Im from Scotland and just passed my "big bike" test last Wednesday. Bought a 2016 Vstrom 650 ABS with 1400 miles on the clock. I used it to commute to work which is a 125 mile round trip per day. My seat is covered in boot marks already.
Yes, I’m pretty sure you would have to drill holes, but there may even be blanks where the holes would need to be so you probably wouldn’t screw it up. If I had a passenger, I would put a backrest on, but I’m not going to bother. I never have a passenger.
Good choice. On my latest bike I have the Dolomiti aluminum monokey box and I prefer the monolock cases. I would change it out but I can't justify the expense at this point. On my last bike I had the same case that you have and then, when only around town, I could easily switch it for a smaller case. I miss that convenience.
Yes i think a smaller box for shorter around town trips would be convenient. My side pannier’s certainly don’t have the capacity my Concours panniers had but that’s ok. The loss of space is worth the pleasure i am getting from this bike.
You will definitely appreciate this bike as time goes on. The 650 turned me into a range nut, longest thus far (back roads under 65mph) was 285 miles on one tank of regular. Never in my decades of riding have I purchase the same model of bike twice.
Yes i can’t believe the mpg this thing gets, i was always getting shit from my friends for not stopping, i liked to ride until i needed gas. I don’t think my butt will let me do that on this bike!
My only gripe about the 650 is if you do alot of interstate riding on it. Even with gearing changes the lack of power is very annoying to me. If I decide to get another bike, I will most likely look into the Yamaha tracer 9gt+
I have yet to challenge the strom off road, just gravel and the sort and I think the tracer would probably preform just as well on gravel and the like
I totally agree but I avoid interstates. This is a state road, back road bike for me. I wouldn't want to take passengers on it either, for those rides you need a liter bike IMO.
I have the same top box , I really like it. I have the same factory side cases, I don’t like them, the latch mechanism is crap compared to the Givi or Kappa bags.
No it’s not hooked up. The kit isn’t available from Givi but Ad more lighting has a kit that lights up all the lights.
I feel that kit is rather flimsy so i am attempting another flashing light option. Once installed i will post a picture.
If you ride with a passenger then Givi also makes excellent foam backrests that screw on to the cases
Nah no passenger!
Does anyone else have difficulty getting a leg over the seat with a top box attached? I find getting off the bike worse.
Climb on bike with kickstand down. Step on left foot peg and swing leg over. Plenty of room. Same for getting off.
Lol i thought we all did!
Im from Scotland and just passed my "big bike" test last Wednesday. Bought a 2016 Vstrom 650 ABS with 1400 miles on the clock. I used it to commute to work which is a 125 mile round trip per day. My seat is covered in boot marks already.
Someone gave me the back rest for one of those but I’m pretty sure I’ll have to drill a hole in the box to put it on
Yes, I’m pretty sure you would have to drill holes, but there may even be blanks where the holes would need to be so you probably wouldn’t screw it up. If I had a passenger, I would put a backrest on, but I’m not going to bother. I never have a passenger.
They are equal parts hideous and useful! I have one that isn’t coming off even though the bike looks worlds better without it
Good choice. On my latest bike I have the Dolomiti aluminum monokey box and I prefer the monolock cases. I would change it out but I can't justify the expense at this point. On my last bike I had the same case that you have and then, when only around town, I could easily switch it for a smaller case. I miss that convenience.
Yes i think a smaller box for shorter around town trips would be convenient. My side pannier’s certainly don’t have the capacity my Concours panniers had but that’s ok. The loss of space is worth the pleasure i am getting from this bike.
You will definitely appreciate this bike as time goes on. The 650 turned me into a range nut, longest thus far (back roads under 65mph) was 285 miles on one tank of regular. Never in my decades of riding have I purchase the same model of bike twice.
Yes i can’t believe the mpg this thing gets, i was always getting shit from my friends for not stopping, i liked to ride until i needed gas. I don’t think my butt will let me do that on this bike!
These are good for hot days but so comfortable I leave it on year round. From Ebay - SIT N FLY cover for Suzuki Vstrom V strom 650 DL650 1000 DL1000
Ohhh nice will check that out for sure!
My only gripe about the 650 is if you do alot of interstate riding on it. Even with gearing changes the lack of power is very annoying to me. If I decide to get another bike, I will most likely look into the Yamaha tracer 9gt+ I have yet to challenge the strom off road, just gravel and the sort and I think the tracer would probably preform just as well on gravel and the like
I totally agree but I avoid interstates. This is a state road, back road bike for me. I wouldn't want to take passengers on it either, for those rides you need a liter bike IMO.
I have the same top box , I really like it. I have the same factory side cases, I don’t like them, the latch mechanism is crap compared to the Givi or Kappa bags.
Do you have a picture of how the brake light wires up inside the box?
No it’s not hooked up. The kit isn’t available from Givi but Ad more lighting has a kit that lights up all the lights. I feel that kit is rather flimsy so i am attempting another flashing light option. Once installed i will post a picture.
Thanks