Ride365

Were you not aware you had heated grips this entire time? Swapping bars can be a hassle for many reasons, seems you have started to have that occur. Some great wisdom and experience here on the forum, hope you get everything swapped over successfully.  

Should be less corn juice in high test, should there not?

22 hours ago, Solomookie said:

You can neither confirm nor deny.. eh? 😉

OK......I went 110 for a bit and over 80 MPH many times, was smooth as silk. 

Not sure about the 21/22, but my 20 has 4 easily accessible bolts that come out to take off the OEM rack once the seat is off......that is it. I went with the Yamaha rack and 39L top case, pretty sure it took me a whole 10 minutes to do? Seats and windshields are the first to be upgraded on most any bike, as are clutch/brake levers and foot pegs. I don't think you mentioned much negative at all, and yes that CP3 is a glorious engine isn't it.

I may or may not have exceeded double digits with my new Yamaha 39L top case last Sunday. 😄

Self censoring is a sad affair, as is having thin skin.......I wish the OP well. 

As long as YOU are satisfied, makes no difference what we think. 

No right way to do something wrong........just sayin.

That's a good start.  

You're gonna love it, and I have owned 3 previous V-Stroms. The latest Stroms are pretty nice and compete well with the competition in that segment, but just not as much fun to ride as the Tracers IMHO.

Installed my new Yamaha rack and 39L top case yesterday, must say that the fit/finish/quality is top notch. Really missed having a proper top case, as last 3 bikes I have owned all had one.  

20 hours ago, RaYzerman said:

Too expensive......

Some of us will gladly spend that, and I see more trucks and cars out on the road these days that I personally would consider GROSSLY "overpriced" when being compared to any motorcycle. 

20 hours ago, RaYzerman said:

Marketing... convincing you you need it when you don't.  However, explain to me on a motorcycle why you'd want/need adaptive cruise, self levelling suspension, or any electronic suspension for that matter.  All are compromises and formulas they decided for you that you'll have to live with, not to mention most suspensions are undersprung poorly damped things in the first place.  Just give me a good suspension for once, the right springs, fully adjustable damping and preload, i.e., more like aftermarket suspensions.

I'd like cruise control, but adaptive?  I find it has limitations in the car and I can see it a hazard on a bike.  OK I guess if you're a sheep and content to stay in one lane and follow traffic.  Don't need it, don't want to pay for it.  Been riding for over 50 years, and survived so far.

My buddy's 23 1250 GS adventure has ESA suspension, and another with a 22 Tracer with ESA......both are quite smitten with it, my buddy with the BMW has spent big bucks on suspension upgrades with his last GSA and the Africa Twin he had briefly before his new GSA, and he claims his stock ESA is superior to both. I rode for a few weeks another of my buds bikes, had a totally decked out Ducati Multistrada with the ESA suspension, and I was left extremely impressed. I don't care for adaptative cruise either, but otherwise me owning a bike with cruise control "now" is not even up for debate. No question that I would spend more up front for better brakes and supension on any motorcycle, but unfortunately Japanese spring rates are too low for most Americans, where the Euro bikes and American bikes are better sprung. IMHO......the biggest marketing scheme is all these high HP bikes out now, anything over 125 hp for a "street bike", just doesn't make much sense for me, nor will/can most riders ever come close to using that HP to it's potential. My buddy Dave has a new HD Pan America with ESA and 150 hp "sweet machine by the way", but he in no way shape or form, leaves me in the dust with my measly 115 hp.  

Suzuki is known for some Grand slam models they come out with, this appears to be yet another. 

22 hours ago, RaYzerman said:

Seems they're all competing by adding features we don't really need and of course, we're paying extra for it.  The GX is an interesting bike, but 2" taller than the S1000GT.  Has anyone sat on a GT, can one be comfortable for a week or two trip into the mountains?

Pretty sure that MANY are very interested in those features. 

Likely because the market for such wouldn't be worth the cost for a company to do such?

12 hours ago, MarchingOn said:

Today, it'd be a Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer. A bit more power, a bit more ground clearance. Adaptive cruise would be a nice add for it. 

That is quite an impressive machine, and the only one IMHO that gives the mighty GS a legit run for the money. We have a massive dealer near me, and their Triumph selection is impressive. 

10 hours ago, Heavy said:

Man, I love Iron Pony.

Used to travel to the area a fair bit for work. 

Inventory and selection like you have never seen  anywhere. 

It's a blessing and a curse, the wifey really sweats when I visit there. I am roughly 5 miles from there by the way.......bad, very bad. LOL

21 hours ago, 2and3cylinders said:

Which Belray oil do you like?

I like this flavor very much, shifting quality may have lasted even a bit longer than the full synthetic Motul 7100 I mostly run. I have also noticed that clutch basket chatter in neutral with either of these oils is practically non existent, engine mechanical noises overall are very subdued. Yeah I pay a bit more over other excellent choices out there, but for me the benefits outweigh the price.  I used to run Mobil 1 4T exclusively in my last 2 bikes, that is another motorcycle specific oil that is very available at most popular autoparts stores. I live near one of the largest if not the largest motorcycle dealerships and accessory stores in the country "Iron Pony" so I have unfair access to so much that puts a strain on my wallet. 

I have been using this now for at least 10K miles, have 16kish miles on original chain and sprockets and everything still looks very good. I apply to chain with a small sponge while turning the rear wheel on the centerstand, the entire process takes maybe 1 minute and with zero mess. Very little fling, self cleaning, and very rust and corrosion resistant, also appears to have good water shedding ability. I had a Tuturo on my last bike and they work quite well, however I find my application method and choice of lube to be very hands off and very effective. 

My MRA sport is awesome all year long here in Ohio, rode yesterday in temps of about 50F and was very comfortable with zero buffeting. Wind hits me right about middle of my helmet visor, so I would imagine the touring screen would offer even more smooth protection for chilly rides.  

A BMW or Guzzi SSA sure is nice though for tire changes.  

Glad we all have multiple good choices, and today's oils are so superior to even anything from just 20 years ago. In saying that.......I will stick with PAO Ester synthetic motorcycle oil in my baby. The shifting quality clear up to the change interval with Motul/Belray I run is superior to any oil I have ever used in multiple motorcycles. Film retention is also "typically" superior with true synthetics as well, but any high quality non energy conserving car/truck oils are better than leaving even a synthetic in for extended intervals. To each their own, we overall have some great choices out there, however I don't look to save a buck or two on anything with my bikes.  

Damnit that is awful, truly a lesson learned in "buyer beware".

How sweet is the engine, I hear it's an absolute gem and sounds pretty throaty too?