TKC80's on a DL1000 V Strom?

Mosel Bikes · Post by **Mosel Bikes** » Thu Mar 13, 2014 8:27 pm

Anyone have experience of running TKC80's ao a V Strom thou? If so, can I ask about:
- any fitting issues? (mudguard mods? other issues?)
- longevity?
- 'feel'? (when I first used them, new, on my XT660Z they felt weird and vague, but I trust and love them now)
- noise levels
Many thanks.

africajim · Post by **africajim** » Thu Mar 13, 2014 9:42 pm

Be prepared to change them regularly!

I had a pair on my Varadero and found the rear struggled to remain legal for 2000 miles! Same vague feeling but once you get used to them they seem fine.

I've not tried a VStrom yet but had a good long look at the new one at the bike show, really nice bike, would suit the TKC's, I wouldn't be fitting them for long haul touring, unless you plan riding like a saint!

Mosel Bikes · Post by **Mosel Bikes** » Fri Mar 14, 2014 7:55 am

Cheers Jim. I suspected as much and thought longevity would be the issue. The Strom will likely be similar to the Vara, similar weight and power (and equally ugly

)

macvisual · Post by **macvisual** » Fri Mar 14, 2014 8:43 am

I've owned a V-Strom DL1000 for over five yrs now, not tried those tyres you mentioned, but have fitted Metzeler Tourance over the years, liked them ok, just about to change my rear soon and going to fit a Continental Road Attack 2, had the original Road Attacks fitted on a Yam TDM-900 years ago and loved them big style, so much confidence and grip, amazing I thought.

Only my tuppence worth input.

Pete

Mosel Bikes · Post by **Mosel Bikes** » Fri Mar 14, 2014 11:47 am

Cheers Pete.
I guess you're a Strom lover, like me. Had my K3 for nine years and wouldn't part with it - best all-round bike I've ever owned.
Used tourance on my Tenere but didn't like them. The road attacks are great, but I'm really after something a bit more 'rufty-tufty-off-road' looking and that will take on a little easy trail work. I've proper enduro bikes for more serious off-roading, but would like to try the big beast with something more suited than the Battlewings that are on.
Think I'll go for the TKC's despite low mileage, as it's an occasional-use bike now. Just need to make sure there are no fitting issues. Wouldn't appear so, as they appear for sale in sets on Ebay et al.
Thanks for input.
Incidentally Pete (or anyone else), have you fitted a peg lowering kit by any chance? My legs and hips ache like buggery nowadays, on anything other than narrow off-roaders (the Strom splays my legs too much and I'd like a straighter leg position) as I'd like to know what difference they make.

zandesiro · Post by **zandesiro** » Fri Mar 14, 2014 6:58 pm

I wear them in my Varadero which is a similar motorcycle....

With manufacturer speed limit 160km/h you can go everywhere...In my Vara from 125km/h i have some vibration but in the gravel is helping a lot those big and heavy motorcycle....They last 12000+km the rear the frond more its up to you (how rough terain are you going).No need for a change on fitting,and the vara has a low front fender....
The noise is ok until 40-60km after that no problem.
When i fit them and make the first ride i feel the bike cornering faster but i get use it very quick.

All that in a Varadero....But now if i had to get a tyre from this category i will try the heidenau k60 scout....

macvisual · Post by **macvisual** » Fri Mar 14, 2014 7:10 pm

Mosel Bikes;

Regards your Vstrom DL1000, do you run it in standard trim or any we tweaks here & there ?

I bought mine new in 2008 and have since tweaked things. Fitted ScottOiler -- lowered front forks by around a quarter of an inch for quicker/faster steering -- K&N air filter fitted -- fitted brighter/whiter Osram headlamp bulbs -- P/Commander -- TRE module -- added 2 more teeth to rear sprocket (such a difference) -- Akrapovic carbon fibre ovals.

These personal tweaks have really transformed my DL1000, so much nicer to ride, smoother and quicker take-up.

Killin, Stirlingshire by Peter McCullough Photography, on Flickr

Oop North John · Post by **Oop North John** » Fri Mar 14, 2014 7:51 pm

Mosel Bikes wrote: Incidentally Pete (or anyone else), have you fitted a peg lowering kit by any chance? My legs and hips ache like buggery nowadays, on anything other than narrow off-roaders (the Strom splays my legs too much and I'd like a straighter leg position) as I'd like to know what difference they make.

Fitted a set of these to my Glee, and it does make a difference for me:

http://www.adventuretech.biz/footpeg-an ... g-kit.html or made in the UK:

http://www.cymarcbikeparts.co.uk/suzuki-8-c.asp

Mosel Bikes · Post by **Mosel Bikes** » Fri Mar 14, 2014 8:16 pm

Pete - same fork drop and rear pre-load fully wound. Other than that, pretty much standard. I just put up and ride round the known Strom weaknesses of front end and lumpy low down.

O N John - they look to be worth a try. I'll contact cymarc and see if I can order a set, cheers

macvisual · Post by **macvisual** » Fri Mar 14, 2014 8:38 pm

Buying a cheap TRE module should fix your lumpy low down probs, bought my TRE from eBay last year for about £33 ish. Yes I find the Strom front end a bit vague, but lowering the front forks (slightly) helps a little. I've both front/rear brake lines changed to proper steel hoses and EBC pads.

I rode a Yamaha TDM-900 before I changed to the Strom, but could ride the rims off the TDM-900 compared to my Strom, the Continental Road Attack's fitted to the TDM helped the confidence I believe.......awesome!

TKC80's on a DL1000 V Strom?

TKC80's on a DL1000 V Strom?

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