V Strom 1050XT v KTM
Discussion
Biker9090 said:
Well, deposit paid on the Strom in the end.
Whilst I was still deciding i counted 9 new failure to start/stalling in dangerous places in two days, plus at least 2 more total gearbox failures on the KTM. Simply can't deal with the threat of that in the back or my mind when I need reliability.
All i saw of the Strom was what luggage fits here/how do I wire in aux lights. Can't say I've found a single mechanical failure report in 3 months of searching. The Lav and Ollie YouTube channel made a massive impact as well. Does everything I want, absolutely loved the test ride so I'm happy.
I don't see them in any negative way - like I said I'd happily jump on one and knock out a thousands of miles road trip without checking anything on my old Strom 1000. Whilst I was still deciding i counted 9 new failure to start/stalling in dangerous places in two days, plus at least 2 more total gearbox failures on the KTM. Simply can't deal with the threat of that in the back or my mind when I need reliability.
All i saw of the Strom was what luggage fits here/how do I wire in aux lights. Can't say I've found a single mechanical failure report in 3 months of searching. The Lav and Ollie YouTube channel made a massive impact as well. Does everything I want, absolutely loved the test ride so I'm happy.
Biker9090 said:
Well, deposit paid on the Strom in the end.
Whilst I was still deciding i counted 9 new failure to start/stalling in dangerous places in two days, plus at least 2 more total gearbox failures on the KTM. Simply can't deal with the threat of that in the back or my mind when I need reliability.
All i saw of the Strom was what luggage fits here/how do I wire in aux lights. Can't say I've found a single mechanical failure report in 3 months of searching. The Lav and Ollie YouTube channel made a massive impact as well. Does everything I want, absolutely loved the test ride so I'm happy.
Whilst I was still deciding i counted 9 new failure to start/stalling in dangerous places in two days, plus at least 2 more total gearbox failures on the KTM. Simply can't deal with the threat of that in the back or my mind when I need reliability.
All i saw of the Strom was what luggage fits here/how do I wire in aux lights. Can't say I've found a single mechanical failure report in 3 months of searching. The Lav and Ollie YouTube channel made a massive impact as well. Does everything I want, absolutely loved the test ride so I'm happy.
Well done! I hope you have many happy miles together.
Thanks.
Only issue now is the DVLA being utter James Hunts about my private plate on the VFR (Family heirloom). Can't do the transfer online as it's been untaxed for more than something like 30 days in the last 5 years (whilst it was at a VAT registered dealers prior to me getting it!).
Only issue now is the DVLA being utter James Hunts about my private plate on the VFR (Family heirloom). Can't do the transfer online as it's been untaxed for more than something like 30 days in the last 5 years (whilst it was at a VAT registered dealers prior to me getting it!).
Biker9090 said:
Well, deposit paid on the Strom in the end.
Whilst I was still deciding i counted 9 new failure to start/stalling in dangerous places in two days, plus at least 2 more total gearbox failures on the KTM. Simply can't deal with the threat of that in the back or my mind when I need reliability.
All i saw of the Strom was what luggage fits here/how do I wire in aux lights. Can't say I've found a single mechanical failure report in 3 months of searching. The Lav and Ollie YouTube channel made a massive impact as well. Does everything I want, absolutely loved the test ride so I'm happy.
Enjoy the vstrom! Ktm ownership is exciting even when you aren't riding the thing...Whilst I was still deciding i counted 9 new failure to start/stalling in dangerous places in two days, plus at least 2 more total gearbox failures on the KTM. Simply can't deal with the threat of that in the back or my mind when I need reliability.
All i saw of the Strom was what luggage fits here/how do I wire in aux lights. Can't say I've found a single mechanical failure report in 3 months of searching. The Lav and Ollie YouTube channel made a massive impact as well. Does everything I want, absolutely loved the test ride so I'm happy.
You must be on different Facebook groups to me and I think I'm on all the main ktm ones. I've only seen one stalling issue on a brand new 1290 SD this week.
I've smashed 15k miles on mine and the only fault has been an ambient temperature sensor which cost me £15 to replace.
Biker9090 said:
Well, deposit paid on the Strom in the end.
I believe Strom ownership pre qualifies you for:https://dullmensclub.com/
KTMsm said:
Already a memberHairyMaclary said:
Enjoy the vstrom! Ktm ownership is exciting even when you aren't riding the thing...
You must be on different Facebook groups to me and I think I'm on all the main ktm ones. I've only seen one stalling issue on a brand new 1290 SD this week.
I've smashed 15k miles on mine and the only fault has been an ambient temperature sensor which cost me £15 to replace.
Can't remember off the top of my head as I've now unfollowed any of them. You must be on different Facebook groups to me and I think I'm on all the main ktm ones. I've only seen one stalling issue on a brand new 1290 SD this week.
I've smashed 15k miles on mine and the only fault has been an ambient temperature sensor which cost me £15 to replace.
That's the issue though. Even if it had of been totally reliable I would still have seen posts like I've seen this week and quite literally been kept awake at night by it.
Well, had my VFR collected on friday and the suzuki delivered. Spent saturday coating it in XCP Rust blocker and clearcoat and adding a few things.
Took it out for a short 120 ish mile trip to Mega Motorcycle Store's sale in Swindon - which was a massive mistake as I don't have any luggage for it and needed a family friend to come and take my haul back (Oxford AA jeans for £10 each x 2, Richa Gloves reduced to £30 and a HJC Nos helmet for £25).
I don't think I've ever ridden the crappy cross country route so quickly, and I can't say I was even trying, I have to say it's effortless at handling poor road surfaces and tight corners. I had it in my head the shock would need immediate replacement but it's really not bad. Forks definitely need adjustment though as it dives terribly on braking. Tried out the cornering ABS to see how it works and can really see how it would be a godsend in certain situations. You don't get any of that tugging feeling when the bike's trying to upright itself or and drift out of your lane.
After the notoriously appalling fuelling of the big VFR (and it's thirst) I'm over the moon at how smooth this is, regardless of throttle opening or gear selection. I was also looking at close to 60mpg average. They really have done an incredile job of sorting out any and all issues this bike has to make it a nice place to be.
My only real complaints so far are the footpegs are in an incredibly annoying position. Right where you want to put your feet down when stopped. Even with my being 6ft 1 and long in the leg it would occasionally have me on tip toes. The seat is also pretty poor with my right arse cheek going numb by the end of it!
So yes, overall I'm incredibly please I made the decision to go for this one. No, the engine isn't in the same league as the big VFR or the KTM but it's more than enough for me in the real world riding I do. I have to say I'm a full convert to the adv style bike now. It just makes sports tourers seem archaic and severely limited in their use.
Oh, even with the ostentatious bright yellow paint scheme, LED lights and a hi viz sam browne belt (appalling weather) I got pulled out on TWICE yesterday......
Took it out for a short 120 ish mile trip to Mega Motorcycle Store's sale in Swindon - which was a massive mistake as I don't have any luggage for it and needed a family friend to come and take my haul back (Oxford AA jeans for £10 each x 2, Richa Gloves reduced to £30 and a HJC Nos helmet for £25).
I don't think I've ever ridden the crappy cross country route so quickly, and I can't say I was even trying, I have to say it's effortless at handling poor road surfaces and tight corners. I had it in my head the shock would need immediate replacement but it's really not bad. Forks definitely need adjustment though as it dives terribly on braking. Tried out the cornering ABS to see how it works and can really see how it would be a godsend in certain situations. You don't get any of that tugging feeling when the bike's trying to upright itself or and drift out of your lane.
After the notoriously appalling fuelling of the big VFR (and it's thirst) I'm over the moon at how smooth this is, regardless of throttle opening or gear selection. I was also looking at close to 60mpg average. They really have done an incredile job of sorting out any and all issues this bike has to make it a nice place to be.
My only real complaints so far are the footpegs are in an incredibly annoying position. Right where you want to put your feet down when stopped. Even with my being 6ft 1 and long in the leg it would occasionally have me on tip toes. The seat is also pretty poor with my right arse cheek going numb by the end of it!
So yes, overall I'm incredibly please I made the decision to go for this one. No, the engine isn't in the same league as the big VFR or the KTM but it's more than enough for me in the real world riding I do. I have to say I'm a full convert to the adv style bike now. It just makes sports tourers seem archaic and severely limited in their use.
Oh, even with the ostentatious bright yellow paint scheme, LED lights and a hi viz sam browne belt (appalling weather) I got pulled out on TWICE yesterday......
Edited by Biker9090 on Monday 29th April 10:35
That looks great!
I think that's the one thing ADV bikes don't get enough credit for, dealing with crappy road conditions. With my old Rally Pro on 50/50 tyres I could hammer it around the roads near me and not have to worry about puddles, gravel, dirt, leaves, anything really. It was very liberating compared to a sporty bike on semi-slick tyres.
I think that's the one thing ADV bikes don't get enough credit for, dealing with crappy road conditions. With my old Rally Pro on 50/50 tyres I could hammer it around the roads near me and not have to worry about puddles, gravel, dirt, leaves, anything really. It was very liberating compared to a sporty bike on semi-slick tyres.
Bob_Defly said:
That looks great!
I think that's the one thing ADV bikes don't get enough credit for, dealing with crappy road conditions. With my old Rally Pro on 50/50 tyres I could hammer it around the roads near me and not have to worry about puddles, gravel, dirt, leaves, anything really. It was very liberating compared to a sporty bike on semi-slick tyres.
Yeah, definitely. I'm not 100% on the tyres at the moment as I'm still getting used to it. I think they're the OEM Bridgestone A41s I think that's the one thing ADV bikes don't get enough credit for, dealing with crappy road conditions. With my old Rally Pro on 50/50 tyres I could hammer it around the roads near me and not have to worry about puddles, gravel, dirt, leaves, anything really. It was very liberating compared to a sporty bike on semi-slick tyres.
Biker9090 said:
Well, had my VFR collected on friday and the suzuki delivered. Spent saturday coating it in XCP Rust blocker and clearcoat and adding a few things.
Took it out for a short 120 ish mile trip to Mega Motorcycle Store's sale in Swindon - which was a massive mistake as I don't have any luggage for it and needed a family friend to come and take my haul back (Oxford AA jeans for £10 each x 2, Richa Gloves reduced to £30 and a HJC Nos helmet for £25).
I don't think I've ever ridden the crappy cross country route so quickly, and I can't say I was even trying, I have to say it's effortless at handling poor road surfaces and tight corners. I had it in my head the shock would need immediate replacement but it's really not bad. Forks definitely need adjustment though as it dives terribly on braking. Tried out the cornering ABS to see how it works and can really see how it would be a godsend in certain situations. You don't get any of that tugging feeling when the bike's trying to upright itself or and drift out of your lane.
After the notoriously appalling fuelling of the big VFR (and it's thirst) I'm over the moon at how smooth this is, regardless of throttle opening or gear selection. I was also looking at close to 60mpg average. They really have done an incredile job of sorting out any and all issues this bike has to make it a nice place to be.
My only real complaints so far are the footpegs are in an incredibly annoying position. Right where you want to put your feet down when stopped. Even with my being 6ft 1 and long in the leg it would occasionally have me on tip toes. The seat is also pretty poor with my right arse cheek going numb by the end of it!
So yes, overall I'm incredibly please I made the decision to go for this one. No, the engine isn't in the same league as the big VFR or the KTM but it's more than enough for me in the real world riding I do. I have to say I'm a full convert to the adv style bike now. It just makes sports tourers seem archaic and severely limited in their use.
Oh, even with the ostentatious bright yellow paint scheme, LED lights and a hi viz sam browne belt (appalling weather) I got pulled out on TWICE yesterday......
I've realised now that i'm in the group on FB! Thought the bike and info looked familar Took it out for a short 120 ish mile trip to Mega Motorcycle Store's sale in Swindon - which was a massive mistake as I don't have any luggage for it and needed a family friend to come and take my haul back (Oxford AA jeans for £10 each x 2, Richa Gloves reduced to £30 and a HJC Nos helmet for £25).
I don't think I've ever ridden the crappy cross country route so quickly, and I can't say I was even trying, I have to say it's effortless at handling poor road surfaces and tight corners. I had it in my head the shock would need immediate replacement but it's really not bad. Forks definitely need adjustment though as it dives terribly on braking. Tried out the cornering ABS to see how it works and can really see how it would be a godsend in certain situations. You don't get any of that tugging feeling when the bike's trying to upright itself or and drift out of your lane.
After the notoriously appalling fuelling of the big VFR (and it's thirst) I'm over the moon at how smooth this is, regardless of throttle opening or gear selection. I was also looking at close to 60mpg average. They really have done an incredile job of sorting out any and all issues this bike has to make it a nice place to be.
My only real complaints so far are the footpegs are in an incredibly annoying position. Right where you want to put your feet down when stopped. Even with my being 6ft 1 and long in the leg it would occasionally have me on tip toes. The seat is also pretty poor with my right arse cheek going numb by the end of it!
So yes, overall I'm incredibly please I made the decision to go for this one. No, the engine isn't in the same league as the big VFR or the KTM but it's more than enough for me in the real world riding I do. I have to say I'm a full convert to the adv style bike now. It just makes sports tourers seem archaic and severely limited in their use.
Oh, even with the ostentatious bright yellow paint scheme, LED lights and a hi viz sam browne belt (appalling weather) I got pulled out on TWICE yesterday......
Edited by Biker9090 on Monday 29th April 10:35
I've got the Gladius.KTMsm said:
I've been riding enduros, SMs and Adventures for the last 6 months
Got on a street triple R yesterday - I had no idea the roads were so bumpy !
Checked my speed and I was going the same pace - just with a worse view and more discomfort
There's a reason Advs are so popular
I still find myself wincing going over potholes/speedbumps on my SAS - as it was so harsh on my old GSXS1k - but every time I get pleasantly surprised Got on a street triple R yesterday - I had no idea the roads were so bumpy !
Checked my speed and I was going the same pace - just with a worse view and more discomfort
There's a reason Advs are so popular
Took the old CBF500 to work this morning as I'd left the heated grips on and drained the battery on the Strom!
Hardly a sportsbike but I've put money and time into it's suspension and it's rock hard in comparison as well as feeling unbelievably cramped.
Managed to sell my Nitron Shock within an hour yesterday so now deliberating about the adv version for the strom or something else. Having said that it coped so well the other day I'm unsure what to do. Thinking the Nitron will make it significantly harder?
Hardly a sportsbike but I've put money and time into it's suspension and it's rock hard in comparison as well as feeling unbelievably cramped.
Managed to sell my Nitron Shock within an hour yesterday so now deliberating about the adv version for the strom or something else. Having said that it coped so well the other day I'm unsure what to do. Thinking the Nitron will make it significantly harder?
Biker9090 said:
Bob_Defly said:
That looks great!
I think that's the one thing ADV bikes don't get enough credit for, dealing with crappy road conditions. With my old Rally Pro on 50/50 tyres I could hammer it around the roads near me and not have to worry about puddles, gravel, dirt, leaves, anything really. It was very liberating compared to a sporty bike on semi-slick tyres.
Yeah, definitely. I'm not 100% on the tyres at the moment as I'm still getting used to it. I think they're the OEM Bridgestone A41s I think that's the one thing ADV bikes don't get enough credit for, dealing with crappy road conditions. With my old Rally Pro on 50/50 tyres I could hammer it around the roads near me and not have to worry about puddles, gravel, dirt, leaves, anything really. It was very liberating compared to a sporty bike on semi-slick tyres.
Bob_Defly said:
When you are looking to replace, I highly recommend the Mitas range. Great grip on and off road, and very good longevity.
I double checked and they're definitely battlax A41.Most I would do is light gravel stuff and the odd bit of dry mud so totally lost as to what is suitable....
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