2014 V Strom 1000

[5ohmustang]

1 inch lower mounting plates for the footpegs. These have relieved stress from the knees. Ergonomics wise, the vstrom is finally comfortable. This is how it should feel from the factory.

I sat on a new Africa Twin and the comfort is very similar.

Time to explore the mountains.

[Mr2Mike]

5ohmustang said:

The front brake hose is right at the limit on full left lock, like RIGHT at the limit but it is just enough.

It's not clear from the pics, but does your "just enough" take into account suspension travel, i.e. when the bike unloads over a dip (or you are pulling a decent wheelie ) the forks will extend a bit further than they are at rest with no-one on the bike. Having a brake hose get ripped off is guaranteed to spoil your day.

[5ohmustang]

Good point, I will recheck it. I am pretty certain I checked on and off the bike. However not when there is no weight on the front wheel. It is pretty hard to do without a centerstand.

[5ohmustang]

I had a look at the clearance and tried to stand over the bike to rock it. It is hard to say. If there is a chance it will do damage it will, be at full left lock with the front wheel off the ground. I do not pull wheelies and see that riding situation arise.


This weekend I will put it on a maintainance stand and see if I can get the wheel unloaded. Failing that I will use a rachet strap over a big tree branch and under the frame.

[5ohmustang]

Absolutely. I'll be hitting the Tail of the Dragon and routes in the Smokies (as long as it does not rain).

Edited by 5ohmustang on Wednesday 8th March 03:12

[PIGINAWIG]

That's an amazing stretch of road.....

Pics please!

[5ohmustang]

Sorry, that's all I got mate. It's a very technical and intense road when ridden at speed. I was focused on the ride and did not want to stop, hence the total lack of photos. There is a ton of footage on youtube however if your interested in having a look.

However there are photographers on a lot of the corners that are there all day, everyday. You can order your photos, have them made as tshirts etc.

Killboy.com is the most well known. I just ended up cropping the photo.

A lot of bikes and performance cars run the dragon so it's best to get there at first light to avoid speed traps.

The bike had no problems going airborne with regards to the front brake hose being extended to the limit.

The brakes started squealing towards the end, no glaze was left on the discs.

I noticed my mirrors view were different from when I started off. The handlebars were not torqued down enough and was rotating within the risers. An allen key fixed that issue.

I am getting back pain in the mid region. All I can do now is try another seat. The cheapest option is the tall suzuki seat. The problem is I cannot try one at the dealer. It's buy without trying.

[PIGINAWIG]

Thanks for the update.

I got back and shoulder pain on mine - old injuries etc.... I bought the higher seat and now ride in comfort with riding days over 500 miles

Managed to get one on eBay brand new for approx $200

Got to be worth a look

[5ohmustang]

That is reassuring to know.

As you can see from the below pics, it's a dangerous road, however it is rewarding when you get it right.

I would rather drive my mustang than ride it due to other road users potientially hitting you.

Edited by 5ohmustang on Monday 27th June 08:18

[5ohmustang]

[5ohmustang]

Back in the day, this region produced a lot of illegal (at the time) moonshine. Moonshine runners would delivershipments on these very roads.

Edited by 5ohmustang on Monday 27th June 07:16

[PIGINAWIG]

Wowsers!!

Gotta love the 'three of shame'!!

[5ohmustang]

I'm probably going to order the desert tan tall seat. Then plasti dip the beak and tank. The beak is $190, while the tank is $190. I would use regular desert tan plasti dip and then a clearcoat gloss plasti dip.

[PIGINAWIG]

My taller seat is light grey and charcoal - bit of a shame as the bike is the desert edition!

Colour coordination - who needs it? My orange gloves go well with the kernit boots!

[5ohmustang]

PIGINAWIG said:

My taller seat is light grey and charcoal - bit of a shame as the bike is the desert edition!

Colour coordination - who needs it? My orange gloves go well with the kernit boots!

How did you mount your rotopax to your rear rack? Your boots are bright green? Dis you own a ninja once?

[RizzoTheRat]

5ohmustang said:

Back in the day, this region produced a lot of illegal (at the time) moonshine. Moonshine runners would delivershipments on these very roads.

Forgetting the crash pics for a moment, that is just stunning!

[PIGINAWIG]

5ohmustang said:

How did you mount your rotopax to your rear rack? Your boots are bright green? Dis you own a ninja once?

Rotopax supply a fitting and I removed the rear rack and bolted it on - really simple install.

And yes, I had a green 2013 ZZR1400!

I've actually just sold the vstrom so the whole rotopax is up for grabs. Shame you're in the USA. Have an arrow can for sale too....

[5ohmustang]

How come you sold the v strom if you don't mind me asking. I have a 1.75 rotopax, I just never got the quick release mount. I'm planning on mounting it to the top box.

Thanks rizzo.

[5ohmustang]

Time for an update. I just fitted adventure tech's adjustable shifter. Easy to fit, it should help somewhat as once the lowered peg mounting brackets were installed, the shifter was in an odd position.

I'm unable to ride right now due to broken fingers, however once fully healed I'll be riding the pants of the vstrom.

I'll upload some pics in the meantime of my adventures.

Edited by 5ohmustang on Monday 10th October 20:09

[Tribal Chestnut]

I do love the 'bigness' of America, I imagine being able to ride for days, barely seeing a soul. Not sure how true that is and getting fuel might be a bit of a problem, but I like the romanticism of the idea.