Just not buying an ADV like so many others...

[Simon Davey]

So today i took this for a test ride. 

 2016 Vstrom 1000.

 

The feckin torque is incredible.

I thought the gearbox was a bit sloppy, it "slaps" through the gears. Is it because I'm so used to a high revving, highly refined 4 cylinder? This is my only concern, otherwise it's such a superb little bike with a great riding position. 

 

It's got ABS and TC.  Loved it, and I'm very tempted, am I tempted enough though? I've no chance of comparing it to another Vstrom to know. Can't see the dealer selling a dud bike, the salesman is the owner, 20 years under his belt, and is going to want a good reputation. 

 

 

 

[bonio]

If you're asking yourself if you're tempted enough, why not keep on looking in case you find a bike that leaves no room for doubt?

And if after a while you decide the vstrom really is the bike for you, well, there are always plenty of them for sale.

[Simon Davey]

Thanks @bonio.

I loved it, I really did, it's such a natural ride. I found myself sticking it into bends after just 15 minutes, and I could do tighter u-turns far more easily than on my ZZR. 

My only question is that of what seems like a clunky gearbox. Dealer said that I just can't compare a litre V-twin with a smooth 4 pot. 

You're right though, plenty of them about, and plenty of other bikes to consider. 

 

Edited March 20 by Simon Davey

[bonio]

Ah OK, I misunderstood. 

But I thought the vstrom had a smooth gear box? Perhaps I remember it wrongly. 

With a bit of luck some who has one will be able to give you some advice on what to expect.

[KiwiBob]

Head towards a Vstrom specific forum and ask about gearboxes on there.

 

The only thing sloppy about my 650 Vstrom gearbox is the operator!

[RideWithStyles]

Maybe Sloppy as in how?

Lever, peddle, action, feel, feedback? 
even just a simple thing of the oil can have an effect let alone something else.

 

Suzuki gearboxes and clutch’s are great for feel (softer side of).

Honda firestorms we’re fairly similar (though the gearing was a bit off) , where as Ducatis of the same era were more direct, shout and harder work.

Theoretically and generally the engine difference will have a different effect, so smaller cylinders and weight but at least one will be doing something which you/gearbox/clutch/timing have to work with and have friction while a twin has bigger gaps so will have least chance of hitting that moment but when there you’ll know ot - bit like having throwing four potato’s at you in very quick succession or two quite small melons spreader out further, which would be easier to dodge?

then add in the bikes designed clutch plates, lever etc…

 

I think thT that is the difference and you notice it now, maybe the engine configuration is great for you but you feel the box is touch soft? Maybe try a different manufacturers twin and see if that balance is better for you?

 

[KiwiBob]

 

"As well as a lovely light slip and assist clutch, the V-Strom’s gearbox is slick and precise."

 

 https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/suzuki/v-strom-1000-2014-used#engine-gearbox-and-exhaust

Edited March 20 by KiwiBob

[Davidtav]

Love my V STROM 650. I’m probably biased though. The gearbox isn’t sloppy. 

[bud]

Suzuki generally make lovely gearbox shifts.

And the VStrom does have a great engine in it.

It's the same bike as the Kawasaki KLV 1000. Which can be slightly cheaper.

[Simon Davey]

@RideWithStyles @bonio @KiwiBob @Davidtav @bud 

 

 

Many thanks guys, your replies are very much appreciated. I have indeed been scouring the world of Vstrom forums, it seems it's an easily addressed maintenance thing.

 

Clutch fluid change, engine oil change, and removing the clutch cover to clean the crap from the shafts seem to make a huge difference.

 

Also, it may be that I'm used to a clutchless up-change on my ZZR and may not have been using the clutch properly  Couple this with the bike being barely ridden and mostly sat for three months (I asked him, and he reluctantly told me).

 

Might have to go back for another test ride, and a longer than twenty minutes one at that. Also, he said it'll have a service, so I can ask him to address this before I collect.

[KiwiBob]

4 minutes ago, Simon Davey said:

@RideWithStyles @bonio @KiwiBob @Davidtav @bud 

 

 

 

Might have to go back for another test ride, and a longer than twenty minutes one at that. Also, he said it'll have a service, so I can ask him to address this before I collect.

Looking at the advert it says MOT until SEPTEMBER!.... If you buy it make sure its MOT'd until after September! .. You have plans for early September and don't want any hiccups!

[RideWithStyles]

Thanks.

With that bit of extra info id check two things they aint deal breakers but good to know- the chain tension through its length and the crush drives- if they are worn they can make it feel sloppy and slappy at the same time.

 

Clutchless upchanges can be a strain on the gear box in more ways than one, the Zzr are reasonable strong to a bit of power and The odd low level hiccup and but don’t like constant stress. 

i know from mine and my bros kwaks their action was smooth and quite positive with the clutch but trying a clutchless was not great and felt like it wasn’t happy doing it certainly not often anyway.

maybe your just used to that friction needed and force given rather than the smoothness of the suz and interpretation is sloppy? Just a thought….like some say it’s how you get used to something, it becomes the norm.

Edited March 20 by RideWithStyles

[Simon Davey]

22 minutes ago, KiwiBob said:

Looking at the advert it says MOT until SEPTEMBER!.... If you buy it make sure its MOT'd until after September! .. You have plans for early September and don't want any hiccups!

 

That's a good point!

[Hairsy]

7 hours ago, Simon Davey said:

Dealer said that I just can't compare a litre V-twin with a smooth 4 pot. 

 

Have you considered any of the 4 pot options in the same genre?

 

Maybe a Versys 1000? I haven't ridden one but I love my Z1000SX which I believe shares the engine.

[Simon Davey]

15 minutes ago, Hairsy said:

 

Have you considered any of the 4 pot options in the same genre?

 

Maybe a Versys 1000? 

 

Absolutely! Just don't have the budget for a decent one. 

[Hairsy]

Get a rubbish one - it’ll still be smoother than a twin!

[Simon Davey]

2 minutes ago, Hairsy said:

Get a rubbish one - it’ll still be smoother than a twin!

 

You have got me looking though.

[Stu]

I used to have the TL1000s and the engine is the same but with tweaks to make it better as is the gearbox its a bit more detuned that the TL 

 

I wouldn't say the gearbox was sloppy as such but could feel a bit vague at time on the clutch due the the suzuki back torque limiter (slipper clutch) the solution to this was welding the clutch centre to eliminate the back torque limiter and improving feel and clamping pressure. totally not needed on the Vstrom

 

Once going clutchless upshifts where fine but it takes some getting used to with the big twin under you! they like to be ridden in a gear lower in traffic than say your zzr would need to be! 

 

The changing fluid and cleaning the clutch actuating shaft has been a long term issue I used to keep on top of mine and change it every 6 months or so 

 

These are fantastic engines with a decent box that are bulletproof maybe try and find another one to ride to see how that feels it could just be a simple thing as not used to it and lack of feel with your boots etc 

[Simon Davey]

@Stu

That's awesome, thank you so much. 

Regarding being ridden a gear lower in traffic. I noticed it was hunting for the throttle at 20mph. You've just assured me of another concern. 

Time to put my ZZR on eBay. I'll reluctantly put it up in a couple days. 

Cheers. 

[Bungleaio]

5 hours ago, Simon Davey said:

 

That's a good point!

Whatever you get please ensure it's got a slow puncture 

[Stu]

1 minute ago, Simon Davey said:

@Stu

That's awesome, thank you so much. 

Regarding being ridden a gear lower in traffic. I noticed it was hunting for the throttle at 20mph. You've just assured me of another concern. 

Time to put my ZZR on eBay. I'll reluctantly put it up in a couple days. 

Cheers. 

 

They aren't the best in slow traffic due to the two big cylinders going too slow  

 

My RT is the same! they like to be revving to keep them smooth 

 

They can be a right pain in the arse if the throttle bodies aren't balanced up properly and a lot of places don't know how to do them correctly either 

 

The TL benefitted massively from having a power commander fitted even with just a stock base map loaded on it! it smoothed the throttle out no end but then dynojet started by creating the power commander for the TL1000 so solve the fuelling issues out on them 

 

The Vstrom is miles ahead on the fuelling side of things compared to the TL though but it will probably be running lean for emissions standards at low revs like every bike does 

[Simon Davey]

Sooooooooo, feck me, it all happened so quickly. 

Bought a new one on 0% interest, a real no-brainer. 

Collect it on Saturday morning. 

[Fiddlesticks]

1 hour ago, Simon Davey said:

Sooooooooo, feck me, it all happened so quickly. 

Bought a new one on 0% interest, a real no-brainer. 

Collect it on Saturday morning. 

Oh very nice

[bud]

My mate has one and loves it. Hopefully you will too.

[Gerontious]

Thoughts and prayers.