and other irrelevant chit-chat 
After (for all intents and purposes) screwing myself out of Green Ridge by being a Company Yes Man, I decided to console myself with a new motorbike. I am good for doing this under many, many circumstances: Got a raise? Promotion? Missed out on a promotion? Carried a heavy thing up the stairs? Dropped a heavy thing on my foot? All are apropos for a new motorbike in my mind. I am a trained, professional rationalizer.
Some know that I've been in the market for a new machine anyhow. For the last two weeks, I've been doing the legwork of going to check out potential candidates. I've ridden, or sat on:
A 2008 KLR - Liked it, but I really like the older fairing and build better (like Ken's), and foresaw myself tearing it up upon delivery. I like it's purpose, but wasn't sure if I needed what it had to offer.
A 2007 XR650L - More like the older KLR, but still to much into the dirt part of the dirt/road ratio. Great bike, maybe one day.
A 2007 Triumph Scrambler - passed on it because I know the only reason I want it is out of my love for Triumph. Maybe next time, but for now, I need the perfect blend of fun and utility. The Scrambler is just not it yet.
A 2008 Kawi Versys - Loved it. Test rode it. It is pretty much what it claims to be - a great all-around machine. Interesting looking. I passed on it simply to wait a while as accessories develop in the states, and to see if it evolves.
A 2008 KTM 990 - The only reason I don't have this right now is the price. Period. I just couldn't part with that kind of dough for a utility bike at this point. But what a great bike it is.
A 2007 Suzuki SV650 - I love this machine. It's one of the best ever made in terms of pure useability and reliability. A mainstay and, in my eyes, a modern classic machine. I can't say enough about this motorbike, and I've ridden a few. But it lacks just a little of the "touring" I am looking for with it's semi-sport stance. I could adjust it around and all, but why? - when the natural choice (for me) was sitting right next to it...
I just today bought a 2008 DL650 V-Strom (Wee-Strom)
In essence, it is the SV650 in it's soul, but with different shirt and shoes for travelling a little more. The fit for me is perfect, the motor is bulletproof, there's room to add on quality luggage, and with that seat it will take me where I need to go. I didn't really need the DL1000 muscle, as the SV I had once was more than enough go-go for me under expressway conditions, so I saved the (approximate) $1000 difference for bags or something. I chose the new Matte Black version over the taxi-yellow-trying-to-look-like-a-GS model. Delivery should be tomorrow, Thursday at the latest. Good thing, because with my new role at work, I will need it for the commute come Monday.
Obviously a stock-photo of last year's gloss-black unit, not one taken in my perfectly white living room.
I will likely burn up the Trailwings ASAP and look for a different tire, but other than that, I really like it. It's just as big as the Big-Strom, light compared to it's imposing size, has a huuuge fuel tank, great MPG, and a good reputation as a capable, user-friendly machine. I can't wait to ride it home, and photos will follow.
Not everyone is a V-Strom fan. They're not super-attractive, actually kind of fugly. But then again, so am I. So it's a match!
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