19-MAR-2010
Off Road
Before I started this trip, I was thinking that it would be fun to take some short off-road jaunts to see how the V-Strom would handle...but I didn't really expect to get myself to a point where I thought about turning back. I stopped to look at my GPS and saw that I was about half way through this "road" and decided to press forward. Besides, this was the adventurous route to where I wanted to go anyway.
19-MAR-2010
Mount Magazine
Here's a shot from the road close to Mount Magazine. The weather was great, and this was one of the better scenic look outs on the way up. I may need to do a panoramic of this later.
19-MAR-2010
Blue Mountain Lake, AR
I happened upon this lake by chance. I saw the sign and said 'what the heck' and turned to take a look. I'm glad I did since it turned out to be a rather secluded area that's not spoiled yet. It was about 65 degrees and sunny, and I took some time to rest and have a small cigar. While enjoying the break, work called while I was here, but that wasn't a problem since I was just taking in the scenery.
31-JAN-2010
Which one?
Which will be used for my Adventures...that will depend on the where I'm going. The good paved roads with twisties will be more fun with the VFR. The trips with gravel trails or difficult access will require the V-Strom.
31-JAN-2010
Now only needs luggage
Since I already have a Coocase topcase and Givi E360 side cases, I only need to get the brackets and adapters to mount those on the V-Strom (Ordering those today). I may also get a larger windshield, though the stock one works better than I expected. Some hand guards would be nice too.
31-JAN-2010
V-Strom DL650
Another look...notice the addition of the crash bars, skip plate, and center stand...which were added by the previous owner.
31-JAN-2010
Comparison
Looking at these two bikes, the first thing to notice is the height of the handlebars. The VFR has a sports bike (lower) position, while the V-Strom has a more upright stance (thought the VFR is the most comfortable sports bike made). Also notice the ground clearance of the V-Strom which will allow more off-road trips.
31-JAN-2010
Suzuki V-Strom DL650
Well I bought a V-Strom DL650 this weekend to go with my VFR. I love my VFR, but I may have better luck using the V-Strom for the trip to Alaska (someday). The bike is in great shape and I got a fair deal on the used 2008 bike. It already had a few extras on it, and it only has 3200 miles. The best part is that it's yellow so it matches my existing gear.
15-NOV-2009
Heading home
This morning was very foggy with visibility less than 100 feet up on the mountain. In some places I was only going about 10 MPH and followed some other bikers closely to help guide me through. My helmet visor fogged up terribly, then my glasses fogged up too. Fortunately the Queen Wilhelmina lodge was at the beginning (east end) of the scenic drive, so I stopped for breakfast and wiped off my visor. Next time I'll take some anti-fog wipes with me, but this time I just put some spit on my glasses to keep them from fogging (a scuba divers trick I learned from my Dad). I ended up taking a different route back that was lower in the valley to avoid the fog and got this picture.
14-NOV-2009
Inside Mena Mountain Top Motel/Cabins
Inside the cabin was nicely decorated and cozy. Some cabins vary on the amenities, like kitchen or jacuzzi. I noticed that the cabin had concrete foundations, which I liked since it's not noisy walking around. The back patio is screened in to keep the bugs out and made for a relaxing place to have a cigar, drink some scotch, and take in the mountain air after a long day's ride. Definitely a good escape from the noisy hotels in town. I felt my bike was safe outside.
14-NOV-2009
Made it to the cabin
Unpacked for the night. I found a nice, new cabin/motel called Mena Mountain Top Motel/Cabins. It's a small group of modern cabins just up a hill south of town. The road was well paved so it was no problem to get there on my VFR, except that the short road was fairly steep to get there so new riders should take notice. The parking next to my cabin was gravel, but was tightly packed and firm so the kick stand didn't have any problems holding up the VFR.
14-NOV-2009
Queen Wilhelmina State Park
The lodge at Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Arkansas. I stopped to rest, have a cigar and talked to the other bikers that were touring around same scenic drive. It's also a good place to sit and have a meal. I had the lunch buffet on the way out, and had breakfast there too on the way back the next day.
14-NOV-2009
Talimena Scenic Drive
Looking north from the drive.
Talimena Scenic Drive
Me at the beginning (west end) of Talimena Scenic Drive. It was a little hazy and overcast but still a nice view. The picture doesn't do it justice.
14-NOV-2009
Back side of Sardis Dam
This probably was more colorful about two weeks ago. I wish I had taken the trip a little sooner, but it's still a pretty sight.
14-NOV-2009
Sardis Lake dam
The road atop Sardis Lake dam. The lake doesn't show up on Google maps so I was surprised to see it.
14-NOV-2009
Packed and ready to go!
Packed late last night, now ready to head out on my first trip. I'm going to the closest place to me that's got some trees and hills...Oklahoma/Arkansas area. It's only about 4 hours away so it won't be too difficult for my maiden voyage.
07-NOV-2009
The first changes to make this a "sport touring" bike.
I began with some changes that will get me on some short weekend trips. Here, I added a larger windshield, extender for mirrors, tank bag, and a Givi tailrack that worked with a Coocase topcase in the back. This should be enough for trips close to home and not more than a few days. I took it out for a short 40 mile ride and it handled just fine. I popped a few wheelies just to make sure my VFR hadn't lost its soul (hee hee).
One thing I realized was that the windshield blocked enough airflow to reduce its cooling effect, which means a small adjustment in planning my riding apparel.
07-NOV-2009
Last look before I begin my work
Maybe some day after my trip(s), I might put my VFR back to this sporty look. But onto the task of making this a touring bike and take some scenic adventures into the (semi) wild.
07-NOV-2009
What a clean bike!
Like I said, this bike is extremely clean. If it wasn't for the grease on the chains, you'd think it was brand new.
07-NOV-2009
VFR
Another view of the bike before any "Touring" mods.
07-NOV-2009
Before going "Touring"
On November 7, 2009, I washed my 2000 Honda VFR Interceptor and began to make some changes that would turn this bike into a "Sport Touring" motorcycle. This was what my VFR had looked like over the past 9 years. Before that day, the modifications were for sport performance, which included a full Two Brothers exhaust system, Corbin "smuggler's hatch" seat, Power Commander control module, K&N air filter with the snorkel removed, NGK sparkplugs, and some stickier tires.
The bike is in immaculate condition, never laid down, and only about 6400 miles on it (yeah I didn't really ride it that much since I had two other bikes during that time). I thought about getting another bike for a long adventure ride, maybe a BMW 1200GS. But after 3 weeks of looking at the options, I thought "Why not use my VFR!"
