Test ride - SUZUKI DL 1000 X AL8 ABS

As my dear old  Mum might have said, "The money burning holes in your pocket"!

It's not actually true but as I have said and maybe even blogged before, Red Pepé had to go. The bike had done a few yards over 10300 miles by the time it went to the new owners on Monday.  That's in six and a half years since registered and six years and one month owned by me. it had 700 miles when I got it as it was Laguna Triumph's demonstrator. 

If you take "Suzi Triplo" out of the running, this is the second longest I have owned any bike. Only the 1150GS at  just over 10 years and four months is longer.  In that time I did over 80000 miles.

I had a look around local dealers.  I discounted private as I am a dunderhead mechanically and didn't want an expensive pup. I know all the things to look out for but it's the hidden bodges that come to light as you stand at the side of the road with a bike that's f*cked.

Although "downsizing" I didn't want to go too small. I also don't want to blow all the money I got for Red Pepé on the new bike.

I narrowed it down to a couple of options.  A Honda 1200 Cross Tourer with all the luggage at Kent Motorcycles or the DL1000 Suzuki at Robinson's.

Although one hell of a bike, and in superb condition the Honda looked massive. I gave it the once over on Sunday and even without the boxes it looks like it weighs a ton.  The plus side is the massive shaft drive.

I have ridden the previous incarnation of the VStrom at a Suzuki dealers "open day" and it was very nice. 

It seemed quite refined and comfortable.  Back then it was pre-ABS and all that gubbins.  The downside is that it is chain driven.  But then again, so is the Kettle. It's also priced well within my budget and newer with lower mileage than the Honda.

I booked a test ride on the Suzuki tomorrow morning. Let's hope the hot dry weather persists another day or two to get a god ride on the bike to see if I like it.  Full report tomorrow.