Suzuki V-Strom 650 - probably the best general multi purpose "middleweight" motorcycle that will ever be built. No unnecessary excessive high tech features so far yet on past to current versions of this bike. Understated looks and appearance, understated all round ability. And hugely customisable. Note to Suzuki - for next year's version, don't add anything new other than including the centre stand as standard (pun intended) on all V-Stroms. If it was good enough as standard equipment on the 1980s-1990s Honda CB600F, then it's definitely good enough to include it on the V-Strom 650.
on your "ghetto foot peg thing" put some teflon tape on the threads and it wont back out. Better then lock tite because it will re-lock if/when you take it off and put it back on. If you remove/reinstall to many times it will cut through the tape, at which point you can just replace the tape. It "kinda" acts like a lock nut with the teflon washer in it. You can find the tape and any hardware or plumbing store. Its cheap too. Just wrap the tape around the threads 2-3 times and insert. teflon tape is used to seal pipes for something like plumbing or hydraulics. Its not a replacement for lock tite though. But for something "stupid" like high way pegs its great, because if you have to remove "the something stupid" for whatever on the side of the highway you just put the "stupid thing" back in and the tape will re-seal. Which is really nice compared to lock tite. lock tite can break crappy tools, the kind you might take with you on a long trip and you cant re-use lock tite. Lock tite can take while to cure too and acts like a lubricant until it sets. However if the owners manual calls for lock tite use lock tite. It is stronger.
Scratching my head on those...sw motech crash bars and skid plate then black plumbing pipe and 6 hose clamps for pegs???? You can pick up a pair of cheapies on revzilla for $18.
Awesome video, I'm lucky to have found it. Gonna have a V-strom 650 as well soon and can't wait. Great advices there, will definitely install some of those mods. Drive safely and see you on the road ;)
Thanks for the information. The video was a good starting point for my mods. Can you go into more details on the lights, how you hooked them up, if they are or are not blinding oncoming traffic at night, any thin and everything in more detail would be greatly appreciated.
Nice video. I really like the electronics you have put in for the lights and the speedo. When you were showing the rear LEDs it looked as though you have attached something to the right-hand pannier Mount: would you mind sharing what that is please? Thanks, Gareth.
Great Eric, question of bar riser. Any cable or brake line changes to in stall. I hear a longer brake line is required if you have ABS. The bar riser you have is the one I am considering, how do you like?
I just got back from an overnight trip. I road 5 hours there and 5 back. My knees and butt are killing me. I'm going to get highway pegs and a better seat. Any other suggestions?
Like your mods ! I have used relay powered straight from battery and just used signal from high beams to power my auxiliary spotlights works great and keeps your bar with less switches. Has any one fitted Arashi brake rotors, EBC HH sintered pads and EBC steel braded hoses to V strom ? I just ordered set like that as my brakes feel quite bad other than that those are great motorcycles
Nope not hard, if you run the usb straight to the battery make sure it does not have a phantom draw or it will drain your battery. Either find one with very minimal phantom load or wired to the ignition so it is off when the key is out.
I have a question. Have you ever had a problem with speed indication or speedometer? Have you had other problems with this motorcycle (electric wires, etc.)? Regards
I don't recommend those exact ones anymore, they seem to die after about 2.5-3 years. I am now using these kind. Make sure you get the correct size. I cannot remember the bulb type. amzn.to/2ChCg4o
I buy the best chains I can. A good X ring chain should not need oil all the time. That is the whole point of O ring and X ring chains to keep the oil in and the dirt out. Unless you wash you bike with degreaser, or live in a really dry area the O-rings should last years or as many miles as your sprockets can last. Sprockets usually go first with a good chain. And actually that happened on our trip. I'll get the VLOGs up soon but basically the sprockets going bad 3/4 the way through the trip, chain was fine. We had only brought 1 can of chain wax and didn't buy anymore.
I am using "normal" D.I.D X-ring chain and there is recommendation to lube it every 500 km (I don't remember whether its recommended by manufacturer or by "common sense"). Of course, its differ from non-O-ring chain where you HAVE TO lube it and X-ring (O-ring) chains you SHOULD lube it... Some reasons from top of my head - prevent corrosion and lower heat generation from friction. Anyhow, as you said, sprocket will go away first so if someone is buying whole kit (chain+sprockets), there is no point to lube it :)
I just yesterday bought a pristine looking '08 with 15k miles. Originally had my eyes on brand new honda A-Twin but all that money for such a heavy bike did not appeal so much to me .... I am really attracted to the upcoming Yamaha 700 Tenere but who knows when that comes out or how good it is ...so when this was offered to me so cheap I thought why not ....at least for temporary something to sooth my "me wantees" ....only problem with a 10 year old bike is if it needs a lot of expensive maintenance ...manual says replace all hoses every 4 years (radiator hoses and and brake lines especially) But everything is still original on this one so ...gulp? 10 year old original Oring chain? SHOT! O rings disintegrating! Tell you what ....this guy has spent a LOT of time not to mention money on his bike....how much does it weigh now? And I thought This bike I bought the owner had done a lot to...not even compared to the bike in this video! All mine has is crash bars/ bar risers/a couple power ports/luggage ensemble/ tank bag/bark busters and a Garmin gps....Oh and a LOUD aftermarket horn ....no lighting upgrades though...
Billy Zabzky More expensive, worse gas mileage, heavier. All for an extra 20-30hp. Not worth it to me. I never thought on the trip “I wish I had more power” 650 is perfect.
Same here,,I tried the1000 for a weekend in TN,road to Nashville and around, when I got back to Cookeville I tried the 650. An known it was the write one for me,,never looked back an steal love it, can't wait for spring,,,
Are you in Orlando area? Would like to connect if so. Would love to pick your brain and maybe do some rides together. I’m in Saint cloud and getting a V Strom shortly to do much like you have. @BrentHoneyBGood
Any will work but I went with the cheaper kind, this is not the exact one but it is the same mechanism as the one I have. www.amazon.com/Kuryakyn-6218-Universal-Econo-Throttle-Assist/dp/B002VVIC06/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1522029676&sr=8-4&keywords=throttle+lock
In 2018 I rode 2 up around the world on my 2nd gen 650 V strom. 43,000 miles and no issues. Awesome bike.
Suzuki V-Strom 650 - probably the best general multi purpose "middleweight" motorcycle that will ever be built. No unnecessary excessive high tech features so far yet on past to current versions of this bike. Understated looks and appearance, understated all round ability. And hugely customisable.
Note to Suzuki - for next year's version, don't add anything new other than including the centre stand as standard (pun intended) on all V-Stroms. If it was good enough as standard equipment on the 1980s-1990s Honda CB600F, then it's definitely good enough to include it on the V-Strom 650.
I'm super excited, i think I'm getting a V Strom 650. This is making me want it even more. Damn
One hell of a bike! And you can get them super cheap. 100% recommend this bike.
jakespov - definitely V-Strom 650 ! It's a perfect all around motorcycle.
thanks man, it sounds that way. Just had my shitty Ninja 250r blow a cylinder while I was doing 100mph. So maybe this bike is a good idea.
How does the 650 vstrom do riding 2 up and loaded with gear? I'm thinking about buying one.
on your "ghetto foot peg thing" put some teflon tape on the threads and it wont back out. Better then lock tite because it will re-lock if/when you take it off and put it back on. If you remove/reinstall to many times it will cut through the tape, at which point you can just replace the tape. It "kinda" acts like a lock nut with the teflon washer in it. You can find the tape and any hardware or plumbing store. Its cheap too. Just wrap the tape around the threads 2-3 times and insert.
teflon tape is used to seal pipes for something like plumbing or hydraulics. Its not a replacement for lock tite though. But for something "stupid" like high way pegs its great, because if you have to remove "the something stupid" for whatever on the side of the highway you just put the "stupid thing" back in and the tape will re-seal. Which is really nice compared to lock tite. lock tite can break crappy tools, the kind you might take with you on a long trip and you cant re-use lock tite. Lock tite can take while to cure too and acts like a lubricant until it sets. However if the owners manual calls for lock tite use lock tite. It is stronger.
Scratching my head on those...sw motech crash bars and skid plate then black plumbing pipe and 6 hose clamps for pegs???? You can pick up a pair of cheapies on revzilla for $18.
You should link everything!
Yes mate , if you don't mind
Awesome video, I'm lucky to have found it. Gonna have a V-strom 650 as well soon and can't wait. Great advices there, will definitely install some of those mods. Drive safely and see you on the road ;)
Thanks! I hope you enjoy my other videos as well
you should add links to some of your mods :) I have most of those would love to add lights on my front shocks
Likeeeeee from Brazil 👍 🇧🇷
Very nice video. This might be my 2nd bike in a couple years to do Adventure Rides.
Thanks for the information. The video was a good starting point for my mods. Can you go into more details on the lights, how you hooked them up, if they are or are not blinding oncoming traffic at night, any thin and everything in more detail would be greatly appreciated.
bloody awesome video mate ! thanks
Great video. Those LED lights are amazing!
Hey, Eric.? The links for the led lights.? Don't tease.,. Lol
SuperBrightLEDs.com They have all kinds of good stuff for great prices.
THANKS. Perhaps put a LINK with Your Bullet Points.??
I have the same Givi windscreen and it works well, almost too well. I have to ride with my visor open if I'm not on the highway.
Which model?
@@infotechsailor I have a DL1000 as for the windscreen it was on the bike when I bought it so I'm not 100% on the details
You seem to have a frontfork brace you didn't mention. How do you like that one? Does it make a difference?
Great bike!
Nice build
cool bike👍✊✌
Nice video. I really like the electronics you have put in for the lights and the speedo. When you were showing the rear LEDs it looked as though you have attached something to the right-hand pannier Mount: would you mind sharing what that is please? Thanks, Gareth.
That is a small air pump, held on my hose clamps.
Do you have links for the LED headlights, LED taillights and the lower led lights please? :)
why was the stock speedo inaccurate? do they come like that from the factory or was there a change u made?
If I remember correctly it was like that from the factory. Wrong lol
Nice vid and mods, thanks for sharing. Excited and can't wait to see footage of the Strom in Alaska! Subbed. What year is the bike?
Thank you! It is a 2008
good ideas, thanks
Did you paint your bike? Maybe it's just the lighting in the video, but it almost looks matte black? Or is it just the stock gray?
What year bike....you left that part out
Nice
Great Eric, question of bar riser. Any cable or brake line changes to in stall. I hear a longer brake line is required if you have ABS. The bar riser you have is the one I am considering, how do you like?
I’m having problems with speedometer as well what is name of that speedometer gizmo
Loved it
Are those handle grips after market too?
I just got back from an overnight trip. I road 5 hours there and 5 back. My knees and butt are killing me. I'm going to get highway pegs and a better seat. Any other suggestions?
GREAT JOB!
Like your mods ! I have used relay powered straight from battery and just used signal from high beams to power my auxiliary spotlights works great and keeps your bar with less switches.
Has any one fitted Arashi brake rotors, EBC HH sintered pads and EBC steel braded hoses to V strom ? I just ordered set like that as my brakes feel quite bad other than that those are great motorcycles
I always thought the V-strom had incredible brakes. Although it was the only bike I've owned with dual front discs.
iv been lookin at this bike what do u think of it? theres so many choices n the price range I cant decide between a few including this one
I did my research, and I bought this one. Thats about as high of a recommendation I can think of. They are amazing bikes!
thanks
Awesome!! I really want to add the crash bars and the usb plugs! Was it hard?
Nope not hard, if you run the usb straight to the battery make sure it does not have a phantom draw or it will drain your battery. Either find one with very minimal phantom load or wired to the ignition so it is off when the key is out.
Clean bike.Which model screen
Can you please post links to your mods, especially lights and bulbs.
Thanks
Headlights, the 7000 lumen version:
www.cyclopsadventuresports.com
All the others: specifically under the motorcycle light tab
www.superbrightleds.com
Eric Fling - awesome ! Thank you so much for your response !
mar1video
Keep ride..take care..
I have a question. Have you ever had a problem with speed indication or speedometer? Have you had other problems with this motorcycle (electric wires, etc.)? Regards
Nope, zero problems. The speedo is about 8% fast though. Thats why I put a speedohealer on it.
Does that tank come with power windows?
Liked it! keep it going & drive safe.
Might have missed the link to the rear LED bulbs. Can you let me have a link? Are they plug and play? Cheers
I don't recommend those exact ones anymore, they seem to die after about 2.5-3 years. I am now using these kind. Make sure you get the correct size. I cannot remember the bulb type. amzn.to/2ChCg4o
Could you send link for the Speedo Healer (?)
And all this to go to the shops😮.
EXCELENTE MOTO, SALUDOS DESDE COLOMBIA MEDELLIN
Hey Eric , thanks for sharing ! great vid and cool mods any chance you could post links to the mods you've made. Thanks
thanks for the video.
Barkbuster - haven't heard that name in 20" years - had them on my 1990 KDX 200.
Nice mods thanks for sharing! Are you still planning to go to Alaska? We are all curious. Keep us posted and God bless!
Yes I already did. I've been to busy to even edit the footage or picture from it though. I'll get to it within a month or so.
Eric Fling - looking forward to seeing your documentary
Almost everything from Twisted Throttle))
Not really, just some of the big things.
Eric Fling where is video from Ak trip?
Did you ever make the Journey? I'm leaving this June from Florida to Alaska..
Ya I did, went pretty well. School has just been a bit to busy since I got back to make the next video.
What about Scottoiler (or similar device)? Best thing I ever mounted. Useful especially on long trips...
I buy the best chains I can. A good X ring chain should not need oil all the time. That is the whole point of O ring and X ring chains to keep the oil in and the dirt out. Unless you wash you bike with degreaser, or live in a really dry area the O-rings should last years or as many miles as your sprockets can last. Sprockets usually go first with a good chain. And actually that happened on our trip. I'll get the VLOGs up soon but basically the sprockets going bad 3/4 the way through the trip, chain was fine. We had only brought 1 can of chain wax and didn't buy anymore.
I am using "normal" D.I.D X-ring chain and there is recommendation to lube it every 500 km (I don't remember whether its recommended by manufacturer or by "common sense"). Of course, its differ from non-O-ring chain where you HAVE TO lube it and X-ring (O-ring) chains you SHOULD lube it... Some reasons from top of my head - prevent corrosion and lower heat generation from friction. Anyhow, as you said, sprocket will go away first so if someone is buying whole kit (chain+sprockets), there is no point to lube it :)
Yep thats my opinion on it at least. Although i'll still throw a little chain wax on there when I think about it, or after a hard rain.
Let’s see that Alaska trip footage!
How does the speedo healer work?
Perfectly! Never had a problem with it after I got it installed. It's a very simple and effective device!
Great Vid. Love the bike!
Camera you are using, Name ? Thanks :)
D800 Nikon 15-30mm Tamron 2.8 lens
Thanks
when it the Alaska trip?
What year is your freakn' bike man ! No where in written or verbal description. Could've been helpful.
2008
Thanks! Think I'm gonna pic up an 08' this evening. Asheville NC
I just yesterday bought a pristine looking '08 with 15k miles. Originally had my eyes on brand new honda A-Twin but all that money for such a heavy bike did not appeal so much to me .... I am really attracted to the upcoming Yamaha 700 Tenere but who knows when that comes out or how good it is ...so when this was offered to me so cheap I thought why not ....at least for temporary something to sooth my "me wantees" ....only problem with a 10 year old bike is if it needs a lot of expensive maintenance ...manual says replace all hoses every 4 years (radiator hoses and and brake lines especially) But everything is still original on this one so ...gulp? 10 year old original Oring chain?
SHOT! O rings disintegrating! Tell you what ....this guy has spent a LOT of time not to mention money on his bike....how much does it weigh now? And I thought This bike I bought the owner had done a lot to...not even compared to the bike in this video! All mine has is crash bars/ bar risers/a couple power ports/luggage ensemble/ tank bag/bark busters and a Garmin gps....Oh and a LOUD aftermarket horn ....no lighting upgrades though...
why get the 650 and not the 1000?
Billy Zabzky More expensive, worse gas mileage, heavier. All for an extra 20-30hp. Not worth it to me. I never thought on the trip “I wish I had more power” 650 is perfect.
Same here,,I tried the1000 for a weekend in TN,road to Nashville and around, when I got back to Cookeville I tried the 650. An known it was the write one for me,,never looked back an steal love it, can't wait for spring,,,
Looking for your Alaska trip vids - ?
Are you in Orlando area? Would like to connect if so. Would love to pick your brain and maybe do some rides together. I’m in Saint cloud and getting a V Strom shortly to do much like you have. @BrentHoneyBGood
I barely could watch this due to the focus issues... But good info, though
Thanks for suffering through
Post Alaska video?
Working on it, took me a year to finally make just the highlight reel lol. The vlog style will be coming out in a couple months when things slow down.
What brand is that throttle lock???? Anyone????
Any will work but I went with the cheaper kind, this is not the exact one but it is the same mechanism as the one I have. www.amazon.com/Kuryakyn-6218-Universal-Econo-Throttle-Assist/dp/B002VVIC06/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1522029676&sr=8-4&keywords=throttle+lock
Your bike is nice but your camera sucks.
Its too much
Every single sentence sounds like a question.