One day while backroading on my V-4 Honda I had to turn back on a number of roads because they got too rough for the motorcycle's suspension and low hanging engine parts. It was then that I decided I needed something better suited for my occasional off-pavement excursions. After considering the big boxer and a few others I decided the Suzuki V-Strom best met my mix of riding, so I started looking for a good used machine. My son Bob came across a 2004 650cc (the first year of production) in a salvage auction. It was two years old, had only 5,000 miles and seemed to have very little damage, other than plastic body parts. We took a chance and our bid got us the bike. Less than an addition $1000 got it past inspection and on the road.

Right now the V-Strom has 63,000 miles and has been modified with Traxxion's A-20 front suspension, Penske rear shock and a Scott Steering Damper to make a good stock bike even better. These plus numerous other "farkles" make Suzuki's machine, My Toy: