Comments on: Europe 2012- Rent/Buy/Ship

By: Brian R.

Brian R. — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:32:01 +0000

OMG – CINQUE TERRA!!!!! My FAVORITE place in the world!!!! I did not think it was accessible any way other than train or boar (we got there by train). Best time I had in Italy and it was ALL good! Glad you changed those Dog Bones – I told you the wheel might rub – mine took out my whole fender on the way to Prudhue.

By: Bob Curzon

Bob Curzon — Sat, 05 May 2012 19:49:51 +0000

I’ll miss Lisa’s comments, But it looks like you can provide an observant and entertaining point-of-view. Keep up the fine blogging. And Thanks for sharing. =-)

By: Tom Botz

Tom Botz — Sat, 05 May 2012 17:42:12 +0000

Dean, have a great trip. I plan to start something very similar in a year or two in Europe, and so I will be following your posts with particular interest and enjoyment.

By: Darlene Thornhill

Darlene Thornhill — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:08:50 +0000

Wishing you a fabulous time on your journey! God Bless your travels with safety and lots of fun!

By: Dean

Dean — Fri, 04 May 2012 06:09:09 +0000

Austin, thanks for info an the correct way to lower my Strompasourus. When I have some down time I’ll take a look at doing your your compete balanced lowering.

By: Gerald Roberts

Gerald Roberts — Fri, 04 May 2012 01:33:26 +0000

Glad to hear everything is sorted out. Sounds like you’re in for some great riding. Be safe and keep up the blog.

Gerald

By: Austin Eckert

Austin Eckert — Fri, 04 May 2012 01:23:57 +0000

Dean,

Your V-Strom’s weight is rear-biased when stock. Add lotsa gear, plus lower 1″, and the effect is compounded.

Put the lowering links back in. Raise the fork tubes in the triple tree (one at a time!) up to 7/8″ (15mm) limit to avoid front tire contact on fender. Screw in preload adjuster 2 lines or so on rear shock guide to raise rear of the bike to avoid rear fender rubbing. You’re balanced AND lowered.

Remove 3/16″ of metal below mounting bolt from sidestand(a robust part that won’t miss it)just where it hits the stop boss. Side stand will swing farther forward effectively shortening it. Loaded V-Strom will be much less likely to roll forward off sidestand, too.

I carry a short piece of 2X4 in topcase for times when a slope or low spot are not available for getting lowered bike on the center stand. Roll rear tire back onto 2X4 to cheat the first inches of rise.

Thanks for sharing your trip, Bon Voyage!

Austin

By: Margaret, Oz

Margaret, Oz — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:46:24 +0000

Excellent, Dean! You’ll enjoy Europe, I’m sure. The VStrom is a good bike for touring there. Have fun and take care on the twisties!

By: Jerry Geiger

Jerry Geiger — Thu, 03 May 2012 21:47:28 +0000

I do not believe the quote given includes the cost of the shipping package. I shipped my bike (via ocean) to Europe in Jan. 2010 and returned it in Jul. 2011. The cost for packaging was higher each way than the amount you quote.
Jerry

By: Greg Rice

Greg Rice — Thu, 03 May 2012 20:49:57 +0000

Wow, have a great trip Dean!