In June of 2007 I bought myself a Suzuki SV650. That SV is a great bike - lots of smiles per mile. The SV is also a relatively small bike and the ergos are just a little tight for me at 6'3" but I LOVE that motor. So, I starting thinking about a DL model. More or less the same engine in a larger and somewhat more versatile chassis. At the same time I was thinking of replacing my long term ride, a 1994 ST1100, which I've had for a bit over nine years and have ridden 123K miles. Even after all those miles I still loved that ST but I was just ready for something different. So in January, 2008, I sold my old friend, the ST1100, and bought this bike. I gave up 450cc's, shaft drive and about 250 pounds but so far I haven't regretted it. The DL isn't quite as long-legged as the ST1100 but with a 16 tooth (+1) countershaft sprocket it cruises quite comfortably at 75 which is about as fast as I'm gonna ride anyhow. Nor is it as quick or as pretty as that nimble SV but it has the same heart without cramping me into a small space. Beauty is as beauty does - this bike really suits me to a tee.
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Specifications ('04) |
645cc 90 deg L-twin 81.0mm x 62.6mm Chain-driven dual overhead cams Electronic Fuel Injection 2 into 1 single exhaust 10,500 rpm 6-speed constant mesh 1540 mm / 60.6 in 190 kg / 418 lbs 820 mm / 32.3 in 26 degrees / 110 mm or 4.33 in 2 front discs / 1 rear disc Front: 110/80R19 Rear: 150/70R17 22.0 L / 5.8 US Gal |
