item ended up costing me $250 with shipping, "processing fee" and taxes.

You know what to do. I'll accept cash, money order or check. G' day, mates. R

Bummer rem, but because of the value of the USD$ at the moment the part is actually around USD$210 landed.

You however have been screwed by your own customs department. There should be no duty or taxes on this product. You need to dispute this and demand a refund of those charges.

Greg.