@arthritic.adventures On that subject.What do you think about putting,say,a 45t rear sprocket on with the 16t front. I'm thinking that for cruising on the highway it would be good,but maybe abit more acceleration on takeoff. Cheers,Den.
Awesome look at your nicely upgraded DL650. I have same bike a 2008 model. Less mods but still they suit my mostly street riding. I have larger windshield, Givi 22 side cases & engine guards, rear trunk, LED Bulb 💡 upgrade, RK Takasago Chain & Darkside - Car Tire - on the rear. (Fyi: 205/55 VR17 from 150/70 R17) The latter is due to my 20,000 annual miles & commuting - its a drag to replace a rear tire frequently or have it wear out far from home, imho. I bought mine as a lightly used, new condition trade in at a Harley dealer. 12,000 miles not fully broken in even, not a scratch for $3,600 otd. Insane Value ! - Ive owned about 12 bikes over the years, 6 Dirt / Enduro & 6 street - mostly from 1975-82, High School years. Fast forward to 2023 and Ill be darned if the wizards at Suzuki haven't managed to combine all the Virtues of those 12 bikes into a Single Unit !!! The V-Strom is truly the ideal reliable "All - Arounder" - ironically it was our BMW+ Club President who suggested this as a "Poor Man's BMW that is 85% as good & even more reliable, for relative Peanuts". Afrer 18 months of flogging this Ole Girl, I couldn't agree more ! You earned a sub my friend in the GWN. David in Texas
Thanks for the comment and the subscription! I rode back up to the Highlands to record the last road of the RTH - "Top 10 Roads" (Video should be out a week Wednesday, Sani Pass, South Africa this Wednesday). The whole day I was think what great bike this V-Strom 650 is, I don't really need another bike! LOL Thanks again @RW8560
@@arthritic.adventures You know the end of this video got me thinking, Africa twin! I'm 6'1" and well able for the size of the big Honda, The tubed wheels have put me off up till now but Honda have now released a version with 17-19 cast wheels with tubeless tyres...
I put a foot peg lowering kit and it’s great. You can find top piece for foot pegs who are not slippery. My garage…Africa twin 2024 ES DCT for long range, Honda NC750 DCT for daily and Honda CRF300L rally ABS…. I cannot complain, I have a 2021 V Strom 650 but with my 193 cm buffering is horrible and I have a Tenere 700 2024 for adventure/enduro riding. New subscriber
Hey that's interesting Francois, I'll look into the top pieces thanks so much for subscribing! I'm jealous of your garage, I've thought of adding a CRF300L to the garage with my V-Strom for riding more off road closer to home, Cheers! CD
😄I loved the end of video rant. Also, the video was very informative , I am going to get out and buy one of those seat covers. I am not sure what windshield upgrade I am going to go with yet. 👋from East ON.
Great video, thank you. Can I ask, did you have any problem with installing the bar risers from 14:05 the point of view of cable lenghs, etc. That needed lenghening ?
Thanks very much! No I didn't have an issue, but I'm wonering now, when I order a steel braided brake line kit for it, if should add an inch just incase for the few extra dollars???
Thanks for this very well thought out presentation. I am an Ontario senior looking to do exactly what you have done: acquire a V-Strom 650 and kit it out for adventure touring. Do you have a chat blog?
Lots of options for it out there Brian and the V-Strom has a reputation for being a mule, lasting for ever without failures, sorry not chat blog. thanks for the comment!
Hey Great Video! I also have a Vstrom 650 (2021) kitted out much like yours. Unfortunately my crash bars are at the point of needing to be replaced due to the challenging terrain in AZ and my lack of off-road experience or ability! Couple thoughts… wouldn’t you want to go down one tooth on the front sprocket to improve the throttle control off road? Right now 1st seems really tall, one twitch of the throttle goes too far? Also wouldn’t a wider top box interfere with your side cases? Did I miss where you described the bash plate? Was curious which one you had (was it race tech?) . Anyway great to see someone doing it on the VStrom…. That said, you’re jonesing for a small AT, what about the Toureg 660? That seems to be the popular choice of the moment. Good luck!
Top box looks like it will fit when I measure it, tall gear reduce wheel spin in first on gravel and give better gas mileage on the hyw. seems to work really well, Toureg 660 is awesome but I'm 60 years old and only own Japanese bikes and cars, never had a single break down, Domestic or Italian manufactures scare me. Taking a vehicle in for anything other than service I can't do would drive me nuts!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks so much for your great comments!!!
I'm 6′ 6″ and I would love to have an Africa Twin 750 but I can't afford it. I am 52 years old and I am in the process of making arrangements to buy a 2019 Suzuki DL 650 V Strom, but it has no equipment on it. It costs 7100 USD
Hey! Thanks for commenting, I love my 650 V- Strom, I just spend way too much time looking at other shiney toys at the local dealership. You will not be disappointed, great choice, two thumbs up!
Just to clarify, the yellow leather tank cover & backpack / tankbag are sold together as a "Bagster" ? I wouldn't mind one if just to add color to my rather drab appearance Grey / Black paint scheme lol
23:15 I clearly say not a Transalp, but your right, I missed explaining why in the video but I did add it to the description. "As a smaller rider, why do I get a severely bland looking, water down, Transalp?" Thanks for commenting!
No worries, mate! All good, nice to see someone being friendly! So often, people hide behind social media and never admit even the smallest over sight! Have a great day!!!
Hey! Not exactly sure what you mean by the front peak? But I have listed everything in the description attached to the video for detail. Thanks for commenting!
Get shut of those mirrors they make a ridiculous amount of noise. I’ve fitted Aprilia mirrors on my Vstrom and kept stock screen the noise levels have come down greatly. Heated grips , metal bash plate , front mud guard extension, crash bars , side bags , EBC brake pads. Full exhaust system. That’s the upgrades I’ve done to my 2020 Vstrom.
Guilt as charged! I would ride my V-Strom, I just love the look of the Africa Twin and like a typical little kid I want something I can't have... LMAO Thanks for commenting, just subscribed to your channel. Cheers!
Is it? I just saw a review on the new BMW 1300GS. It actually lowers you when you stop? Nice, little scary of all the tech on the bike though, I can see big repair cost one day, thanks again for the comment!!!!
Thanks for great video. I've got the '17strom650xt. I also put the 16t front sprocket on,which opened up the gear changing.
Your welcome thanks for watching, gearing transforms the motorcycle if you ask me! Thanks for the comment
@arthritic.adventures On that subject.What do you think about putting,say,a 45t rear sprocket on with the 16t front. I'm thinking that for cruising on the highway it would be good,but maybe abit more acceleration on takeoff. Cheers,Den.
Excellent bikes the V-Stroms 👍
Agreed, thanks for the thought. Love mine!
@arthritic.adventures I love mine too it's my 2nd 650
Awesome look at your nicely upgraded DL650.
I have same bike a 2008 model.
Less mods but still they suit my mostly street riding.
I have larger windshield, Givi 22 side cases & engine guards, rear trunk, LED Bulb 💡 upgrade, RK Takasago Chain & Darkside - Car Tire - on the rear.
(Fyi: 205/55 VR17 from 150/70 R17)
The latter is due to my 20,000 annual miles & commuting - its a drag to replace a rear tire frequently or have it wear out far from home, imho.
I bought mine as a lightly used, new condition trade in at a Harley dealer.
12,000 miles not fully broken in even, not a scratch for $3,600 otd.
Insane Value !
- Ive owned about 12 bikes over the years, 6 Dirt / Enduro & 6 street - mostly from 1975-82, High School years.
Fast forward to 2023 and Ill be darned if the wizards at Suzuki haven't managed to combine all the Virtues of those 12 bikes into a Single Unit !!!
The V-Strom is truly the ideal reliable "All - Arounder" -
ironically it was our BMW+ Club President who suggested this as a "Poor Man's BMW that is 85% as good & even more reliable, for relative Peanuts".
Afrer 18 months of flogging this Ole Girl, I couldn't agree more !
You earned a sub my friend in the GWN.
David in Texas
Thanks so much for the comment and subscribing, David! Sorry about the delay getting to replying to your comment. My next video will explain...
Just subbed, can't beat the vstrom 650, fantastic bike, I like those tyres!
Thanks for the comment and the subscription! I rode back up to the Highlands to record the last road of the RTH - "Top 10 Roads" (Video should be out a week Wednesday, Sani Pass, South Africa this Wednesday). The whole day I was think what great bike this V-Strom 650 is, I don't really need another bike! LOL Thanks again @RW8560
@@arthritic.adventures You know the end of this video got me thinking, Africa twin!
I'm 6'1" and well able for the size of the big Honda,
The tubed wheels have put me off up till now but Honda have now released a version with 17-19 cast wheels with tubeless tyres...
@@roadwarrior8560...lmao... ...best look adventure bike by far and legendary Honda reliability...
Thank you for going through your mods and thoughts behind it. And good luck with your arthritis . Greetings from Denmark 🇩🇰💪😀
You're welcome, you so much for commenting!!!
I put a foot peg lowering kit and it’s great. You can find top piece for foot pegs who are not slippery.
My garage…Africa twin 2024 ES DCT for long range, Honda NC750 DCT for daily and Honda CRF300L rally ABS….
I cannot complain, I have a 2021 V Strom 650 but with my 193 cm buffering is horrible and I have a Tenere 700 2024 for adventure/enduro riding.
New subscriber
Hey that's interesting Francois, I'll look into the top pieces thanks so much for subscribing! I'm jealous of your garage, I've thought of adding a CRF300L to the garage with my V-Strom for riding more off road closer to home, Cheers! CD
Great video and ideas. Keep it up.
Thanks, will do! Appreciate the comment!
Always enjoy your videos, riding the highlands is something that I would like to try out, keep up the good work, look forward to more videos!
Thanks for the kind comment, Ken. Get on the RideTheHighlands.ca site, and they will send you a free map of all the routes.
Get Barkbusters handguards! They are SUPERB! And look great on my (2023) V-strom 650XT.
Yeah that's what I'm after too! Do you have any particular version Sean?
@arthritic.adventures check out the trex bark busters for the vstrom 650, i have their crash guards super quality
fork brace really make difference, dramatic improving fork stability.
Thanks for the comment @UlyssesMax yes it certainly does!
😄I loved the end of video rant. Also, the video was very informative , I am going to get out and buy one of those seat covers. I am not sure what windshield upgrade I am going to go with yet.
👋from East ON.
Thanks for the comment, CGB65. I think it's this one
madstad.com/en-ca/collections/vstrom/products/vstrom-650-2017-up
Really great video!
Thank-you very much, and thanks for protecting the free world for 30 year!
Great video, thank you. Can I ask, did you have any problem with installing the bar risers from 14:05 the point of view of cable lenghs, etc. That needed lenghening ?
Thanks very much! No I didn't have an issue, but I'm wonering now, when I order a steel braided brake line kit for it, if should add an inch just incase for the few extra dollars???
Thanks for this very well thought out presentation. I am an Ontario senior looking to do exactly what you have done: acquire a V-Strom 650 and kit it out for adventure touring. Do you have a chat blog?
Lots of options for it out there Brian and the V-Strom has a reputation for being a mule, lasting for ever without failures, sorry not chat blog. thanks for the comment!
Hello
I'm Dave from french.
Sorry for my englich😂.
Be continue ❤
Hey Dave, no worries, it's way better than my no existent French! Thanks for commenting, CD
Hey Great Video! I also have a Vstrom 650 (2021) kitted out much like yours. Unfortunately my crash bars are at the point of needing to be replaced due to the challenging terrain in AZ and my lack of off-road experience or ability! Couple thoughts… wouldn’t you want to go down one tooth on the front sprocket to improve the throttle control off road? Right now 1st seems really tall, one twitch of the throttle goes too far? Also wouldn’t a wider top box interfere with your side cases? Did I miss where you described the bash plate? Was curious which one you had (was it race tech?) . Anyway great to see someone doing it on the VStrom…. That said, you’re jonesing for a small AT, what about the Toureg 660? That seems to be the popular choice of the moment. Good luck!
Top box looks like it will fit when I measure it, tall gear reduce wheel spin in first on gravel and give better gas mileage on the hyw. seems to work really well, Toureg 660 is awesome but I'm 60 years old and only own Japanese bikes and cars, never had a single break down, Domestic or Italian manufactures scare me. Taking a vehicle in for anything other than service I can't do would drive me nuts!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks so much for your great comments!!!
I see you're in Az..have you done Bloody Basin Rd from I-17 back to Carefree...perfect trip for a Wee...
I'm 6′ 6″ and I would love to have an Africa Twin 750 but I can't afford it. I am 52 years old and I am in the process of making arrangements to buy a 2019 Suzuki DL 650 V Strom, but it has no equipment on it. It costs 7100 USD
Hey! Thanks for commenting, I love my 650 V- Strom, I just spend way too much time looking at other shiney toys at the local dealership. You will not be disappointed, great choice, two thumbs up!
Just to clarify, the yellow leather tank cover & backpack / tankbag are sold together as a "Bagster" ?
I wouldn't mind one if just to add color to my rather drab appearance Grey / Black paint scheme lol
Manufacture is Bagster, I believe you can mix and match the actual tank bag size
@arthritic.adventures
Awesome to hear.
Thank YOU 👍
24:00 Doesn't he know about the Transalp?? 🤔
23:15 I clearly say not a Transalp, but your right, I missed explaining why in the video but I did add it to the description. "As a smaller rider, why do I get a severely bland looking, water down, Transalp?" Thanks for commenting!
@@arthritic.adventures Sorry. I must have skipped over that.
No worries, mate! All good, nice to see someone being friendly! So often, people hide behind social media and never admit even the smallest over sight! Have a great day!!!
Everyone up for a few adventures in South Africa between motorcycle adventures?
Where can we Buy the Front Peak and the other parts?
Hey! Not exactly sure what you mean by the front peak? But I have listed everything in the description attached to the video for detail. Thanks for commenting!
Get shut of those mirrors they make a ridiculous amount of noise. I’ve fitted Aprilia mirrors on my Vstrom and kept stock screen the noise levels have come down greatly. Heated grips , metal bash plate , front mud guard extension, crash bars , side bags , EBC brake pads. Full exhaust system. That’s the upgrades I’ve done to my 2020 Vstrom.
Thanks for the comment Daz, did you replace the plastic hand guards? I need to do that still
@ ua-cam.com/video/1OY8Y9-hPEw/v-deo.htmlsi=zqEvbFP2Tg1f89tt
Well done, subscriber 19!!
@@arthritic.adventures not as yet mate they are next on the list , just so bloody expensive
Hello. I have the same machine, my friend. If you were 190 cm tall and had all the trouble of height, which motorcycle would you want to ride?
Guilt as charged! I would ride my V-Strom, I just love the look of the Africa Twin and like a typical little kid I want something I can't have... LMAO Thanks for commenting, just subscribed to your channel. Cheers!
For 2024 the Africa twin is shorter
Is it? I just saw a review on the new BMW 1300GS. It actually lowers you when you stop? Nice, little scary of all the tech on the bike though, I can see big repair cost one day, thanks again for the comment!!!!