Got a US version 2005 DL1000 with 50k miles on it , nearly same color blue as yours. I just added 30mm bar risers & Givi touring windshield to complement the Sargent Saddle , Honda GL1800 foot pegs , Cosmo Fork Brace , Delkevic S.S. Oval mufflers mods on it. I ran excellent Bridgestone A41 tires for 4yrs til rear wore out @ 8k miles mix of very aggressive Canyon / Highspeed Distance riding with some gravel road thrown in for good measure, replaced rear with Dunlop Road Smart since I'm mainly riding street and the front A41 still looks/works great with 50% tread left. I grew up Racing MX , Then tried Flat Track / TT , Then 400cc Road race before maturing into the ADV Enthusiast that I've now become. I think the early Vstroms are among the finest all around street bike bargains that can be had and enjoyed globally today. A Good Handling , Well Balanced , Reliable , DIY maintenance , Go Everywhere , Comfortable , Versatile , Do It All Motorcycle. Thank God & Ride On Brother !
I have the same bike with similar mods. 48K and she still runs strong after 16 years of ownership. It's been a wonderful bike. I might try your bar setup and put Race Tech emulators in the forks. Thanks for the post.
Thank you 😊. I’m very happy with it and although I have looked and been tempted by newer machines, it’s just such a great sorted bike I can’t bring myself to change.
Greetings from the South Island of NZ! Extremely tidy and well looked after bike mate, you sure give it a lot of love! You know, they love you back when they are loved, maintenance, upgrades and cleaning is the key to happy bike ownership! I've just bought a tidy well sorted 2014 Wee Strom but don't pick it up for another week (1000km round trip with a trailer) and I'm binging on YT vids about them lol. I have a Hayabsa and a DRZ400E but I'm really keen to get the miles in on the DL650A. Thanks for your vid and keep posting!
It’s a great bike, and not just for beginners. I’ve been riding bikes for over 20 years and although this is the smallest engined bike I have owned it’s one of my favourites. My Aprilia Mille RSV was amazing fun, but it had a drinking problem and was a license risk. Enjoy 😉
Awesome looking bike and nicely equipped. I like your idea of a large mount plate on the back carrier. I would caution however on the sharp edges that would cut like a knife in an unfortunate event (like getting rear-ended). I'd be tempted to find a way to round the edges just a bit to make them safer. I might take a run at something similar for my DL1000
Thanks, yes mine is running perfectly still although it has only done 38k at this point, 64k is good going. I have heard of these bikes hitting 200k so if looked after they certainly last better than most. Very underrated bikes. I have had mine 5 years now and I have no intention of changing any time soon. Enjoy and safe riding 😊
Nice V-Strom, surely respected and well maintained! Thanks for sharing. Got a 2011 new 10 years ago as a commuter/weekender so it's not ridden a lot but everyday rain or shine (50M miles of NYC & surroundings). I had same thoughts about the fork brace as you mentioned, until mine got loose on a escape week in Vermont. Shoot me the difference was huge on a fully loaded bike + pillion... It betters the handling when under lateral/gusty winds, but not only then.
It’s a good bike and with a bit of TLC they scrub up very well. They are far better made and finished to what you might expect given the price. Enjoy 😉
Nothing special, just ‘wash and wax’ detergent and on occasion a bit if polish… never jet wash. For plastic, ‘back to black’ is good but probably the best method for keeping clean is don’t ride in winter… salt eats everything!
Great review, and so glad i found you, i am going to view one on Saturday, really worried because i am 5,7 29 inch inside leg, i was going for a lowered seat, or should i get it lowered on the suspension, i don't intend doing of road, this has really give me a good insight, thank you.
Glad to hear you found the video helpful. I have the standard seat, I just lowered the bike by changing the dog links which at £25 a pair are a fairly cheap way of lowering. It’s a great bike, you won’t be disappointed 😊.
hi there, I have owned my 2005 Wee since 2011. I'm 5ft 8 and originally bought the dog bones ready to lower the bike. After removing the rubbers from under the seat and seeing another Wee fully lowered (which changes the look and proportions imo) I made myself ride the bike as is (with a decent pair of boots with thick sole!) and never fitted the lowering kit. Best mod was the bar risers which helped greatly.
The crash bar bumpers are eBay cheap Chinese bits, the LEDs are from a company called BikeVis. I have actually removed them now and changed to more conventional LED spot lights as can be seen in later videos, I wanted more light 😊
Yes, just added a new Delkevic stainless exhaust system and panniers since this video. Lockdown kept us all at home but I’m making up for it this year, just waiting for summer to kick in 🤣
@@neilhunt7452 I’m currently selling mine as I have owned it since 2018 and as brilliant as it is, I just fancy a change. I’m doing less miles so looking for the 1000 instead. The 650 is all you will ever need, but I have had 1000 V-Twins before and although thirstier I do miss the extra HP on longer motorway trips. Good hunting, they are great bikes and usually loved by their owners 😊
The grips can only go or way, throttle is sleeved compared to the clutch which is fixed. I guess the logos might depend on which Oxford grip model, mine were the touring, lol. Work great though, wouldn’t be without them in the UK 😊
hi mate i dont know how i ended up here but i think this video was made for me ahah , we dont see many people using those mirrors from oxford (called trapezium right ?) i would like to ask you if they used to shake or vibrate and if so , how did u managed to fix that. thanks a lot , ride safe .
Hiya, these probably look similar to the Oxford but they are in fact Aprilia Tuono mirrors. I don’t have any vibrations but hope you find a solution that works for you. Thanks.
Hi, I want to buy a Renthal 613 for my 2006 WEE and I dont know if without the risers it will hit the windshied or the gas tank at full lock. Have you had any clearance issues with this Renthal 613? Thank you
Hiya, no problems at all with or without the riser’s. They are similar to the stock bars, just smaller ID so remember to purchase suitable bar ends as the stock ones won’t fit. Even with the bar risers the stock brake lines will just about fit, depending on how extreme you plan to go. 😊
Thank you, I bought the Acerbis fork protectors off eBay. They fasten via Velcro so are quick to install and remove. A google search should find many outlets for them 😊
Very occasionally I use ‘Back to Black’ bumper restorer, once applied it keeps plastics shiny for months… just don’t get it near your seat or you will slip right off!
No, I was considering it but the bike is just too good. Totally reliable, comfy, fast enough, economical… I would have to spend a lot as the bike is worth far more to me than on the open market.
@@graingerblaze Yes.....I agree. Recently sold mine.....and do I regret it. It’s a bike that gives you so much. It’s one of a kind for sure......I even love its original looks. Great videos by the way.
Yes, although I am planning on changing this year as I have had it since 2018 and do fancy a change. It’s hard to replace as such a great all round bike, but I will probably go Africa Twin or the V-Strom 1050, not decided yet. 😊
Not really, these bikes are water cooled and the radiator is above the front cylinder rubber flap. The oil radiator is well below, so the flat doesn’t effect any cooling, only debris getting into the front cylinder spark plug hole. I’ve ridden the bike round Portugal in +45 degrees and no issues with over heating. Extending what Suzuki already installed won’t damage your bike, but it may prolong some parts.
I still have the originals, they just cause turbulence at higher speeds as they are like barn doors. Visibility is still good, quality better too but looks are subjective 😊
Got a US version 2005 DL1000 with 50k miles on it , nearly same color blue as yours. I just added 30mm bar risers & Givi touring windshield to complement the Sargent Saddle , Honda GL1800 foot pegs , Cosmo Fork Brace , Delkevic S.S. Oval mufflers mods on it. I ran excellent Bridgestone A41 tires for 4yrs til rear wore out @ 8k miles mix of very aggressive Canyon / Highspeed Distance riding with some gravel road thrown in for good measure, replaced rear with Dunlop Road Smart since I'm mainly riding street and the front A41 still looks/works great with 50% tread left. I grew up Racing MX , Then tried Flat Track / TT , Then 400cc Road race before maturing into the ADV Enthusiast that I've now become. I think the early Vstroms are among the finest all around street bike bargains that can be had and enjoyed globally today. A Good Handling , Well Balanced , Reliable , DIY maintenance , Go Everywhere , Comfortable , Versatile , Do It All Motorcycle.
Thank God & Ride On Brother !
I've had my 2006 model for 12 years now, this is an inspiration to show it a bit more TLC, always the scruffiest bike on the ride out!
Probably the best first gen i've ever saw. Congrats my fellow owner, she looks awesome!
I have the same bike with similar mods. 48K and she still runs strong after 16 years of ownership. It's been a wonderful bike. I might try your bar setup and put Race Tech emulators in the forks. Thanks for the post.
She's a beaut - the blue ones are the best ones.
What a beautiful build, man!
best looking gen 1 dl 650 i've seen! great machines...
Thank you 😊. I’m very happy with it and although I have looked and been tempted by newer machines, it’s just such a great sorted bike I can’t bring myself to change.
Hi Samuel, I’ve just joined v-strom Uk, and I’m looking at my first bike, a 650 L4, hopefully! Thanks for interesting review of these items.👍🙏
Just picked my 2014 model with 2000 miles on the clock in candy red lovely bike..
You won’t be disappointed, they are great bikes that are very underrated 😉
Greetings from the South Island of NZ!
Extremely tidy and well looked after bike mate, you sure give it a lot of love! You know, they love you back when they are loved, maintenance, upgrades and cleaning is the key to happy bike ownership!
I've just bought a tidy well sorted 2014 Wee Strom but don't pick it up for another week (1000km round trip with a trailer) and I'm binging on YT vids about them lol.
I have a Hayabsa and a DRZ400E but I'm really keen to get the miles in on the DL650A.
Thanks for your vid and keep posting!
Thank you, they are very good bikes and you won’t be disappointed. As you say, look after them and they look after your wallet! Safe riding 😊
Excellent Bike, mods and video! Rider Hard and Stay Safe
Just got a new to me 2011… thank you for posting.
My Mrs just brought a blue 05 Vstrom for her first bike, we are hoping to start touring early next year 🙏
It’s a great bike, and not just for beginners. I’ve been riding bikes for over 20 years and although this is the smallest engined bike I have owned it’s one of my favourites. My Aprilia Mille RSV was amazing fun, but it had a drinking problem and was a license risk.
Enjoy 😉
Awesome looking bike and nicely equipped. I like your idea of a large mount plate on the back carrier. I would caution however on the sharp edges that would cut like a knife in an unfortunate event (like getting rear-ended). I'd be tempted to find a way to round the edges just a bit to make them safer. I might take a run at something similar for my DL1000
Beautiful bike! I got a 2005 with 64k miles about a month ago, and I haven't found any issue with it yet. Hope yours is still going too.
Thanks, yes mine is running perfectly still although it has only done 38k at this point, 64k is good going. I have heard of these bikes hitting 200k so if looked after they certainly last better than most.
Very underrated bikes. I have had mine 5 years now and I have no intention of changing any time soon. Enjoy and safe riding 😊
Nice V-Strom, surely respected and well maintained! Thanks for sharing.
Got a 2011 new 10 years ago as a commuter/weekender so it's not ridden a lot but everyday rain or shine (50M miles of NYC & surroundings). I had same thoughts about the fork brace as you mentioned, until mine got loose on a escape week in Vermont. Shoot me the difference was huge on a fully loaded bike + pillion...
It betters the handling when under lateral/gusty winds, but not only then.
Thank you for the video, dry roads to you! :)
Woww your bike is super neat for the year of manufacturer
Very nice. Well done. Keep the shiny side up.
Lovely bike.
Nice bike mister! Looks like I'm your first subscriber too...😁👍
Thank you Tallpaul 😁
Mate. Your bike looks gorgeous for a 2005 model! I just got the 2009 model and a very similar radiator guard set. Which I have to install
It’s a good bike and with a bit of TLC they scrub up very well. They are far better made and finished to what you might expect given the price. Enjoy 😉
Beautiful motorcycle hombre.
Thank you 😊
Excellent review, thanks.
Congratulations! TOP. I would like to know what kind of cleaning products You used. ☺
Nothing special, just ‘wash and wax’ detergent and on occasion a bit if polish… never jet wash. For plastic, ‘back to black’ is good but probably the best method for keeping clean is don’t ride in winter… salt eats everything!
Great review, and so glad i found you, i am going to view one on Saturday, really worried because i am 5,7 29 inch inside leg, i was going for a lowered seat, or should i get it lowered on the suspension, i don't intend doing of road, this has really give me a good insight, thank you.
Glad to hear you found the video helpful. I have the standard seat, I just lowered the bike by changing the dog links which at £25 a pair are a fairly cheap way of lowering. It’s a great bike, you won’t be disappointed 😊.
hi there, I have owned my 2005 Wee since 2011. I'm 5ft 8 and originally bought the dog bones ready to lower the bike. After removing the rubbers from under the seat and seeing another Wee fully lowered (which changes the look and proportions imo) I made myself ride the bike as is (with a decent pair of boots with thick sole!) and never fitted the lowering kit. Best mod was the bar risers which helped greatly.
Very sharp!
Nice job
Nice one
great review !!! can you tell where you got the crash bar bumpers with the led ???
The crash bar bumpers are eBay cheap Chinese bits, the LEDs are from a company called BikeVis. I have actually removed them now and changed to more conventional LED spot lights as can be seen in later videos, I wanted more light 😊
lovely set. I'm impressed by the attention, can clearly see you like your bike. what area of uk do you live in?
Yes the bike is a keeper! I live in the Lake District (Cumbria), so some decent riding 😊
@@graingerblaze ah you've got great riding there! Good for you, be well.
Fair play a beautiful bike, very well looked after, just how it should be. Do you still have it now, one year on?
Yes, just added a new Delkevic stainless exhaust system and panniers since this video. Lockdown kept us all at home but I’m making up for it this year, just waiting for summer to kick in 🤣
@@graingerblaze great news Samuel, we used to hat the 1000 but looking for a 650 as I've got older. Superb machines 🙂
@@neilhunt7452 I’m currently selling mine as I have owned it since 2018 and as brilliant as it is, I just fancy a change. I’m doing less miles so looking for the 1000 instead. The 650 is all you will ever need, but I have had 1000 V-Twins before and although thirstier I do miss the extra HP on longer motorway trips. Good hunting, they are great bikes and usually loved by their owners 😊
Nice!👍
Beauty ☺️
Nice I have the 2007
Lovely bike I have a 2012, one question mine came with Oxford heated grips, but are the other way round suppose it makes no difference .
The grips can only go or way, throttle is sleeved compared to the clutch which is fixed. I guess the logos might depend on which Oxford grip model, mine were the touring, lol. Work great though, wouldn’t be without them in the UK 😊
But you didn’t tell about your front brake hoses!!!
hi mate i dont know how i ended up here but i think this video was made for me ahah , we dont see many people using those mirrors from oxford (called trapezium right ?) i would like to ask you if they used to shake or vibrate and if so , how did u managed to fix that. thanks a lot , ride safe .
Hiya, these probably look similar to the Oxford but they are in fact Aprilia Tuono mirrors. I don’t have any vibrations but hope you find a solution that works for you. Thanks.
Hello, could you tell me the model and brand of the rearview mirror that I use?
The mirrors are from a Aprilia Tuono 1000 🙂
hi i also have a 2005 version of this bike , can i ask what lenght of fork gaiters did you opt for ?
nice vid , nice bike
Not long enough ones 🤣. I have since replaced them with longer versions to stop them riding up. The new ones are 240mm.
@@graingerblaze thanks ride safe
Hi, I want to buy a Renthal 613 for my 2006 WEE and I dont know if without the risers it will hit the windshied or the gas tank at full lock. Have you had any clearance issues with this Renthal 613? Thank you
Hiya, no problems at all with or without the riser’s. They are similar to the stock bars, just smaller ID so remember to purchase suitable bar ends as the stock ones won’t fit. Even with the bar risers the stock brake lines will just about fit, depending on how extreme you plan to go. 😊
@@graingerblaze thank you!
Nuce bike m8. Where did you get the acerbis fork covers ?
Thank you, I bought the Acerbis fork protectors off eBay. They fasten via Velcro so are quick to install and remove. A google search should find many outlets for them 😊
@@graingerblaze nice one 😊
What do you use on the black trim to make it look so fresh?
Very occasionally I use ‘Back to Black’ bumper restorer, once applied it keeps plastics shiny for months… just don’t get it near your seat or you will slip right off!
you can use lin seed oil for plastics. apply a drop of thinner in there and smear it on.
You put up for sale yet?
No, I was considering it but the bike is just too good. Totally reliable, comfy, fast enough, economical… I would have to spend a lot as the bike is worth far more to me than on the open market.
@@graingerblaze
Yes.....I agree. Recently sold mine.....and do I regret it. It’s a bike that gives you so much. It’s one of a kind for sure......I even love its original looks. Great videos by the way.
2024 - Do you still have the bike?
Yes, although I am planning on changing this year as I have had it since 2018 and do fancy a change. It’s hard to replace as such a great all round bike, but I will probably go Africa Twin or the V-Strom 1050, not decided yet. 😊
that flap stops cooling air flow. not a great idea i think.
Not really, these bikes are water cooled and the radiator is above the front cylinder rubber flap. The oil radiator is well below, so the flat doesn’t effect any cooling, only debris getting into the front cylinder spark plug hole.
I’ve ridden the bike round Portugal in +45 degrees and no issues with over heating. Extending what Suzuki already installed won’t damage your bike, but it may prolong some parts.
@@graingerblaze ok bro, thanks for trying and replying
Those Aprilia mirrors are quite a downgrade in my opinion.
I still have the originals, they just cause turbulence at higher speeds as they are like barn doors. Visibility is still good, quality better too but looks are subjective 😊