Now the happy owner of 2 TR650's. Just couldn't pass it up. Sold the Guzzi yesterday and decided to take a look at the Strada. Made an offer and he accepted it. Been in the sun way too much, so the plastics look bad. Runs good and strong, and I'm really liking the handling of the 17/19 wheel combo in town. Those Husqvarna bags are huge, and coming off.
You're a sucker for punishment, aye? Congrats! But selling the V7? What a sweet bike they are. Been hankering for one ever since having had a good, long ride on a 750Breva (too) many years ago, the small-block Guzzi is a pearler.
I know, I had been watching it. The headlights look stupid, but work, and I have not tried them at night yet. Very curious. I have been trying to figure out some nice trim for that setup. It sat outside its whole life, and has had minimal maintenance. Bone stock and street driven only. Never dumped. I think it is the Strada I test drove before I bought my Terra. I'm not in love with the bags, and will sell em off if somebody needs em. I may play musical panels on the bikes. I need to do full on service on this, valves, etc. Wrench is on, so the GS911 is on the horizon.
I ordered mine up from Twisted Throttle yesterday, I asked if they could do the updates before sending it. Should see it in a week or so. Edit: They cannot ship with updates. GS911 must be registered before downloads/updates can be done.
I noticed that the suspension on the Terra feels different than the Strada and found out that the front and rear suspension carries different part numbers between the models. The Strada does not have the clunk like my Terra, and seems softer. I checked ktm-parts.com for the plastic bits and will either paint or buy a few. I really like the black side panels, and I think they run about $70 a piece. The piece by gas tank is about $12 and the rear fender $38 (if I can get it). Got Pulstars on the way, gs911 on the way, so I should be able to reset the adaptives and may monkey with the tps/throttle body settings. I mean just for fun, and because I can. I have to strip her naked to adjust the valves anyway LOL. But first a good going over and cleaning... then some photos
The front suspension part numbers are different because the strada forks have the extra tab for the low fender. My front did not have the clunk for quite some time....but, now it does. I haven't figured out why the rear has a different part number. I've wondered if it just comes with a different setting of the preload, but that doesn't really make sense.
First order of biz, oil change, just a bit of tin foil and loosen the hose, plus new HiFlo. I think the HiFlo fit better than the KN one. Then the air filter. I will do the pod mod soon, but just so I can ride I am trying out a new config. Coarse prefilter in the snorkel and then a fine uni filter element where the prefilter on my Terra sits. The coarse blue scrubby is oiled then tucked into the opening. That should catch the bigger and majority of the dirt, and because it fills the snorkel well, might even be filtering the air that goes by the airbox halves without a seal. The light green is uni foam, about a half inch thick and sits on the honey comb screen. Cut a bit larger than the area to seal well once door is installed, (without the filter cage). When I pulled the stock config to check, the stock filter was drawing through the filter holder and dirty air was getting past (should have taken a pic). When the Pulstars get here, I will scope the motor and see how it looks inside at 18k miles of stock filter use. I took it for a short drive after filter and oil change, and it starts well, but does have a tendency to want to die when opening the throttle. Worse than my Terra ever was. My Terra got a single can (exhaust) conversion early on, and had the cannisterectomy, the Strada is pretty much bone stock at this time.
Yeah, the right fork has that extension to hold the fender/guard. I have a white motocross fender that would bolt right on, no mods at all needed. The thing is I would need new fork protectors if I remove the stock fender. Then to cut the aluminum piece that holds the fender or not?
Great idea re the oil drain procedure - always a complete balls up when I do it. Nice to have a matching pair of TRs - will be interesting to hear if there are any significant differences in handling.
I have to check the chain, he said it was change awhile back. I have 2 1989 Omni's, and 2 Honda xr/xl 250's. Always good to have a spare. I keep thinking of upgrading the Omni to the 2.5 turbo. I am really liking the handling of the 17/19 combo. It just feels quicker to respond better response in handling. I noticed that about my Bashan 250, it has the same sizes and is nice to drive off road. So I am questioning the 18/21 combo, except for tire selection is better. I don't fly full on balls out, so the 21 just may not be an advantage for me. I also like the tubelessness. Easy to patch a puncture on the trail. My GS had tubeless and it was fine.