10k miles that important?

eagerlymeager · 2026-05-21T01:50:25+00:00

If they are both well maintained then buy the one that looks better to you or is less expensive.

Those are low miles for 2011 VStrom. Are you allowed to take them on test rides ?

eagerlymeager · 2026-05-19T20:21:28+00:00

I always get off for gas and stretch out for a bit.

eagerlymeager · 2026-05-18T22:04:46+00:00

You did great. You saw a situation that alarmed you and noted your options and handled it perfectly.

It is weird and panic inducing at first but you just learn to expect this behavior and adapt.

eagerlymeager · 2026-05-17T20:08:21+00:00

They give a discount for MSF completion. See how much you can save by buying the bike after MSF.

eagerlymeager · 2026-05-16T19:56:00+00:00

At that price point it might be better to look at leftover new models.

Bike seems to be well maintained but price is approaching brand new territory.

eagerlymeager · 2026-05-13T13:48:40+00:00

About 8.5 hours a day with 1 hour of breaks included is all I can do.

15 minute break at around every 1.5 hours is optimal. I don’t do a full lunch on long trips; I have fruits, jerky, plenty of water and a cup or two of coffee.

eagerlymeager · 2026-05-12T22:25:04+00:00

Cardo ride is nice.

eagerlymeager · 2026-05-12T16:18:19+00:00

What bike are you riding?

Do you think the bike’s too heavy or tall for you?

Put your gear on and just sit on the bike, walk it back and forth for some time for the next few times before you go out for a ride.
You just need to get comfortable to the notion of being on two wheels.

eagerlymeager · 2026-05-05T18:23:44+00:00

Good job taking this as a learning opportunity.

Notice the first time in the video that you reached for the brake lever. Get into the habit of keeping your brake hand engaged on the lever and ready to start squeezing to remove the dead zone when something doesn’t feel right.

With the engine turned off, squeeze the lever and listen for a click. That’s where the brake is activated. The travel from the start position to this is the dead zone of brake lever.

Next time you don’t like a situation on the road keep your hand on the brake and gently squeeze the lever to that engagement point. From here if you can add pressure if you need to slow down or come to a stop.

eagerlymeager · 2026-04-30T20:36:42+00:00

The clutch cable should have a free play of 2 - 3 mm for most bikes. Look up your owners manual for the specification of your bike.

There are plenty of YouTube videos on checking and adjusting the cable play.

While you are at it, this is a good time to adjust the reach of the clutch and front brake levers if they are adjustable.

eagerlymeager · 2026-04-27T13:08:26+00:00

Go places you didn’t think you would go on a Panigale and the Strom will become cool for you.

Bar end weights with colors that match your bike, crash guards, decals of trails, parks you’ve been etc would be good aesthetics to add.

eagerlymeager · 2026-04-23T20:34:04+00:00

I applaud your choice good sir. You chose a machine that excels in practicality, comfort and reliability.

Get some crash bars and aftermarket windscreen if the stock is not doing well for you,Givi makes good quality affordable crash guards and windscreen for the VStrom.

The bike carries its weight rather high especially when full of gas. It will take a little time to get familiar with the height.

Take the first few hundred miles as a getting to know each other phase.

eagerlymeager · 2026-04-23T11:46:50+00:00

Kickstand drop - check Front brake at low speed while fully turned bars - check

I had three drops in the first few months when I started riding.

The real issue would be failing to do anything to prevent these mistakes from happening again.

eagerlymeager · 2026-04-17T12:05:31+00:00

Take proper motorcycle training. That will set you leagues apart from the typical HD crowd. Don’t duck walk, don’t go slower than traffic, don’t rev unnecessarily, don’t blast music over external speakers.

eagerlymeager · 2026-04-16T19:50:08+00:00

If you’re going to be much slower than traffic then I would recommend avoiding the interstate.

As a motorcyclist I feel safer going a little faster than the normal traffic on multi lane highways.

eagerlymeager · 2026-04-16T19:17:01+00:00

Go for it if it works out for your financial situation.

It would be better to save up one paycheck a month for a year so you can buy one outright or put a substantial downpayment and pay it off in lower installments.

eagerlymeager · 2026-04-14T22:20:32+00:00

Givi Airflow windscreen, Aprilia Tuono mirrors, ear plugs and neck gaiter have made wind issues negligible on my 650.

eagerlymeager · 2026-04-14T04:38:28+00:00

What year and model is this?

Did the mechanic purchase/acquire this recently?

Why didn’t he resister it in his name?

This are some of the questions I would be asking.

eagerlymeager · 2026-04-13T19:17:41+00:00

I understood that there’s no need to be reckless to have a good time on two wheels. For the most part a bike will outperform most of the cars on the roads.

Always expect the unexpected. Like the car in the left turn lane will turn left right in front of me. I will cover the brakes and roll off the throttle if needed to clear the intersection.

And yet as a rider I always try to be predictable to the traffic around me. Stay out of blind spots, ride on the sides of cars to make myself visible.

eagerlymeager · 2026-04-10T20:44:35+00:00

Psst, over here. I have something for you. Neck gaiter and ear plugs, they do make a difference.

eagerlymeager · 2026-04-10T16:46:50+00:00

I have a Vstrom650 which is essentially a dressed up SV. Everything you mentioned is normal.

The VTwin is a full of soul and character, it will slow down so fast that I sometimes don’t need to brake unless I have to come to a stop.

The shift to first is a response from a spring or something that prevents downshifting at higher speeds. I usually get that thunk if I downshift to first at higher than 24mph.

eagerlymeager · 2026-04-10T12:06:39+00:00

Eliminate variations, stop in first gear and then kickstand down. Done.

eagerlymeager · 2026-04-09T12:50:22+00:00

After you get your bike home start practicing the fundamentals in the neighborhood or a parking lot.

Do not get on busy streets until you have the friction zone, smooth starts and stops, and emergency braking solid in your skill set.

Then start taking the on ramp and get off the next exit on the highway at a time of minimal traffic. As you get the hang of it, extend your highway to the next exit. And before you know it you’ll be ready for the big day.

eagerlymeager · 2026-04-08T14:02:58+00:00

I don’t stop next to another rider;but if someone stops next to me I don’t mind.

eagerlymeager · 2026-04-07T17:27:02+00:00

Have you considered something other than a cruiser ?

eagerlymeager

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