where to keep the third bike

[mach1mustang351]

I need some opinions.  I have made the decision I am buying a Stelvio. I live in Alaska. I currently ride a 2007 V strom. I am not allowed to take much time off in the summer because that is busy time for work. So I was going to station a bike in California with hopes of some nice trips down there without having to take a week to get there from AK.

If i was being sensible, the Stelvio should live down there and cover "South America" and the Strom can live up here.

But I sort of want the new shiny bike up here.... no good reason for that other than I want it. It would no doubt be a better tourer than the vstrom which is why it should maybe stay down there.

Thoughts?

[twhitaker]

better tourer than the vstrom which is shit

If that is your opinion of the vstrom I doubt you will be happy with a stelvio unless you get one from a dealer who is VERY anal about dealer prep. Seems Luigi feels the bike should be finish assembled by the dealer. After all, grease is very expensive in Italy.

[mach1mustang351]

If that is your opinion of the vstrom I doubt you will be happy with a stelvio unless you get one from a dealer who is VERY anal about dealer prep. Seems Luigi feels the bike should be finish assembled by the dealer. After all, grease is very expensive in Italy.

That was a type-o.  Apparently when typing on my phone I use that word a lot.  I have edited my post... my bad.

I enjoy the idea of the V Strom.  I like the tall riding position and all that but it is 8 years old, been through many battles with me and I am wanting something with a little more edge.  The V Strom has been a solid machine, but it just is too much like an appliance.  It doesn;t have a smile factor to it.       

[malik]

Having another bike in the place where you are going to ride it is very convenient (my experience), but it would be hard to do that with a brand new shiny one. It's less of a wrench, if it's an older, second hand machine (that you picked up for a bargain price). Flying in, check your bike over, do the service, add the bits you brought with you  & ride the good roads, then leave it behind till next time. Not completely satisfactory, I do miss not having the bike at hand when planning/thinking about improvements/fettling, but just easier with a cheaper, older bike to leave it behind when you leave each time. Definitely a first world problem, but such a great one to have. Works for me.

Mal

[ITSec]

You didn't mention whether the V-Strom was a 1000 or a 650. If the smaller, I'd definitely keep the Strom in the north and the Stelvio down south. The Strom is lighter, particularly with the Wee-Strom, and that may make it a bit better suited to bad roads if equipped with the right tires.

If comparing the DL1000 with the Stelvio, it's a bit more difficult to choose. I put over 137,000 miles on my DL1000 and would take it anywhere (including Alaska, twice). I'd do the same with a Stelvio. With either bike, you have to ask yourself about how much you can do for yourself and how much help you're going to need.

I would opt for the Strom up north and the Stelvio in the wide open country - but either choice can work well.

My next bike will either be a Caponord or a Stelvio (since I miss my Strom), though I'll keep my Norge.

[mach1mustang351]

You didn't mention whether the V-Strom was a 1000 or a 650. If the smaller, I'd definitely keep the Strom in the north and the Stelvio down south. The Strom is lighter, particularly with the Wee-Strom, and that may make it a bit better suited to bad roads if equipped with the right tires.

If comparing the DL1000 with the Stelvio, it's a bit more difficult to choose. I put over 137,000 miles on my DL1000 and would take it anywhere (including Alaska, twice). I'd do the same with a Stelvio. With either bike, you have to ask yourself about how much you can do for yourself and how much help you're going to need.

I would opt for the Strom up north and the Stelvio in the wide open country - but either choice can work well.

My next bike will either be a Caponord or a Stelvio (since I miss my Strom), though I'll keep my Norge.

It is definitely a first world problem.  My wife and I work really hard and have accomplished things in our work life so we can do next things. I am happy to be able to make this happen.

The v strom is a 650. My thoughts were right in line with yours. I was going to permanently equip the v strom with the TKC80 tires and use it on the long hauls on gravel and dirt (arctic circle, Denali highway etc). Then I hope the 1000SP can cover the in town duties.

[Cam3512]

Keep the appliance far away.  Sort the new Stelvio and keep it close!

No brainer.

[sarg]

Very relevant post for me. I too had this horrible dillema 2 years ago. I am the original owner of a 2004 stone. In may of 2013 i bought a second bike. 2008 multistrada 1100. In sept of same year I rode the multi from alberta to vegas. Stored the bike there . It is now stored in elcajon calif. Since the original trip I have flown down 3 times for 4 day rides. Loved every minute of it. The 2 places my bike has been stored are both small mechanic owned buisnesses found on the web. They have done all my maintainence for me. 50 bucks per month for storage. I do miss the multi. On a couple of occasions ive thought about bringin her home. But the boring roads in my neck of the woods have kept me from doing so. Do it!

[twowheeladdict]

I say get two identical Stelvios!  Problem solved.  I know of a few that do that with other brand bikes between Canada and the US.

I also know of a couple guys who have identical houses in two locations.