I didn't have any problem with the valve guides on my '04 until I was down at Laguna Seca. Bike ran great but once the temp got over about 200 it would heat up rapidly . Red light came on a few times and it stalled a few times. So the valve guides are being replaced at 24,675 miles.

Gary

...Ducati seat height is 830mm; Suzuki 820mm.

I have an '04 MtS1000 and had an opportunity to ride the V-Stro 650. I loved the motor but there is no comparison between the two as far as fit and finish go. I am fairly short (about 30" inseam) and I have no trouble on my MtS but could barely touch ...